I’m not sure what drew me to this book when I first saw it.  Perhaps the Swindoll name, but not one of the preacher brothers?  The emphasis on the words “a happy life”?  The relaxed font and background color?

Whatever it was that drew me in, Luci Swindoll’s easy writing style, real life stories, sense of humor, and simple advice for life kept me there!  Inspired by the wisdoms of her mother, Swindoll’s short, two to three page chapters all have five word titles, starting with a verb - prompting action!  From Chapter One, “Start With What you Know,” to the last, “Live An Attitude of Gratitude,” the book is filled with common sense delivered with uncommon ease.

A sense of the book content can be found simply by reviewing a few of the chapter headings: Keep Your Word Every Time, Stay Proactive About Your Health, Write Down The Important Things, Build Yourself A Small Library (one of my faves!), Rise to The Occasion Often, Fight Resentment Before It Festers, Listen With Your Whole Heart. 

I finished the easy read last week while on a flight to Tampa.  The person sitting next to me asked if she could look at the book.  She ended up reading about a third of it.  As we were preparing to deboard at our destination, she reluctantly handed the book back to me, saying that she was going to buy a copy for herself so she could finish it.  That’s two recommendations to read this book – mine and hers!

If you would like a copy for yourself or to give as a gift (perfect for graduations!), order through Amazon, Barnes and Noble or ChristianBook.com.

Note: A copy of this book was provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers through the BookSneeze blogger review program.  Neither the author, publisher, nor anyone else influenced or reviewed the content of this post; the opinion expressed is entirely my own.

Nostalgia.  People just need to get over it.  Move on.

Those words were spoken in a meeting today, as someone was reacting to a recent conversation he had with some folks.  It got me thinking about whether or not nostalgia is a good thing or a bad thing.

Then, I heard the news.  Davy Jones died.

Today, I am thankful for the nostaligic memories this news brought rushing back to my consciousness.

I’m a Believer.  Pleasant Valley Sunday.  Valleri.  The Last Train to Clarksville.  Hey, Hey, We’re the Monkees.  Loved that song and the goofy intro to The Monkees TV show.  Who hasn’t done that silly beach walk with their friends?

Which one was Davy, you ask?  The cute one,  of course!

If you’re fan and want a short trip down memory lane or if you just want to see what all the fuss is about, watch this video, featuring Davy.  Prepare for some toe-tapping be-bopping chair dancing swooning.  (Click the song titles above for some more!)

Thanks for the memories, Davy.  Rest in peace.

As for nostaligia, I’ve decided that it is A-OK, as long as looking back doesn’t hinder you from looking forward.

However, as someone who has spent more than ten years immersed in building on a culture of service, studying the impact of leadership, and committed to the application of love in the workplace, I also know that many important things are not tangible and can’t be measured.

Or, so I thought. Enter Chip Conley ‘s new book, Emotional Equations.

Using simple arithmetic equations, Conley helps us see that we really can count and measure the things that make life important, that contribute to real success and genuine happiness.

For example, did you know that Authenticity = Self-Awareness x Courage? Chapter 12 will explain it to you. Or, skip ahead to Chapter 18 and discover that Faith = Belief / Intellect. Or, go back to Chapter 5 and learn why Regret = Disappointment + Responsibility.

This book isn’t only fascinating math, but peppered with interesting stories from the author’s life, current events, and history, all bringing the concepts to life. To get a flavor of Conley’s message watch his TED Talk, Measuring What Makes Life Worthwhile, (2010). If you are looking for a way to measure what is important in your life, or trying to make sense our of your emotional experiences, and live a life of creating happiness, this book is for you.

What you do each day can easily be measured. How, though, do you measure who you are? These are two very different things. Who you are includes integrity, purpose, curiosity, attitudes, self-esteem. All these things can be measured; not just in hunches or thoughts, but using science and math. Emotional Equations will show you how.

Order the book on Amazon (click here for audio version on CD), Barnes & Noble or download from iTunes. You can also like the book on Facebook and follow Chip Conley on Twitter.

Note: A free copy of this book was made available through a literary agent. The above opinion is entirely mine, and was not pre-approved, edited, or influenced in any way.

I’ve always loved watching the sun rise and set.  My poor husband has endured (and enjoyed) many early alarms while on vacation at the shore or other beaches so I could take countless photos of the sun rising.

We happen to live very near a large reservoir, and the setting sun reflects beautifully in the water.  Even from inside our home, I can watch the sun rise through my family room window, then watch it set from my kitchen window.

Today, I am thankful for the fresh start with each new sunrise and the comfort and rest that comes as another day ends.

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I took these two photos just this week.

The sunset was Monday night while my husband and I walked around the circle of our neighborhood.  The golds and oranges were warm and calming.  The walk was a nice way to end a very busy day. 

Tuesday morning, as I went to the kitchen to get a cup of coffee, I saw beautiful blues and pinks through one of our windows. I quickly sanpped the photo on the right from our back porch.  What a jolt of positive energy for a new day.  

Whether it’s a fresh start, a good ending, or simply the beauty of nature’s palette, I am filled with gratitude for every sunrise and sunset.

What are you thankful for today?

Take twelve fine, full-grown months; see that these are thoroughly free from old memories of bitterness, rancor and hate, cleanse them completely from every clinging spite; pick off all specks of pettiness and littleness; in short, see that these months are freed from all the past—have them fresh and clean as when they first came from the great storehouse of Time.

Cut these months into thirty or thirty-one equal parts. Do not attempt to make up the whole batch at one time (so many persons spoil the entire lot this way) but prepare one day at a time.

Into each day put equal parts of faith, patience, courage, work (some people omit this ingredient and so spoil the flavor of the rest), hope, fidelity, liberality, kindness, rest (leaving this out is like leaving the oil out of the salad dressing— don’t do it), prayer, meditation, and one well-selected resolution.

Put in about one teaspoonful of good spirits, a dash of fun, a pinch of folly, a sprinkling of play, and a heaping cupful of good humor.

And, I would add…mix well and share generously.  Happy new year!

Why wait until a gift is given to be thankful? In the spirit of “Thanks-living,” I am filled with gratitude for gifts already present in my life. These gifts don’t come with ribbons and bows, are not wrapped in silver and gold, silver and gold, and they are not shared only on December 25.

Stockings are hung by the chimney with care, but I don’t have to wait for friends to be there. I encounter them everyday at work, online, or at various gatherings throughout the year.

It’s not the reindeer up on the housetop that I need to wait for, it’s being thankful that I even have a roof over my head. I have a wonderful home in a very nice house in a great neighborhood and know that many others do not have even the most basic shelter.

Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh, but it is also fun to drive to my daughter’s nearby home or hop on a plane to visit our son farther away. It’s wonderful to spend time with our daughter and son-in-law; we are lucky they are close by. We are fortunate that we can afford to travel to see our son and his family. Many others can’t – either due to finances or poor health – leave home.

We may sing praises of a long ago baby away in a manger, but technology helps me enjoy the new baby in our lives; our first grandson, just born last month. There is nothing like getting a quick snapshop in a text from my son. Our daughter-in-law sent a video last week of the baby cooing and smiling. We can skype or facetime with the entire family.

If we are lucky enough to let it snow, let it snow, let it snow, I am blessed with a great husband who will go walkin’ in the winter wonderland with me. He may not be quite as excited about some of the small wonders and joys of life as I am, but he indulges me! I think, in his own secret way, he has learned to appreciate them, too.

There are many reasons to be a jolly, happy soul – every day of the year. Don’t wait to find the presents underneath the Christmas tree; look around you for the gifts you already have.

What gifts do you have today? What are you thanks-living for? Please add a comment and share your joy!

On her website, Emily Post offers some great tips on everyday manners.  What I like best is this line:

It’s not just about knowing these manners,  it’s about being intentional in their use.

As she also says, no one wakes up deciding, “Today is the day I’m going to be rude to everyone I meet.”  Yet, in all the hustle and bustle, bargains and giftwrap, menus and garland,  it’s easy to forget the love and generosity at the center of the season.

What can you do?

Smile at people you meet.  Let the woman with the restless kids go ahead of you in line.  Hold the door for the person behind you.  Let someone else park closest to the store.  Be patient with seasonal help at the mall.  Say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas as you checkout.

You can serve others simply by intentionally sharing common courtesy.  Make this last week before Christmas a merry one!

First, there is the natural curiosity and innocence of the very young.  Then, boundaries are stretched as independence is tested.  And, at some point, before you know it, your little one has grown up.  As parents, we have to shift from being involved in nearly every move they make to watching from afar hoping they stand strong on their own.

I think I’m on target when I say that all of us hope that our precious little children evolve into joy-filled, productive and caring adults.

Most parents work tirelessly to give their little children strong roots.  Things like personal values, integrity, and compassion; an appreciation of what is right in the world, the intolerance of what is not, and the courage to try and change it.  We hope our children will work hard and then be rewarded.  We want nothing less than happiness and peace for our children, though we know that sadness and unrest are sure to come along.

In the spirit of Thanks-living, today and every day, I am thankful for the woman that my little girl has turned out to be.

My daughter, Heather (aka @prTini), is a successful entrepreneur, president of Geben Communication.  She has a heart for those who have all kind of disadvantages; for example, she has served on the board of an organization helping battered women and last year she journeyed to Haiti to learn how the people are overcoming the tragic earthquake of a couple years ago.  Heather generously shares her knowledge and experiences with public relations students at local colleges and industry peers across the country. She inspires many with the courage of her convictions, the passion she brings to her work, and the kindness of her heart.

Heather is also  a lot of fun to be around.  She loves sports – especially her New York Yankees!  She loves politics – Election Day is her favorite day of the year.  She is a spark in a crowd; a great conversationalist and a kind listener.  Sit down and share a glass of red wine with her and you’ll instantly want to spend more time getting to know her better.  Heather is also married to a man who couldn’t be a better match for her, nor a better son-in-law and member of our family.

Tuesday night, I had the privilege of attending her first company holiday open house.  The theme was fun, the atmosphere was light, the food and decor festive.  As my husband and I stood across the room and observed her happily interacting with her employees, her clients, and her vendor contacts, we couldn’t help but smile with happiness and gratitude.

Our  precious little daughter has grown to up to be that joy-filled, productive and caring adult we prayed, hoped and dreamed she would be.

In the spirit of Thanks-living, today and every day, I am thankful for the wonderful birthday gift I was given 29 years ago; a son.

When he was a young child, we always celebrated my birthday the day before (which is also my husband’s birthday!), so that our son could have “his own special day.”  Then, at some point, it got to be kind of cool that we were “birthday buddies.”  Now, it’s just plain fun.

Many people I know don’t celebrate birthdays, or don’t think that birthdays are a big deal.  Who wants to acknowledge getting older, right?

For me, it’s not about getting older, it’s about celebrating life – mine and my son’s!  Happy birthday, Matt!

Image from http://dydara.wordpress.com

No matter how much we might try to keep the emphasis on the religious meaning or the general holiday spirit of giving, little children somehow know presents are coming and get very excited about that.

Unless you are poor.

Little children shouldn’t feel that Santa’s sleigh doesn’t stop if Mommy and Daddy are out of work.  The season of lights should have some joy in it, even if  child sleeps in a homeless shelter.  Just one present can make a young child’s eyes open wide with wonder and joy.

You can make this happen.

There are numerous ways to donate toys in communities across the country.  Two of the best known are the Marine Corp’s Toys for Tots and local collections programs established by firefighters.  Here in Central Ohio, Firefighters 4 Kids accepts gifts for babies, toddlers, youngsters, pre-teens and teens.

Baby dolls, card games, books, small electronics, coloring books and crayons, board games, building block sets, cars and trucks, fashion dolls, army men, little girl pocketbooks, and art sets are just a few gift ideas that you can help fill.  Go to your local discount store and look for sturdy, well-crafted items that will endure a child’s play.   Buy what you can afford and then drop it off at your local firehouse or Toys for Tots drop-off site.

Even if you don’t have much money yourself, you can still make a difference.  Yesterday, I stopped in a local “dollar store.”  There were all kinds of items for just one dollar each: coloring books, crayons, books for toddlers, dinosaurs, dolls, stuffed animals, building blocks, and more.

Giving is not just for the wealthy.  Giving comes from the heart, and everyone has one.