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Dear Christine: How Can I Set Boundaries for the Holidays?

Dear Christine, My brother and his family will be visiting us from out of town the week of Christmas, and I generally make myself too… Read more

Celebrate “No”vember with 5 Research-Based Ways to Say No

“No”vember means it’s time to start saying no to the things that drain your energy. ‘Tis the season to practice saying no. Many of us… Read more

How to Structure Your Day to Feel Less Stressed

If you don’t control your schedule, your schedule will control you. As we enter our third year in a pandemic, chronic stress rules the day. Widespread… Read more

1-Minute Secret to Forming a New Habit

My TED Talk was named one of the Top 10 TED Talks of 2021 on TED.com! I’m greatly humbled by this and thrilled to be… Read more

Set your resolutions

Free Habits & Resolutions eBook

You want to lose weight. Learn to meditate. Eat more leafy greens. This is your guide to setting and keeping your resolutions. Download this free… Read more

Customizable 2022 Planner

Jumpstart your annual goal-setting and daily planning with these customizable worksheets and planner pages. Download this free planner. Read more

How to Help Kids Adjust to College

At this time of year, I start receiving dozens of tearful calls and panicky emails from parents whose children are off at college for the… Read more

How to Deal When a Child Goes Off to College

Dear Christine, My oldest child is off to college. In the last few weeks, relatives have been offering him their sage “how to succeed in… Read more

The Best Advice for New College Students (Not From Me)

This morning I said goodbye to Tanner, who is driving to Boulder with his dad for his first year of college. Next week, I will… Read more

Unplug for 1 Day this Week

We’re all spending a lot more time online. That makes unplugging every once in a while even more beneficial! To get started,  download this free… Read more

Anchoring New Habits to Old Ones

Before we begin practicing a new behavior that we’d like to form into a habit, we’ll do well to consciously designate an anchor or trigger… Read more

Making Resolutions? Track Your Progress

What we measure, we improve. (Or, “what gets measured, gets done.”) An important aspect of successfully getting into a habit is measurement. For example, we… Read more

Why an Unambitious Habit is Better Than an Inspirational Goal

“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” –Aristotle (via Will Durant) Perhaps you are setting some resolutions… Read more

Obstacles to achieving your goals

If You Don’t Think About This, You Probably Won’t Achieve Your Goals

A fascinating line of research shows that the more we fantasize about achieving a challenging goal, the less likely we are to actually take a… Read more

Coping with Constant Interruption + Tips for Focus

Several years ago, I devised a system for quickly getting into the “zone” while I worked. Free from distractions and interruptions, I wrote quickly, joyfully,… Read more

Dear Christine: What If I Don’t Agree With My Co-Parent?

Trying to get your co-parent to parent your way? Here’s what to do. Dear Christine, What should I do if my husband and I don’t… Read more

Seven Ways to Cope with Uncertainty

What should we do when everything feels so out of control? Living with so much uncertainty is hard. Human beings crave information about the future… Read more

My Kids Have Nothing to Do This Summer. Now What?

This Dear Christine column offers tips for structuring your family’s summer during the pandemic. Dear Christine, Since school ended, my whole family is floundering. We… Read more

Resources for Learning about Racism

What am I doing to be a better antiracist? Learning — both about myself and about the racist systems, policies, and beliefs that are driving our… Read more

A Conversation About Race with Julie Lythcott-Haims, Nefertiti Austin, Christine Koh and Leslie Priscilla Arreola-Hillenbrand

Probably like many of you, my “plans” for the summer are not what I anticipated they’d be. And my summer reading list has changed. I’m… Read more

Summer Parenting MASTERCLASS

I know many parents are feeling burned out on summer (already). I have a great resource for you! It’s a virtual masterclass called Parenting in… Read more

All I Want for Mother’s Day Is an Equitable Division of Labor

Here’s how to renegotiate the unfair burdens created by the coronavirus lockdown This Mother’s Day is going to be a doozy for a lotta moms… Read more

How to Help Teens Handle the Loss of Proms and Graduations

Losing these ceremonies is a big deal. We need to help them grieve. Yesterday at dinner, one of my children was sad and irritated. She… Read more

Comfort Yourself Today

“I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.” ― Mahatma Gandhi This whole global pandemic thing… Read more

Parenting in the time of COVID-19

People keep asking me for “best practices” for sheltering-in-place. My honest answer: We don’t know what the best practices are. We’ve never been through this… Read more

How Divorced Parents Can Get on the Same Page

Dear Christine, I’m a divorced dad who remarried, with a son and a stepdaughter. When shelter-in-place hit and school was canceled, everything changed. We all… Read more

Coping with Disrupted Routines

Are you following along with our daily routine make-over? (In other words: Are you trying to keep everything from going to hell in a handbasket?)… Read more

Coronavirus: The 1st Few Weeks

Holy smokes, friends! Perhaps foolishly, I came outta the gates pretty hot last week. On Monday, I posted an article optimistically titled How School Closures Can… Read more

How to Help Teens Shelter in Place

Teens are not made for isolation, which makes COVID-19 especially hard on them. Here’s how to help your teenager to see the bigger picture. Parents… Read more

How Self-Quarantine Can Strengthen Your Family

Here are three ways to cope while sheltering in place. As our kids figure out how to learn online, we can retool in our families,… Read more

Have Dinner Together

Tonight, have dinner together. Shared meals deepen our connections with one another, and give us the sense that we are part of something larger than… Read more

How to Reset Your Sleep Clock

Moving our clocks forward this past weekend changed our bodies’ principal cue (light) for keeping time with our circadian rhythm. This usually causes us to… Read more

Hallmark Home and Family

Thank you Hallmark Home and Family for having me on last week. It was such a pleasure to meet you and share all that is… Read more

What to Do Instead of Nag

 Nagging doesn’t feel good to the person doing the nagging, and it certainly doesn’t feel good to be nagged. Moreover, when kids know we… Read more

Christine Carter - 5 Steps to End Your Email Addiction

Unplug and Reconnect

From sundown on Friday, March 6 to sundown on Saturday, March 7, 2020 is National Day of Unplugging.  Before you think, “there’s no way I… Read more

Grace Cathedral Forum

Booklaunch highlight: Participating in the Forum last weekend at Grace Cathedral. I love Dean Malcolm Young; it was so fun to be with him again.… Read more

Come See Me!

Let’s hang out in person! I would love to meet you!! ⁠ ⁠ Join me at the Hillside Club in Berkeley tomorrow, Thursday, 2/20/20 (how’s… Read more

Launch Day!

The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and Distraction launches today! Many of you have already pre-ordered it or… Read more

Three Ways to Change Your Parenting in the Teenage Years

“Wow. Ugh. That’s amazing!” This is the usual wide-eyed response when people hear that I have four teenagers. Sometimes people grimace, like the mere thought… Read more

Dear Christine: How Do I Motivate My Teen?

Bossing them around won’t work forever; we need to help teens manage their own lives. Dear Christine, I have two teenagers, a boy who is… Read more

Tremendous effort can compensate for modest skill, just as tremendous skill can compensate for modest effort, but not if either is zero.

Thursday Thought

Angela Duckworth, the celebrated psychologist who first defined “grit” as perseverance and passion for long-term goals, has a theory about success. Instead of seeing achievement… Read more

The Quiet Secret to Success

When we look at people who are at the top of their field, they all have grit: persistence and passion for their long-term goals. But this doesn’t… Read more

How to Raise a High-Achiever

When we look at people who are at the top of their field, what do we know about how they got there? We used to… Read more

New Year’s Thought

You want to lose weight. Learn to meditate. Get out of debt. Eat more leafy greens. Call your mom more often. But you’re afraid to… Read more

Why New Year’s Resolutions Succeed

Three steps to victory in keeping your New Year’s Resolutions You want to lose weight. Learn to meditate. Get out of debt. Eat more leafy… Read more

So You Gave Your Kid a Phone for Christmas…Now What?

Many lucky kids got new smartphones or tablets over this holiday season; these days more than two-thirds of kids own a smartphone by age 12.… Read more

Today: Comfort Yourself

This is a tricky time of year: We’re often tired and triggered and hopped up on sugar. Even when we really love the holidays, they… Read more

How to Calm a Stressed-Out Teen

Do you have a stressed-out teenager? You aren’t alone! A recent survey by the American Psychological Association found that fewer than half of teenagers today… Read more

Thursday Thought

On some level, our society has come to believe that our economy depends on a gift-giving extravaganza and that the holidays wouldn’t be the holidays… Read more

Are We Wired to Want Stuff?

I’ll never forget a holiday moment several years ago, when I found myself in a negotiation with my daughter, then a first-grader, over her gift… Read more

The Sanctity of Opportunity

Like Lateefah Simon, I believe deeply in the sanctity of opportunity. I also believe in Tipping Point, and the opportunity that this amazing organization is… Read more

Thursday Thought

Dinnertime conversation, I’ve found, goes really well when it’s structured. I’ve posed planned questions for my kids at dinnertime since they were in preschool, starting… Read more

Gearing up for The New Adolescence

Hi friends, I am gearing up for the February 2020 release of The New Adolescence: Raising Happy and Successful Teens in an Age of Anxiety and… Read more

15 Questions to Ask Kids at Dinner

Dinnertime conversation, I’ve found, goes really well when it’s structured. I’ve posed planned questions for my kids at dinnertime since they were in preschool, starting… Read more

So many of us believe in perfection, which ruins everything else because the perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun.

Thursday Thought

It starts by forgetting about perfect. We don’t have time for perfect. In any event, perfection is unachievable: It’s a myth and a trap and… Read more

Why I Aim to be a “Deeply Disciplined Half-Ass”

Throughout my life, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with hard work. I credit both my past successes and my past anxiety problems to how hard I’ve worked,… Read more

Join Me this Weekend!

There’s still time to join us at a rejuvenating weekend retreat from November 1 to 3, 2019 at 1440 Multiversity, a beautiful 75-acre campus nestled in the California redwoods… Read more

Dear Christine: My Friend Has Cancer. What Should I Say?

Dear Christine, One of my best friends was just diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer. She has two little kids, a loving husband, and a… Read more

How to Get Your Kid to Tell You Everything

Parents are always asking me how to get their kids to talk to them more (especially the parents of boys), how to get kids to… Read more

how-and-why-to-go-on-a-real-vacation-christine-carter

How — and Why — to Go on a REAL Vacation

Nearly 40 percent of US employees feel like they have too much work to take a vacation. But research suggests you’ll be happier, healthier, and… Read more

Dear Christine: How Can I Get My Teenager to Listen to Me?

Dear Christine, My daughter has a chronic health problem that we’ve been dealing with since she was almost three years old. Until very recently, I… Read more

christine-carter-how-to-only-do-things-you-actually-want-to-do

How to Only Do Things You Actually Want to Do

Recently, I started getting loads of requests for help managing too-long task lists, and so I published this process for organizing them. Ineffective task lists… Read more

Dear Christine: How Can I Get More Sleep?

Hi Christine, I have a habit of going to bed later than I want and then being rushed in the morning and getting to work… Read more

“Everything is calmer if things feel predictable.” –Christine Carter from A Family Guide for Surviving the Summer

Thursday Thought

“Everything is calmer if things feel predictable.” –Christine Carter from A Family Guide for Surviving the Summer   Read more

A Family Guide for Surviving the Summer

While not all of summer is destined to feel like a day at the beach, setting routines and expectations for the season can make it… Read more

This is What I Hope I’ve Taught You

This week, my sweet Fiona graduates from high school. As longtime readers of my blog know, Fiona went to a boarding high school. Having her… Read more

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” —Alfred Mercier

Thursday Thought

“What we learn with pleasure we never forget.” —Alfred Mercier Many of our children are graduating this month! My wish for my children and yours… Read more

Our unconscious mind is our best source of intelligence, communicating through intuition and bodily sensations, not words. --Christine Carter

Thursday Thought

“Our unconscious mind is our best source of intelligence, communicating through intuition and bodily sensations, not words.” –Christine Carter from This is What I Hope… Read more

Dear Christine How Can I help my stressed-out teen?

Helping Stressed-Out Teens

Dear Christine, I know you have teenage daughters around the same age, so I’m hoping you have some insight about how to help kids deal… Read more

My children and stepchildren

How Being a Stepmom Makes Me a Better Parent

Imagine, if you’ll indulge me for a minute, what it must be like to be one of my children. As a  professional advice giver, I’m… Read more

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” —Jewish Proverb

Thursday Thought

“God could not be everywhere, and therefore he made mothers.” —Jewish Proverb Read more

Stress is healthy and helpful when it creates enough tension and strain to foster growth.

Thursday Thought

Stress is healthy and helpful when it creates enough tension and strain to foster growth. Think of a muscle that is stressed by weight training:… Read more

Am I Really Going to Have to Ask You Again?

I asked my daughter to help me make dinner the other night; soon after that, I got caught on the phone. When I finally emerged… Read more

Substance Abuse Photo by Hayes Potter on Unsplash

Dear Christine: How Do I Deal with My Son’s Substance Abuse?

Concerned parents confront the fact that their son may be addicted to drugs and alcohol. Dear Christine, We are writing you about our son, who… Read more

"Living with others is, in many ways, living in a constant state of unmet expectations." Christine Carter

Thursday Thought

“Living with others is, in many ways, living in a constant state of unmet expectations.” —Christine Carter from Am I Really Going to Have to… Read more

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ralph Waldo Emerson

“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

Tiny ruptures in our relationships drive love and connection out of our lives.

Thursday Thought

“Tiny ruptures in our relationships drive love and connection out of our lives.” Christine Carter from How to Keep Technology from Ruining Your Relationships Read more

3-ways-to-keep-technology-from-ruining-your-relationships

3 Ways to Keep Technology from Ruining Your Relationships

In Triumphs of Experience, George Vaillant writes that “there are two pillars of happiness revealed by the seventy-five-year-old Grant Study. One is love. The other… Read more

Dear Christine: Should I See a Therapist?

A member of the Sandwich Generation struggles with feeling overwhelmed, sad, and stuck. Dear Christine, My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s two years ago, just… Read more

Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it. — Swedish Proverb

Swedish Proverb

“Love me when I least deserve it, because that’s when I really need it.” Swedish Proverb Read more

Should You Talk to Strangers?

A half dozen recent studies demonstrate the power that connecting with strangers has to make us happier. Research also suggests that that talking to strangers… Read more

Photo by Amy Reed on Unsplash

How to Improve Your Luck. Seriously.

“Lucky people meet their perfect partners, achieve their lifelong ambitions, find fulfilling careers, and live happy and meaningful lives. Their success is not due to… Read more

Thursday Thought

“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.” Maya Angelou Read more

Thursday Thought

Luck is a dividend of sweat. The more you sweat, the luckier you get. Ray Kroc Read more

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

Thursday Thought

“Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light.” Helen Keller As we look ahead to the weekend and… Read more

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Audrey Hepburn

Thursday Thought

“The best thing to hold onto in life is each other.” Audrey Hepburn Read more

Misery Loves Expectations

Irritated with your husband (or your wife)? You probably expect too much. I find it ironic that the month after Valentine’s Day tends to be… Read more

Happiness Tip: Let Someone See Who You Really Are

These days, you can have both an actual life AND a life you present to others that’s been optimized for your audience. There can be what… Read more

I'm not in this world to live up to your expectations and you're not in this world to live up to mine. Bruce Lee

Thursday Thought

“I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in this world to live up to mine.” Bruce Lee Read more

Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale."--anonymous quotation

Thursday Thought

“Once in awhile, right in the middle of an ordinary life, love gives us a fairy tale.” –anonymous quotation Read more

4 Ways to Keep the Flames Alive

4 Ways to Keep Passion Alive

Research shows that with a little elbow grease, romance can last a lifetime. This week, put some energy into your relationship. How can you best improve… Read more

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved."--George Sand

Thursday Thought

  “There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved.” George Sand Read more

Questions to Bring You Closer

Like it or not, the season of love is beginning! Already the stores are filled with cheesy red-and-pink Valentine-related stuff. Why not use this Valentine’s… Read more

"Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; you shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense." --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday Thought

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could; some blunders and absurdities have crept in; forget them as soon… Read more

Unless you are some sort of superhero, you will not be able to establish a new habit perfectly the first time.

Thursday Thought

Unless you are some sort of superhero, you will not be able to establish a new habit perfectly the first time. Christine Carter Resolutions Slipping?… Read more

Passion + Adversity = Success?

Now that the kids are back in school, I’m thinking about what really leads to success—as well as happiness. Part 3 in a 3 part series.… Read more

Resolutions Slipping? 5 Quick Ways to Stay the Course

We all understand that when we first attempt to drive a car or ride a bike, we’ll make mistakes. Behavior change is no different; it’s… Read more

The Power of Taking Time Off

Do you work around the clock, just because you can? If so, you aren’t alone. These days we check our smartphones (and laptops) constantly to… Read more

"I am larger, better than I thought, I did not know I held so much goodness." —Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road

Thursday Thought

“I am larger, better than I thought, I did not know I held so much goodness.” —Walt Whitman, Song of the Open Road Read more

Habits are everything

Habits Are Everything

You might know how to be happy, but can you do it? Watch a video of any elite athlete or performer before a big game… Read more

“The remedy is not to suppress negative experiences; when they happen, they happen. Rather, it is to foster positive experiences—and in particular, to take them in so they become a permanent part of you.” ― Rick Hanson

Thursday Thought

“The remedy is not to suppress negative experiences; when they happen, they happen. Rather, it is to foster positive experiences—and in particular, to take them… Read more

Free Webinar: New Year’s Resolutions 101

Drawing on the neuroscience of habit formation and goal-setting, I’ve developed a plan for setting and keeping resolutions that will stick. In this short webinar, I’ll… Read more

Thursday Thought

New Year’s resolutions are an amazing act of creation, an art form where the canvas is the self. —Christine Carter 3 Resolutions to Make You… Read more

3 Resolutions to Make You Happier

I do understand why people don’t like New Year’s resolutions: they can be a source of failure, year after year. Folks often pick resolutions that… Read more

Why New Year’s Resolutions Work

  Thinking of making a New Year’s Resolution this year? This quick, research-based explanation by Dr. Mike Evans of why New Year’s Resolutions are a… Read more

Be happy now. Don't wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Earl Nightingale

Thursday Thought

“Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future.” —Earl Nightingale Read more

3 Signs You Won’t Keep Your New Year’s Resolution

Like most self-help authors and coaches, I love New Year’s Resolutions. Weeks ago I started asking my kids what theirs were going to be. I… Read more

Parenting Video: The Neuroscience of Happy Memories

You can definitely try this at home! There are three steps to Rick Hanson’s “Taking in the Good” technique: 1. Teach kids to notice the… Read more

Two Surprising Ways to Make the Holidays Less Stressful

Feeling overwhelmed? Wondering how you’re going to get it all done? Wishing you could just lie down? You aren’t alone. The holidays can be stressful.… Read more

If what kids are really seeking is greater happiness and fulfillment, materialism is a terrible coping method --Christine Carter

Thursday Thought

“If what kids are really seeking is greater happiness and fulfillment, materialism is a terrible coping method.” –Christine Carter, Making the Holidays More Meaningful –… Read more

Photo by Andrew Neel on Unsplash

Making the Holidays More Meaningful – and Less Materialistic

Last year about this time, an Instagram photo showing a mountain of shiny wrapped presents – nearly as large as the seven-foot Christmas tree behind it –… Read more

Materialism is a cycle. Unhappiness tends to lead to materialism which feeds back into those feelings of unhappiness.

Thursday Thought

“Materialism is a cycle. Unhappiness tends to lead to materialism which feeds back into those feelings of unhappiness.” ― Christine Carter, Shopping is not a… Read more

Shopping is not a Happiness Strategy

 “A new dress doesn’t get you anywhere; it’s the life you’re living in the dress, and the sort of life you had lived before,… Read more

Thursday Thought

“How come your family knows how to push your buttons? Because they installed them…” ― Elizabeth Gilbert The Easiest Way to Deal With a Difficult… Read more

20 Questions to Ask at Your Holiday Dinner

Like many families, ours followed this year’s midterm elections with passion. This will no doubt give us lots to talk about over the holidays and… Read more

Unlike learning a new language, practicing gratitude can be blissfully simple. Just count the things in your life that you feel thankful for. Just count the things in your life that you feel thankful for.

Thursday Thought

Unlike learning a new language, practicing gratitude can be blissfully simple. Just count the things in your life that you feel thankful for. —Christine Carter,… Read more

5 New Ways to Feel More Grateful

One of the most powerful positive emotions we have in this life is gratitude; mountains of research indicate that gratitude is part of the happiness… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Our success and happiness are based as much on what we choose NOT to do as what we choose to do.” —Christine Carter Do You… Read more

"Let others be consumed with the chase if they choose to, while you learn to relax. Rather than focusing outward, turn inward." --Wayne Dyer, paraphrasing Lao-tzu in the Tao Te Ching

Thursday Thought

“Let others be consumed with the chase if they choose to, while you learn to relax. Rather than focusing outward, turn inward.” —Wayne Dyer, paraphrasing… Read more

How to Raise Grateful Kids

  “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion… Read more

How Independent Should Our Teenagers Be?

When one of our teens, who shall remain nameless, was 15, my husband Mark and I got a surprising email from another parent we’ll call… Read more

"The perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun.”

Thursday Thought

“The perfect is not only the enemy of the good; it’s also the enemy of the realistic, the possible, and the fun.” —Rebecca Solnit Why… Read more

Do You Sabotage Yourself?

Our success and happiness are based as much on what we choose NOT to do as what we choose to do. What things in your… Read more

Thursday Thought

“I’ll take a small success over an ambitious failure any day.” –Christine Carter How to Get Better at Reaching Your Goals   Read more

Life is not a dress rehearsal. Every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment. Sally Karioth

Thursday Thought

“Life is not a dress rehearsal. Every day, you should have at least one exquisite moment.” Sally Karioth Read more

Three-Counterintuitive-Ways-to-be-Courageous-Dr.-Christine-Carter

Three Counterintuitive Ways to be Courageous

Last week, I lead a workshop for 20 top female executives from around the world — it was a great pleasure and a great honor. We… Read more

Parenting Video: Harnessing the Power of Dinnertime

Dining with one’s friends and beloved family is certainly one of life’s primal and most innocent delights, one that it is both soul-satisfying and eternal.”… Read more

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How to take a break from your phone, email, and work

Being constantly connected to our work and smartphones makes us feel vaguely stressed and anxious. It prevents us from focusing and thinking deeply, and from… Read more

Photo by Sarah Diniz Outeiro on Unsplash

Tips for Letting Go of Old Regrets

Recently, I went to high school Back-to-School night with my first husband, Mike, and we ran into a colleague of his I’d never met before.… Read more

Thursday Thought

First keep the peace within yourself, then you can also bring peace to others. Thomas A. Kempis Read more

Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. --Rainer Maria Rilke

Thursday Thought

Love consists in this, that two solitudes protect and touch and greet each other. –Rainer Maria Rilke Read more

Never give from the depths of your well, but from your overflow. --Rumi

Find Ease This Weekend

Are you longing for more meaningful work or more fulfilling relationships? Or just more time to focus on what matters most? (Or how about just… Read more

How to Be Anxious and Miserable

Sometimes it’s easier to see how we can achieve fulfillment and contentment when we examine what we’re doing in to sabotage them. I hope you… Read more

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome. — Anne Bradstreet

Thursday Thought

If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.… Read more

Do You Want to Feel More Confident? Or Successful? What About Content?

What do you want to feel more of in this one wild and precious life (as Mary Oliver would say)? I’m not wondering about what… Read more

You cannot lead where you do not go." --Author Unknown

Thursday Thought

You cannot lead where you do not go. –Author Unknown Read more

To live and let live, without clamor for distinction or recognition; . . . to write truth first on the tablet of one's own heart— this is the sanity and perfection of living, and my human ideal. Mary Baker Eddy

Thursday Thought

To live and let live, without clamor for distinction or recognition; . . . to write truth first on the tablet of one’s own heart—… Read more

What Will People Say When You Pass Away?

Since her own bout with burn-out and crippling exhaustion, Arianna Huffington has been giving great advice for finding greater meaning and fulfillment in life: Start… Read more

The opposite of talking isn’t listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. --Fran Lebowitz

Thursday Thought

The opposite of talking isn’t listening. The opposite of talking is waiting. Fran Lebowitz Read more

Is Screen Time Toxic for Teenagers?

Screen time is a likely cause of the ongoing surge in teen depression, anxiety, and suicide. Some days, I can see how profoundly anti-social technology… Read more

How to Fulfill New School Year Resolutions

Help your kids reach their goals this school year. (Or set some goals for yourself!) Now that our summer break is wrapping up, I’ve started… Read more

On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean." --Aldous Huxley

Thursday Thought

On no account brood over your wrongdoing. Rolling in the muck is not the best way of getting clean. –Aldous Huxley Read more

Flow Class: Finding Meaning at Work

“Success is about getting; significance is about giving: we make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” –Satinder… Read more

How to Ditch the Drama in Your Relationships

“You are unimaginably cruel. I could never have done something like that to you.” One of my clients—we’ll call her Sara—received that in a nasty… Read more

Parenting Video: How to Foster Grit

 This video is the 4th in a series about fostering academic success from The Raising Happiness Homestudy. It covers: Why relieving kids’ pain also takes… Read more

Chase Meaning, Not Happiness

These days, a lot of people don’t feel totally in control of their choices and their priorities, especially at work. But you do always have the freedom… Read more

Unkindness almost always stands for the displeasure that one has in oneself.” -- Adrienne Monnier

Thursday Thought

“Unkindness almost always stands for the displeasure that one has in oneself.” — Adrienne Monnier Read more

Flow Class: The Problem with Pursuing Pleasure

 This video is from a series about how we choose to spend our time in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. “Compelling research… Read more

When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that in itself is a choice." -- William James

Thursday Thought

When you have to make a choice and don’t make it, that in itself is a choice.” — William James Read more

Parenting Video: Raising Learners

 “The only thing you can control is your own effort.” –Theodora van den Beld This video is the 1st in a series about fostering… Read more

Thursday Thought

Whoever is happy will make others happy too. — Anne Frank Read more

Flow Class: What is Productivity, Really?

To me, productivity is the ability to produce or create something of value and meaning for myself and others.  As such, productivity as a “knowledge worker”… Read more

The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.” ― Diane Arbus

Thursday Thought

The thing that’s important to know is that you never know. You’re always sort of feeling your way.” ― Diane Arbus Read more

Bring Back the Raising Happiness Habit Tracker!

 This video is the 4th in a series about being happier as a parent from The Raising Happiness Homestudy. Watch the rest of the videos… Read more

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. --Albert Schweitzer

Thursday Thought

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” Albert… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Learn how to take criticism seriously, but not personally.” –Hillary Clinton Read more

“We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluable problems.” –Lee Iacocca

Thursday Thought

“We are continually faced by great opportunities brilliantly disguised as insoluble problems.” –Lee Iacocca Read more

Why Parents Aren’t Happy

 We say [‘I’m SO BUSY’] to one another with no small degree of pride, as if our exhaustion were a trophy, our ability to… Read more

Thursday Thought

“I’m grateful that I didn’t let fear get the best of me. It only holds you back from possibilities and greatness.” Mariska Hargitay Read more

Overwork… Doesn’t Work

This post is from a series about the ideal worker archetype in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Read the rest here. We can… Read more

Thursday Thought

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock. -Thomas Jefferson Read more

Want to Feel Appreciated on Mother’s Day?

Here’s an icky confession: I used to dread Mother’s Day. When I first became a mother, the holiday somehow left me feeling unappreciated. I tended to… Read more

Thursday Thought

“The primary cause of unhappiness is never the situation but your thoughts about it.” –Eckhart Tolle Read more

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu

Thursday Thought

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage. Lao Tzu Read more

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Thursday Thought

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more

A society grows great when old [people] plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in. - Greek Proverb -

Thursday Thought

“A society grows great when old [people] plant trees whose shade they know they shall never sit in.” Greek Proverb Read more

Meet Your Instructor

A sociologist and senior fellow at UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center, Christine Carter, Ph.D., is the author of The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your… Read more

Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone - we find it with another. Thomas Merton

Thursday Thought

Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone – we find it with another. Thomas Merton Read more

How to be Imperfect

Last autumn, horrific wildfires raged near our home. People we knew were losing their houses left and right. In the midst of disaster, I had… Read more

Love is a better teacher than duty. Albert Einstein

Thursday Thought

Love is a better teacher than duty. Albert Einstein Read more

Immature love says: 'I love you because I need you.' Mature love says 'I need you because I love you.' Erich Fromm

Thursday Thought

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’ Erich Fromm Read more

You Spot It, You Got It

The other night, I did something that I am not proud of. We have four teenagers, so dinnertime is never dull, but this particular evening… Read more

"You could search the whole world and never find anyone as deserving of your love as yourself.” - Buddha

Thursday Thought

You could search the whole world and never find anyone as deserving of your love as yourself. Buddha Read more

How to Have a Good Valentine's Day

How to Create More Loving Relationships

Research shows that our feelings of being in love come from what we do and how we behave around our beloveds — more than from… Read more

Let nothing dim the light that shines from within. —Maya Angelou

Thursday Thought

Let nothing dim the light that shines from within. —Maya Angelou Read more

Should You Stay or Should You Go?

Lucky us: We live in a world where many of us have an abundance of choices–where to live, what to do for a living, and,… Read more

We must be our own before we can be another's. --Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday Thought

We must be our own before we can be another’s. –Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

3 Things I Wish Parents – and Teens – Knew About Pot

3 Things I Wish More Parents – and Teens – Knew About Pot

We live in California, where marijuana is now, as of Jan. 1, legal for recreational use. My four teens report that pot is already very easy to… Read more

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. —Nelson Mandela

Nelson Mandela

A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination. —Nelson Mandela Read more

Thursday Thought

Not everything that can be counted counts, and not everything that counts can be counted. —William Bruce Cameron Thanks to the kind reader who informed… Read more

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? —Mary Oliver

Mary Oliver

Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? —Mary Oliver Read more

Book Giveaway

Book Giveaway!

Happy New Year!! I’ve teamed up with a few of my favorite authors to offer you the chance to win signed copies of these great happiness and productivity books.… Read more

It's not to late to join our Brave Over Perfect coaching group! Our next live call is on January 10th. That gives you plenty of time to listen to the call recording where I laid the foundation for setting goals and thinking about changes you’d like to make in 2018. Our Brave Over Perfect coaching group is a highly effective and extremely inexpensive alternative to life coaching and, for some people, therapy. If you’re interested in personal growth, this is less a lot less work than reading a book (and at only $20 for three calls, it’s totally affordable). Learn more or Register now.

Find more joy and fulfillment this year

It’s not to late to join our Brave Over Perfect coaching group! Our next live call is on January 10th. That gives you plenty of time… Read more

And now let us welcome the New Year—full of things that have never been. —Rainer Maria Rilke

Rainer Maria Rilke

And now let us welcome the New Year—full of things that have never been. —Rainer Maria Rilke Read more

Flow Class Activity: Tell Your People

Emerson once wrote, “The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Hide the Bowl of Candy

If you were trying to eat less candy, would you carry a bowl of it around with you? Would you put it on your nightstand… Read more

Happiness Habits Worth Cultivating

Happiness Habits Worth Cultivating

Happy New Year! Do you need some ideas for how to be happy in the New Year?  Check out this oldie but goodie Greater Good graphic!… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Designate Device-Free Time

Just because we can take a laptop into the bathroom does not mean that this is a sensible thing to do. (Fecal matter can be… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Take a Minute to Disable Notifications

We all know we’d do well to disable the push features, alerts, and notifications on our mobile devices, desktop, and laptop computers that distract us.… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Prepare to Drop Into THE ZONE

This video and post are from a series about how to focus from my online course, the Science of Finding Flow. Although we usually assume… Read more

Flow Class: 5 Ways to Stay on Your Detox

This post is from a series about gaining control of your time, attention and energy in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Read the… Read more

Flow Class: Is Checking Email Productive?

 This short video is from a series about gaining control of your time, attention and energy in my online course, Science of Finding Flow.… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Schedule Specific Checking Times

Instead of just willing ourselves not to check our phones, social media, and email so often, we need to configure our online time so that… Read more

If you do not have a dream in your pocket, run, don’t walk, and find yourself a dream to become and be. —Harry Lee McGinnis

Harry Lee McGinnis

If you do not have a dream in your pocket, run, don’t walk, and find yourself a dream to become and be. —Harry Lee McGinnis Read more

Remember this: Very little is needed to make a happy life. —Marcus Aurelius

Thursday Thought

Remember this: Very little is needed to make a happy life. —Marcus Aurelius Read more

He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much. —Lao Tzu

Thursday Thought

He who obtains has little. He who scatters has much. —Lao Tzu Read more

You must not ever stop being whimsical. —Mary Oliver

Thursday Thought

You must not ever stop being whimsical. —Mary Oliver Read more

3 Steps to a Low-Stress, High Joy Holiday Season

Many people love the idea of the holidays more than their actual experience of them — mostly because their list of holiday-related tasks and obligations… Read more

How to Cope with a Difficult Relative Over the Holidays

My paternal grandmother died young, at age 49; within a year of her death, my grandfather had remarried the woman who would become my grandma.… Read more

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. —Eden Ahbez

Thursday Thought

The greatest thing you’ll ever learn is just to love and be loved in return. —Eden Ahbez Read more

When is it Better to Just “Fake it”?

People seem to be taking issue with my claim that happiness comes when we live with total integrity—when we stop people-pleasing and start living more… Read more

The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in. —James Arthur Baldwin

Thursday Thought

The world is before you, and you need not take it or leave it as it was when you came in. —James Arthur Baldwin Read more

Accessing Authenticity

What if you didn’t have to worry about what other people think of you? Does your body sigh with relief at the thought of all… Read more

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook. —William James

Thursday Thought

The art of being wise is knowing what to overlook. —William James Read more

What Does it Mean to be Brave Over Perfect?

Susie: In the summer of 2016, when I received some horrible news about my health, I sent my family camping and sat on my bed… Read more

If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. —Mother Teresa

Mother Teresa

  If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. —Mother Teresa Read more

Teaching Teens to 'Just Say No'

Teaching Teens to ‘Just Say No’

Today’s teens are busy. Last week, one of my teens was sitting in the kitchen replying to her emails while I prepped dinner. “Help me… Read more

Thursday Thought

“May I be the tiniest nail in the house of the universe, tiny but useful.” -Mary Oliver (Upstream) Read more

"No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible." -- George Chakiris

Thursday Thought

“No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible.” — George Chakiris Read more

The Secret to Happiness Webinar

What is the Secret to Happiness?

Everyone I meet eventually asks me this question, usually sooner rather than later. The good news is that there are many secrets to happiness. But… Read more

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. --Corrie ten Boom

Corrie ten Boom

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength. –Corrie ten Boom Read more

How to Say No Gracefully

Three Steps to Say “No” Gracefully

Yesterday, a friend asked me if she could borrow my car to run a long-distance errand because my little car gets better mileage than her… Read more

It's a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one's life and find at the end that one has no more to offer (by way of advice) than this: Try to be a little kinder. --Aldous Huxley

Thursday Thought

It’s a bit embarrassing to have been concerned with the human problem all one’s life and find at the end that one has no more… Read more

Thursday Thought

There is no path to peace. Peace is the path. — Mahatma Gandhi Read more

The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. --Marcus Aurelius

Thursday Thought

  The happiness of your life depends upon the quality of your thoughts. –Marcus Aurelius Read more

"If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." -Mother Teresa

Thursday Thought

“If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa Read more

How to Get Better at Reaching Your Goals

Busy women tend to struggle with similar challenges. We get overwhelmed. We take care of others before we take care of ourselves. We question our… Read more

Ask yourself this question: 'Will this matter a year from now?' -- Richard Carlson

Thursday Thought

“Ask yourself this question: ‘Will this matter a year from now?’” — Richard Carlson Read more

We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.

Elie Wiesel

“We must take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented. “Sometimes we must interfere. When human lives… Read more

my-best-happiness-advice-christine-carter

Back-to-School Happiness Advice (Video)

We have four teenagers headed to high school — two of them 9th graders at new schools this week. Remember how nerve-wracking it can be… Read more

Flow Class: Finding Meaning at Work

This excerpt is from a series about how we choose to spend our time in my online course, Science of Finding Flow.    We assume… Read more

Every girl must decide whether to settle for adoration or to fight for love. --Glennon Doyle Melton

Thursday Thought

  “Every girl must decide whether to settle for adoration or to fight for love.” –Glennon Doyle Melton Read more

How to Get Kids to do Chores

“Work is not man’s punishment. It is his reward and his strength and his pleasure.” –George Sand   Parenting Practice: Getting Kids to Do Boring But… Read more

Welcome, Susie! (And our new website!)

Friends! I want you to meet Susie! She and I have been friends since 1995, when we were both hired out of college to mentor teenagers… Read more

Shantideva

“The source of all happiness relies in thinking of others.” —Shantideva Read more

What is Productivity, Really?

This post is from a series about the ideal worker archetype in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Read the rest here. To me,… Read more

A Day Lived in the Sweet Spot (Infographic) - Christine Carter

Eight Ways to Achieve More While Working Less

I spend about five hours a day slacking off. Really: I spend that much time doing stuff I enjoy, that isn’t on a task list anywhere.… Read more

A Day Lived in the Sweet Spot (Infographic) - Christine Carter

A Day Lived in the Sweet Spot (Infographic)

Read more

What Makes Teens ‘Most Likely to Succeed?’

As a sociologist who’s done much research on elite performance and productivity, I’ve given a lot of thought to the skills that lead to success… Read more

Directions for Handling a Toxic Relationship

Last week, I had lunch with a friend. As we were walking out, she mentioned that she had to see someone who hadn’t always been… Read more

How to Help Your Teen Deal With Stress

“Are your kids totally happy and squared away?” a reporter recently asked me earnestly during an interview. Gah. I really hate that question. My kids… Read more

Greater Happiness in 5 Minutes a Day

Want a quick hit of happiness? Research demonstrates the incredible power of loving-kindness meditation; in fact, this simple practice might be more effective than Prozac. Also… Read more

three-brain-traps-that-make-you-wasteful-christine-carter

Why We Aren’t as Good at Saving the Earth as We Want to Be

A little while ago at a birthday soiree, I got to sit across from one of UC Berkeley’s cutting-edge ocean researchers. I asked him to explain… Read more

Confessions of a Bad Meditator

When I was in high school, my advisor, Michael Mulligan, called my parents to recommend a special treatment for my anxiety: Transcendental Meditation (“TM”). I was… Read more

10 Conversation Starters for Talking to Teens About Sex

Personally, I would love it if we could just have one “sex talk” with our kids and be done with it. Or, it would be… Read more

happiness-tip-let-yourself-feel-what-you-feel-christine-carter

Happiness Tip: Let Yourself Feel What You Feel

We are living in an age of anxiety, and when we feel stressed out (or sad, or disappointed, for that matter) our world offers us… Read more

The Power of Truth Telling

Read more

the-importance-of-alone-time-christine-carter

Spend Some Time Alone

Usually, you’ll hear me tellin’ ya to spend more time with friends. This is because the best predictor of a person’s happiness is the breadth… Read more

The New Sex Talk: 3 Tips to Get You Started

The summer before I started high school, unbeknownst to me, my mother tasked my father with giving me the “sex talk” on a six-hour road… Read more

Happiness Tip: Lower Your Expectations

My father — the most disciplined person I’ve ever known — always quips that his “only goal is to climb a low mountain.” As an… Read more

Three Risky Ways to Fall Deeply in Love

Love feels magical and biological—something that just happens to us, something beyond our control. Research shows, however, that love is better thought of as behavioral—or… Read more

What’s a Good Friend Worth?

We spend a lot of time working, hoping to increase our feelings of well-being by making more money. But we’d do better to cultivate our… Read more

Tuesday Tip: The Best Habit To Start Now

You already know, of course, that getting into a regular exercise routine is probably the best thing you can do for yourself — whether you… Read more

FREE Live Webinar: Awakening Joy in Kids

Mark your calendars! I’m hosting a free, 45-minute online webinar on January 10, 2017 with James Baraz and Michele Lilyanna. We’ll be talking about their new… Read more

Health & Happiness Reminder: Try Meditation

I’m sure you already know this: Scores of studies have shown the benefits of meditation to be broad and profound, including the inducement of positive… Read more

How do you want to feel?

This post is from a series about how we choose to spend our time in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Read the rest… Read more

How to Amplify Your Positive Emotions

Sometimes good things happen to us, but we don’t really register them — we hardly look up from our phones, we barely slow down to… Read more

Why It’s Generous to Ask for a Favor

A fun fact: Asking for favors can strengthen your connections to other people. Because giving to others brings the giver such huge benefits, when we give others… Read more

Flow Class: The Perils of Multitasking

This post is from a series about how to focus from my online course, the Science of Finding Flow. It is incredibly easy to tip… Read more

Sleep and Exercise Make Us Happy and Smart

 This video is the 1st in a series about high impact happiness routines from The Raising Happiness Homestudy. Check out the rest of the Homestudy… Read more

Flow Class: Step Awaaaay From the Busyness Competition

This fun video and short post is from a series about how to focus from my online course, the Science of Finding Flow. Does anything… Read more

Get a Life…and Get More Work Done!

“Creative people’s brains unconsciously connect experiences they’ve had. Which means they’ve probably had a lot of diverse experiences; that’s the raw material of insight.” Worried what… Read more

Flow Tip: Take a Nap

I know. I know! I know what you are thinking right now: Now you’re really pushing it, lady. You WANT to take a nap. You may even… Read more

Flow Class Activity: What Makes You Happy?

When was the last time you felt a strong positive emotion? Perhaps you felt really grateful, joyful. or excited. Can you identify the circumstances and… Read more

The Benefits of Slacking-Off

Slacking-off has several obvious benefits. For starters, we human beings need stillness in order to recharge our batteries. The constant stream of external stimulation that… Read more

The Problem with Nothing

I’m endlessly fascinated by a series of studies led by Tim Wilson where the research subjects were put alone in a room, with nothing to… Read more

Are you bored? Or threatened?

“Even more than they are boring, downtime and daydreaming are threatening to our sense of self.” Join the Discussion How would you feel if you… Read more

Welcome to Unit 5 – Slack Off!

 “When was the last time you just did nothing? I mean NOTHING AT ALL?” This short video is from a series about “strategic slacking” from… Read more

Are Your Relationship Problems Solvable? (Raising Happiness Homestudy)

 Never let a problem to be solved become more important than the person to be loved. –Barbara Johnson Welcome to Theme 5 of the… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Build Yourself a Focus Fortress

This is a recommended practice from a series about how to focus in my online course, Science of Finding Flow.  When we are re-building our… Read more

Day Dreaming 101

Ever feel like you’ve lost time and productivity because you couldn’t keep your mind from wandering? I can’t believe that I’m writing this, but perhaps… Read more

How to Keep Friendship from Fading

As an affectionate extrovert, I probably have always been a bit predisposed to creating “micro-moments of positive connection” with others. (If you aren’t sure what… Read more

Performance Tip: Swap Stress for Courage

There you are, freaking out in front of your colleagues when you should be calmly giving a presentation. Or you’re sweating bullets in the ER,… Read more

Quick Happiness Tip: Foster Curiosity

What are you curious about? What have you been meaning to look up? What is really interesting to you these days? Go ahead, Google it!… Read more

The Key to Effective Apologies

People make mistakes in relationships all. the. time. Not just bad people, or weak people. All people. Our mistakes are what make us human. And… Read more

The Great Happiness Amplifier

The advent of social media connections has introduced a lot of confusion when it comes to the strength of our social fabric and our ties to one… Read more

Finding Inspiration and Awe

In our rigorous pursuit of happiness, we often forget that inspiration—along with its cousins elevation and awe—are positive emotions that make us feel more content,… Read more

Photo by bady qb on Unsplash

How to Teach Kids Optimism

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” —Oscar Wilde   Covered in This Video: Three easy ways… Read more

The Power of Office Friendship

It probably won’t surprise you to learn that research shows that having an ability to build relationships predicts how well people do at work. I was a… Read more

Welcome to Unit 7: FLOURISH!

“What if I told you that you have a good deal of control over your emotions? Here’s how.” This short video is from a series… Read more

Wrapping up Unit 2…

This post is from a series about how we choose to spend our time in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Read the rest… Read more

Need a Quick Hit of Happiness?

This quick video is about the some research-based low-hanging happiness fruit you can pick right now. 🙂 More low-hanging fruit: Watching amusing videos online. According to a study… Read more

How to Coach Yourself

So you’ve finished taking “The Science of Finding Flow”? Wondering what now? Well, I have good news and I have bad news, folks. First the… Read more

Happiness Tip: Do a Few Quick Favors

There are countless things we can do for others that take very little of our time. We can make an introduction, help a fellow traveler… Read more

Flow Tip: Eat Lunch, Even if You Are Super Busy

Are you too busy to leave your desk to eat lunch? If so, you aren’t alone, as only 1 in 5 office workers regularly takes… Read more

Should You Feel Happier More Often?

Research shows that “flourishing” people are happier and more resilient. These are the are high-functioning individuals who score well on things such as self-acceptance, purpose… Read more

Flow Tip: Take a BREAK

Are your feeling too overwhelmed and time-starved to slack-off? Then what you need more than time to work is downtime. You need a BREAK. Today, take… Read more

How to Inspire Behavior Change in Kids

 “Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.” –Robert Louis Stevenson Parenting Practice: Fostering Behavior Change Think… Read more

Flow Class Worksheet: Outline Your Flow Ritual

This is a recommended practice from a series about how to focus in my online course, Science of Finding Flow.  Using the list you generated… Read more

The Surprising Benefits of Generosity

So if our happiness and our success are best predicted by the quantity and quality of our relationships with others, and our relationships are built… Read more

The Happiness Tipping Point

Over time, our broadened vision and the other positive effects of happiness grow. There is, as doctors say, a dosage effect or, more accurately, a… Read more

Some Final Thoughts

“It’s very important to remember that this work doesn’t end here.” Join the Discussion What helped you the most in this course? What do you… Read more

Flow Class: An Illness We Are Choosing

This video is from a series about how to focus in my online course, the Science of Finding Flow. Busyness is a sign that we… Read more

Flow Class: How Bad, Really, Are Interruptions?

This post is from a series about how to focus from my online course, the Science of Finding Flow. Several years ago, I devised a… Read more

Flow Class Activity: Schedule Time to Single-Task

This is a recommended practice from a series about how to focus in my online course, Science of Finding Flow.  Do you want to focus… Read more

Happiness Tip: Send Well Wishes

 LOVING-KINDNESS MEDITATION AUDIO (MP3) When I’m feeling stressed or overwhelmed or just a little sorry for myself, I make a conscious effort to think like… Read more

Where Creativity Comes From

So what is actually happening in your brain when you stare into space, or when you let your mind wander? Turns out, a LOT. We… Read more

Wrapping Up Unit 8

“The more connected you feel, the happier and more successful you are likely to be.” Join the Discussion What worked best for you in this… Read more

What Science Shows Happy Couples Do

 This video is the 4th in a series about the science of great relationships from the Raising Happiness Homestudy. This week, why not do some… Read more

Happiness Tip: Smile at the Barista

Did you know that research show that a even brief connection with a stranger can make us happier? In one study, researchers randomly assigned volunteers… Read more

How to Emotion Coach Kids

 Patience, n. A minor form of despair disguised as virtue. –Ambrose Bierce Welcome to Theme 4 of the Raising Happiness Homestudy. In this theme you’ll… Read more

The Secret to Happiness at Work

So what does the “real ideal worker” ACTUALLY look like? If you’re finishing this “The Science of Finding Flow” online class, I’m guessing you know by… Read more

Why Happiness Makes Us More Intelligent

 When we are happy, we are more creative and motivated, more productive and skilled socially. This means that when we are joyful—or experiencing even… Read more

The Problem with Rewards

This video is the 2nd in a series about boosting emotional intelligence from The Raising Happiness Homestudy. Check out the rest of the Homestudy here. Parenting… Read more

Perfectionism is a Disease

This video is the 3rd in a series about fostering academic success from The Raising Happiness Homestudy. Watch the rest of the videos here. “They say… Read more

How to Close the Gender Wage Gap

Did you know that women still make only 79 cents to men’s dollar—and that this income differential has barely budged in the last decade? At… Read more

The Power of Positive Emotions

All of our emotions, both positive and negative, can have a profound physiological effect on our bodies and our brains. We feel this the most… Read more

 Wrapping Up Unit 7

“The most powerful emotions of all (are) love, empathy and compassion.” This post is taken from “The Science of Finding Flow,” an online course I… Read more

And the Single Strongest Predictor of Happiness Is…

“People with many social connections are less likely to experience sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, and problems with eating and sleeping, and are more likely to… Read more

Pick Your Top 5 Priorities

Once you’ve identified what will bring you joy, ease, strength, and meaning in your life — or how you otherwise hope to feel— it’s time… Read more

The Virtue of Love, Even at Work

As it turns out, all positive emotions were not created equally. Love and the similar emotions that we experience when we feel connected socially—like affection,… Read more

Two Powerful Things You Can Say to Kids

 “The only thing you can control is your own effort.” –Theodora van den Beld This video is the 1st in a series about fostering… Read more

Putting Science of Success Into Action

“I don’t divide the world into the weak and the strong, or the successes and the failures… I divide the world into the learners and… Read more

How to Pick a Fight (Raising Happiness Homestudy)

 What are the four things doomed couples do when they argue? More importantly, what is it that you and your partner do? Fortunately, we… Read more

Flow Class: Countering the Novelty Bias

This post is from a series about gaining control of your time, attention and energy in my online course, Science of Finding Flow. Most of… Read more

Flow Class: The REAL Ideal Worker

You now have some really important tools for creating a more just, productive, and innovative society. You are now equipped to solve some of the… Read more

Happiness Tip: Take Time to Rest

This may be “the happiest time of year” for some, but if it isn’t for you, I think it’s at least in part because we… Read more

The Simplest Way to Feel More Joyful (Right Now)

“Abundance can be had simply by consciously receiving what has already been given.” — Sufi Saying Everywhere I go, people ask me this one question:… Read more

Stress-Relieving Tips for the Holidays

I joined Candace Rose for an interview to discuss how we can avoid disappointment this season and stop being so hard on ourselves, the secret… Read more

How to Enjoy the Holidays

My teens are obsessed with Christmas carols this year (and every year). “It’s the holidays!” they exclaim when I suggest that perhaps we could listen to… Read more

stress-relieving-tips-for-the-holidays-video-christine-carter

How to Buy Happiness

Even though we say we can’t buy happiness, we often behave as though we can. Why else would we spend so much time shopping? What… Read more

Why Start Exercising, Now, Over the Holidays?

If you are anything like me, you are not inclined to join a gym, or start training for a new race, or begin an exciting new exercise plan right… Read more

How to Practice Extreme Gratitude

Ahh, Thanksgiving. For many of us regular gratitude-practicers, this extra grateful time of year can seem like a bit like more of the same. Sometimes… Read more

Take a Hike

My grandmother always told me that getting outside for a little walk could clear our heads and lift our spirits; now we have plenty of… Read more

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The Best Way to Protect Yourself From a Cold this Winter

“But who could have foreseen . . . that he would die a happy, giving, and beloved man? Only those who understand that happiness is… Read more

Practice Saying No

We are coming to that time of the year that is both blessed and cursed with zillions of invitations. Here are some that are in… Read more

Are You Busy or Productive?

Until a couple of years ago, every time someone would ask me how I was doing, I would always give the same answer: I am… Read more

9 Ways to Ease Overwhelm

Ever feel like you are constantly drinking from a firehose of information? We have more information (and stuff) coming at us than ever before. In… Read more

The Real Cost of Interruption

Several years ago, I devised a system for quickly getting into the “zone” while I wrote. Free from distractions and interruptions, I worked quickly, joyfully,… Read more

My children and stepchildren

Why Being a Stepmom Makes Me a Better Parent

Though you probably didn’t realize that today is a national holiday celebrating blended families (who knew?), I’m taking a moment to relish being a stepmom.… Read more

Color Your World With Kindness

Small acts of kindness can positively change the feelings and attitudes of everyone around you! Read more

Grit Needs Passion, Not Fear

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” — Albert Einstein When I first started writing about how to foster… Read more

How to Achieve Your Goals on Autopilot - Christine Carter

How to Achieve Your Goals on Autopilot

At each turn of each season, lots of achievement-oriented people set goals. The start of the school year is my favorite time to do this for… Read more

Why Staring into Space is an Important Strategy for Success

The answer is a cliché: You were probably in the shower. Creativity doesn’t come from the bathroom, we know, but it sure does seem highly… Read more

Restoring Teens’ Identities

There are so many ways to make other people’s lives better. This video inspired me to think about how I can best use my own talents to help people… Read more

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Are You a People Pleaser?

People ask me all the time what the secret to happiness is. “If you had to pick just one thing,” they wonder, “what would be… Read more

How To Remain Productive Over The Summer

Researchers believe that the brains in both humans and animals evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior, and that our daily rituals and habits are… Read more

19 Ways to Reduce Workplace Stress

A new poll by NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, and Harvard’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health finds extraordinary levels of workplace stress, with… Read more

What Kids Really Want From Vacation

As a follow up to how — and why — you need to take a real vacation, I offer you this sound advice from Kid… Read more

Feeling Time Starved?

Are you feeling anxious or frustrated that you don’t have enough time? If you’ve got 20 minutes, I’ve got a new free webinar you’ll appreciate.… Read more

"You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck". --Ru

Thursday Thought

“You wander from room to room hunting for the diamond necklace that is already around your neck”. –Rumi Read more

My country is the world, and my religion is to do good." --Thomas Paine

Thursday Thought

“My country is the world, and my religion is to do good.” –Thomas Paine Read more

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Parent Shaming

Parent shaming is not a happiness habit. Parenting isn’t easy for anyone. Seek out ways to support each other rather than breaking each other down. Read more

Father’s Day Inspiration

In honor of my dear old dad, who is decidedly NOT old, and who is redefining aging for me and my children every day. #HappyFathersDay Read more

Keep Loving Each Other

“Keep loving each other, keep respecting each other, and keep on dancing.” –Jimmy Fallon Read more

Thursday Thought

Control is an illusion. Really, your only choices in each moment are: How much Grace and Beauty you can show up with? And how well… Read more

14 Steps for Self Care

So many good tips in this video! Read more

Thursday Thought

“Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have.” –Jim Rohn Read more

At 100, Still Running for Her Life

I love this lady! There’s so much we can all learn from her spirit and determination. “Do the thing that you don’t like to do… Read more

Thursday Thought

“What we see depends mainly on what we look for.” –John Lubbock Read more

Tuesday Tip: Create an Anti-busyness Ritual

Researchers believe that the brains in both humans and animals evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior, and that our daily rituals are a primary… Read more

Thursday Thought

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” —Mignon McLaughlin Read more

Create a More Effective To Do List

Ah, the to-do list. Lately, I’ve had dozens of calls from high-achievers (a Head of School, a university athletic coach, a tech industry Chief Marketing… Read more

There is No Failure

Oprah speaks so many truths here, but I do love this line: “You get just as much from your losses as you do from your… Read more

Thursday Thought

“I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than the things I haven’t.” Anonymous Read more

Five Surprising Steps to a More Effective To-Do List

Ah, the to-do list. Lately, I’ve had dozens of calls from high-achievers (a Head of School, a university athletic coach, a tech industry Chief Marketing… Read more

Should We Fight Back Anger?

Or let it lay down beside us? I love this reminder about “feeding” our emotions. Read more

Thursday Thought

“Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths.” ― Etty Hillesum Read more

Tuesday Tip: Focus on One Thing at a Time

In his awesome book The Organized Mind, cognitive neuroscientist Daniel Levitin has quantified how overwhelmed by information the poor human brain is: “In 2011, Americans… Read more

Thursday Thought

Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for kindness. –Seneca Read more

The Mother’s Day Note You Deserve

I love how this Mother’s Day note captures all the little things we do to keep our families humming and happy. Happy Mothers Day! Read more

Thursday Thought

There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in. – Leonard Cohen Read more

How to Practice “Discontinuous Productivity”

Doesn’t “practice discontinuous productivity” sound so technical and important? It IS powerful, but honestly it just means: Take a break. Rest your brain. But if… Read more

Don’t text and drive

… in the mean time, enjoy this funny public service message. Read more

Thursday Thought

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world. –Anne Frank Read more

Tuesday Tip: Choose not to complain

Leading a joyful life does not mean always trying to be happy, or pretending that we don’t sometimes feel annoyed, disappointed, irritated, or hassled. These… Read more

Unconditional Love

The determination, patience and love that this father demonstrates is a lesson to all parents. Unconditional love is the answer to every question. #AutismAwareness Read more

Thursday Thought

“Where we love is home—home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” ― Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Read more

Tuesday Tip: Consider Who You’d Be Without Fear

About a year ago, a dear friend of mine gave me a gift that changed my life forever. The night before Wisdom 2.0, my friend orchestrated… Read more

Be the Punchline

Little shifts in mindset make all the difference. Read more

Thursday Thought

Right is right, even if everyone is against it; and wrong is wrong, even if everyone is for it. – William Penn Read more

Watermark Conference for Women

I’ll be in San Jose, CA in a few weeks to participate in a dynamic panel discussion on burnout. We’ll talk through how to expand the… Read more

Things Kids (Really) Want From Vacation

I’ll be back when I’m done having the time of my life. (Chuckle.) Happy Spring Break! Read more

Thursday Thought

Vulnerability is the birthplace of innovation, creativity and change — Brene Brown Read more

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The Best Way to Organize Your Email

I’ve been studying the problem of email overload and compulsive email checking for years now. The problem is massive, but totally solvable. To make email… Read more

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Tuesday Tip: Stop Compulsively Checking Email

I have a full and rewarding career, and four teenagers who go to four different schools. I couldn’t have the life I do without email.… Read more

Thursday Thought

To change one’s life: 1. Start immediately. 2. Do it flamboyantly. 3. No exceptions. William James Read more

Tuesday Tip: Plan Now to Enjoy the Weekend

Want to know the secret to enjoying next weekend? Pretend you’re about to move out of town, and spend the weekend seeing the friends you’ll… Read more

How Stress Affects Your Body

Our hard-wired stress response is designed to gives us the quick burst of heightened alertness and energy needed to perform our best. But stress isn’t… Read more

Thursday Thought

“But I know also that still more interesting discoveries will be made that I have not the imagination to describe – and I am awaiting… Read more

One Day I Will

Such a lovely tribute to dreaming big. I love that this International Women’s Day Doodle includes women of accomplishment — Jane Goodall and Malala Yousafzai… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Seek patience and passion in equal amounts. Patience alone will not build the temple. Passion alone will destroy its walls.” Maya Angelou Read more

tuesday-tip-stop-trying-to-find-balance

Tuesday Tip: Stop Trying to Find Balance

All our talk and worry about “work-life balance” is such a bunch of baloney. I don’t mean to be depressing, but you will never find… Read more

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You Will Never Find Work-Life Balance

All our talk and worry about “work-life balance” is such a bunch of baloney. I don’t mean to be depressing, but you will never find… Read more

Share the Load

If you didn’t think a laundry soap ad could make you cry… guess again. Even if it is just marketing, this commercial makes a important… Read more

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Thursday Thought

“Slow down and enjoy life. It’s not only the scenery you miss by going too fast — you also miss the sense of where you… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Give Yourself a Shot of Awe

Are you feeling starved for time? Impatient? New research shows that experiencing awe can make us feel more satisfied with our lives, more patient, more… Read more

The Good Life

What makes us happy and healthy as we go through life? This inspiring TED talk discusses some key findings from the longest running study of… Read more

Thursday Thought

“There’s an important difference between giving up and letting go.” –Jessica Hatchigan Read more

christine-carter-why-working-longer-wont-make-you-more-productive

Why Working Longer Won’t Make You More Productive

I’m calling for a new conception of the “ideal worker.” I don’t know anyone who has worked for a traditional business and hasn’t run up against… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Shirt Off His Back

Read more

Thursday Thought

“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Schedule Positive Experiences

All of our emotions, both positive and negative, have an often profound physiological effect on our bodies and our brains. We are most familiar with… Read more

The Power of Positivity

Such a simple idea: Step 1: Spend 10 minutes every day complimenting the people around you. Step 2: See what happens. Step 3: Report back… Read more

Thursday Thought

Live today by the Buddha’s words: “You could search the whole world and never find anyone as deserving of your love as yourself.” –Martha Beck Read more

Join me at this Free Event in Bend, Oregon!

I am so excited to share this FREE workshop with you.  I’ll be in Bend, OR in a few weeks to talk through how to expand… Read more

3 Surprising Ways to Feel More Loved

Are you focused on romantic love this Valentine’s Day? If so, you’re missing an opportunity! Building stronger connections with those around us can lead to a happier,… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Mirror

We can be imperfect and it won’t scar our children. Really! (But they reserve the right to hold it against us at a later date!) Read more

Thursday Thought

“Confidence that comes from never having been burned is different from confidence that comes from having been in situations where it all went wrong.” —South… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Expect (at Least Minor, Sometimes Major) Failure

We all understand that when we first attempt to drive a car or ride a bike, we’ll make mistakes. Behavior change is no different; it’s… Read more

Don’t Chase Your Passion And Maybe You’ll Find It

Don’t know what your true passion is? Here’s a reason why that is good. Read more

Thursday Thought

Adversity causes some people to break; others to break records. — William A. Ward Read more

Tuesday Tip: Never Say Never

Never say never, because limits, just like fears, are just an illusion.” — Michael Jordan If you’re working through your New Year’s resolutions, you’ve probably faced… Read more

Francine Christophe

Watched this video with my daughter and we both got #goosebumps! This is a story that puts it all in perspective. Read more

Thursday Thought

You miss 100 percent of all the shots you never take. — Wayne Gretzky Read more

Happiness Tip - Go Easy on Yourself - Christine Carter

Happiness Tip: Go Easy on Yourself

Fun fact: Most people are starting to falter at their New Year’s Resolutions by now. If you are anything like me, setbacks, lapses, and mistakes… Read more

Have You Kicked off Your New Habit? It’s Never Too Late to Start!

I’ve been having a blast coaching people to new habit success. If you haven’t joined yet, it’s  not too late to learn how to successfully… Read more

On Being a Wife and a Mother

Wow. Jada Pinkett Smith gives good happiness (and marriage, and parenting) advice. She sums up what is to me the most important component for a… Read more

Back by Popular Demand! Free Live Coaching

YOU’RE INVITED!  What: A FREE live Q&A about HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT RESOLUTIONS When: Thursday, January 14 at 12:00 PM PST RSVP: Register here! I’ll be… Read more

Thursday Thought

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then just feed one.” —Mother Teresa Read more

Tuesday Tip: Make a “NOT-To-Do” list

You have a to-do list. But do you have a not-to-do list? I just listened to a fantastic conversation between Ron Friedman and Peter Bregman… Read more

Lafayette Library Science Cafe

Please join me at a fundraising event in support of The Lafayette Library and Learning Center on January 13 ,2016 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Science Cafe:… Read more

Focus | Gratitude Revealed

Do you have a lot of options? This is often a quick ticket to anxiety. Filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg explains how guiding your focus back to the… Read more

Thursday Thought

“There is only one success — to be able to spend your life in your own way.” —Christopher Morley Read more

You’re invited to my FREE live Q&A – TODAY!

YOU’RE INVITED!  New Year’s Resolutions 101 What: A FREE live Q&A about HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT RESOLUTIONS When: TODAY!! January 6 at 2:30 PM PST /5:30… Read more

Free live Q&A — Set the Right Resolution this Year!

YOU’RE INVITED!  New Year’s Resolutions 101 What: A FREE live Q&A about HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT RESOLUTIONS When: TOMORROW, January 6 at 2:30 PM PST /5:30… Read more

Don’t Make the Same Darn Resolution Year After Year

Now that the holidays are behind us, and our daily routines are settling back into place, I’m ready to take this fresh start that the… Read more

Eight More Ways to Say No

“I know I should say ‘no’ more,” everyone seems to be telling me. “But how? It’s so hard.” Saying no can be hard. Here are… Read more

Join Me for a “New Year, New You” Event in Marin

Please join in Mill Valley, CA on January 7 , 2016 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. A GREAT way to kick off the New Year!  The… Read more

Energy | Gratitude Revealed

Jason Silva, a freestyle philosopher, conveys why we strive to come alive to our authentic selves and why that’s enough to change the world. If… Read more

Thursday Thought

If I have learned one thing in this life, it is that God will not tie my shoes without me. — Doug Boyd Read more

Free live Q&A — Set the Right Resolution this Year!

YOU’RE INVITED!  New Year’s Resolutions 101 What: A FREE live Q&A about HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT RESOLUTIONS When: January 6 at 2:30 PM PST /5:30 PM… Read more

Tuesday Tip: How do you want to feel?

Before you start to make your New Year’s Resolutions, ask yourself not what you want to achieve, but what, in your heart of hearts, you… Read more

Are You Setting the Right Goals?

Could you be setting better ones? I’ve always found the idea of setting goals appealing. But—and I hate to admit this—it has been years since… Read more

Thursday Thought

Whenever you see darkness, there is extraordinary opportunity for the light to burn brighter. – Bono Read more

FREE Coaching Program!

Need help sticking to a new routine or setting goals that work? Enroll in my FREE 90 Day coaching program. A completely revised version of my most popular… Read more

Wonder | Gratitude Revealed

Wonder and awe allow us to transcend the ordinary and be in the moment. Wonder inspires us to open our hearts and minds to engender… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” ―Joseph Addison Read more

90 Days to a New Habit (that Sticks!)

Need help sticking to a new routine or setting goals that work? Enroll in my FREE 12 week coaching program. A completely revised version of my most… Read more

christine-carter-com

Tuesday Tip: How to Buy Happiness

Even though we say we can’t buy happiness, we often behave as though we can. Why else would we spend so much time shopping? What… Read more

The Easiest Way to Deal With a Difficult Person

How come your family knows how to push your buttons? Because they installed them… I had a great teacher in India who said to me,… Read more

Forgiveness | Gratitude Revealed

Deep suffering ends the moment you decide to forgive. Malynn Utzinger, MD, a certified yoga instructor and specialist in holistic medicine, describes why forgiveness is… Read more

Thursday Thought

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a… Read more

New Dr. Oz Episode today

I’m on Dr.Oz today, 12/8! Fun episode about ways we can find ‪‎balance‬. We’ll discuss the secret to “just clean enough” to feel happier and… Read more

Take a Lunch Break, Especially if You Are Too Busy

Too busy to leave your desk to eat lunch? If so, you aren’t alone, as only 1 in 5 office workers regularly takes lunch these… Read more

Eight More Ways to Say No

“I know I should say ‘no’ more,” everyone seems to be telling me. “But how? It’s so hard.” Saying no can be hard. Here are… Read more

Generosity | Gratitude Revealed

Hear author Lynne Twist’s advice on letting go of a toxic idea about abundance—and the simple way to reach the ”absolute exquisite experience of enough”… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Here are the two best prayers I know: ‘Help me, help me, help me’ and ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’” –Anne Lamott Read more

Gratitude | Gratitude Revealed

Brother David Steindl-Rast, a Benedictine monk, shares simple ways to let go of worry and expand your gratitude to include the extraordinary nuances in our… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself…” -–Rumi Read more

Tuesday Tip: Tell a Story from Your Family History

Here’s a way to foster family connection: Share a story from your family history. It doesn’t even have to be a good story! Research shows that… Read more

Connection | Gratitude Revealed

Humans are hard-wired to connect with each other. In this energetic and poetic Gratitude Revealed video, Jason Silva explains how our innate yearning to connect… Read more

Thursday Thought

 “Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Be a Deeply Disciplined Half-Ass

  My perfectionism is still solidly in remission, but at times I’m a little anxious that I don’t feel guiltier for not constantly striving to… Read more

Purpose | Gratitude Revealed

The secret to a long and happy life? Do what you love with genuine passion and joy! If you enjoy this, check out the rest… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” –-French proverb Read more

10 ways your kids’ friends are ruining your family

by Susan Swann, FamilyShare When your kids’ friends are a problem, how can you step in without socially isolating your child? No matter how much… Read more

Why Entrepreneurs Should Look for Meaning, Not Happiness

By Damon Brown IMAGE: Getty Images If you’re looking for happiness as an entrepreneur, then you’re probably barking up the wrong tree. JetBlue Airways has… Read more

Happiness Tip - Go Easy on Yourself - Christine Carter

Gratitude Revealed: Happiness (Video)

I was honored to be a part of filmmaker Louie Schwartzberg’s Gratitude Revealed series — 16 film shorts that explore what gratitude is. Over the… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Perfectionism is not a quest for the best. It is a pursuit of the worst in ourselves, the part that tells us that nothing we… Read more

3 Surprising Ways to Feel Less Busy

Busyness stinks. Although people tell me all the time they like feeling busy — perhaps because it makes them feel important and significant — I’m… Read more

Chariots of Dreams

This makes me smile more than Halloween candy. Read more

Thursday Thought

“You make a mistake, and that happens to take you in a new direction. Without that mistake you stay in the same place.” Giovanni Hidalgo Read more

10 Friendship Skills Everyone Needs

by Sunshine Monke As parents and adults who work with youth, we can positively impact kids’ lives through helping them build good social skills, which… Read more

HumanKinda

Does your to do list have a to do list? Are you human or humankinda? I had a lot of fun participating in this short… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Some pursue happiness, others create it” -Anonymous Read more

Thursday Thought

“They who want to expand the field of happiness in the world, let them lay the foundation of it on the bottom of their own… Read more

The Crossroads of Should and Must

  Throughout our lives we arrive over and over again at what writer, designer and artist Elle Luna calls the “The Crossroads of Should and… Read more

Thursday Thought

“The possibilities are numerous once we decide to act and not react.” —George Bernard Shaw Read more

Free Inspirational Quotes

Remember how fun it used to be to receive a handwritten note? People seem to love posting my weekly “Thursday Thoughts” online, and so we made… Read more

8 Tips for Setting an Allowance That Works

by Christine Carter and Candice McGarvey @herdollars Following these rules will teach your kids to be responsible with money. In a radio interview that went… Read more

Demand A Plan to End Gun Violence

How many more mass murders before our leaders pass common-sense laws to prevent gun violence and save lives? Demand a plan. Read more

Thursday Thought

“Speak when you’re angry, and you’ll make the best speech you’ll ever regret.” —Lawrence J. Peter   Read more

The Power of Optimism

How could a little optimism change your day? Read more

Thursday Thought

“In every difficult situation, there is glittering opportunity: stronger relationships, deeper understanding, new meaning. If accepted, these opportunities can bring us fulfillment and even joy.”… Read more

Friday Giggle: The AMAZING Dishwasher

Tired of nagging? I’m going to let Jen’s humorous approach work it’s magic with my teens. (My husband is hoping that I’LL take her tips… Read more

Thursday Thought

“The opinion which other people have of you is their problem, not yours.”  —Elisabeth Kubler-Ross Read more

Three German Students Surprise a Homeless Guy

This sweet film is a heartwarming story of compassion and creativity. By using the universal power of music, walls are brought down to expose a… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Everything you’ve ever wanted is one step out of your comfort zone.” —Anonymous Read more

0-100: Change the World

  If you could change anything in the would, what would it be?   Read more

Thursday Thought

“People wish to be settled; only so far as they are unsettled is there any hope for them.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

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Three Tricks to Find Your Flow

Athletes call this mental state being in “The Zone”; psychologists call it “flow” or peak experience, and they have linked it to leading a life… Read more

One Day More

What a surprising and fun break from all this back to school chaos! Read more

Thursday Thought

“Even as real grief breaks your heart, something in you knows that you’re being broken open, and there is something profoundly hopeful at the core… Read more

This is What I Hope I’ve Taught You

My baby Fiona giving her 8th grade commencement talk. (A reminder to me that she’s got this thing — she gave better advice to her… Read more

Always #LikeAGirl – Unstoppable

Do we limit girls and tell them what they should or shouldn’t be? Do we box them into expected roles? Read more

Thursday Thought

“The reason most people do not recognize an opportunity when they meet it is because it usually goes around wearing overalls and looking like Hard… Read more

Enlightened Parenting –Tips for Raising Confident and Loving Kids

By Meredith Montgomery Shelly Lefkoe, co-author of Chicken Soup for the Soul: Guide to Effective Parenting, believes that children learn what we model as important… Read more

Close to Home | It Can Wait

A startling reminder about what matters most — and what doesn’t matter at all. Read more

Thursday Thought

“Life is short. Break the rules. Forgive quickly, kiss slowly. Love truly. Laugh uncontrollably. And never regret anything that makes you smile.” ― Mark Twain Read more

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The Three Parts of an Effective Apology

People make mistakes all the time. Not just bad people, or weak people. All people. Our mistakes are what make us human. And even when… Read more

Dream Workshop with The New York City Ballet

When she reached out to the New York City Ballet about a dance program for children with special needs, she didn’t expect a response. But… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Panic causes tunnel vision. Calm acceptance of danger allows us to more easily assess the situation and see the options.” —Simone Sinek Read more

The Brewing Backlash Against Busyness

By: Justina Reichel Today it seems like all ‘successful’ people in life are the ones who keep up with the breakneck pace that society sets for… Read more

8 Ways to Achieve More While Working Less

Really: I spend that much time doing stuff I enjoy, that isn’t on a task list anywhere. I walk through the beautiful university campus near… Read more

Happiness Tip - Trade Expectations for Gratitude - Christine Carter

Happiness Tip: Trade Expectations for Gratitude

Feeling frustrated or disappointed? It isn’t that we shouldn’t have high expectations, or that we shouldn’t feel hurt when someone lets us down. But one of the… Read more

The Ugly Judgement of Society

As women, we face judgement no matter what path we take. Let’s stop judging and start supporting.  Read more

Thursday Thought

“For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

6 Ways to Be Happy Alone

By Dr. Sanjay Gupta A study suggests that people have a hard time being alone with their thoughts. What can you do about it? Everybody spends… Read more

Start your own meditation practice

The benefits of meditation are tremendous. In a world that is “on” 24/7, few of us get much regular rest. We go go go — perhaps getting… Read more

Living Lives of Gratitude

Gratitude has inspired both of these women in two very unique ways! See their heartwarming stories here. A film by Hailey Bartholomew. More at 365… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” – Anais Nin Read more

Force yourself to unplug while summer is still with us. You will thank me later.

  Turn off your cell phone — really and truly, totally off — for several hours today. Technology can be addictive, and it can change… Read more

A 4-Minute Trick For Massive Productivity

Fantastic productivity tip from Marie Forleo. This 4-minute trick has helped me get more done with less stress — I find I can get to… Read more

Thursday Thought

“The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trembling stops or… Read more

13 Incredibly Smart Tips To Be Happier From Mental Health Experts

By Anna Borges Everyone wants to feel happy, right? Then why does happiness seem so hard to find? Well these thirteen mental health experts may… Read more

How to remain sane — and even productive — over the summer

Researchers believe that the brains in both humans and animals evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior, and that our daily rituals and habits are… Read more

Looking for Adam

Want to participate in a global matchmaking effort by this sweet son? Read more

Thursday Thought

“I think if you can dance and be free and not embarrassed you can rule the world.” –Amy Poehler Read more

Happiness tip - Just Eat - Christine Carter

Happiness Tip: Just Eat

I know, I know — you’re thinking this happiness tip is pretty bogus. I mean, who doesn’t feel happier when they eat? Am I really… Read more

Love Can’t Wait

Lennie and Pearl just celebrated their 48th year together and their first anniversary. #LoveWins #loveCantWait Read more

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Free Inspirational Postcards

Remember how fun it used to be to receive a handwritten note? My daughters are away at camp right now, so we’re sending and receiving more mail than… Read more

The Price of Admission

Feeling annoyed by your significant other? Sometimes irritation is the price we pay for love. Funny (but profane) relationship advice from Dan Savage. Read more

Thursday Thought

Spend less time tearing yourself apart, worrying if you’re good enough. You are good enough. – Reese Witherspoon Read more

Tell Them Now

Don’t hold back, tell your dad why you’re grateful. Read more

Being with Jane Goodall

Why science needs heart in addition to brains! I watched the hug at the end several times. I adore Jane Goodall!! Read more

Thursday Thought

“When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” – Franklin D. Roosevelt Read more

11 Ways to Raise a Child Who is Entitled and Rude

I’ve been re-reading Amy McCready’s excellent parenting book, The “Me, Me, Me” Epidemic. In so doing, it’s occurred to me that our generation of parents… Read more

Dear 16-year-old Me

Melanoma killed my grandmother when she was about my age — I never got to meet her. I’m told she was a creative, funny and… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That’s how the light gets in.” Leonard Cohen Read more

Stressed? Tired? Just busy?

Please join me at a free event in Mill Valley on June 7, 2015 from 4:00 to 5:00 pm. If you are heading into summer feeling… Read more

Thursday Thought

“One who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; one who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.” -Chinese Proverb Read more

My Best Happiness Advice - Christine Carter

My Best Happiness Advice (Video)

I’ve made a lot of happiness mistakes. I know you will make some of those same mistakes. But there are certain things I’ve finally learned… Read more

What’s Stopping You From Achieving Your Goals?

What’s stopping you from achieving your goals? The answer is surprising! (Need tips for being conquering your fear? Check out this week’s blog post on… Read more

Thursday Thought

Every day, do at least one frightening thing that contributes to the fulfillment of your desires. – Martha Beck Read more

Mind Body Spirit Living

Our culture sends us mixed messages about being “busy”, but there is a way to use our minds and physiology to help us find a… Read more

Thursday Thought

“When you are grateful fear disappears and abundance appears.” Anthony Robbins Read more

9 Ways to Cheer Yourself Up in 30 Seconds

by Celia Shatzman for Women’s Health Just Smile Making eye contact and grinning at a stranger can brighten both of your days. “Research shows it… Read more

How to help kids achieve more, but stress less 

Kids today are more stressed and exhausted than they’ve ever been — and the pressures on them to achieve are only mounting. What can we… Read more

Heart-Space

by Joy Sawyer-Mulligan Shared in my monthly newsletter this week, this beautiful essay is my top pick for Mother’s Day reading this weekend. I’d been… Read more

Relax into Your Sweet Spot

Don’t get addicted to busyness, or let it become a badge of honor. You can do less—and feel good about it. Check out my interview… Read more

The power of forgiveness

This small business owner is offering a year of yoga to the vandals who damaged her property. I hope they take her up on it! Read more

Thursday Thought

“Laughter is an instant vacation.” — Milton Berle Read more

A good idea

Now THIS is a good idea! Read more

Thursday Thought

  “Either you run the day, or the day runs you.” — Anonymous Read more

3 Easy Ways to Find Your Sweet Spot

What is the sweet spot, you ask? (It has been called to my attention by several readers of this blog that I have not really… Read more

I like being 98

This absolutely made my day. I want to be just like this woman. (Starting now: For the record, I love being 43.) Read more

The Happy Middle School Student

Do you have middle schoolers? I do! In fact, I have THREE middle schoolers. It’s safe to say I think a lot about this critical… Read more

The Opposite of Busy is…Productive

I’ve written a lot about how busyness is less a sign of significance or success than it is a sign of what researchers call “cognitive… Read more

Opening Doors

Such a great demonstration of how a simple shift can have an amazing effect on your life. Read more

Thursday Thought

Too many people overvalue what they are not and undervalue what they are. -Malcolm S. Forbes Read more

Blind Trust Experiment

A beautiful and moving demonstration of blind trust and and important reminder that we are all a part of a common humanity. Read more

Thursday Thought

One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul.… Read more

A Flourishing Life

I had another fun interview with Mindfulness 4 Mothers’ Kellie Edwards! Take a listen to her “A Flourishing Life” show. CLICK HERE to play or right… Read more

Do you have a middle-schooler?

I do! In fact, I have THREE middle schoolers. It’s safe to say I think a lot about this critical developmental period in children’s lives.… Read more

Change The Way You Look At Women

Isn’t it time to see more realistic — and truly inspiring—images of women in the media? I’m sure ready. This video is a wonderful, and… Read more

Thursday Thought

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. –Edith Wharton Read more

The Opposite of Optional

by MommyTasker Finding the right balance can be tricky and takes concentration If I take a brief scan of my life over the last decade… Read more

Break yourself off a piece of happiness - Christine Carter

Break Yourself Off a Piece of Happiness

To celebrate the International Day of Happiness this past Friday, I participated in an interview with Snapchat Stories. Enjoy! Snapchat: What’s one of the biggest… Read more

Thursday Thought

Nothing determines who we will become so much as those things we choose to ignore. –Sandor McNab Read more

Think Busyness is a Sign You’re Succeeding? Think Again.

Until a couple of years ago, every time someone would ask me how I was doing, I would always give the same answer: I am… Read more

Love has no labels

I love being surprised! Read more

Thursday Thought

Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them. –Marcus Aurelius Read more

Achieve More by Doing Less!

It’s very hard for us to accept that more is not necessarily better, and that busyness is a mark of importance and success. But when… Read more

A Quick Way to Clear Clutter

Photo by Iain Watson It’s approaching that time of the year again: spring cleaning. Although we may know that we want to deep clean or… Read more

Thursday Thought

How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. –Wayne Dyer Read more

Wisdom 2.0

I love love loved being at Wisdom 2.0 this weekend. One of the great highlights of my life. Read more

A Lesson on Focus

Photo by Michael Dales I’m naturally very distractible and messy – a “big-picture thinker, but not so much a detail person,” as my father would euphemize when… Read more

Instructions For A Bad Day

Having a bad day? Take a few minutes to listen to these truthful and poetic words. Let them uplift you and know that this too… Read more

Thursday Thought

“You will never realize your best destiny through the avoidance of fear. Rather, you will realize it through the exercise of courage, which means taking… Read more

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How to Find More Than 24 Hours in a Day

  Find the minimum effective dose — of everything. The “minimum effective dose” (MED) is considered to be the lowest dose of a pharmaceutical product… Read more

“Genius” Relationship Advice

Love this advice for navigating all important relationships in your life. Read more

Thursday Thought

“You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” –Buddha Read more

How To Be Happier

We’re all in search of ways to become more productive, less stressed and better balanced between work and play. This hour, we’ll talk to sociologist… Read more

How to be happier and more productive – by doing less

by Dave McGinn for The Globe and Mail When asked how we are doing, most of us will answer with “busy.” We say it with… Read more

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Is Your Phone Actually Controlling YOU?

Social media can stress us out — or help us feel love and connection. The key is to understand their impact and use them strategically.… Read more

This is What I Hope I’ve Taught You

My baby Fiona giving her 8th grade commencement talk. (A reminder to me that she’s got this thing — she gave better advice to her… Read more

Thursday Thought

“With life as short as a half-taken breath, don’t plant anything but love.”- Rumi Read more

All of Me

Read more

Thursday Thought

“Kindness, I’ve discovered, is everything in life.” – Isaac Singer Read more

7 Ways to Feel Loved and Connected

Photo by xxFr0z3n Celebrate other people’s success. The people we love feel closer to us when we actively rejoice with them. When they succeed, whoop and… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Busyness is not a sign of success, significance or importance. It’s a sign that we are not fulfilling our potential.” — Christine Carter in the… Read more

How to Find Your Sweet Spot

Jill Suttie sat down with me recently to talk about my new book In 2009, Christine Carter felt like she had it all. On top of… Read more

Fail at Your New Year’s Resolution

Photo by Avern This week is an important one for people who made New Year’s resolutions (I hope that’s you)! If you can keep your… Read more

The Sweet Spot Manifesto (Video)

In honor of book launch week (yay!), check out this video my publisher put together for my Sweet Spot manifesto. Get a beautiful printable version here. Read more

Thursday Thought

“In our materially rich but spiritually bereft culture, we often forget that how much we enjoy our lives really matters.” — Christine Carter,  The Sweet… Read more

The Sweet Spot Manifesto - Christine Carter

Happiness Tip: Find a Manifesto (Free Download)

Before I wrote The Sweet Spot, I needed a manifesto — something to organize my passion for the project. I started keeping lists of phrases… Read more

How to Multi-task Without Making Mistakes

If you find that you make more errors while multi-tasking, you aren’t alone. Watch this to learn how to multi-task skillfully and strategically — so… Read more

Thursday Thought

“The miracle is not to walk on water. The miracle is to walk on the green earth, dwelling deeply in the present moment and feeling… Read more

Happiness Tip: Stop Checking Your Freaking Phone

Photo by Andres Rodriguez I would love some help figuring out a tiny habit to help me unplug from my phone. It’s the first thing… Read more

What do you receive when you give?

If you are wondering whether you are pursuing the right goals in 2015, or whether your resolutions will truly make you happy, watch this. (Or… Read more

Thursday Thought

  Our greatest glory is not in never failing, but in rising up every time we fail. — Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

Five Foolproof Ways to Feel More Joy in 2015

Photo by Jorge Sanmartín Maïssa These first few weeks in January are a precious time for setting getting ourselves on a path toward more joy… Read more

Win a FREE Book!

Happy New Year! As we count down to the release of my new book, The Sweet Spot: How to Find Your Groove at Home and Work,… Read more

7  Easy Things You Can Do to Enjoy Today (and Tomorrow) More

Photo by Tom Fahy Take a good old-fashioned recess in the middle of the day. For every 60-90 minutes that you focus, take a 10-15… Read more

Happiness Tip: Make a Really Specific Plan

Photo by Carrie Eberhardt If you are setting New Year’s resolutions this year, whether or not you are able to keep your resolutions will depend on… Read more

Thursday Thought

“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, not the most intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.” Charles Darwin Read more

Need help making your resolutions??? Enter to win a free coaching session!

Photo by Snapshooter46 Know what one of my very favorite things to do is? I LOVE coaching people through making New Year’s resolutions. Sign up… Read more

Free Online Class!

We’re excited to offer a completely revised version of my most popular online class ever as a gift for ordering The Sweet Spot: How to Find… Read more

How one man changed the world

This moving piece makes me think about Ferguson and how every atrocious situation presents an opportunity for us to be big hearted and truly good,… Read more

Thursday Thought

“If you want to feel rich, just count the things you have that money can’t buy.” Proverb Read more

Happiness and Meaning

Wondering what exactly a “sweet spot” is? Check out this video and learn what inspired me to write the book. If you’re intrigued, check out… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Establish a Tiny Habit

Do you have resolutions you’d like to make this week? Maybe you’d like to read or workout more, or remember to call your mom on… Read more

Last Chance – Order by NOON PST today!!

How to give The Sweet Spot as a gift: (1) Pre-order the book. (2) Fill out the form below to get a gift card and/or a signed… Read more

Does Your Family Push Your Buttons?

Heading home for the holidays? We’ll all do well to heed @Elizabeth Gilbert’s great advice! Read more

The 3 Most Important Things for Keeping Resolutions - Christine Carter

The 3 Most Important Things for Keeping Resolutions

Don’t join this failing 50% in the new year! Instead, follow these three research-based strategies for making resolutions that stick: 1. Make your resolution a… Read more

Thursday Thought

“Happiness depends on conditions being perceived as positive. Inner peace does not.” –Eckhart Tolle Read more

The Easiest Way to Deal with a Difficult Person

Photo by Jessica Ondrejicka How come your family knows how to push your buttons? Because they installed them… I had a great teacher in India… Read more

There is Still Time to Order This Gift!

How to give The Sweet Spot as a gift: (1) Pre-order the book. (2) Fill out the form below to get a gift card and/or a signed… Read more

Enjoy Every Sandwich - Christine Carter

Happiness Tip: Enjoy Every Sandwich

Imagine you’ve just been told that you have less than six months to live. What do you need to do?  Who do you need to… Read more

I Can’t Breathe

A skillful, artful protest. Read more

Thursday Thought

Thinking a lot about recent deaths of innocent young men. What meaning will we give their lives, and their deaths? The Young Dead Soldiers Do Not Speak… Read more

Why Happiness is the Wrong Pursuit

Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness. It is not attained through self-gratification but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” –Helen… Read more

Happiness Tip: 9 Ways to Ease Overwhelm

A lot of my new book is about easing the overwhelm that comes from the busy world we live in. Here are 9 of my… Read more

FREE bookplates & gift cards!

How to give The Sweet Spot as a gift: (1) Pre-order the book. (2) Fill out the form below to get a gift card and/or a signed… Read more

3 More Ways to Make Your Holidays Happier — Even if You are Super Busy

The holidays can be a mixed-bag for some people when it comes to happiness. Many of us tend to look forward to this time of… Read more

Graphic: Make Your Holidays Happier

(even if you are super busy).   Chase created this little graphic based on some of my holiday happiness tips… Read more

Stress Reduction Teleseries — Download Now!

It’s not too late to listen in!           I so enjoyed my recent teleseries designed to teach simple but critical skills for… Read more

Look Up

All this technology we have, it’s just an illusion, of community, companionship, a sense of inclusion yet when you step away from this device of… Read more

Thursday Thought

  “This is the gift: to have a wonderful capacity to appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe,… Read more

How to Practice Extreme Gratitude

Ahh, Thanksgiving. For many of us regular gratitude-practicers, this extra grateful time of year can seem like a bit like more of the same. Sometimes… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Make a Holiday Game Plan

So that I can actually enjoy the holidays, I’ve had to devise a three-part plan for tackling all that needs to be done at this… Read more

Endless Ripple

Ah…how moving I find these little acts of kindness… hat tip: Shawn Achor Read more

Thursday Thought

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought; and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton   Read more

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How to Enjoy the Holidays

My teens are obsessed with Christmas carols this year (and every year). It’s the holidays! they exclaim when I suggest that perhaps we could listen to… Read more

Happiness Tip: Practice Saying No

I am rarely so unhappy as when I’ve committed to do something I don’t really want to do; dread is such a yucky thing to… Read more

It’s not too late to join us live!

          These conversations are designed to teach simple but critical skills for reducing the stress in our busy lives. We’ll be talking… Read more

One Stitch Closer

Take control of the life that you want to lead. #womeninspire Read more

Thursday Thought

“Serenity is not freedom from the storm, but peace amid the storm.” Author Unknown Read more

21 Ways to Just Say No

I’ve found it incredibly helpful to have go-to ways to just say no. I mostly just say “I’m already booked” (see below), because that is… Read more

Our new tele-series continues tomorrow!

It’s not too late to join us! .           These conversations are designed to teach simple but critical skills for reducing the… Read more

Christine Carter - Do Some Serious Day Dreaming

Happiness Tip: Stare into Space

When was the last time you just sat down and stared into space? Put your feet up and did nothing? Spaced out in the shower?… Read more

Salve Regina

I love the unexpectedness of this video — the juxtaposition of a monk shredding the streets — using his natural talents in his chosen vocation.… Read more

Thursday Thought

“There is nothing so useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.” Peter Drucker Read more

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How to Stop Feeling Time-Starved

Although I presumably spent most of my childhood daydreaming, I seldom do it anymore. Occasionally, I’ll catch myself spacing out in the shower, just standing… Read more

Low-Stress, High-Joy Holidays: Here’s How The Experts Do It

My new tele-series kicks off today! .           . Please join me for 3 fun conversations designed to teach simple but critical skills… Read more

What a Baby Can Teach Us

One of the greatest things a baby can teach us is how to give affection without expecting anything in return. Read more

Thursday Thought

  This day is a journey, this very moment an adventure. Rebecca Pavlenko Read more

Low-Stress, High-Joy Holidays: Here’s How the Experts Do it

I’m so excited to be offering a new tele-series! .           . Please join me for 3 fun conversations designed to teach… Read more

Happiness Tip: Find Something to Love About the Moment You Are In Right Now

When I drop my kids off at school in the morning, I ask them one question: “What are you going to do today?” They always… Read more

Ashes and Snow

Ashes and Snow by Gregory Colbert from Gregory Colbert on Vimeo. Need help cultivating wordlessness? This incredible film is a meditation of sorts, and it… Read more

Thursday Thought

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.” Anaïs Nin Read more

Low-Stress, High Joy Teleseries

My new tele-series kicks off today! .           . Please join me for 3 fun conversations designed to teach simple but critical skills… Read more

Happiness Tip: Cultivate Wordlessness

While I’ve long known about the neurological benefits of meditation, it wasn’t until I watched Jill Bolte Taylor’s TED talk that I started thinking about how many… Read more

Beautiful

Despite the soul-crushing moment in the middle, I love this narrative about seeing your own beauty when you are in your groove — in that… Read more

Thursday Thought

Now that all your worry has proved such an unlucrative business, why not find a better job? –Hafiz     Read more

Happiness Tip: Find Your Sweet Spot

A long-time perfectionist and over-achiever, I used to accomplished my goals through the sheer force of my iron-clad will, my grit, and darn hard work.… Read more

One Bar Closer to Humanity

“I imagine a world where we smile when we have low batteries because that will mean we are one bar closer to humanity.” Check out… Read more

Thursday Thought

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Happiness Tip - Don't Take a Picture - Dr. Christine Carter.

Happiness Tip: Don’t Take a Picture

This last weekend was my nephew’s first birthday party, and because he is absolutely the most adorable baby EVER and I love him so much,… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Different Take on Gratitude

In case you are in need of inspiration for this week’s Happiness Tip, here is a different take on gratitude. Read more

Thursday Thought

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Happiness Tip: Write Down the Good Things

I am not a journaler; after sitting in front of my computer all day, it doesn’t usually occur to me to end the day by… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Blended Family

I think most of us divorced people with kids never thought we’d ever be the ones to get divorced. This week is the anniversary of… Read more

Happiness Tip: Fall in Love All Over Again

Last weekend was my first wedding anniversary with my husband, the first of what I hope will be many in a long marriage. But because this is… Read more

Thursday Thought

No one can give you anything–love, shame, self-esteem–until you give it to yourself. Today, give yourself good things.” –Martha Beck Read more

Friday Inspiration: Chloe’s Wedding Day

We all have so many gifts to share that can change the course of other people’s lives profoundly for the better. Here, the father of… Read more

Thursday Thought

Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” — Japanese proverb Read more

Happiness Tip: Take a Free Happiness Class

Did you know that happiness is much better thought of as a set of skills you can learn and practice than it is an inborn… Read more

Friday Inspiration: End Bullying

I love this! A great way to foster compassion and make sure no one is made to feel less-than. Empower kids to #endbullying. Read more

Thursday Thought

Never look down on anybody unless you’re helping them up.” — Jesse Jackson Read more

Happiness Tip: Say Cheese

Are you documenting this Labor Day with lots of pictures? (My kids are certainly smiling–only 3 days of school and already a holiday!) Say cheese along… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Stop Dreaming

Why we need to stop dreaming about becoming someone we admire, and get busy becoming ourselves. Read more

Happiness Tip: Return to Your Routine

I LOVE THE FALL!!! I’m getting very excited for September, and not just because my kids are headed back to school this week…I love the… Read more

Back to School Friday Inspiration

My kids go back to school on Wednesday. Until then, I’ll experience vicarious joy through @WhatsUpMoms Read more

Thursday Thought

In the East they say that luck favors the prepared mind. I believe that life favors the prepared mind.” —Robin S. Sharma Read more

Thursday Thought

Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance and order and rhythm and harmony.” —Thomas Merton Read more

Friday Inspiration: Unloved

I like this video for its moving reminders about why we should find ways to say no politely, and to behave well when someone doesn’t… Read more

Thursday Thought

Education is when you read the fine print. Experience is what you get if you don’t.” — Pete Seeger Read more

Happiness Tip: Hang Out with Your Pet

We recently adopted a dog, which has given me a new perspective on how animals bring happiness to humans. We were certainly happy before we met Buster (pictured below),… Read more

Thursday Thought

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” –Albert Camus Read more

Thursday Thought

Real generosity toward the future lies in giving all to the present.” –Albert Camus  Read more

Happiness Tip: Disconnect

Turn off your cell phone — really and truly, totally off — for several hours today. Technology can be addictive, and it can change the… Read more

Thursday Thought

Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” — Joseph Chilton Pearce Read more

Friday Inspiration: Elevator Joy Bomb

Go ahead: really smile while you watch this. Maybe even get up and dance! Advanced challenge: Go out and do something that is playful like… Read more

Thursday Thought

In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” — John Churton Collins Read more

Happiness Tip: Catch Someone Else’s Joy

When was the last time someone else’s happiness became your own? Last weekend I was at a fundraiser where several musicians were playing live. I… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Straighten Up

Following on this week’s Happiness Tip, this TED talk is about how hugely our posture can impact our success. Read more

Thursday Thought

Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.”… Read more

Happiness Tip: Straighten Up

Starting in 6th grade — about the time when I became painfully self-conscious, and really didn’t want my mother’s advice — my mom started to… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Look In Your Neighbor’s Bowl

Although the lesson is clearly lost on this little girl, I like the message: If you want to be happy, stop looking in your neighbor’s… Read more

Thursday Thought

The stuff of life never ends. That is life.You will never clear your plate so you can finally get to the good stuff. So you… Read more

Happiness Tip: Memorize Part of a Poem

We often forget that inspiration — along with its cousins elevation and awe — are positive emotions that make us feel more content, joyful and… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Run Like a Girl

Why can’t the phrase “run like a girl” mean show your strength or win the race? Read more

Thursday Thought

Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy; it… Read more

Less Busyness and More Flow

Feeling too busy? Does busyness impact your happiness? In this video with Lindsay Reed Maines, I discuss that ever-present feeling of being too busy and… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Happy Little Thing Called “Thank You”

I love this experiment in gratitude. These college students are caught off guard when they are asked to share their letters with those for whom… Read more

Thursday Thought

Keep your dreams alive. Understand to achieve anything requires faith and belief in yourself, vision, hard work, determination, and dedication. Remember all things are possible… Read more

Friday Inspiration: 99 Problems…

No dream is impossible. This (wonderfully hilarious) woman is living proof. Read more

Thursday Thought

A racing mind that reacts sensitively to little things indicates thinking that has lost its spiritual strength. Meditation restores that power.” –Anonymous Read more

Friday Inspiration: Lessons from the Mental Hospital

Glennon’s courage will move you to accept yourself exactly as you are–and inspire you to live a bolder, more meaningful life. Read more

Thursday Thought

Give yourself entirely to those around you. Be generous with your blessings. A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” —… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Teacher’s Alter Ego

Think you know someone? Often, you don’t know the half of it! This story about an old school teacher warmed my heart a little! Read more

Thursday Thought

Genius is the ability to renew one’s emotions in daily experience.” –Paul Cezanne Read more

Why I Yell at My Kids

It was an afternoon like any other. I had picked my kids up from their after-school activities, and we were driving to dinner at my… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Love No Matter What

We love our children unconditionally, but do we accept them as they are? Andrew Solomon sheds light on this question in his poetic and provocative… Read more

Thursday Thought

Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” — Rumi Read more

Do Your Kids Act Entitled or Unappreciative?

  Read more

Take Your Happiness to New Heights!

Register for our Happiness on Autopilot online class to learn five high-impact habits that will make you — and your kids! — happier now.  This class will cover:… Read more

Happiness Tip: Just Eat

I know, I know — you’re thinking this happiness tip is pretty bogus. I mean, who doesn’t feel happier when they eat? Am I really… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Is there a connection between wealth and unseemly behavior? You bet there is. Check out this amazing video! Read more

Thursday Thought

Happiness does not reside in strength or money; it lies in rightness and many-sidedness.” — Democritus Read more

Why We Don’t Short-Change Dinnertime, Even When We are Pressed for Time

Now that my kids are pre-teens and teens, dinnertime keeps getting pushed later and later, squished between after school activities and homework time. I know that… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Be Like Water

This is a little random. Made me giggle, and remember to “be like water, my friend.” Read more

Thursday Thought

After a good dinner one can forgive anybody, even one’s own relations.” — Oscar Wilde Read more

How important are family dinners? You be the judge!

In this new video from Kids in the House, I discuss the benefits of family dinnertime. Need tips on making family dinners easier?  Check out my… Read more

Happiness Tip: Take a Stroll

My grandmother always told me that getting outside for a little walk could clear our heads and lift our spirits; now we have plenty of… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Mother’s Day Note You Deserve

It’s a marathon not a sprint — I love how this “Mother’s Day note we all deserve” captures the little things we do to keep… Read more

Thursday Thought

A well-spent day brings happy sleep.” –Leonardo da Vinci Read more

Bonus Inspiration: World’s Toughest Job

In case you need a little reminder to thank your mother for all she’s done for you… Read more

Friday Giggle: Four Kids

Hilarious look at childbirth and life with a large family. Read more

Thursday Thought

This is how we usually behave — we see a reflection of our less-than-perfect traits in others, and rather than realizing that we are seeing… Read more

Hardships and Mistakes Benefit Kids

It’s important to let your kids make mistakes — to learn and grow from them. Check out this Kids in the House video for more… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Science of Character

Fascinating (very short) film on the science of character. Building on strengths can have a lasting effect on our happiness and well-being. Read more

Thursday Thought

Every event is the right one. Look closely and you’ll see.” — Marcus Aureliuss Read more

Happiness Tip: Ground Yourself

You might know that your TV needs to be grounded electrically to get a clear picture, but did you know that your body also needs… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Stroke of Insight

I first saw this stunning TED talk at least 5 years ago (maybe more) but I still think about it all the time! Worth a… Read more

Thursday Thought

I’m proud to pay taxes in the United States; the only thing is, I could be just as proud for half the money.” – Arthur… Read more

Motivating your kids with bribes (or threats)?

“If you empty the dishwasher right now, I’ll give you a dollar.” Does this sound familiar? We’ve all done it: offered our kids little bribes… Read more

Coach Your Kids to Emotional Literacy

Studies show that kids who are emotion coached experience fewer negative emotions and recover more quickly when they are upset. Register for our Raise Kids’ Emotional… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Gap

Great piece about overcoming failure in your creative endeavors and trusting your instincts. Read more

Thursday Thought

The opposite of anger is not calmness, it’s empathy.” — Mehmet Oz Read more

Greater Happiness in 5 Minutes a Day

Might be that sitting with your legs crossed repeating stuff like “May all beings be free from suffering,” is a little too far-out for you.… Read more

Coach Your Kids to Emotional Literacy

Studies show that kids who are emotion coached experience fewer negative emotions and recover more quickly when they are upset. Register for our Raise Kids’ Emotional… Read more

Happiness Tip: Build Anticipation for Something Fun

The sheer number of positive emotions we experience relative to negative ones affects how happy we are generally; for that reason, excitement about future events can be… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Anything for Love

Ready for a good cry? This is one of the most touching demonstrations of selflessness and love I’ve seen in quite some time. How far… Read more

Thursday Thought

The most certain sign of wisdom is cheerfulness.” — Michel de Montaigne Read more

Emotion Coaching for Children

In this video from Kids in the House, I give you some tips for managing kids’ emotional outbursts. Read more

Friday Inspiration: Want to be happier? Stay in the moment

Fascinating scientific presentation of how mind-wandering may be draining your happiness quotient. One of the more surprising findings is that even when people’s minds wander… Read more

Thursday Thought

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” — Theodore Roosevelt Read more

Losing My Mindfulness

What do I do when I have a “bad mother” moment?  What can we do instead of losing our temper? Here’s the short answer: try… Read more

Happiness Tip: Make a Playlist

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” –Plato Loads of research shows that… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Lean In Collection

In honor of Women’s History Month (and LeanIn.org’s first anniversary), Getty Images and LeanIn.org recently launched the “Lean In Collection” an impressive library of positive images of women,… Read more

Thursday Thought

There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy. By being happy we sow anonymous benefits upon the world.” —… Read more

Mindful Parenting

Feeling anxious or impatient? Mindfulness can help. Check out this video for a few quick tips to get started. For more information on this topic,… Read more

Happiness Tip: Flip the Script

“How are you?” A good friend asks at lunch. You haven’t seen her for a month or so. You feel guilty that you’ve been out… Read more

Friday Inspiration: All it Takes is 10 Mindful Minutes

When is the last time you did absolutely nothing for 10 whole minutes? No texting, talking or even thinking? Read more

Thursday Thought

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.” — Buddha Read more

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Happiness Tip: Do Just One Thing

Multitasking talent is nothing to brag about. If we just focused on one task at a time, we’d actually be more productive in the long… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Forget the Phone

How long can you go without your phone? Can you enjoy a special moment without recording it? Can you tolerate the boredom of waiting, or… Read more

Thursday Thought

Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” — Theodore Roosevelt Read more

Thursday Thought

Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start.” — Nido Qubein Read more

Meditating with Kids

Loving-kindness meditation does far more than produce momentary good feelings. Research convincingly shows that it actually puts people on “trajectories of growth,” leaving them better… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Letter To A Person On Their First Day Here

  A fresh pep talk from Kid President: “You’re made from love, to be loved, to spread love.” I LOVE KID PRESIDENT!! Read more

Thursday Thought

I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” — Mother Teresa Read more

Why Focus On Romance?

We know intuitively that how happy we are—in a relationship or otherwise—affects our children.  Our emotions are contagious, and so when a romantic partner loves… Read more

Happiness Tip: Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There

In a world that is “on” 24/7, few of us get much regular rest. We go go go — perhaps getting a lot of work done, or… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Fairy Tale Proposal

Even if you don’t believe in fairy tales, this is one of the most romantic proposals I’ve ever seen. Read more

Thursday Thought

What I’ve come to learn is that the world is never saved in grand messianic gestures, but in the simple accumulation of gentle, soft, almost… Read more

Why Cheerleaders Have Happier Marriages

When my brother was getting married, I inundated him with the science of happily married couples. I wanted to give him a guide to not… Read more

Happiness Tip: Get More Sleep

I know, I know, you don’t have time to sleep. You’re very busy and important. Or you think you are the exception to the rule—that… Read more

Friday (Valentines) Giggle

This hilarious parody is a pretty solid “what not to do” guide to Valentines Day. Enjoy a good chuckle today! Read more

Thursday Thought

All the particles of the world Are in love and looking for lovers. Pieces of straw tremble In the presence of amber.” –Rumi Read more

Is Your Marriage Losing its Luster?

One of the greatest things about our long-term romantic relationships is that they can provide comfort and predictability in this wild world we live in.… Read more

A Valentine’s Day Prezzy (for Yourself!)

Transform your relationship in four weeks! Rekindling Romance — an online class you can take on your own time — will help you build a foundation for… Read more

Happiness Tip: Cultivate Love

A buddy recently stopped by for tea and was telling me in a sweet moment how much he loves his wife. This is someone who… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Thoughts on Glitter and Glue

This video by my dear friend, Kelly Corrigan, shares incredibly sweet, touching (and funny!) thoughts on family and the great adventure we call parenthood. Read more

Thursday Thought

Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” — Lao Tzu Read more

Be a Happier Parent Now!

In this new video from Kids in the House, I share practical tactics for increasing your own happiness. Want more tips? Check out my online… Read more

Happiness Tip: Make Relationships Your First Priority

“What is the secret to happiness?” Everyone I meet eventually asks me this question, usually sooner rather than later. (Most recently, Dr. Oz asked me.… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Selfies

Watch this with your daughters, and post a selfie on our Facebook page today! While it is true that advertisers and the media put unrealistic… Read more

Thursday Thought

Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” — Marcel Proust Read more

Put Your Own Oxygen Mask on First

I’m always struck by our willingness as mothers to take care of our children—and often their fathers and a host of others around us—before we… Read more

How and Why to Put Your Happiness First

In this Kids in the House video, learn how and why to put your happiness first! If you need more guidance or an action plan… Read more

Happiness Tip: Double Down on Your Resolutions

Double down for one more week and reap the benefits. This week is an important one for people who made New Year’s resolutions (I hope… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Hero’s Journey

Step out of your comfort zone and create your own hero’s journey. Read more

Thursday Thought

Be steady and well-ordered in your life so that you can be fierce and original in your work.” — Gustave Flaubert Read more

Don’t Quit Your Resolutions Now!

Here’s how to stay strong through January (or get back on track if you’ve started to slip) Did you make a resolution this year that… Read more

Happiness Tip: Pull Yourself Together

If I had to guess which personality trait best predicts a long, healthy life, I’d probably guess something that relates to joy or creativity or… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Power of Empathy

Do you know what the difference between empathy and sympathy is? In this beautiful video, Dr. Brené Brown teaches us why empathy fosters friendship and… Read more

Thursday Thought

I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” — Martin Luther King, Jr. Read more

Happiness Tip: Skip the Morning Donut

I’m a big fan of high-fat foods; fat tastes good, after all! And research has shown that some types of fats, like Omega-3s, can calm… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Time You Have

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Thursday Thought

To do the useful thing, to say the courageous thing, to contemplate the beautiful thing: that is enough for one man’s life.” –T.S. Eliot Read more

Most Popular Happiness Tips of 2013

Wondering which Happiness Tips were most popular in 2013?  Here are the top 5 Happiness Tips shared, viewed, liked and commented on the most! 5.… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Manifesto

Great life advice for the New Year in this moving little video. Most true for me: “Life is about the people you meet and the… Read more

Thursday Thought

What really distinguishes this generation in all countries from earlier generations…is its determination to act, its joy in action, the assurance of being able to… Read more

3 New Year’s Resolutions to Make You Happier

You want to lose weight. Get out of debt. Stop smoking. Eat more kale. Call your grandma more often. I do understand why people don’t… Read more

Happiness Tip: Make a Resolution

This year, skip the New Year’s diet and do something fun. I do understand why New Year’s resolutions don’t make a lot of people happy:… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Be the Party!

Feeling a little grouchy? Don’t just go to another holiday party, BE THE PARTY. Sound advice from a kid who wants us to be more… Read more

Thursday Thought

How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment. We can start now, start slowly, changing the world. How lovely that everyone, great… Read more

Want to be Happy over the Holidays? Practice Forgiveness!

The holidays are not always a happy time for many people, particularly for adults who are disappointed or hurt year after year — that their… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Louis CK

A little irreverent (but hilarious) video with an important message: if you are feeling anxious or excited or proud, let yourself FEEL that emotion. Read more

Thursday Thought

Peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst… Read more

Tablet and Smartphone Boot Camp for Middle School Parents

‘Tis the season for electronic gifts. But these days, parents need to provide their kids with much more than batteries for all their devices. Everyday… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Tutu Project

A good story about love. About inspiration. Check out the Tutu Project website to see the beautiful photos! Read more

Thursday Thought

Give children at least as many chances to show compassion as they have to be competitive.” –Erica Layman Read more

What Makes Some Kids So Materialistic?

The kids and I are preparing to go to a friend’s party, where we’ll be wrapping presents for less-fortunate children, like those spending Christmas in… Read more

Happiness Tip: Give Yourself a Helper’s High

Merry Christmas! Happy Hanukah! Happy Holidays, everyone! Did that greeting just make you warm inside with thoughts of winter lights and family celebrations and Salvation… Read more

Friday Guffaw: People without Kids Have No Idea

I adore my children, but this comedian’s take on how difficult life with children can be is sidesplittingly funny! Read more

Thursday Thought

One kind word can warm three winter months.” –Japanese Proverb Read more

Thursday Thought

Silent gratitude isn’t much use to anyone.” — G.B. Stern Read more

Thanksgiving Inspiration: How to Have a Really Good Day

Every day is a gift! Practical — and uplifting — wisdom here about how to make each day count. Happy Thanksgiving to all! I’m deeply… Read more

Happiness Tip: Practice Gratitude Deliberately

If we want to be happy we need to practice gratitude deliberately and consistently — or we’ll end up feeling entitled rather than satisfied. Here… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A New Perspective for Moms

A New Perspective For Moms on Vimeo. We are all our own worst critics, aren’t we? Watch this lovely video and let your inner voice… Read more

Thursday Thought

To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” –Johannes A. Gaertner Read more

Some People Just Aren’t Thankful

“To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” –Johannes A. Gaertner… Read more

Encouraging Kids to Practice Gratitude

In this Kids In the House video, I share the importance of creating gratitude routines. Read more

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Happiness Tip: Have a Family Game Night

Want to boost your mood this week? Challenge your family members to an old-fashioned board game. A whopping 91% of families who play games report… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Homeward Bound

Touching story of determination and the unbreakable bonds that tie family together. Read more

Thursday Thought

In ordinary life we hardly realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life… Read more

Why Gratitude is Necessary for Happiness

In this Kids in the House video, I discuss why gratitude is an important and necessary skill to develop for happiness. Read more

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Happiness Tip: Quit Something

It’s a myth that “winners never quit and quitters never win.” From a stress-management standpoint, we need to know when to disengage — and be… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Hear Them Roar

Hope, strength, determination, human connections. I love the raw nature of this video: caretakers being silly and vulnerable for the benefit of the children they… Read more

Getting Kids Involved in Chores

Some tips and tricks to get kids’ to to do boring but necessary tasks without offering bribes and rewards from my Kids in the House video. Read more

Thursday Thought

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude. Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness. Thankfulness may consist merely of words. Gratitude is shown in acts.” — Henri-Frederic… Read more

Welcome Dr. Oz Show Viewers

Hello Dr. Oz Show viewers! If you’re on this website for the first time, welcome! We are so glad you are here. We offer tools… Read more

Tune in to the Dr. Oz Show Today!

I’m on a new Dr. Oz show episode today! Tune in — I can’t wait to share my favorite Happiness Tips with you! Read more

Friday Inspiration: Malala Yousafzai

Malala Yousafzai is an incredibly brave and noble young woman. Wise beyond her years, the forgiveness she shares in this video is an inspiration to… Read more

Thursday Thought

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to… Read more

How to Eliminate ‘Junk Stimulus’

We Americans are often overwhelmed and exhausted. Did you know that 235 million people are currently grappling with feelings of time starvation and moderate to… Read more

How can we teach self-discipline to kids?

In this video from Kids in the House, I discuss a surprising way to encourage self-discipline in kids. Read more

Friday Inspiration: Give and Receive

Beautiful piece illustrating the distinctions between a day in the life of the affluent and the impoverished. Also a great demonstration of this week’s Happiness… Read more

Thursday Thought

You’ve got to continue to grow, or you’re just like last night’s cornbread–stale and dry.” — Loretta Lynn Read more

How to Avoid Burnout—or a Breakdown

Three ways working parents can combat exhaustion that don’t require radical social change Feeling maxed-out? Like you’d like to lie down so badly you are… Read more

Happiness Tip: Flex Your Generosity Muscle

Do something generous this week, and stretch if you can. Be more generous than usual. Research is clear that giving to others improves our health… Read more

What is “emotional literacy”?

Emotional literacy is, in many ways, the foundation of a happy and meaningful life. Register for my Raise Kids’ Emotional Intelligence online class learn more… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Science of Happiness

When we consciously practice gratitude, we find more joy and satisfaction in life. I LOVE how this small experiment demonstrates immediate benefits! Read more

The Importance of Social and Emotional Intelligence

Register for our Raise Kid’s Emotional Intelligence online class to learn how to teach children skills for happiness, emotional intelligence, and resilience This online class will… Read more

Thursday Thought

Tough times never last, tough people do.” — Robert Schuller Read more

Friday Inspiration: Extreme Couponing

Inspiring display of selflessness to make the world a better place. Read more

Thursday Thought

Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for… Read more

Would Working Less Make You Happier?

Is it even possible to work less in today’s economy? Are you caught in a “Time Bind”—where you feel like you don’t have enough time… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Harmonica Man

This special man warms my heart! May he rest in peace. Read more

Thursday Thought

Fill each day with life and heart. There is no pleasure in the world comparable to the delight and satisfaction that a good person takes… Read more

Are You Maxed Out?

I just finished Katrina Alcorn’s gripping memoir, Maxed Out, about her nervous breakdown. Although it is an absorbing, can’t-put-it-down kind of a book, her breakdown—harrowing as… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Gotta Dance!

  In case you think you are too old to do something. Like hip-hop, or to star in a movie as a dancer. (Also, and… Read more

Thursday Thought

A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and… Read more

Happiness Tip: Hardwire Happiness

To keep our ancestors alive, the brain evolved a “negativity bias” that makes it like Velcro for negative experiences but Teflon for positive ones, as… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Snap Your Joy

A fun Friday Inspiration that underscores the contagious energy of joy. Read more

Thursday Thought

If one dream should fall and break into a thousand pieces, never be afraid to pick one of those pieces up and begin again.” –Flavia… Read more

Happiness Tip: Just Lie Down for a Minute

When we look at people who are at the top of their field, they all have grit: persistence and passion for their long-term goals. But… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Perfectionism Cure

I LOVE the message of this video. Particularly relevant to perfectionists (I’m recovering) and kids kicking off a new academic year. Read more

Thursday Thought

When obstacles arise, you change your direction to reach your goal, you do not change your decision to get there.” — Zig Ziglar Read more

Happiness Tip: Practice Deliberately

As the kids get back into their school routines, I’m thinking about what really leads to success—as well as happiness. When we look at people… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Famous Failures

Check out these famous failures for a little inspiration to dust yourself off and try again! Read more

Thursday Thought

It’s not that I’m so smart, it’s just that I stay with problems longer.” — Albert Einstein Read more

Advice for New Parents

An open letter to my brother and his wife, who are expecting their first baby—a boy!!!—this fall. Dear Timmy and Sammy, As I know you… Read more

Happiness Tip: Manufacture Happiness

Faking happiness often makes us feel worse, but there are loads of ways to feel better after we feel bad. (Before you try this, though,… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Dare to Fail

You can’t have innovation without failure. The reason it is precious is that it’s scarce. Put yourself out there, dare to fail, learn and grow! Read more

Thursday Thought

We must always change, renew, rejuvenate ourselves; otherwise we harden.” — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Read more

Happiness Tip: Lean Into Difficult Emotions

“What do you do when you feel sad?” people often ask me. (Some even ask, “Do you ever get sad?”) Yes, OF COURSE I feel… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Dustin Hoffman on how Tootsie challenged his perception of beauty. I think his emotion in this video is SO beautiful! Read more

Thursday Thought

All happiness depends on courage and work.” — Honoré de Balzac Read more

Video: Growth vs. Fixed Mindsets

An overview of the most powerful mindsets — beliefs about why someone is successful or not — and why it’s essential for us to foster… Read more

Happiness Tip: Talk to Strangers

Lucky people meet their perfect partners, achieve their lifelong ambitions, find fulfilling careers, and live happy and meaningful lives. Their success is not due to… Read more

Welcome Dr. Oz Show Viewers

Hello Dr. Oz Show viewers!   If you’re on this website for the first time, welcome! We are so glad you are here. We offer… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Smart is Sexy

A fun Friday Inspiration to share with the kids. How great to see someone using their celebrity to express the merits of hard work, thoughtfulness… Read more

Thursday Thought

Regret is in the past. Fear is in the future. In the present I can manage whatever is actually happening.” –Paul Williams Read more

Problems with Perfectionism

In the latest video from Kids in the House, I discuss why perfectionism is a form of unhappiness. It is, by definition, never being satisfied… Read more

Happiness Tip: Be Kind

Do something kind today for someone who’s a regular part of your life. There is a lot of scientific evidence that happiness and kindness are… Read more

Friday Inspiration

This inspiring short, created by a 20-year old in an AARP contest entitled “U@50”, uses an elegant device to articulate the importance of being a… Read more

Thursday Thought

Perhaps everything terrible is in its deepest being something helpless that wants help from us.” –Rainer Maria Rilke Read more

Time with kids? Or time to yourself?

    Since my book Raising Happiness was published, I’ve met so many unhappy parents I’ve come to believe there might just be an epidemic of unhappiness… Read more

Happiness Tip: Broadcast Your Good News

When you have good news, share it, because the sharing will make you even happier. This is Savoring 101: Positive emotions are amplified when we… Read more

Friday Inspiration

‘The Light That Shines’ a story for all from InBedWithSue.com on Vimeo. An inspiring reminder of the power of friendship, acceptance, self-confidence, healing, love, and… Read more

Thursday Thought

It’s not so much about getting what you want as having what it takes to give to others.” –Danielle LaPorte Read more

It’s Summertime: Let’s Play!

Don’t squander your summer at work or at summer school — you’ll miss all the best benefits There are a lot of great things about… Read more

Happiness Tip: Take a Break

In today’s hyperbusy world, most people don’t take real breaks. “We are poisoned by the hypnotic belief,” writes Wayne Muller in his inspirational book Sabbath, “that… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Pep Talk

Is your kid complaining of being bored? Are you jealous of your friends’ vacation? Clearly you need a PEP TALK from Kid President (and Robert… Read more

Thursday Thought

Patience, noun. A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.” — Ambrose Bierce Read more

Video: How to Deal with Misbehavior

I find it annoying to play referee. Here’s how I keep my time breaking up fights and enforcing the rules to a minimum. When the… Read more

Happiness Tip: Embrace a Mistake

Make an effort to embrace your mistakes as opportunities to learn. Mistakes are a sign that we are putting ourselves out there and challenging ourselves;… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Dear Mother

On his birthday, a son surprises his mother with a gift of profound generosity. A sweet reminder that we receive so much more by giving… Read more

Thursday Thought

The only justification we have for looking down on someone is that we’re going to stop and pick them up.” — Jesse Jackson Read more

Video: Rethinking Family Meetings

More calm and less chaos in just 20 minutes a week Every year I rethink our family meetings at the beginning of the summer, when… Read more

Happiness Tip: Celebrate

Get excited about someone else’s good news. One of my favorite things that happy couples do: They shout things like “WHOO-HOO!!!” when their partner shares… Read more

Friday Inspiration

How does this inspire you? At first, I felt inspired to rescue/adopt children, as this family has. And then I thought of all the reasons… Read more

Thursday Thought

If we could see the miracle of a single flower clearly, our whole life would change.” — Buddha Read more

Why I Send My Kids to Camp

This year, they’ll be away for THREE weeks. I’m heartbroken and kidsick already. Last week, my kids went off to sleepaway summer camp again in… Read more

Happiness Tip: Forgive Someone

Consciously practice an act of forgiveness. It’s true: you’ll be happier if you practice forgiveness. Holding a grudge is not a happiness habit — resentment… Read more

Friday Inspiration: One Second Every Day

If you took a video one second every day of your life, how do you think it would impact your daily choices? Read more

Thursday Thought

You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn Read more

Siblings: Friends or Rivals?

Ah, siblings. My kids, 22 months apart, are good friends more often than not. But if history repeats itself I know that this summer break… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Tribute to Marriage

Upon approval of the definition of marriage act by New Zealand’s parliament, the gallery breaks out in a spontaneous rendition of a traditional Maori love… Read more

Thursday Thought

Happiness is like jam, you can’t spread even a little without getting some on yourself.”  —Vern McLellan Read more

How to Build a Happy Family

Creating strong children and cohesive families through the stories we tell. This fall, my main squeeze and I are getting married. We’ve been dating for… Read more

Happiness Tip: Organize a Small Mess

Clean out a drawer today. (Perhaps that one that drives you crazy every time you open it?) Organization can be grouped with personal cleanliness, a… Read more

Friday Inspiration: This is Water

I imagine some may be familiar with David Foster Wallace’s “This Is Water” speech, delivered in 2005 at the commencement ceremony at Kenyon College in… Read more

Thursday Thought

Do the right thing. It will gratify some people and astonish the rest.” –Mark Twain Read more

Failure Makes You a Winner

And what all heroes have in common. “The true test of a champion is not whether he can triumph, but whether he can overcome obstacles.”—Garth… Read more

Friday Giggle

This one goes out to the all the daddies out there…especially the ones in their “gas station glasses.” Happy Father’s Day! Read more

Thursday Thought

People often say that motivation doesn’t last. Well, neither does bathing — that’s why we recommend it daily.” — Zig Ziglar Read more

20 Questions to Ask Your Father

This article was originally posted on my Greater Good blog. My friends and family know what’s coming when we’re out to dinner and they see… Read more

4 Ways to be Happier Now

In this video from Kids in the House, I share practical tactics for increasing your own happiness.   Read more

Friday Inspiration: An Open Letter to Moms

Hilariously sweet video filled with great tips for taking care of mom’s happiness. Read more

Thursday Thought

People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more.” ― Margaret Collier Graham Read more

20 Thought-Leaders and You!

In her Parenting with Presence Summit, author of Parenting without Power Struggles Susan Stiffelman brings together more than 20 of the world’s leading parenting experts and thought-leaders to… Read more

Happiness Tip: Appreciate Your Loved Ones

Express gratitude to the one you love. Research shows that gratitude is one of the most powerful — and efficient — ways to strengthen a romantic… Read more

Friday Inspiration

We all have our backstories and you never know what someone else’s might be… Read more

Thursday Thought

‘Why not’ is a slogan for an interesting life.” – Mason Cooley Read more

3 Reasons to Put Your Own Happiness First

In this new video from Kids in the House, I discuss why you should worry about your own happiness first. Want to learn more about… Read more

Come on Retreat with me at Esalen!

Do you love your family but feel busy and overwhelmed by your life?  Are you in career or life transition?  Do you crave time for… Read more

Friday Inspiration

. I have so much admiration for the women who paved the way for our generation. I’m particularly fond of the stories Ruth Bader-Ginsburg shares… Read more

Thursday Thought

If you surrender completely to the moments as they pass, you live more richly those moments.” — Anne Morrow Lindbergh Read more

How to Deal with Mean People

Hint: Don’t just turn the other cheek. You, with your switching sides, And your walk by lies and your humiliation You, have pointed out my… Read more

Happiness Tip: Unplug

Turn off your cell phone — really and truly, totally off — for several hours today. Technology can be addictive, and it can change the… Read more

Friday Giggle: Mompetitors

A little Friday fun in the hilarious world of competition among parents. I suppose we all have a little “mompetitor” in us — a great… Read more

Thursday Thought

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit.” — Aristotle Read more

Encouraging Gratitude in Children

In this new video from Kids in the House, I discuss ways to encourage children to practice gratitude. Gratitude is one of the 5 high-impact habits… Read more

Meditating with Kids

Loving-kindness meditation does far more than produce momentary good feelings. Research convincingly shows that it actually puts people on “trajectories of growth,” leaving them better… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Thank You Mom from Michael Marantz on Vimeo. This Mother’s Day I’m filled with gratitude for everything my mother has given me. Don’t forget to… Read more

Thursday Thought

If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. If you want happiness… Read more

My Love-Hate Relationship with Mother’s Day

How we’re turning it into a kindness scavenger hunt. I hate to admit this, but I’ve come to feel entitled to breakfast in bed on… Read more

Happiness Tip: Lose Your Words

While I’ve long known about the neurological benefits of meditation, it wasn’t until I watched Jill Bolte Taylor’s TED talk that I started thinking about… Read more

Friday Inspiration

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Thursday Thought

If you want others to be happy, practice compassion. If you want to be happy, practice compassion.” —The Dalai Lama Read more

How important is it to eat dinner with your kids? You be the judge.

In this new video from Kids in the House, I discuss the benefits of family dinnertime. Read more

Friday Inspiration

I was so moved to see Marines with similar injuries visiting victims of the Boston Marathon bombing. I love the end — how many of… Read more

Thursday Thought

When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I… Read more

Dealing with “Gratitude Resistors”

Have you decided to consciously practice being more grateful—only to find that your spouse, or tweener, or someone close to you thinks it’s hoaky and… Read more

Friday Inspiration

On this, the 70th anniversary of the most significant day in the the Warsaw Ghetto uprising, and in light of recent dramatic events in Boston,… Read more

Thursday Thought

The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy… Read more

Getting Kids Involved in Chores

Getting kids involved in chores| Find More Parenting Tips, Advice, and Videos at KidsInTheHouse.com In this brand new video from Kids in the House, I… Read more

Happiness Tip: Seek Out Awe

Are you feeling starved for time? Impatient? New research shows that experiencing awe can make us feel more satisfied with our lives, more patient, more… Read more

Thank You, Positivity Project!

A big, warm thanks to the Positivity Project for hosting me on your telesummit  yesterday.  I am so grateful for the work that you are… Read more

Welcome!

Welcome to all those who participated in the Women’s Executive Leadership Program at the Haas School of Business earlier this week! It was wonderful to… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Feeling a little “hollow in the happiness department”? One thing that research shows helps many people–in a pretty profound way–is transcendental meditation. I’m grateful that… Read more

Thursday Thought

The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge… Read more

Friday Inspiration

First world problems read by third world people. Certainly puts life’s little irritations in perspective. Hat tip to Jon Marc Seimon for making us aware… Read more

Thursday Thought

So much sadness exists in the world that we are all under obligation to contribute as much joy as lies within our powers.” — John… Read more

Do You Rely on Bribes and Threats to Motivate Kids?

Using threats and bribes for motivation| Find More Parenting Tips, Advice, and Videos at KidsInTheHouse.com In this brand new video from Kids in the House,… Read more

Happiness Tip: Take on Someone Else’s Joy

When was the last time someone else’s happiness became your own? Last weekend I was at a fundraiser where several musicians were playing live. I… Read more

Friday Inspiration

In a little pre-April Fool’s Day Friday Inspiration, I love this clever stunt Dove pulled on the people who manipulate our image of beauty. Even… Read more

Thursday Thought

Whoever is happy will make others happy, too.” –Anne Frank Read more

Friday Giggle

Another Friday Giggle! This one includes a Happiness Tip: get up and get moving! I’ll bet they might have some creative moves to add to… Read more

Thursday Thought

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see.” –Mark Twain Read more

Podcast Roundup: Happiness Matters

Here are this year’s Happiness Matters Podcasts — Rona and I are going to take a break from recording these podcasts for a little while while I… Read more

Happiness Tip: Embrace Difficulty

Yesterday, someone asked my daughter if her mother (that would be me) is happy all the time. My girl threw her head back, guffawed, and… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Routine, dancing, hugs, gratitude!  Tim Harris is all the best happiness habits wrapped into one. What a wonderful testament to what we can accomplish with… Read more

Thursday Thought

The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and all science. He to whom this… Read more

How to Influence Your Teen, Part 1

I frequently hear complaints from parents that their teens and tweeners are irrational. Kids say they want to get into a good college, for example,… Read more

Friday Inspiration

One of the greatest examples of sportsmanship. Ever. Hat tip to Janine Kovac for making us aware of this video. Read more

Thursday Thought

Joy is the best makeup.” —Anne Lamott Read more

Nagging Less

Increase the odds that your kids will do things the first time you ask. In a new Greater Good Science Center video, I provide three quick tips… Read more

Renee Trudeau Book Giveaway

My dear friend Renée Peterson Trudeau is releasing her new book Nurturing the Soul of Your Family: 10 Ways to Reconnect and Find Peace in Everyday… Read more

Friday Giggle

This video totally cracked me up. I love seeing something positive about the nitty gritty of parenting! Read more

Friday Inspiration

I love Danielle LaPorte–what a poet that woman is. Here is an audio collage she created that I find inspiring despite the undeniable new-agey-ness of… Read more

Thursday Thought

Happiness quite unshared can scarcely be called happiness; it has no taste.” —Charlotte Brontë Read more

Friday Inspiration

In honor of Presidents Day, this Friday Inspiration is a moving tribute to a timeless presidential speech–easily the most recognizable inaugural address, but I’ll bet… Read more

Thursday Thought

To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make… Read more

Three Surprising Truths About Teens

A scientific expert on adolescence answers our burning questions. If you could ask any question of a wise and experienced neuroscientist and pediatrician, one who… Read more

Still Keeping your New Year’s Resolutions?

It’s been six weeks since New Year’s Eve, and I hope that you are still going strong with your resolutions. If you aren’t, don’t despair! Slips… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Stand Up Straight

Starting in 6th grade — about the time when I became painfully self-conscious, and really didn’t want my mother’s advice — my mom started to… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Moving Love Story

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo. To all the hopeless romantics, an encore posting of my favorite love story. Ever. A must watch. I’d… Read more

Thursday Thought

Love does not consist in gazing at each other but in looking together in the same direction.” –Antoine de Saint-Exupery Read more

Can Twitter Make You Happier?

Use Social Media to Raise Your Happiness Rather Than Distract From What Matters Most Most people can’t avoid social media these days, even if they… Read more

A Valentine’s Day Prezzy (for Yourself!)

Transform your relationship in four short weeks! “Rekindling Romance,” — an online class you can take on your own time — will help you build a foundation… Read more

Happiness Tip: Foster Appreciation

The best gift you can give yourself this Valentine’s Day is gratitude for your special someone. Research shows that when we consciously think of things… Read more

Friday Inspiration

365grateful.com from hailey bartholomew on Vimeo. I love this project!  Haily’s active decision to pull herself into the present moment and be grateful for all… Read more

Thursday Thought

Love is more than just a feeling: it’s a process requiring continual attention. Loving well takes laughter, loyalty, and wanting more to be able to… Read more

Does Happiness Undermine Success?

Are you content to postpone happiness to promote achievement? Are you pushing your children to succeed? Or giving them skills for happiness? In the latest… Read more

Rekindling Romance Online Class

Is it possible to feel wildly in love…even after you’ve been a couple for a while? New brain and social science shows that it is!… Read more

Happiness Tip: Develop Grit

Did you know that the best predictor of success in school is not grades or SAT scores, but a quality researchers call “grit”? Gritty people… Read more

Friday Inspiration

In “flipped learning,” students watch podcasts of their teacher’s lectures on their own time and spend their time in the classroom applying what they’ve learned… Read more

Thursday Thought

Friends and good manners will carry you where money won’t go.” ― Margaret Walker Read more

Friday Inspiration

Whether or not you (or your children) have a learning or physical disability, we all have challenges. This is incredibly great advice about how to… Read more

Thursday Thought

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” ―Frederick Douglass Read more

Happiness Tip: Double Down on Your Resolutions

Double down for one more week and reap the benefits. This week is an important one for people who made New Year’s resolutions (I hope… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Wishing you’d made a resolution to get more exercise this year? It’s not too late, and this 101 year-old woman will inspire you! P.S. It’s… Read more

Thursday Thought

Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” ―Paul Boese Read more

Gratitude 365

Three gratitude practices to make habits in the New Year Even though Thanksgiving is quickly becoming a distant memory, giving thanks can still be a… Read more

Happiness Tip: Make a Resolution, Part 2

Were you too busy over the holidays to make your New Year’s resolutions? Or maybe you made a resolution, but you never really started doing… Read more

Friday Inspiration

I love showing my kids videos like this one that have gone viral. Matt, who has Spastic Cerebral Palsy, is, of course, inspiring in his… Read more

Thursday Thought

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” – Corrie ten Boom Read more

The 10 Most Popular Raising Happiness Posts in 2012

I’m always a little surprised by the posts that rise to the top! Wondering which Raising Happiness posts were most popular in 2012—on Greater Good… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The human spirit is so inspiring: we can do so much with so little. I want all American children to see this, so that they… Read more

Thursday Thought

Life is a process of becoming, a combination of states we have to go through. Where people fail is that they wish to elect a… Read more

December Podcast Roundup: Happiness Matters

Here are the December Happiness Matters Podcasts — hope you check them out if you missed any!  The Art of Setting Limits Kids aren’t perfect, and it… Read more

Top 10 Happiness Tips of 2012

The most fun part of 2012 for me was sharing my Happiness Tips on the Dr. Oz Show. If you missed that episode, you can… Read more

Friday Inspiration

This video is such a warm “best of” reel of the things we value most in our everyday lives: romance, chivalry, comedy, bravery, justice, thoughtfulness,… Read more

Thursday Thought

When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” ―Victor Frankl Read more

Happiness Tip: Make a Resolution

You want to lose weight. Get out of debt. Eat more kale. Call your grandma more often. I do understand why New Year’s resolutions don’t… Read more

Friday Inspiration

We humans are built to form strong connections with other human beings… no matter how much geographical distance separate us. I find this video so… Read more

Welcome Washington Post Readers!

Hello Washington Post Readers!  Thanks for spending the hour with me discussing how we can encourage gratitude in our kids. (If you missed it, you… Read more

Thursday Thought

Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” –Marcel Proust Read more

Are We Wired to Want Stuff?

Neuroscience can explain why your kids have the holiday gimmees. I’ll never forget a holiday moment a few years ago, when I found myself in… Read more

Surviving the Holidays

Because it isn’t always all fun & games If you are starting to feel over-whelmed by the December holidays, you aren’t alone! In my last… Read more

Tune in to the Dr. Oz Show TODAY!

Research shows that by boosting your happiness level, you can live a longer, healthier life.  I share some of my favorite happiness tips with Dr.… Read more

Fighting Holiday Fatigue? Give Thanks.

With Thanksgiving and Hanukkah behind us, but Christmas, Kwanza, and New Year’s still ahead, many Americans are starting to feel, well, tired during this busy holiday season.… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Ignore a Distressing Email

Rude comments on this blog (we don’t post most of them) and mean emails (yes, I get hate mail for writing about happiness) tend to… Read more

Sending Our Love + Resources

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You… Read more

Whoo-hoo! We won!! Many thanks.

We just learned that Raising Happiness WON not one, but TWO, 2012 Red Tricycle Totally Awesome Awards. One for Most Influential Blog, and another for Best… Read more

What if money were no object? Friday Inspiration

I am grateful that I truly love my work, and I hope that my example is enough for my children. I worry, however, that what… Read more

Thursday Thought

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.” — Albert Einstein Read more

What Teens Need

Sometimes, they need carefully calibrated danger How does this clip of a teenager falling off a horse make you feel? If you are like me,… Read more

Book Giveaway – “Giving Back”

Author Steve Ketchpel has offered to give a free copy of his new book Giving Back: Discover your values and put them into action through… Read more

What Would You Trade for 50% More Money? Americans May Be Trading-off Happiness

What if, at the end of the year, you could have half your annual income as a bonus? The catch: you must give up something… Read more

Free Book with Class or Coaching!

Now through December 31st, get a free copy of RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents with every group coaching… Read more

Happiness Tip: Take a Picture in Your Mind

In the hustle and bustle of this holiday season, boost your happiness with this savoring technique: take a mental photograph. “Pause for a moment and consciously be aware of… Read more

Friday Inspiration

A message for my mother from Dr. Greene on YouTube. Have you heard that women who’ve born children live longer than their childless female peers?… Read more

Thursday Thought

When we lose one blessing, another is often, most unexpectedly, given in its place.” — C.S. Lewis Read more

Why Gratitude Works

Gratitude seems hokey to some. But in a new video at the Greater Good Science Center, I explain why “thank you” actually provides a significant boost… Read more

We Love Teachers — thank you!

We here at Raising Happiness are so grateful for teachers! I love talking to them when I’m speaking around the country; they never fail to amaze… Read more

Happiness Tip: Reduce Holiday Stress

Many of us are really gearing up for the next wave of holidays right now, and are perhaps feeling a bit overwhelmed. This year, instead… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Awe

Murmuration from Islands & Rivers on Vimeo. This video fills me with awe for the natural world, and all that we do not know. When… Read more

Thursday Thought

If you share, you’ll get more than you actually have.” ―Boulder, CO fourth-grader Lucca Fulkerson [https://www.dailycamera.com] Read more

November Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in October: Giving Thanks A new slew of tips from Rona and I… Read more

Most Influential Parenting Blog? We’d Love Your Vote

We first heard that Raising Happiness was a finalist for “Best Parent Education Program” in Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Awards… …THEN we heard we’re a top… Read more

Friday Inspiration

A Friday Inspiration Thanksgiving Double Header! In honor of my gratitude for all of you, my readers, here’s TWO inspiring videos. . I’m totally in… Read more

Thursday Thought

If the only prayer you said in your whole life was, ‘thank you,’ that would suffice.” — Meister Eckhart Read more

Holiday Gratitude Traditions

There is a new video in a Greater Good Science Center series! With the holidays fast approaching, watch this quick video to learn three of… Read more

Make Gratitude Placecards

In my family on Thanksgiving, we appreciate each other by writing on our dinner table place cards. The kids make giant construction paper place cards… Read more

Friday Chuckle

Sometimes you just need a little laugh — this one did it for me. I especially like the first comment: Physics: “Sorry, cat. You can’t… Read more

Thursday Thought

Giving thanks for abundance is sweeter than the abundance itself.” — Rumi Read more

The Kids Are Not Alright

Do you think you worry too much about your children? Too little? How much is enough? Generally, I believe worry is a waste of time… Read more

Vote for Raising Happiness!

Raising Happiness is a finalist for “Most Influential Blog” and “Best Education Program” in Red Tricycle’s Totally Awesome Awards. Help us get out the vote,… Read more

First Call is Today!

It’s not too late to sign up for the November Coaching Group! Participate in fun group discussions where you can share your experiences and seek expert advice… Read more

Friday Inspiration

A film by Beth Murphy. More at Principle Pictures. More at KarmaTube. I am so inspired by Razia, and so filled with gratitude for my… Read more

Thursday Thought

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into… Read more

Is Happiness Learnable?

New video in a Greater Good Science Center series! Happiness isn’t only determined by genetics. It’s a skill we can develop with practice.  This week… Read more

Create Happy Holidays

‘Tis the season to foster gratitude and kindness…right? This is also when I get a lot of complaints that kids today are entitled, materialistic, and… Read more

Combat “Sunday Night Anxiety”

Do you tend to feel more anxious at the end of the weekend? We call that “Sunday Night Anxiety” or “SNA” (pronounced snaah) in my… Read more

Friday Inspiration: 22 Acts of Kindness

I found this so inspirational that I’m going to do this for my next birthday! I’ll need 41 kindness activities: what do you recommend? Please… Read more

Thursday Thought

To be loved, be lovable.” — Ovid Read more

October Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in October: Bullies, Bystanders, and Really Kind Kids Is your kid a bully?… Read more

Registration open! Live Group Coaching

Do your kids take too much for granted–including you? You can help them by deliberately cultivating gratitude practices! This November, I’m offering a small live… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Are You a Good Enough Parent?

Are you a good enough parent? Do you sometimes feel like you are faking it at work or at home? I can’t tell you how… Read more

Thursday Thought

The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” — Mahatma Gandhi Read more

How to Deal with Misbehaving Kids

The cure for “empty threat syndrome.” Recently, I was at dinner with two other families. Another guest’s nine-year-old son, Sean*, was provoking his 12-year-old sister,… Read more

Happiness Tip: Yawn a Few Times

You probably know that yawning is contagious among chimpanzees, dogs, humans, and even possibly fish. Did you yawn just seeing the photo, below? We think… Read more

Friday Inspiration

“In order for kids to learn and be creative, they need to feel happy and safe.” And in a world where we so often hear… Read more

Thursday Thought

Perhaps everything terrible is in its being something that needs our love.” — Rainer Maria Rilke Read more

3 Ways to Raise Kind Kids

First video in a new Greater Good Science Center series! This week I give three quick tips for raising kids who are kind. . Read more

November Live Coaching Calls

Fostering Kindness & Gratitude . Learn how to foster the skills that lead to real happiness, and keep your kids from thinking life is just… Read more

Happiness Tip: Don’t Pat Your Own Back

Have you heard of the “licensing effect”? . Moral licensing occurs when we behave virtuously and then “cancel out” our good deeds by doing something… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Poetry Everywhere

This short poem was posted in the comments of one of my Happiness Tips, and I know I’m not the only one who wept watching… Read more

Thursday Thought

The fragrance always stays in the hand that gives the rose.” — Hada Bejar Read more

How to Get Your Household to Run Itself

Having started my career in business, I now avoid formal business meetings like the plague. But I love family meetings. In fact, I think they’re one of… Read more

Happiness Tip: Look Forward to — or Back on — Something Fun

The sheer number of positive emotions we experience relative to negative ones affects how happy we are generally; for that reason, excitement about future events… Read more

Friday Inspiration: The Power of Words

. Oops! The original video I posted was removed, but I like this one too. This short film is a moving illustration of how powerful… Read more

Thursday Thought

Leadership is doing what is right when no one is watching.” — George Van Valkenburg . Read more

Happiness is…the Weekend?

Are you happier on the weekend? Most people are, according to a new survey of 1,000 Americans about their “weekend state of mind.” The idea… Read more

Last Chance to Sign Up for October Coaching

raise happy kids + love your life . There are only a few spots left in October’s group! This month focuses on increasing social and… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Voices

Rarely do I admit when an advertisement makes me cry – I hate being manipulated by corporations who want to sell me something. I feel… Read more

Thursday Thought

The real moment of success is not the moment apparent to the crowd.” — George Bernard Shaw . Like this content? Sign up for our… Read more

September Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in September: The Art of Saying No Do you say “yes” every time… Read more

October Live Coaching Calls

raise happy kids + love your life . Next month is all about how to teach children skills for happiness, emotional intelligence, and resilience. Live Group Coaching allows… Read more

The game that can give you 10 extra years of life

Want an extra 7 minutes of life? Play this game, and you’ll be rewarded with extra life minutes…. . Like this content? Sign up for… Read more

Thursday Thought

Any transition serious enough to alter your definition of self will require not just small adjustments in your way of living and thinking but a… Read more

Live Group Coaching — October Registration Open!

raise happy kids + love your life Registration is now open for October’s Live Group Coaching: Social & Emotional Intelligence! Does your child have issues… Read more

Happiness Tip: Be Unproductive for a Whole Work Day

If you are like me (a recovering perfectionist and over-achiever) consider taking a break from your high-productivity this week. Loads of research make it clear… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Som Sabadell Flashmob

One of my favorite flashmobs: Ode to Joy! Read more

Thursday Thought

Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can… Read more

Turning the Morning Blitz into School-Day Bliss

Moment of truth: My kids and I spent the first part of the last school year without any sort of predictable morning routine, or at… Read more

Live Group Coaching Starts Tonight!

raise happy kids + love your life Our first live call in September’s group coaching is tonight! If weren’t able to join us this time,… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Memorize Two Lines from a Poem

We often forget that inspiration — along with its cousins, elevation and awe, — are positive emotions that make us feel more content, joyful and… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Nick Vujicic

Here’s a video for all the times our kids are feeling sorry for themselves. (Or we are feeling victimized, for that matter.) No arms, no… Read more

Thursday Thought

Set me a task in which I can put something of my very self, and it is a task no longer; it is joy; it… Read more

3 Essential School Supplies — That Aren’t on Your List

How Do You Fix A Bully? from Peter Hwosch on Vimeo. Art supplies, a cool thumb-drive, and a new backpack are nothing short of thrilling… Read more

Live Calls Start Next Week!

raise happy kids + love your life I’m so excited that LIVE GROUP COACHING has begun this week, and next Tuesday is the first live… Read more

Happiness Tip: Stick with Your Routine

As a life coach, I’m a huge proponent of personal growth, and growth usually means change. Becoming happier often means reengineering a bad habit, or… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Why I Dance

The most fun–and least expensive–therapy for finding greater happiness and less stress. I found this video on KarmaTube — it is a great source for… Read more

Thursday Thought

A hundred times every day I remind myself that my inner and outer life depend on the labors of other men, living and dead, and… Read more

August Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in August: Seven Ways to Foster Creativity Creativity is an important lifeskill that… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Mars Landing

Mark Rober’s video on the Curiosity’s Landing. . Like this content? Sign up for our FREE Happiness Tips email! . Read more

Thursday Thought

Joy is the best makeup.” — Anne Lamott Like this content? Sign up for our FREE Happiness Tips email! . Read more

Happy Songs

We got a whole lot of comments from my Happiness Tip “Listen to Your Favorite Song” — thanks to everyone for sharing — and now… Read more

How to Raise an Olympic Athlete

Even though the Olympics are over, my kids are still whipped into a frenzy. Fiona has a new passion for volleyball, and Molly is signed… Read more

Live with Dr. Christine Carter!

raise happy kids + love your life I’m so excited to tell you about a new offering I have this fall: LIVE GROUP COACHING! Each… Read more

Happiness Tip: Write a Love Letter

Have you seen the moving five minute video from StoryCorps about Danny and Annie? (If not, your happiness tip is to watch it now.) The… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Moving Love Story

Danny & Annie from StoryCorps on Vimeo. This is the most moving 5 minute love story. Ever. A must watch. I’d like to dedicate this… Read more

Thursday Thought

There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in… Read more

Family Meals are Hugely Important: Short video with Kelly Corrigan

Even if you and your kids are crazy busy, eating together is important for kids’ development (and happiness!). Watch this quick video to find out… Read more

raise happy kids + love your life

The full 32-week online Raising Happiness class — formerly known as “The Big Kahuna” — is now a Homestudy course that you can start at… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Skip Your Morning Donut

I’m a big fan of high-fat foods; fat tastes good, after all. And research has shown that some types of fats, like Omega-3s, can calm… Read more

Thursday Thought

In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” — John Churton Collins Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook. Follow… Read more

On the Blog in July – Greater Good Science Center

Happy summer! I hope you are enjoying the change of pace that summer brings, and that you’ve adjusted to a change in your routine. On… Read more

Thursday Thought

My home is not a place, it is people.” ―Lois McMaster Bujold Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook. Follow Christine Carter on Twitter.… Read more

July Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in July: An Ancient Practice for Modern Ailments Research shows that mindfulness and meditation counter… Read more

Thursday Thought

The first step to getting the things you want out of life is this: Decide what you want.” ―Ben Stein Become a fan of Raising… Read more

Let Your Kids Fail: Short video with Kelly Corrigan

This video—and Kelly’s column—continues the discussion about fostering engagement and high-performance in kids. This is part 4 in a series; if you liked this video, you might… Read more

Thursday Thought

When you do things from your soul you feel a river moving in you, a joy.” — Rumi Become a fan of Raising Happiness on… Read more

Short video with Kelly Corrigan: Oh Honey! You’re so, um, well, uh…

This post from my Greater Good blog contains more of my dialogue with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan about how to praise kids effectively. This is… Read more

Thursday Thought

The more you have, the more you’re occupied; the less you have, the more free you are.” — Mother Teresa Become a fan of Raising… Read more

Achievement Doesn’t Matter: Short video with Kelly Corrigan

This post from my Greater Good blog contains more of my dialogue with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan about why we need to be more focused… Read more

Thursday Thought

When you cannot make up your mind between two evenly balanced courses of action, choose the bolder.” — W.J. Slim Become a fan of Raising… Read more

June Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in June: How to be a More Patient Parent Tired of kids fighting?  Wishing you… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The girl who silenced the world for 5 minutes.  Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook.  Follow Christine Carter on Twitter. Get our Happiness Tips email! Read more

Thursday Thought

Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” — Kahlil Gibran Become a fan of Raising Happiness on Facebook. Follow Christine Carter on Twitter.… Read more

The Psychology of Success: Short video with Kelly Corrigan

This post from my Greater Good blog contains more of my dialogue with bestselling author Kelly Corrigan about how to praise kids. This is part 1 in a… Read more

Friday Inspiration

“In 2008, Roger set out on a quest to lose weight, get healthy and eventually run in the Boston Marathon. But not just for himself,… Read more

Thursday Thought

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other’s good, and melt at other’s woe.” –Homer Become a fan of Raising Happiness… Read more

Fathers Have More Fun

Are parents happier than their childless peers? For the last five years or so, I’ve answered that question with a resounding “no.” Statistics (not to… Read more

Happiness Tip: Touch the Earth

You might know that your TV needs to be grounded electrically to get a clear picture, but did you know that your body also needs… Read more

Thursday Thought

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” — Chinese proverb Read more

How to remain sane — and even productive — over the summer

Researchers believe that the brains in both humans and animals evolved to feel calmed by repetitive behavior, and that our daily rituals and habits are… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Listen to Your Favorite Songs

“Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” — Plato Loads of research shows… Read more

Friday Inspiration

A film by Random Acts of Kindness Foundation. Another Kleenex-worthy video. If you are tempted to think that our children are too young to make… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The World Peace Game, a brainchild of public school teacher John Hunter, pits teams of students against each other as leaders of countries in crises… Read more

Thursday Thought

You must retain faith that you can prevail to greatness in the end, while retaining the discipline to confront the brutal facts of your current… Read more

May Podcast Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in May: Is Divorce Always Bad for Kids? Rona and I are both divorced; we’ve… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Hang Out with an Animal

My parents recently adopted a dog, which has given me a new perspective on how animals bring happiness to humans. My parents were happy people… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Get out your Kleenex! This Friday inspiration is particularly inspiring. God bless that yoga teacher. Read more

Thursday Thought

The world is full of suffering; it is also full of overcoming. — Helen Keller Read more

Three Ways to Find Happiness on Facebook

Can Facebook make your child happy—or will it just lead to loneliness, as this Atlantic article-gone-viral suggests? According to some interesting research, social media arguably can… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The ordinary… is the part of our world where beauty is interlaced in each detail… It’s the part of our world that can knock our… Read more

Thursday Thought

You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.” ―Chinese Proverb… Read more

How to Keep Your Child Safe (and Happy) Online, Part 1

Like a lot of parents, I’ve been struck by how active—though not savvy—my kids and their friends are with social media. It’s a little like… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Change Your Mantra

“How are you?” A good friend asks at lunch. You haven’t seen her for a month or so. You feel guilty that you’ve been out… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Spreading Gratitude

This is a great short video explaining how to get the most out of a gratitude practice. Record your action on this map and watch… Read more

Thursday Thought

For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness.” ―Ralph Waldo Emerson Read more

Mirror Mirror on the Wall: Who’s the Best Mom of Them All?

Last year, Tiger Mothers were superior. This year, French mommy-hood has been deemed a cut above. Are other mothers generally better than us at producing high-functioning… Read more

Michael Jordan: Failure is Why I Succeed

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Happiness Tip: Make a Plan

One of the things that can detract from our happiness is a lingering to-do item. I’d be rich if I had a dollar for every… Read more

Friday Inspiration: How Quickly They Grow Up

After his daughter Lotte was born, Dutch photographer Frans Hofmeester began creating weekly videos of her to document her growth. Lotte recently turned 12, and… Read more

Thursday Thought

Thursday Thought: An unhurried sense of time is in itself a form of wealth.”— Bonnie Friedman Read more

5 Tips for Boosting Your Willpower

Who among us has not made a plan to get up in the morning and exercise, but then hit snooze one time too many, sleeping… Read more

Happiness Tip: Give 8 Hugs Everyday

We all know that hugs make us feel better; one reason they do is that they stimulate production of the feel-good neurotransmitter oxytocin — the… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Music that moves the soul.

This video is a great reminder that listening to music can bring us all alive.   Read more

Thursday Thought

We are what we think. All that we are arises with our thoughts. With our thoughts, we make the world.” — The Buddha Read more

April Podcasts Round-up: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in April: Do You Have Family Meetings? If you’ve never had a family… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Ever wonder how to make life — under any circumstances — worth living? Take some advice from this 108-year-old holocaust survivor.  It’s worth watching to… Read more

Thursday Thought

No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child.” — Emma Goldman Read more

Your chance to win a $1200 prize!

Hello Raising Happiness friend! We’ve worked hard over the last year to improve our Raising Happiness Classes, Happiness Tips, and website. Now it is your… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Make Your Bed

A confession: I have only reliably made my bed for the last three or so years; for the first 21 years of my adulthood, I… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Friday Inspiration: Need a break that will make you smile? Watch this video of a man so fulfilled he can’t contain himself. I love ya,… Read more

Thursday Thought

Thursday Thought: You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.” –Maya Angelou Read more

The Stuck-at-Home Generation

As a child and young adult, I was given lots of opportunities to develop independence. I went to a boarding school at age 14 that taught self-reliance… Read more

Friday Giggle: Don’t bite, and other laughs from Kate Micucci

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Thursday Thought

Thursday Thought: Happiness always looks small while you hold it in your hands, but let it go, and you learn at once how big and… Read more

Happiness Tip: Spend Some Time Alone

Are we always better together? Last week’s tip emphasized the importance of our social connections. But alone-time is just as important for our happiness and… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Homeless Boy Steals The Talent Show

This video made me weep! The resilience — and sheer ability — of the human spirit is so amazing. Read more

Thursday Thought

I have found that if you love life, life will love you back.” ― Arthur Rubinstein Read more

Is Your Kid Mean?

We all want to protect our children from bullying. Most parents, I imagine, would be horrified to hear that their children are being picked on… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Cultivate Your Support Network

As I write this, I’m stranded by the side of the road in a car that won’t start, with two hungry and irritable children. It… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Brene Brown Inspires Again

I love Brene Brown; her research and her message are SO important. I want everyone I know to watch this… Read more

Thursday Thought

In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.” – John Churton Collins Read more

March Podcasts: Happiness Matters

Here is a list of Happiness Matters Podcasts you may have missed in March: Is Your Spouse Right for You? In this podcast, Rona and… Read more

$20 last minute deal for all spring classes

 Hurry! One week left before class starts! Use coupon code “SpringHappiness” to take $20 off when you sign up for any 10-week Raising Happiness online… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Help a kidnapped child by watching this video

KONY 2012 is a film by Invisible Children that aims to make Joseph Kony famous, not to celebrate him, but to raise support for his… Read more

Thursday Thought

A mother is not a person to lean on, but a person to make leaning unnecessary.” -Dorothy Canfield Fisher Read more

The “Good” Divorce

The title of this post is misleading: Divorce is difficult and painful for everyone involved, especially kids. I’ve never known anyone to have a “good”… Read more

Get a FREE copy of Raising Happiness THIS WEEK ONLY!

Get a FREE copy of Raising Happiness: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents when you sign up for any Foundations I… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Automate a Hassle

Ever feel like your time and energy is going into tasks you don’t really want to do? If so, find a way to make those… Read more

Friday Inspiration: One powerful activity for health

Wondering what the best medicine really is? Here’s one doctor’s take. Read more

Thursday Thought

Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living with love, grace and gratitude.” — Denis Waitely Read more

Is Divorce Immature and Selfish?

Last week, the best-selling author and popular blogger Penelope Trunk declared divorce “immature and selfish.” She claimed divorce is “nearly always terrible for kids” (and… Read more

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Happiness Tip: Commit to Kindness

One of the easiest and most powerful ways to feel happier is for us to do something nice for someone else. It’s also a great… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Gratitude

I feel grateful for–and in awe of–the ocean. I try to photograph something nearly everyday that I feel grateful for–it amplifies my feelings of appreciation,… Read more

Thursday Thought

Making your mark on the world is hard. If it were easy, everybody would do it. But it’s not. It takes patience, it takes commitment,… Read more

Is Marital Bliss Sexist?

. All the February “talk of love” on my Greater Good blog generated a lot of controversy and confusion. Relationship advice is tricky; one shoe certainly doesn’t fit… Read more

Early Bird Special: take $50 OFF Spring Class

Spring is all about rejuvenating the soul for growth. Join us for the 10-week Spring Cleaning for the Soul Raising Happiness online class and clear… Read more

Happiness Tip: Call a Friend

Our friendships and close relationships–both how many we have, and how positive they are–are one of the best predictors of our happiness. But in the… Read more

Friday Inspiration: Happiness is Contagious

Happiness is Contagious by William Martin (from The Parents’ Tao Te Ching) If you always compare your children’s abilities to those of great athletes, entertainers,… Read more

Thursday Thought

Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is… Read more

Podcast: Feeling Unhappy in Your Marriage?

Check out my podcast Happiness Matters with Rona Renner either here on the Greater Good website, or here on iTunes.  Happy listening! This Week: Our expectations color our perceptions of… Read more

Are You a Nag?

Nagging is a particular form of unhappiness — for everyone involved. Around the house, we’re often annoyed or disappointed when someone fails to meet our expectations… Read more

Early Bird Special: Foundations I

Put your happiness first this springtime! Learn how to raise successful kids and be a happier parent with this 10-week Raising Happiness course. THIS WEEK ONLY:… Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Very Grateful Girl

I often show this video at my speaking engagements, and afterwards, people always want the link. Here it is! Read more

Thursday Thought

In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.” –Thomas Jefferson Read more

Is Your Spouse Enough for You?

If you find yourself often thinking about whether or not your spouse is really the right person for you, as many married-with-children-types often do, I’ve… Read more

Podcast: How to Respond to Kids’ Tantrums

Check out my podcast Happiness Matters with Rona Renner either here on the Greater Good website, or here on iTunes.  Happy listening! This Week: What to… Read more

Happiness Tip: Say No to Someone Besides Yourself

Are you always saying “yes” to everyone around you, but never making time for yourself? Saying no takes practice for most people, but it is… Read more

Gratitude Photo

I am grateful for Guide Dog Puppies. I feel happy just looking at this one. What are you grateful for today? Read more

Thursday Thought

Life’s greatest happiness is to be convinced we are loved.” –Victor Hugo Read more

Ala Cart: Foundations of a great, long lasting romance

Are you feelin’ it this Valentine’s Day? Do you love your main squeeze, but know that your relationship could be better? Are you looking for… Read more

Happiness Tip: Give Someone a Hug

We don’t have to wait for Valentine’s Day to generous with our hugs! Dacher Keltner’s studies show that touch is the primary language of compassion,… Read more

Thursday Thought

Loving is not just looking at each other, it’s looking in the same direction.” –Antoine de Saint-Exupery Read more

Hate Your Husband? (or Your Wife?)

“Help! I hate my husband!” a reader recently wrote to Iris Krasnow, author of The Secret Lives of Wives. Krasnow’s reader, Cindy from Dallas, emails her that “[this]… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Friday Inspiration: If you haven’t read this beautiful post about the most common regrets people have when they are dying, it is well worth the… Read more

Thursday Thought

The best thing about the future is that it comes only one day at a time.” — Abraham Lincoln Read more

Happiness Tip: Get More Done with Less Stress

We parents are probably more squeezed for time than at any other time in history. And no time can mean lots of stress.  Here are… Read more

Class Starts Today!

Whoo-hoo!!! The winter session of my online Raising Happiness Classes start today!  If you haven’t signed up yet, I hope you will! Check out our… Read more

Video: How to motivate kids without bribing them

Made some New Year’s Resolutions? If you watched this video, you know why we don’t want to set up a reward system to get kids to… Read more

Thursday Thought

A small daily task, if it be really daily, will beat the labours of a spasmodic Hercules.” — Anthony Trollope Read more

Just One Week Left!

The winter session of the Raising Happiness Online Classes starts in ONE WEEK! Need help making resolutions that actually will make you happier, and will… Read more

Happiness Tip: Quit Your Diet, Now

Did you make a New Year’s Resolution to counter holiday over-indulgence by cutting calories? (Or cutting out an entire food-group, like carbs?) If so, go… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reasons for remaining ashore.” —… Read more

Happiness Tip: Live Like it Ends in 2012

Oh, how I love New Year’s resolutions. Something about the blank slate, the possibility for growth. Like most people, I can’t dive headlong into a… Read more

Gratitude Photo

I am grateful for “Christmas berries” the wonderful reds found in nature at this time of year! One of my favorite gratitude practices is to… Read more

Thursday Thought

  Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” ―Martin Luther King Jr.   Read more

Video: Why Not to Bribe Kids

“If you empty the dishwasher right now, I’ll give you a dollar.” Does this sound familiar? We’ve all done it: offered our kids little bribes–and… Read more

Give (Yourself?) Happiness This Year!

It’s not too late to give Raising Happiness as a gift! Giving a book? We’ll personalize a bookplate for you; simply fill out this form and we’ll get it… Read more

Most Popular Raising Happiness posts of 2011

Check out the most popular Raising Happiness posts of 2011, here on my Greater Good Science Center blog. . Read more

Friday Inspiration: Happiness Revealed

This is a profoundly inspiring, absolutely breathtaking video — well worth 10 minutes of your time. I’m smitten by the child (around 4 minutes in),… Read more

Thursday Thought

Yet, taught by time, my heart has learned to glow for other’s good, and melt at other’s woe.” –Homer Read more

Podcast: Holiday Traditions that Foster Happiness

Rona and I discuss why some holiday traditions can fuel our children’s happiness, and give several suggestions for fun, joy-inducing holiday rituals. Please check out… Read more

Winter Class Sign-ups Now Open!

We hope you’ll check out our class catalog if you’ve been thinking of taking one of my online classes. If you missed the start of… Read more

Happiness Tip: Simplify Your Holidays

Feeling overwhelmed is not a happiness habit, but many of us start to go into holiday over-drive right about now. Here are two things we… Read more

Gratitude Photo

Today, I am grateful for Grammy and Grampa Snuggles’ persimmon tree! One of my favorite gratitude practices is to take a picture of something I… Read more

Thursday Thought

Don’t regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many.” — Unknown Read more

Podcast: Kids Got the Gimmies?

As the holiday marketing machine ramps up and the lists for Santa start to lengthen, Rona and I pause to reflect on what research shows… Read more

Get your personalized book plate!

Giving RAISING HAPPINESS: 10 Simple Steps for More Joyful Kids and Happier Parents as a gift? . We’ll send a signed, personalized book plate to… Read more

Happiness Tip: Feel Madly in Love

A buddy recently stopped by for tea to tell me all about his new love — a whirlwind 50-something romance, a second great love after… Read more

Thursday Thought

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.” — Anne Frank Read more

Podcast: Why Gratitude Works

Rona and I talk about the science of gratitude, and why consciously practicing gratitude can boost our happiness so much. Please check out my podcast… Read more

Gratitude Photo

I am grateful that my neighborhood has sidewalk. One of my favorite gratitude practices is to take a picture of something I am grateful for. Read more

Friday Inspiration: A Life Changed by Gratitude

Several times a week, I take a photograph of something I find beautiful or inspiring, or something I feel grateful for. I was inspired to… Read more

Friday Giggle

Great article from Peter Hartlaub of SFGate! Seven things I’m going to miss about having little kids … https://blog.sfgate.com/parenting/2011/11/11/five-things-im-going-to-miss-about-having-little-kids/ Read more

Thursday Thought

Abundance can be had simply by consciously receiving what has already been given.” —Sufi Saying Read more

Video: Teaching Gratitude

In honor of that wonderful gratitude holiday we’ve got just around the corner, I’m reposting a very short video that Kelly Corrigan (author of The… Read more

Take HALF OFF ANY online Raising Happiness Class

Take HALF OFF ANY online Raising Happiness Class Hurry, this offer ends at midnight on Monday, November 28th, 2011. I’m not a huge fan of… Read more

Happiness Tip: Practice Gratitude Every Single Day

If we want to be happy we need to practice gratitude. Deliberately and consistently — or we’ll end up feeling entitled rather than satisfied. Here… Read more

Gratitude Photo

I am grateful for red leaves and blue skies and crisp air. One of my favorite gratitude practices is to take a picture of something… Read more

Introducing Raising Happiness Ala Cart!

Interested in the Raising Happiness Online Class, but not sure that you can commit to a 10-week course?  Take a test drive with our FIRST… Read more

Postcast: Occupy – Should Kids be Involved?

This week Rona and I discuss how and why to talk to kids about the Occupy Wall Street movement, and why giving them a broader… Read more

2011 Red Tricycle Award Winner!

GREAT NEWS!        Raising Happiness won a Totally Awesome award for the Best Parent Education in 2011.  THANK YOU for your support!!   Read more

How to Make Your Task List More Fun

So often we parents face a long list of boring daily tasks. This is not good for our happiness!  This week transform your task list… Read more

Thursday Thought

None of us will ever accomplish anything excellent or commanding except when he listens to this whisper which is heard by him alone.”  — Ralph… Read more

Podcast: Happiness is Contagious

Want to contribute to the greater good of society? Rona and I talk about why starting with yourself is a solid strategy for increasing other… Read more

Stop Stalling.

We all do it sometimes, but procrastination is not a happiness habit. Often we know what we need to do, but we just don’t feel like… Read more

TEDx Talk: The Power of the Compassionate Imagination

Here is the TEDx talk I gave in June 2011 — my ideas about the foundation of happiness, and the choice that I think can… Read more

Podcast: One tip for kids’ School Success

Are the economists right that genes have the most powerful influence on academic success? Rona and I talk about a frequently over-looked contribution to our… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Video from KarmaTube If you haven’t seen this moving video yet, take the time.  It is wonderful: speaks to the meaning of life, of school,… Read more

Video: Teach Kids to be Lucky

Did you know that there is a science of luck? Research shows that there are SKILLS that make us luckier. Lindsay and I talk about those things… Read more

Breathe out. Twice.

When we exhale, our heart beat slows down slightly, which is probably why long, deep exhalations are associated with relaxation and well-being. If you are… Read more

Friday Inspiration

To affect the quality of the day, that is the highest of arts.” — Henry David Thoreau Read more

One Kind Thing

Helping others makes us happy–and it makes life meaningful. But how do we foster kindness in children? Try asking these two questions at dinner tonight:… Read more

Friday Inspiration

What an incredible story…and voice! Read more

Podcast: Don’t Freak Out!

Why it is so important for us parents to have healthy coping mechanisms for dealing with stress and anxiety, as well as Rona and my… Read more

Video: How to Handle a Meltdown

Lindsay and I discuss one of the most important parenting skills in the history of the universe: emotion coaching. Quick tips for how to handle… Read more

The 3 New “R’s” of Back-To-School Success

By guest blogger, Amy McCready, Founder of Positive Parenting Solutions and author of If I Have to Tell You One More Time…The Revolutionary Program That Gets… Read more

Inspiration for your Friday!

This video made me weep with joy. Hat tip: Danielle Laporte, who points out the key inspiration, which comes at the end: “Thank you. I won’t let… Read more

Podcast: Kids Under Pressure

Mindfulness and stress management tips for helping stressed out kids from Rona and my own experience and also from Michelle Bailey’s book Parenting Your Stressed Child. These… Read more

Video: Should We Push Kids Harder?

Will our kids be more successful if we push them harder to achieve more? This week, Lindsay and I discuss that Tiger-mother-like desire not only… Read more

Friday Inspiration

‎Every time you make a choice, either conscious or unconscious, it changes the world.” -Julia Butterfly Hill, at Awakening Joy on 9/28/11 Read more

Podcast: To sign up — or not to sign up?

Rona and I discuss the “decision tree” I use for deciding whether or not to sign my kids up for another activity. Here are a… Read more

Step Two: Getting into a New Routine

Knowing what you want to change is the first step, but just as important is knowing HOW to do it. Christine coaches Lindsay through making… Read more

Learn Something New

Your kids are back in school; should you be, too? Will taking a class make you happier? Or will it just make you feel busier?… Read more

Friday Inspiration

Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.” -Oprah Winfrey Read more

Podcast: Why We Overschedule our Children

Rona and I discuss the reasons that we parents are often tempted to let our kids do more after-school activities than we ever dreamed possible… Read more

Are Your Family’s Routines Working?

Have an evening or morning routine that isn’t working for you? You aren’t alone! This week, Christine helps Lindsay “re-engineer” her family’s dinnertime and bedtime… Read more

Brighten Someone’s Day

The happiness of people in our social networks matters MUCH more than you think. Here’s why: Our friends influence what we think of as normal,… Read more

Welcome Today Show Viewers

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy If you’re on this website for the first time, welcome! We are so… Read more

How Happy are Your Kids’ Friends’ Friends’ Friends?

The happiness of people in our social networks matters MUCH more than you think. Here’s why: Our friends influence what we think of as normal,… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand, but in what direction we are moving.” –Oliver Wendell Holmes Read more

Podcast: The Importance of Building Social Connections

Although we live in a social world that is increasingly sparse–families tend to feel more isolated than they have in previous generations–real-life social connections are… Read more

Who’s Looking After Your Body? The Facts,The Fictions & The Tools To Tell The Difference.

Win 2 FREE tickets to this great San Francisco Speak-to-Me event by answering this question in the comment section below: What do you love most… Read more

Less Busyness, More Flow

This week, Lindsay and I are talking about that ever-present feeling of being too busy (is there any parent out there without a lot to… Read more

Don’t Just Sit There

Even though it seems like everyone everywhere is promising something that will bring happiness, our kids aren’t happy. Approximately 53% of college students display symptoms of… Read more

How to Prep Your Kid For College: A Preschool through High School Guide

Given that research shows that more “enrichment” activities do not further kids’ academic success, how can parents influence children’s academic achievement? “After declining for decades, the amount… Read more

Happy Mom Monday: Slow Down

Stop rushing around. For one day, try not to hurry yourself OR your children. Slowing down in our fast-paced world—even just for a day—can bring… Read more

Friday Inspiration

The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” – Chinese proverb Read more

Are your kids too busy? Three questions to help you figure it out.

I often worry that my own kids are overscheduled—and as I posted about last week on my Greater Good blog, research has shown that more… Read more

Christine’s Back-to-School Tips

This morning on the Good Day Sacramento, Lisa Gonzales and I talked about the academic advantage that happiness gives kids in school. Read more

Why Parental Happiness Comes First

Welcome to our first video in a new series produced by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley. I’m really excited to introduce Lindsay… Read more

4 Steps to Help Your Daughter Stand Up to Her “Shame Monster”

By guest blogger, Lynn Johnson.  Lynn is the co-founder/owner of Glitter & Razz Productions, an Oakland, CA-based company that teaches and reinforces social/emotional skills to… Read more

6 Things Teens Wish Their Parents Knew

By guest blogger, Vanessa Van Petten, creator of RadicalParenting.com and author of the parenting book, Do I Get My Allowance Before or After I’m Grounded?… Read more

Why Your Happiness Matters: A Call for Happier Parents Everywhere

Every time I  watch this hilarious video of a little girl cheering herself on, I think: Her parents must be pretty happy people.  I don’t… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Take a Stroll

My grandmother always told me that getting outside for a little walk could clear our heads and lift our spirits; now we have plenty of… Read more

Tuesday Tip: Make Yourself Guffaw

Laughter lowers stress hormones (even the expectation of laughter can do this) and elevates feel-good beta-endorphins. For this reason, find something that reliably makes you… Read more

Comfortable with Discomfort

Yesterday, I dropped my kids off at a rustic sleep-a-way camp in the high Sierras, where they will be for the next two weeks. The… Read more

Inspiration for Parents

What do you find inspiring? I think inspiration, and its cousins, elevation and awe, are over-looked sources of happiness in our achievement-crazed culture. It’s kind… Read more

My UC Berkeley Commencement Speech

I delivered the commencement address for UC Berkeley’s sociology department (from which I earned my own Ph.D.). It was quite an honor—and a daunting responsibility.… Read more

What To Do When You Are Unhappy

Feeling better after we feel bad “What do you do when you feel sad?” people often ask me. (Some even ask, “Do you ever get… Read more

Siblings: How to Help them be Friends Forever

“YOU ARE THE MEANEST SISTER IN THE WORLD!!!” My children are upstairs in the room directly above me, putting together a puzzle and fighting. I… Read more

Emotion Coaching

According to John Gottman, one of my all-time favorite researchers, emotion-coaching is the key to raising happy, resilient, and well-adjusted kids. His research—30 years of it—shows that… Read more