Friday, March 20th, was International Day of Happiness. Did you celebrate it? I deliberately decided to delay writing this blog until after the day was over. I believe that Happiness Day belongs in a category of special days like Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Thanksgiving, Independence Day and Veterans’ Day. Having those special days are helpful…
In one of those ironies that Mother Nature brings about from time to time, the biggest snowfall of the winter came to Philadelphia this past week – a couple of days before the beginning of Daylight Saving Time and a couple of weeks before the start of Spring. It has been a cold winter in…
I’ve got a cure for those of you who have gotten into a rut and are living life without enthusiasm. I’m not talking about depression. I’m talking to those of you who living life in neutral. You may feel unenthused about your job – but you do it. You may feel unappreciated at home –…
An oft repeated catch phrase is that, “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” While the phrase is factually true, it tends to leave one with the idea that a bad first impression can’t be overcome. That part is not true. While nobody could argue that a good first impression is…
In a few short hours, most TV sets in America will be tuned to the Super Bowl. While the motivations of some watchers will be oriented toward the commercials (which have taken on a life of their own) or the halftime show or the food that accompanies the many Super Bowl watching parties, most viewers…
If you have a clear goal and the motivation to pursue it, it’s usually wrong to quit when the going gets tough and the goal seems to be elusive. Not only do you deprive yourself of something that may be attainable with a little extra effort or a fresh way of thinking, but you also…
One of the great societal gifts provided in most countries is the right of free speech. It allows for the free exchange of ideas, the broadening of perspectives, and the ability to project yourself as a unique human being. By exercising this right, we are able to learn from what others have to say and…
As the New Year approaches, it is natural to want to focus on plans for the future, changes that we’d like to make, and hopes for improvement in ourselves, our community, and the rest of the world. That’s great! A forward looking mindset keeps us open to growth and change. The process of looking ahead,…
This is a time for celebrating! In addition to being a time for welcoming in a new year – with all the hope that it brings for positive change, it is also a time when many of the world’s religions and cultures celebrate important holidays. Holiday celebrations are special interludes in our busy lives. In…
Members and followers of The Mental Health Gym know that we emphasize the importance of growing and changing in three main areas: health and fitness; intellectual functioning; and social functioning. People who are making progress in all three areas essentially are committed to moving forward in a mentally healthy way. Coincidentally, if you pay attention…
Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving in the United States. It is one of my favorite holidays because it has come to be associated with three of my favorite activities – being with family, eating good food, and watching football. It is also a special time for giving thanks. Many countries and cultures have rituals associated with…