Let’s Begin Our Journey to a Better You…

The time is approaching when we will take stock of where we are and resolve to make changes that will improve different aspects of our lives. We all realize that we either improve each day or decline. There is no staying put in this life. The actual question is, what vehicle will get you to this new and better life? As I go through bookstores and thrift stores, one of the most robust sections is that of self-help. I mention thrift stores because they are the final destination for many self-help books.

I have worked with people for 50 years. For the last 25 years, I have focused on positive psychology. When I say that to people, they have yet to understand what I’m discussing. In 1999, Dr. Martin Seligman, in addressing the National Association of Psychologists, put forward a challenge to help people flourish scientifically. While psychology had become adept at curing the ill, they were not addressing those who weren’t sick but just wanted to lead better lives. That led to studies at the University of Pennsylvania, UNC, Stanford, and Columbia, to name a few. What they found was groundbreaking.

There are five elements to flourishing. I’ll dig into one each day. By Friday, you’ll have them all in your mind. The first is positive emotions. This is not merely happiness but goes much deeper. Developing things like hope, interest, joy, love, compassion, pride, amusement, and gratitude is vital! How to get there?

• Spend time with people you care about. And conversely, limit time with those who depress you and that you don’t…