dearmojo ::

How to Find Happiness in Unexpected Places

MOJOrisen — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 22:17:19 +0000

HAPPINESS

It’s possible to rejigger your brain circuitry and feel more joy, even on Monday mornings. Here’s how.

As Happy as a Pig

A few winters ago, it rained pretty much constantly for three months. By month two of the unrelentingly wet weather, my thoughts had also taken a predictably dour turn. Inside my head, I heard the same unpleasant soundtrack over and over: What if the economy doesn’t turn around? Why is my husband working such long hours? When did my belly get so flabby? My brain was a scratched CD, and the longer the negative track went on, the worse I felt. I’d like to say that normally I’m an optimistic and sunny person. But the truth is, my mind naturally tilts in the direction of worry. The endless rain simply pushed me more firmly toward the bleak side.

Given my morose mood, it’s surprising that I even noticed the new addition to the fenced-in field at the entrance of our otherwise suburban San Francisco Bay–area subdivision. But one day, as I was driving past the field, I saw her: a black potbellied pig. I later learned that the pig’s name was Chloe, and on that soggy day, she was frolicking in the rain, black snout snuffling deliriously in the soaked grass. I’m not one to throw around phrases such as “my heart leapt,” but that’s exactly what mine did, and my mind did, too. Suddenly, my brain cells were singing the “Hallelujah” chorus. I was so captivated, I pulled over to watch, basking in my little pocket of unexpected joy. Over the next few weeks, I tried to catch glimpses of Chloe’s comical body any time I could, and when I didn’t see her, I’d replay a mental image of her cavorting in the rain. The thought made me smile, jolting me out of my gloom. It’s not that I felt chipper exactly, but I was a tad more hopeful. I couldn’t help but wonder, Had a pig suddenly turned my sodden mood sunny?

Neuroscientists would say that the ebullient little animal was indeed a happiness catalyst, if only because she nudged me out of my negative rut. And scientists increasingly believe that what we think—both the good stuff and the bad—sculpts our brain circuitry, which, in turn, can reshape our overall outlook.

Not that it’s quite as easy as “think happy thoughts and you’ll end up happy.” For most humans, channeling positivity is challenging, with good reason: “Because the human brain evolved during a time when danger was everywhere, it has a built-in negativity bias,” says Rick Hanson, Ph.D., a neuropsychologist and author of Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love and Wisdom. “For humans to survive under these dire straits, the brain regions responsible for detecting threats had to be turbocharged. Evolution favored those who were able to react to danger with lightning speed.” Another way to explain it is that the brain is like Velcro for everything negative and Teflon for the positives. “An upsetting experience in our past can cast a long shadow,” Hanson confirms.

As Happy as a Pig | The Science Behind Negativity | 4 Easy Ways to Bring on the Calm | The 15-Second Happiness Trick

KEYWORDS: happiness; , healthy self; , stress reduction; , exercise

Thorsten Milse/Getty Images

Congrats Mojo Sister: Laura Gerson

MOJOrisen — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:17:26 +0000

Congratulations Laura Gerson, creator of
Momangeles.com featured in AJC’ s Parade!

Add To the Chain: 11.11.11

Dear Mojo — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:23:22 +0000

Ok chickies let’s get it together. This year offers us an excellent opportunity for us to give to make our world a better place. Let’s face it…we all have a great deal to be thankful for but can get caught up in our shortcomings. Like my idol, Sia’s cd says, “Some People Have Real Problems!”

So start planning today to inspire, enhance or simply make another’s life special in one unselfish, genuine and impactfull way! I challenge you all.

The truth is, if you have a pulse you have stress, but giving to others is a gift that you will benefit with through the core of your soul. Talk about Mojo! Whew!

If you’re lost on what to de hear are a few suggestions: 11 Alive is hosting “Add to the Chain” started by a young lady, Rachel.

11Alive is inspired by Rachel’s Challenge so we’re asking you to help us spread Kindness and Compassion as far as it will go.

It’s a movement meant to have a positive impact on people’s lives every day.

We encourage schools, businesses and communities to take an active role with us.

Our mission is to set a record for the largest chain link of Kindness and Compassion — each link representing a kind deed.

So join us … and Add to the Chain.

http://www.11alive.com/life/community/addtothechain/default.aspx

Who Was Rachel?

Rachel Scott was the first person killed at Columbine High School on April 20, 1999. Her acts of kindness and compassion coupled with the contents of her six diaries have become the foundation for one of the most life-changing school programs in America.
SEE MORE ADD TO THE CHAIN Add to the Chain
Join 11Alive at the Georgia Dome on 11/11/11 – Deadline: Oct. 14!

Host a Rachel’s Challenge event at your school!
Contact Stacey Peacock at Rachel’s Challenge – Stacey@rachelschallenge.org
or call Stacey at 877.895.7060 x717
Rachel’s Challenge Events Currently Scheduled in Georgia

ALl my best,
Lisa

Everyone Should Be Doing It

Dear Mojo — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 20:43:36 +0000

Everyone’s doing it and the best part is: It’s good for us and should be part of our health regime. There are more than several reasons Dear Mojo just adores this breaking news.

The health benefits of sex extend well beyond the bedroom. Turns out sex is good for you in ways you may never have imagined. An article published on WebMD by Kathleen Doheny Reviewed by Louise Chang, MD tells all.

When you’re in the mood, it’s a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet good sex offers those health benefits and more. read on…

All my best,
Dear Mojo
ask@dearmojo.com

Thought for the day…

Dear Mojo — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:39:20 +0000

An obstacle is what you see when you lose sight of your goal.

How To Handle A Husband

Dear Mojo — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 13:52:30 +0000

A dear friend with boat loads of Mojo sent this to me today. I was so moved I just had to share it with my Mojo sister’s. All my best, Dear Mojo

HOW TO HANDLE A HUSBAND

A couple was celebrating their golden wedding anniversary on the beaches
in Montego Bay , Jamaica .

Their domestic tranquility had long been the talk of the town.
People would say, ‘What a peaceful & loving couple’

The local newspaper reporter was inquiring as to the secret of their
long and happy marriage.

The Husband replied: ‘Well, it dates back to our honeymoon in
America ,’ explained the man.

‘We visited the Grand Canyon, in Arizona , and took
a trip down to the bottom of the canyon, by horse.
We hadn’t gone too far when my wife’s horse stumbled
and she almost fell off.

My wife looked down at the horse and quietly said, ‘That’s once.‘

We proceeded a little further and her horse stumbled again. Again my
wife quietly said, ‘That’s twice.’

We hadn’t gone a half-mile when the horse stumbled for the third time
my wife quietly removed a revolver from her purse and shot the horse dead.

I SHOUTED at her, ‘What’s wrong with you, Woman! Why did you shoot the
poor animal like that, are you *%&#@$ crazy!?’

She looked at ME, and quietly said, ‘That’s once.’

And from that moment….. we have lived happily ever after

Talladega Weekend packed with Mojo!

Dear Mojo — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:23:35 +0000

The Mojo Crew is headed to Talladega for a weekend of people watching, bad beer, corn dogs and oh also the race! We’ll be tail gating in the in zone! Tune in for tales and pics! All my best, Dear Mojo

US – Lisa Oz

Dear Mojo — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 16:46:29 +0000

Yes, it is ‘the’ Dr. Oz’s wife, Lisa Oz – a true Mojo Master! Her newest book, Us – Transforming Ourselves and the Relationships that Matter Most out this month has brought rave reviews.

“This is the best kind of book—it is filled with incredible insight, and reading it is like talking to a best friend. Thanks goodness Lisa Oz has stepped into the spotlight; her warmth, wit, and wisdom is a gift on every page.” -Marci Shimoff, New York Times bestselling author of Happy for No Reason

“Lisa Oz is one of those writers who manages to make you feel as if a benevolent mentor is sitting beside you, helping ease your worries and dilemmas. Anyone struggling for better relationships with anyone—self, loved ones, strangers, the world as a whole—will find a wise friend waiting in these pages. Especially if your other relationships are in turmoil, your relationship with this book will be comfortable, easy, and deeply encouraging.” – Martha Beck, bestselling author of Expecting Adam and Leaving the Saints

Learn more about this incredible Mojo Master’s biography.

Congratulations to Lisa Oz!

All my best,
Dear Mojo
ask@dearmojo.com

Day I Shot Cupid, Jennifer Love Hewitt

Dear Mojo — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 10:58:26 +0000

Mojo Master Monday: Jennifer Love Hewitt’s The Day I Shot Cupid is packed with uber Mojo jewels! She proclaims that “bitch” is not a bad word and once she found her’s she agrees that “every woman should have a little “bitch” in her back pocket” on Joy Behar today. Dear Mojo has always advised to keep a little bitch or ‘edge’ close to your heart – it empowers you, keeps you assertive and capable! Love battles Cupid in her new book with true Mojo!

Hyperion, her publisher notes: For any woman who has ever bought a self-help book and wondered why she bothered. (P.S. Now that I know he’s just not that into me, where do I go from there? Yeah, thanks for that advice.)

Hewitt is a self-proclaimed “love-aholic” and hopeless romantic (her middle name is Love, after all!). She has been lucky and unlucky in love, and lived to tell—and she’s done it all in the spotlight. Much has been written about her love life—some true, most made up to sell magazines. Now Hewitt shares the real story of what she’s learned navigating the dangerous dating waters.

In The Day I Shot Cupid, Hewitt offers her hard-won wisdom and tells us how to embrace love with both feet on the ground. First, we have to shoot Cupid. We have to believe that happily-ever-after is hard work—it’s not all flowers and symphonies and floating hearts.

Wise and wry and refreshingly honest, Hewitt talks about how to pick the right guy and how to know when to let the wrong ones go free, and she offers some surprising truths about the opposite sex.

From twenty things to do after a breakup, to ten things to do before a date, to the perils of text flirting (Note: You are waiting. By the phone. For his response.), Hewitt uses stories and dating secrets to illustrate the idiotic, romantic, crazy, depressing, hilarious, awkward, glorious moments we all experience in relationships. Funny, quirky, and empowering, The Day I Shot Cupid deserves a place on every woman’s nightstand, bookshelf, or coffee table, or tucked inside her oversized designer handbag.

Hewitt celebrated in celebrity style with Karma Champagne. What a true Mojo Master!

Book Review & Commentary: The Day I Shot Cupid’ and JLH’s “Hero” at
Helium.com

All my best,
Dear Mojo
ask@dearmojo.com

single mother syndrome

Dear Mojo — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 18:11:54 +0000

Dear Mojo,

I always thought taking the first step and getting the divorce and being single would solve alot of issues. I have found that it is scary and indifferent to be out there by yourself. I guess I always though of myself as alone because my ex was not a “participator”. HOWEVER, there is some comfort to having someone there.

This is NOT what I want. I want a partner for life!!! Help me through your experience and tell me how to attract that please.

Single Mother Syndrome,
Georgia

Dear Mojo Mother,

Attracting a new mate has many facets. The first is to get real with yourself and “clean up” any disturbances you may have in your life that may be blocking your window of opportunity. One of the most important principles or “mojo jewels” is to be “base”. It seems your base or foundation may be shaky and looking to others for some stabilization is just not how it works my dear. You must find strength, balance and a sincere foundation within yourself before you can pass go!

Begin the mojo makeover from the inside out immediately. Purge out the old will allow new energy to engulf you. This is a process that requires a great deal of conscience thoughts and smart choices. Are you worth it? Are your children worth you being a strong base so that they can grow into capable mojo sisters?

The choice is yours but you are begging for a companion that will never fill that void. Try this ritual: it works if you put your heart in it! Dig deep within yourself to identify old habits, people and memories that are haunting you. Write each one on a sheet of paper then burn them in a fireplace one by one to let go and “purge”!

Then you can share the whole you open and ready for someone to “enhance” your life not drain it!. Keep me posted and email me for mojo coaching!

All my best,
Dear Mojo
ask@dearmojo.com

dearmojo ::

How to Find Happiness in Unexpected Places

HAPPINESS

It’s possible to rejigger your brain circuitry and feel more joy, even on Monday mornings. Here’s how.

Related links

As Happy as a Pig

Congrats Mojo Sister: Laura Gerson

Add To the Chain: 11.11.11

Everyone Should Be Doing It

Thought for the day…

How To Handle A Husband

Talladega Weekend packed with Mojo!

US – Lisa Oz

Day I Shot Cupid, Jennifer Love Hewitt

single mother syndrome