Thinks I find along the way
There is growing evidence that simple, everyday changes to our lives can alter our brains and change how they work. Melissa Hogenboom put her own brain in the scanner to find out. Source: How I rewired my brain in six weeks
“Success means many different things to different people. So, if you’re feeling a little bit unsure about whether you’re really doing well in life or not, there are a lot of other things you can look at besides whether or not you’ve got a yacht.” Source: 7 signs you’re more successful than you realize
Your well-being is like a retirement account: The sooner you invest, the greater your returns will be. Source: The Seven Habits That Lead to Happiness in Old Age
Arthur C. Brooks writes “Next to one’s birthday, the passing of the calendar year induces us to reflect on the march of time in our life. This is not a welcome subject for many—which is perhaps why a lot of people simply redefine old age virtually out of existence. When Americans were asked in 2009 what “being old” means, the most popular response was turning 85. Yet the average life span in the United States in 2022 was only 76. Apparently, then, the average American dies nine years before getting old.
The impulse to define old age as “older than I am now” is not surprising, given all the ways our culture worships youth—its beauty, vitality, and entrepreneurial energy—and offers us any number of options for spending time and money to stop or slow down the clock of aging. And as if the adulation of youth weren’t enough, the stigmatization of seniors is always at hand, through overt discrimination, ageist stereotyping, and crass “OK Boomer”–style contempt.
Continue reading “How to Be Happy Growing Older”
Just like on the internet, your brain is selectively distorting your reality. Source: Filter Bubbles Aren’t Just Online, They’re Also in Your Head
Disappointments don’t have to stop you. They can even make you better. Source: 4 Ways to Recover from Disappointment
What cognitive science has to say about how we experience life. Source: How Your Thinking Creates Your Reality
A heuristic is a mental shortcut that allows an individual to make a decision, pass judgment, or solve a problem quickly and with minimal mental effort. While heuristics can reduce the burden of decision-making and free up limited cognitive resources, they can also be costly when they lead individuals to miss critical information or act on unjust biases. Source: Heuristics
Strategies for mental and physical wellness. Source: Caring for Yourself in the New Year
If you’re feeling discouraged & unmotivated to create change, these five strategies may help you increase your willpower & achieve your goals. Source: When Things Have to Change: How to Find the Willpower to Achieve Your Goals
If you focus on these seven areas of your life most days (if not every day), you will feel better for it! Source: 7 Pillars of Mental Health: How to Feel Your Best (Almost) Every Day – Tiny Buddha
Discovering inner peace can often feel like a daunting task.
The teachings of Buddha, however, offer a roadmap to finding that tranquillity within ourselves.
We all know that Buddha was one heck of a wise guy. He wasn’t just about enlightenment; he left behind profound teachings that can guide us in our everyday lives.
You don’t need to become a Buddhist or meditate for hours on end to implement these philosophies. Source: 9 key teachings from Buddha that can help you find inner peace
Moving to a new city was a lonely and isolating experience at first but two years later, I have a new friendship circle and Melbourne feels like home. Source: Moving cities made me realise that loneliness can happen to us all. Here’s how I found my community
Read our list of 10 times Paul McCartney has turned up for surprise shows. Source: Paul McCartney’s Many Surprise Appearances: A Brief History
When it comes to influential musicians, the names Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Paul McCartney immediately spring to mind. Despite living in different centuries and composing in different musical genres, these two maestros share a surprising number of similarities that illuminate the enduring connection between their music.
Mozart, a prodigy of the Classical era, and McCartney, a founding member of The Beatles and a prolific solo artist, both revolutionized the music world in their own right. One of the most striking parallels between them is their innate gift for melody. Mozart’s intricately crafted compositions showcase his unparalleled ability to create beautiful, flowing melodies that tug at the heartstrings. Similarly, McCartney’s songwriting prowess is defined by unforgettable melodies that have resonated with audiences for decades.
Another common thread between these two musical geniuses is their mastery of instrumentation. Mozart’s command of a wide range of instruments allowed him to push the boundaries of orchestral music, while McCartney’s multi-instrumental talents were integral to The Beatles’ experimental and innovative sound.
Furthermore, both artists displayed an uncanny knack for blending different styles and influences in their work. Mozart’s compositions often featured elements of Italian opera, German counterpoint, and French elegance, demonstrating his fluency in various musical idioms. Similarly, McCartney seamlessly integrated rock, pop, classical, and avant-garde elements into his songs, showcasing his versatility and open-minded approach to music-making.
Despite the stark differences in the musical landscape of their respective eras, the impact of Mozart and McCartney’s groundbreaking work continues to reverberate through the ages. Their enduring legacies serve as a testament to the timeless nature of musical innovation and creativity, transcending generations and genres.
In conclusion, the interconnectedness of Mozart and McCartney’s musical genius reminds us that great art knows no boundaries. Their shared ability to captivate and inspire audiences speaks to the universal language of music, proving that the bridge between the classical and contemporary is indeed a harmonious one.
Subjective age, the age individuals perceive themselves to be, has a profound impact on their overall well-being. Research indicates that most people feel either younger or older than their actual chronological age, and this perception can significantly influence their physical and mental health. Those who feel younger than their true age tend to exhibit better cognitive function, physical mobility, and overall vitality, while individuals who feel older may experience greater health challenges and cognitive decline. This discrepancy between subjective and chronological age underscores the complex interplay between mind and body, highlighting the importance of addressing not only the biological aspects of aging, but also the subjective experiences that shape individuals’ perceptions of their own age and its implications for their well-being. These insights prompt a deeper exploration of the factors contributing to subjective age and its potential implications for interventions aimed at promoting healthy aging.
“Most people feel younger or older than they really are – and this ‘subjective age’ has a big effect on their physical and mental health.” Source: The age you feel means more than your actual birthdate
“In our non-stop, plugged-in world, the quest for inner peace can feel like an elusive treasure hunt.
We often look to self-help gurus or wellness retreats, but what if I told you that the path to tranquility has been mapped out for centuries?
That’s right, centuries.
Buddhist philosophy offers timeless insights on finding harmony within, and it’s not as out of reach as you might think.
Let me level with you – I used to roll my eyes at the idea of ‘inner peace.’ It seemed like a lofty concept reserved for monks and yogis.
But then, I took a deep dive into Buddhist teachings and realized it’s not about escaping life’s hustle and bustle; it’s about navigating it with a calmer, more centered mindset.
Ready to find out how?” Go to the Source: 7 ways to attain inner peace, based on Buddhist philosophy
Karl Duffy shares…
The ultimate touchstone of friendship is not improvement, neither of the self nor of the other: the ultimate touchstone is witness, the privilege of having been seen by someone and the equal privilege of being granted the sight of the essence of another, to have walked with them and to have believed in them, and sometimes just to have accompanied them for however brief a span, on a journey impossible to accomplish alone.
David Whyte. Source: Been seen – Mindfulbalance
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all who stop by this site from time to time. I hope you are celebrating these days in the way you like best with the people you love most. This obscure song from Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary is one of my favorites and captures the spirit of the season well…
Bonus…
Sharing core values is critical in healthy relationships and marriages. Source: 8 Core Values Shared By Couples In Healthy Relationships
Cozy up by the fire and press play. Source: 45 Most Romantic Christmas Love Songs Of All Time
Bright, shiny objects! 
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