Tag: coffee

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Coffee and Contemplation: Inspire Your Heart with Art Day

This is a special day for appreciating the art that inspires us and moves us emotionally. It doesn’t matter if it’s music, painting, writing, or film, the job of the artist is to make people feel something. What are some songs, movies, art pieces, or theatre performances that have moved you to tears or laughter? What inspires your heart? If you don’t already, push yourself to go to an art gallery or theatre performance. You can view these virtually sometimes too. Read a book or write your own. Start whatever creative work you’ve been putting off. Or encourage a friend to work on their art.

Spend the day considering how art in its many different forms affects your life. Show that appreciation. If you have friends who create, show them some love. Buy their art. Write a review about their work. People don’t get famous without the help of their friends. If you don’t know anyone, share some of the works that are most meaningful to you with your friends. Share your favorite book, favorite musician, favorite film, or whatever else is your favorite thing. Share and inspire others. Leave the world with more art than you started with.

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Coffee and Contemplation: National Compliment Day

Today is National Compliment Day. Compliments are important to a child’s development and to someone’s self-esteem. Not only does it improve the receiver’s mood, but it shows that the other person noticed them. Compliments must be sincere. Often people can recognize when someone is being fake. Consider what you admire about someone. Acknowledging a new hair cut or new outfit is a good start. This is also a good way to connect with someone new. Maybe you have a new coworker, or a friend is introducing you to someone. Compliments can help make a good first impression.

The other side of this is being willing to receive compliments. I often don’t receive compliments well. I’ve been forcing myself to reply with thank you and nothing else. I’m trying to be more grateful. If you’re like me and struggle with positive feedback, just accept it and move on. And definitely to reply with something negative or a deflective joke. That was hard for me at first but I’m improving. Accept compliments and give them often. It’s also a good way to keep everyone in a good mood. You know what I would appreciate, compliments about my blog and my writing. Anyone have any feedback to offer?

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Coffee and Contemplation: Hunt for Happiness Week

Hunt for Happiness Week is the third week of January. It was founded in 2001 by The Society of Happy People. The society often has events, but the purpose of the week is to get people to look at what things make them happy. This might include activities or people you enjoy being around. This might seem like a strange idea, but have you actually thought about what makes you happy? Happiness is an attitude or mindset you create for yourself. It doesn’t just happen. You have to work at it everyday. For some, this is an easy task. For most of us, it can be difficult. 

There are a few things I’ve been doing for the past few years to help with my happiness. I don’t identify with any one religion, but I do like the practices of Buddhism. I don’t mean this as a religion but only as spiritual practice. One practice is being kind whenever possible; it’s always possible. Another thing I’ve done is keeping a ‘hunt the good stuff’ journal. Everyday before bed, I write down at least three good things that happened to me that day and why they were important to me. I’ve done this everyday for almost 18 months. The point is, think about what makes you happy or unhappy. Then try to do the things that make you happy and don’t do the things that make you unhappy. Easier said than done. Enjoy Hunt for Happiness Week.