The Optimist Living
What we can learn from the ritual of throwing coins in a fountain
Have you ever wondered why people throw coins in a fountain only to let them rest in the water untouched? Is it for good luck, or is there a deeper meaning lying beneath the surface? Anthropologists suggest that this simple ritual offers clues about how we experience awe, society, and collective Read More...
The best way to cope with stress is to be kinder to yourself—here are 52 ways
Under stress, many people try to remain kind and patient to others. That seems the right thing to do. The problem is that that strategy ultimately adds to your stress. The best way to cope is to be kinder to yourself. Remember “I’m ok, you’re ok”? Here are 52 healthy ways to deal with your Read More...
Take it from Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius and stop comparing yourself to others
Comparing yourself to others is a natural part of being human. It's hard not to, but if you find yourself comparing all the time, it can make you lose sight of what you really want in life. If you want to stop comparing yourself to others, consider these wise words from an ancient Read More...
Thanks to Volvo you can enjoy this inspirational wisdom from Alan Watts
It may not be the best feature of modern society but here it is: Some of the most inspiring creativity comes from advertising. Here’s a good example. In this video Volvo presents the late philosopher and spiritual guru Alan Watts with his message to “live fully now”. The atmospheric Read More...
Schools should teach these life lessons to navigate the real world
Many things children learn in school don’t prepare them for the challenges they will face in real life. Schools don’t teach how to file your taxes or how to cook a healthy meal—let alone that they introduce healthy sexual values. The Independent asked education experts what they would add to Read More...
This prefab net-zero solar farmhouse generates all its own energy
A prefab “solar farmhouse” makes you independent from the grid. No more worries about electricity bills or erratic weather patterns. This house encapsulates the “American Dream”, spanning 2029 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a darling 128-square-foot covered front porch. The Read More...
5 ways to say “no”: Staying productive is all about deciding what not to do
What you don’t do on a daily basis is at least—if not more—important than what you actually do take action on. Of course, saying "no" is easier said than done. Many of us have an intuitive desire to please others, to explore every opportunity, to take on more than we can handle, and worry Read More...
Composting your household organic waste is becoming much easier
Composting your household organic waste is a good thing to do. The problem is that converting waste into healthy soil takes time while the process attracts pests and spreads unpleasant odors. Here’s a new solution: the Zera Food Recycler. The Zera sits in your kitchen instead of out in your Read More...
10 minutes of mindfulness practice a day changes the way you react to everything
Meditation and mindfulness are conquering the workplace and helping more and more people navigating the challenges of modern business. The power of this trend becomes very clear when business consultants are advocating mindfulness as a key business strategy in a publication like Harvard Business Read More...
How (and why) to master the habit of delaying gratification
Avoiding temptation is an uphill battle, especially when the gratification of giving in is standing right before you. With a little willpower, though, you can achieve the things you really want in life. All you need to do is learn how to delay gratification. Here’s how to do just Read More...