Ashton Kutcher's 2013 Teen Choice Award Speech

Okay, so you've all seen it by now - Ashton Kutcher gave an amazing speech at the 2013 Teen Choice Awards.  He didn't just give the "thanks, I owe it all to the fans" speech.  Instead, he took the opportunity to use his moment in the limelight to teach the youth who were watching some valuable lessons:  1) opportunity looks a lot like hard work, 2) being sexy comes from being smart, being thoughtful, and being generous, and 3) creating a life for yourself is better than just living a life and accepting what's already here.  Pretty good advice for an old guy.

Ashton Kutcher's 2013 Teen Choice Award Speech.

P.S.  Can you believe his name's not even Ashton!?!?!?!?

The Science of Happiness - An Experiment in Gratitude

Every person I have ever met in my line of work as, at some time or another, has expressed that they would like to feel more happiness.  Not just fleeting fun or a quick fix - they genuinely want to feel happiness that lasts and that they can learn how to maintain.  The video below just might have their answer . . .

It's interesting to notice that expressing gratitude has the most positive effects on the people who are the least happy.  So if you want to feel more happiness - today - share your feelings of gratitude with someone!!

How to Make Stress Your Friend

How many of you are stressed?  I mean, really stressed sometimes?  Life is full of stress.  But did you know it is not all negative?  Watch the video below to learn how stress can be your friend :)

Kelly McGonigal: How to make stress your friend

Bullying

Have you ever been bullied?  How did it affect you?  I would guess that all of us have memories of being made fun of, feeling 'less than,' or being put down by others.  This video can feel intensely emotional, especially if you have dealt with, or are currently dealing with, bullying.  Find someone to talk to after watching this if you need support.

To This Day Project - Shane Koyczan

Let Go Of Your Stress

A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they'd be asked the "half... empty or half full" question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.

She replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn't change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes." She continued, "The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything."

It’s important to remember to let go of your stresses. As early in the evening as you can, put all your burdens down. Don't carry them through the evening and into the night. Remember to put the glass down!

Dr. Carson National Prayer Breakfast Speech 2013

Great speech about the importance of education, not making excuses, and taking responsibility for our own futures.  Very inspirational speech :)

Dr. Benjamin Carson Addresses National Prayer Breakfast

Anger Hurts Us

“One day the Buddha was walking through a village. A very angry and rude young man came up and began insulting him. "You have no right teaching others," he shou...ted. "You are as stupid as everyone else. You are nothing but a fake!"
The Buddha was not upset by these insults. Instead he asked the young man, "Tell me, if you buy a gift for someone, and that person does not take it, to whom does the gift belong?"

 The young man was surprised to be asked such a strange question and answered, "It would belong to me, because I bought the gift."
The Buddha smiled and said, "That is correct. And it is exactly the same with your anger. If you become angry with me and I do not get insulted, then the anger falls back on you. You are then the only one who becomes unhappy, not me. All you have done is hurt yourself."