DISQUS

You know, I'm not sure I've ever given this much thought. I have a feeling, based on family history, that I might have a long, lovely road ahead. While I'd love a long, healthy life, I really relaxed after falling in love with my husband. I figure that a life with such deep love has been well-lived, regardless of the duration.

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You know what I love about this? Not every tip is for every person, but there is absolutely something for everyone here. This is a list that can't be rejected off-handedly. I'm excited about the small, everyday changes that will really add up!

This is absolutely appealing to writers and potential writers. Having the marketing side covered would be a huge boon, and I imagine would encourage a lot of participation. Keep me posted, and I'd love to be a part of this!

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"Be loyal beyond the point of reasonableness." I love that! Hearing a husband-wife take was a great format. I also like the idea of lowering expectations--for myself. I shouldn't get down when I'm not a perfect wife. Just let it go and work on being the best wife I can be. This was great!

My optimism seriously colors my opinion on this. It may be the small town I live in, or just the people I come in contact with, but I find a lot of parents making sure that their kids say "please" and "thank you." It always makes me smile.

As far as informality, there can be a certain welcoming quality to it. But on the other hand, I think you've got a point that the most gracious thing of all is to make others around you comfortable. In many cases, that's what informality is about: making others comfortable. In other cases, it clearly doesn't achieve that.

I think being rude and being informal are separate issues most of the time. As in the case of the dropped apple, they just go hand in hand too often!

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The research is compelling, and it's also something I've experienced in my life. The simple act of opening a door for someone else can put a smile on my face. But I do wonder if recognition for one's efforts plays a role in the happiness as well. When good acts go ignored, does it diminish the happiness?

Initiating conversations has been a great match with my blog. My readers do an amazing job of providing intelligent, funny, insightful comments whenever they have the floor. Of course, you've got to sincerely care about what others have to say for this one to work. For me, the conversation has been one of the greatest pleasures of blogging.

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Thanks for the reminder that grounding myself is about more than me: it's about every relationship I have. It's a connection I haven't really been making in my head. Plus, this made me want to go home and do something nice for my husband! :)

I'm so happy I came across this. Too often it seems that one person (or two people) can't make a difference. Perhaps that's all in our minds, though. In large part, we're capable of doing what we imagine we're capable of doing.

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I loved this, and it really rang true for me. I'm on the young side, so for years I felt I was too young to do certain things. What a waste of thought!

"There is no magical middle-age group where everything is possible. We are all at the right age for each of our goals, right now."

Brilliant. This was great, Nathalie!

I loved this, and it really rang true for me. I'm on the young side, so for years I felt I was too young to do certain things. What a waste of thought!


"There is no magical middle-age group where everything is possible. We are all at the right age for each of our goals, right now."



Brilliant. This was great, Nathalie!

Very cool! It's interesting to hear about the little details, like Amelie, that make up the whole of a person, not just the one major subject. I definitely enjoyed this interview, so thanks!

This is easy:

1. Don't screw up a good thing.
2. Keep each other laughing in good times and bad.
3. Drive each other to reach goals we didn't think were possible.

Okay, it wasn't so easy, but it made me think, and it made me appreciate my husband more. So, thanks!

Emerson is always inspiring. :) I have to say, I never imagined I'd hear him quoted alongside Fred "Hot Dog Flavored Water" Durst, but it just proves Emerson's point about the value of individuality.

I think one of the most obvious is missing. Many average users are engaged in social media to have an experience. It's as simple as that. This is where marketers miss out; you don't have to convince these users to listen to you to in order to influence them. Just help them have the experience they want in the context of the medium.

In other words, participation for participation's sake can still be a marketing goal.

Beautiful. I too feel guilty when I brush off work to enjoy a quiet evening. But while I may feel twinges of guilt in the moment, in the end, I never regret it. The work gets done eventually, and the balance is priceless. (I think you really put it well with the puzzle piece analogy.)

The language we use really does shape our feelings toward money. In the end, we're largely in control of whether money makes miserable or happy, regardless of how much we have.

I absolutely agree with the idea that you can turn expenses into a positive by being grateful that you can handle them. My spouse and I are about to head into rocky financial territory, but all I can think is, "Thank goodness we're in a position where money doesn't come before health care."

It really is empowering, and keeps us in control. As you mentioned, each of us is the source of our income--it's completely in our own hands.

The language we use really does shape our feelings toward money. In the end, we're largely in control of whether money makes miserable or happy, regardless of how much we have.

I absolutely agree with the idea that you can turn expenses into a positive by being grateful that you can handle them. My spouse and I are about to head into rocky financial territory, but all I can think is, "Thank goodness we're in a position where money doesn't come before health care."

It really is empowering, and keeps us in control. As you mentioned, each of us is the source of our income--it's completely in our own hands.

This is just beautiful. I love your idea that fulfillment isn't an end goal, it's a state of mind. Stumbled!

This is just beautiful. I love your idea that fulfillment isn't an end goal, it's a state of mind. Stumbled!

Wow--you've summed up all of my blog writing from the last three months in one single post. I definitely think that cutting out the clutter and increasing the smiles is a magic formula, or at the very least, a running start at happiness. Very well done!

I think the whole idea that, in terms of your finances, you are who you hang out with is a bit overblown. Surround yourself with good people who share the same values you do. Some will be broke but content because their line of work and some will be wealthy by complete accident. Your financial motivation comes from you and if you're set on being wealthy, the financial status of your friends isn't going to change that.

But, as you said, that means there's no problem associating with the rich-on-the-outside folks. You can admire their moxy in going for their dreams and let them enjoy the ride.

You've got a point here; it's usually deep, established connections that yield the best results. These people actually know your interests and talents, and will be much more likely to connect you with opportunities you'll qualify for and excel at. A new connection may get your foot in the door somewhere, but the chances of it being the right fit for you are slim.