Becoming Yourself

Developing a Better You

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How to Be Happy: Someone to Love, Something to Do, Something to Look Forward To

July 31, 2021 / / 4 Comments

Sometimes numbers matter.

For my 150th post, I’ve decided to share about a much more important number—30. That’s how many years my wife Lisa and I have been married (thanks for putting up with me this long, buddy).

To celebrate, we decided to buy my father-in-law’s 2007 Pontiac G6 convertible in Michigan and drive it home to Arizona. We lived happily without a vehicle for the last three-and-a-half years, but the time felt right to own one again. Lisa has always wanted a convertible, and this little red beauty is a fun symbol of a great thirty-year run.

We turned the road trip into a book tour for Lisa’s upcoming novel, Clarice the Brave. It’s a middle-grade seafaring adventure about sibling mice who get separated and vow to find each other. This is the best book she’s ever written, and as she’s a many-times-over NY Times bestselling author of 26 books, that’s saying something. Along with stopping at numerous books stores, we hit national parks and other landmarks along with way.

This anniversary trip reminds me of an old quote by Alexander Chalmers about three things humans need to be happy: someone to love, something to do, and something to look forward to. While not an exhaustive list, I think that holds true. It certainly did in this case. The trip celebrated our love for each other. Planning it together gave us both something meaningful to do. And the adventure was something we really looked forward to. Not a bad recipe for happiness.

Could you use a happiness boost? Look at the three parts of the recipe. Do you have someone to love? This could be a good friend, close family member, even a pet. Do you have something meaningful to do? It might be your career, a hobby you’re passionate about or helping others. Do you have something to look forward to? Maybe it’s a get away or spending time with a loved one or the start or completion of an important goal. Take inventory. Be honest with what you find. Do something to jumpstart one of those areas today. If you do, your happiness will begin to rise, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

A Few of My Favorite Personal Development Books

July 25, 2021 / / 2 Comments

In last week’s post, therapist Susan Stocker offered suggestions on beating the blues by taking inventory of your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health. As a follow up, I’m sharing a favorite personal development book of mine from each category:

PHYSICAL

Cholesterol Clarity: What the HDL is Wrong with My Numbers? by Jimmy Moore with Eric C. Westman, MD

As high cholesterol and heart issues run in my family, this is a topic of personal interest. Moore and Westman turn the traditionally understood relationship between cholesterol and heart health on its head. With layman’s language, this is a very readable and compelling book for anyone looking for a more complete understanding of this very common health issue.

MENTAL

30-Second Philosophies, edited by Barry Loewer

This unique book takes fifty of the world’s most important philosophical ideas and explains them in one page each. Clear language and bold graphics help even a novice grasp these concepts that most of us have heard about but never really understood. Reading these passages will help you think about your life and the world in new and better ways.

EMOTIONAL

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking

Why are the Danish people consistently ranked as the happiest in the world? This small, compulsively readable book answers that question. Author Meik Wiking, the CEO of The Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, balances sharing his research findings with colorful anecdotes and insights into Danish culture. After reading this, don’t be surprised if you find yourself buying a new sweater, lighting candles, and inviting friends over for comfort food in front of the fireplace.

SPIRITUAL

The Diary of an Old Soul by George MacDonald

George MacDonald (1824-1905) is widely considered one of the most influential and important writers of the Victorian era. Written in 1880, this collection of MacDonald’s poetic prayers is one of the most beautiful and compelling books I’ve ever read. Organized with a short prayer for each day of the year, my edition also has blank pages for doodling or journaling your own thoughts and prayers in response to his. This is a book I’ve returned to again and again when I need a balm for my soul.

So how about you? Do any of these books spark your interest? Pick one up today. What are some of your favorite personal development books? Share them in the comment section below. For fun, I’ve included a video tour of my former closet library from my YouTube channel. Thanks so much for being a part of this community. I hope these recommendations encourage, equip, and empower you on your journey to Becoming Yourself.

Feeling Stretched? Give Yourself the Gift of Serenity

July 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

When the temperature of our hometown of Tempe, Arizona recently hit 118 degrees, my wife had an inspired idea:

“Let’s get out of here.”

One of the benefits of being writers is the ability to work from anywhere. Two days later, we were standing on a hotel balcony overlooking a marina in deliciously cool San Diego CA.

I spent the following morning exploring the Japanese Friendship Garden in nearby Balboa Park. I was entranced. The winding footpaths. Gentle waterfalls. Koi ponds filled with large, colorful fish. A meandering stream crossed by a gracefully arching footbridge. Quiet fountains formed of bamboo and stone. I sat on a shaded bench and marveled at the exquisite marriage of raw nature and artful landscaping. I left the garden feeling deeply content, like my emotional tank had been filled to the brim.

When we arrived back in Arizona, I sought out our local Japanese Friendship Garden. Nestled in the heart of downtown Phoenix, this surprisingly charming oasis is available to all who seek respite from the bustle of city life. In almost fifteen years of living in the area, this was my first visit. Why had it taken me so long?

It’s so easy to be caught in a mindless routine, putting my head down and churning through endless tasks, appointments, and responsibilities. My trips to these gardens reminded me that seeking life-giving serenity requires intentional choices. I’ll be more mindful in the future.

So how about you? Does your emotional tank need refilling? Does dipping your toes in a pool of serenity sound delightful? Make some time. Seek out a garden, a park, a trail, a museum, a quiet wood. Press pause on your to do list and just be. If you do, you’ll come away refreshed, and you’ll take another step toward Becoming Yourself.

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