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I just returned from a 2 week trip to hike in the Dolomite mountains of Italy. For part of our travel we rented a car. Even though they drive on the same side of the road as here in the USA, driving in Europe can be stressful not knowing what some of the road signs are saying and not understanding all of the symbols. While driving I had an amazing epiphany that I’m really excited to share with you. So buckle up as I share some stories and insights on how letting go and playing can make all the difference when things don’t go as planned.
Play of the Week: The next time you’re feeling challenged or frustrated let it go and be playful about it remembering that you can “go around again.”
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Right now someone is in agony. So how can we be happy? Navigating life on this big spinning orb can be tricky. Using the PLAY THEORY principles can help us sort out some tough things, like how to help others who are suffering by being present with our needs so we are in a better position to help others. Remember on a plane when those oxygen masks drop, we need to put on our own first before assisting others.
Play of the Week: Let's Be Present and really look at how we can lessen other's suffering by being better at self care so that we can be in a better position to care for others who are in our sphere of influence. For moms that may look like getting enough sleep so you can have more patience with that rascally four year old who needs so much of your attention during this time of development. For teenagers, maybe that’s taking a hard look at what you’re choosing to eat regularly. Be present with your choices and notice if you can make more nutritious ones that will help you feel better emotionally and physically so you can be better equipped to Look Outward and support others around you.
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The berries are ripe on the vine and the freezer is full of popsicles. I love the feel of hot pavement under my feet and the cool splash of hose water pouring over my toes. I love the long evenings and refreshing mornings. Summer brings changes, growth in the garden, advancements in school grades, and scheduling juxtapositions that bounce between lazy afternoons and weeks crammed with camps and family travel adventures. My summer brought a big change I'll share more about in this episode where I talk about how PLAY THEORY can make all the difference.
Play of the Week: When you’re feeling some tension or frustration try applying one of the PLAY THEORY principles and see if it can help you feel greater peace and harmony.
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Sometimes inspiration comes as a hopeful invitation leading to desired outcomes. And other times it comes as a warning of what not to do in order to avoid an undesirable outcome. This episode has turned into more of the latter. Looking Outward is essential if you want to feel connection, community and purpose. Not seeing other's service and needs can lead to hopelessness and discouragement. We could all do better at seeing others.
Play of the Week: Take a hard look at where you are being ungrateful and not acknowledging another’s service and sacrifice on your behalf. Then do something: say words, write a message, take action to right a wrong.
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Is there anything in your life you want to stop doing? For me in Pickleball it’s missing put away shots that I keep putting into the net instead of past my opponents. Maybe it’s stopping eating junk food or stopping being sarcastic or dismissive when you talk to your parents, spouse or siblings. In this epsisode I’ll be sharing why stopping doing these things just won’t work. But stick with me, I won’t leave you without hope.
Play of the Week: Stop trying to stop it. What ever it is that you don’t want to keep doing. Instead- accept that there’s a reason or need behind whatever that negative choice is that you keep making and then build a better way to meet that need.
Follow these accounts on instagram. Find them on The Happiness Playbook Instagram account as well.
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How have the PLAY THEORY principles helped the NBA superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, develop into the MVP player that he is today? Today we talk about Giannis' early life, his rise to fame and his ability to Let Go and Play in the NBA and in life. There are some inspiring life lessons form this amazing young man's journey to success.
Play of the Week: Remember to be grateful that you are still in the game and able to PLAY- even if you’re losing. Maybe it’s missing a line in a scene you’ve worked hard on. Maybe it’s not getting the grade you hoped for on a test. Maybe it’s not connecting with that friend group you thought would be fun to hang out with. Whatever your dissappointment, take a step back and remember that you’re still in the game, you’re living your life! And that is a big deal. So smile and enjoy the opportunity to be here. Doing so will help you stay motivated to do the needed work to achieve your goals and ultimately bring the success you’re looking for.
GIANNIS: The Improbable Rise of an NBA MVP
https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/22484740/giannis-antetokounmpo-change-anybody-nba
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Researchers have found that 95% of those polled think they’re self aware but when tested only 10-15% actually are. And that's tricky cause it’s hard to change something that you don’t think needs fixing. Improving our self awareness is worth it though because when we do, we are more in tune with our feelings, thoughts, and actions. Self awareness also helps us identify our strengths and challenges and recognize how other people see us. Without it, we can’t see ourselves clearly and therefore we can’t make make improvements. The key to developing self awareness is finding the method that works for us combined with consistent practice.
Play of the Week: Establish a regular practice of self awareness. This could be focused breath work, yoga, journaling, meditation or spending a few minutes in nature observing the sounds, smells and tactile sensations you are experiencing. Take a few minutes RIGHT now and pick something you will do regularly to strengthen your awareness.
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According to the National Institutes of Health, nearly 1 in 3 of all adolescents ages 13 to 18 will experience an anxiety disorder, and these numbers are steadily rising. Adults are no better off. How can Play Theory help turn this trend around? Being in the now dissolves anxiety and regret. In this episode we explore 8 ways to practice being more in the now, an essential happiness skill.
Play of the Week: Everyday, take a minute and choose one of the 8 ways to enter the now— and PRACTICE being present. Here's a quick review of the 8 ways: breath meditation, focus on the inner body, focus on touch, recite a mantra, wait for the next thought, be aware of sounds within silence, listen closely to another's words, focus on movement.
8 ways to enter the present moment by Einzelgänger
Anxiety in Teens is Rising: What's Going On?
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In this episode we’re focusing on the PLAY THEORY principle, Be Present and the power of focus. Another word for focus is attention. The longer our attention span the greater our ability to focus. So who do you think has a longer attention span, us or goldfish? Listen to find out. We also cover why our attention matters and share some ideas on how to strengthen our ability to focus on something we are actively choosing instead of being pulled into the mindless world of scrolling social media.
Play of the Week: Choose your Drishti, something you will focus on each day. Maybe it’s an affirmation, or a specific goal. Every day this week - set a reminder or choose a time each day that you’re gonna check in and identify what you’re focusing on. If it’s not something that’s important to you, then redirect your attention and apply the power of Drishti.
Highlight Reel : Doctors' Unusual Prescriptions
You Now Have a Shorter Attention Span Than a Goldfish