Remabulous

how to be happy

this seems to be a question that most of us consider frequently, whether we are wondering why we get to be so happy (when we are), or why it is that happiness is so elusive (when we aren't).

martin selgiman's book, authentic happiness, does what few have been able to nail down before: it provides a kind of formula for happiness. the formula as he puts it is: find your strengths and use them often. seems simple enough. seligman has also developed a new coaching process for authentic happiness.

brian johnson, philosopher-at-large and founder of zaadz, wrote this summary about his experience in the very first authentic happiness training. interesting stuff... enjoy! and i hope this will bring more ways to be happy into your life.

i plan to jump on just that question as soon as i am back from europe in a few days. i am sure that i will be very eager to start writing posts live again. i'll speak with you about my trip on the 12th- please excuse any weirdness the jet lag may have induced!

workaholic monday

the lovely kristen havens sent me a link to this post of seth godin's on workaholism. i am quite taken with it. i believe it is true what he says- that fear is the drive beneath workaholism. if we weren't all so afraid that nothing was going to work out, would we continue at this pace?

i love his distinction here between the idea of work that is based on fear and work that is based on passion. aren't we all looking for the "hobby that pays" that he describes? i know i am. and on mondays like today when i wake up a little scared that it's not coming together as quickly as i need it to, i need reminders like this.

thanks so much to kristen for sharing. check her out at the post pub, her latest fabulous site...

how to go to your own funeral, OR new ways to get motivated in january

milda sent me the following link from cnn about a relatively new practice in South Korea: fake funerals. one company sells the ability to be present at your own funeral. much like living out dicken's "a christmas carol," the idea is that this ritual will allow clients, most of whom are in their 30s and 40s according to the article, to reflect on their lives and choose to make changes afterwards. what would this do to change your life?

image: initmaj via flickr

the gratitude list

as we come to the end of 2007, i find myself reflecting on what has happened during this crazy year. a lot has changed in my world, from starting my own business, diving into the world of networking, connecting to the wide and wonderful world of blogher, to finding a pretty amazing person to start 2008 with. i find that it is an especially important part of being a sole proprietor to take this kind of inventory. if you don't have board meetings or any meetings at all, be sure to know what is working for you in your business so that you can expand on it. here's what went right in 2007:

image: maher berro thanks his community on flickr.

more working from home resources

milda, my co-host and co-writer over at literature life, spotted this link to cnn's helpful resource on working from home. it includes tips on setting up a home office as well as hints on tax write-offs and so on.

check it out!

ps- remember not to go cooking the books without consulting a tax professional. i recommend stacey winkler, who is my personal wizard.

image: caroline donahue for remabulous via flickr. it's my work space right about novel time last year. i'll need to update this image in a week or two...

wisdom from gwen bell

gwen bell is a sassy lady and a damn fine blogger. i was lucky enough to meet her at blogher 07 because i could not stop myself from telling her at the first cocktail party that i thought she had rad style. she later saved several books i had bought from the oblivion of my leaving them behind on the bus like the clueless creature i am. this act of kindness has put her on my a+ list for all eternity.

i happened upon her latest posts today and was very happy to see a new one up, entitled "you should quit your job on monday." i loved it so much i had to share. plus i think you'll be happier if you follow what this lady is writing...

thanks gwen!

cnn writes about life coaching!

Thanks to everyone for birthday wishes and messages yesterday! I had a great day, including coffee and treats brought to me for breakfast, a lazy beach afternoon in malibu, yummy tapas dinner, and a long hangout session with friends, complete with stargazing. fabulous!

one treat that came my way as well was this great article milda sent me from cnn's "living" section that is a great overview about coaching. i highly recommend it.

have a great weekend, and hope no one has to labor for labor day.