More Positivity

Got to the top 10 list in Positivity today.  Here is a cut-n-paste from the HuffPo on positivity.

Dr. Fredrickson's came up with a top 10 list of positive emotions, in order of most frequent to least. Allow yourself an opportunity to scroll through the list and ask yourself, "When did I last fully experience this emotion?" The answers may surprise you.

Joy
Joy happens in an instant -- a perfect moment captured when all is just exactly as it should be. Think of a wonderful holiday morning with the family, an unexpected present that delights you, or seeing the first smile on your infant's face. What brings you Joy?

Gratitude
Gratitude is a moment of realizing someone has gone out of their way for you, or simply feeling overwhelmed with your heart opening, after being moved in some way. With gratitude comes a desire to give in return or 'pay it forward' in some way. When did you last experienced deep Gratitude?

Serenity
Serenity is like a mellow, relaxed, or sustained version of Joy. Serenity is a peacefulness that comes on a cloudless day, when you realize there's nothing you have to do. Serenity is indulging in a favorite luxury, and being mindful enough to take it in. Serenity is the moment on vacation when you finally let go. Has Serenity crossed your door lately?

Interest
Interest is a heightened state that calls your attention to something new that inspires fascination, and curiosity. Like a shiny new toy to capture your imagination, interest is alive and invigorating. Interest wakes you up, and leaves you wanting more. What Interests you these days?

Hope
Dr. Fredrickson describes it best: "Unlike other emotions that arise out of comfort and safety, hope springs out of dire circumstances, as a beacon of light. Deep within the core of hope is the belief that things can change, turn out better. Possibilities exist. Hope sustains you and motivates you to turn things around." The inauguration of President Obama brought me Hope. What brings you Hope?

Pride
Ever done something really well that took a little time and effort? Maybe you reached a goal you never thought was attainable? Then pat yourself on the back with unadulterated Pride. Stand back, take that deep breath and let it in -- you earned it. What have you done that made your proud?

Amusement
Think of amusement as those delightful surprises that make you laugh. It's those unexpected moments that interrupt your focus and crack you up. It's a great feeling to have amusement sparkle out of the doldrums and instantly change your perspective. Have you had any amusement in your life recently?

Inspiration
Inspiration is a moment that touches your heart and nearly takes your breath away -- or takes in your breath, as the word literally translates. Inspiration whispers between the strands of your hair, as you watch a perfect sunset, witness academic or athletic excellence, or observe unexpected triumphs over adversity. What brings Inspiration in your life?

Awe
Awe happens when you come across goodness on a grand scale, and you feel overwhelmed by greatness. Awe is triggered when we are faced with the vastness of Nature, or the cosmos. Gazing at the Milky Way and counting the stars, or standing at the top of the Grand Canyon triggers awe. Have you had a moment of awe lately?

Love
Guess what? The list is rigged. Actually, the #1 most frequent positive emotion is here at the bottom. Love encompasses all of the above: joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration and even awe. Love is all that and more. When we experience love, our bodies are flooded with the "feel good" hormones that reduce stress and even lengthen our lives.



I am grateful for the joy, gratitude, serenity, interest, hope, pride, amusement, inspiration, awe and love in my life today.  It is comforting to know what matters in making a good life.

1 comment:

  1. I have been reading your blog for a nice while, I so agree with you, no love no life, my brother in law lost his gal pal partner of almost 26 years or was it 27 years she had MD and was always ill...He thought he would die before her and lived like she would live forever, she passed in july 2003 and he pitched a big fit thinking how unfair, mind you she had Muscular Dystrophy..all her siblings save one had or has it..He tried to find a WOMAN for 10 or 11 years now, found someone and is oky doky, he needs to have love and companionship, he was totally sticken by her passing his former gal pal! They could never marry due to her illness and the help she received from social agencies and the government..But were like man and wife, well he finally found someone to love and be loved by he is a different fellow now..He had ptsd from the Vietnam war, got his benefits in 2007 denied since let's see 1969and 1970 he was a brave soldier but had the ptsd still does, worked and the VA thought to deny him almost everything well his brother is my husband we waged a big fit to governor of Oregon, Parry Murray and congressmen and even Gov. Gregoire he got the full benefits but no gal pal/wife to share them with, he tried so hard to meet another to love and be loved, it finally happened when I guess the time was right or whatever the heavens opened up to him and his Karma, he is sweet and loving never even swished a firefly away, why do people think others can live without love..The prisons are full of men and women who were denied love and affection, beaten and worse by the people who were their own kin, Moms and Dads???? They have been so abused the prisons are full of human beings denied LOVE and AFFECTION..why doesn't society get it..Humans can't live without love, now I am not condoning alcohol and druge use, but if one is truly loved and appreciated and cared about the path to hell is easier to resist if one knows one is loved..the recreational marijuana stuff I say is a bunch of crap, it may bring in tons of money but at what price to our youth and others????? I read your blog daily, kudos to you for your efforts to go to prison and help those addicted, you are brave..My brother in law had substance abuse but gave it up after meeting his gal pal/wife, he has been through so much we are thrilled he has met someone to fill his life, and the other things you mention are so important, GRATITUDE, SERENTY, INTEREST, HOPE, PRIDE, AMUSEMENT, INSPIRATION TOO..BUT I TRULY TRULY BELIEVE LOVE WILL HEAL A MYRAID OF CONDITIONS IN ONES LIFE, ONE CANNOT GO IT ALONE IN THIS LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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