Ideas for the Greater Good - Number FIVE

5. Help others
Altruistic individuals are healthier, happier, and they live longer. Did you know that helping others triggers the same brain activity as the gratification of personal desire?

Ideas for the Greater Good - Number FOUR

4. Teach children how to be happy.

Really, I'm at a loss at what to write for this one. I think children are innately happy, and it's the grown-ups who teach them about pressure, hurrying and competition. Any comments? www.greatergoodparents.org

7 Ideas for the Greater Good - Number THREE

I have loved the feedback from my continuing list of "7 Ideas for the Greater Good." Keep it coming! Idea number three is so significant in today's world of "it's all about me."

3. Practice Empathy. 
Trying to understand other people's emotions and experiences is vital to strong and healthy relationships.

In the last year, I have made an effort to practice empathy while driving. We tend to turn ugly and angry at someone who cuts us off, drives too slow, or seems to not be paying attention. It is frustrating, but I try to put myself in the driver's shoes. Of course, maybe they really are just a jerk, but probably it is a sleep-deprived mom with a screaming baby in the back (been there), or a trepidacious teenager learning to drive (been there too), or a nice grandma who is cautiously driving to the grocery store (will be there).

7 Ideas for the Greater Good - Number TWO

For people who know me, they know that I love to laugh, and do so often. Number two of the Greater Good Science Center's List of Goodness is:

2. Laugh 
When you do, your heart rate and blood pressure drop and your muscles relax. And because laughter is contagious, it might just calm the bodies and raise the spirits of those around you.

7 Ideas for the Greater Good - Number One

About two years ago, I received a brochure from The Greater Good Science Center located in UC Berkeley. I loved the message on the brochure and stuck it on my bulletin board. Over the years I layered photos and magazine clippings on top of it.  Recently, while cleaning off my board, I re-discovered  the understated brochure and read through it again. On one side of the brochure is a list named "7 Ideas For the Greater Good." I read them over and wanted to share them one by one.  Here's number One:


1. Give thanks. Keep lists of things you and your family are grateful for. Anything can go on the list, no matter how large or small - people, places toys, events, nature.

On a lazy summer day last July my kids and I were having a leisurely morning in bed when I asked them to tell me what they appreciate - what they are grateful for. I got out my journal and wrote down what they said. I love to go back and read their words. It reflects what kind of people they are and what kind of adults they will be.

Martha Beck's Words of Wisdom

Martha's Quote of the Day

"The ultimate lesson of regret, the one that will help guide you into a rich and satisfying future, is this: Every time life brings you to a crossroads, from the tiniest to the most immense, go toward love, not away from fear."

The Telephone Talker Multi-Tasker

When my daughter was a toddler, she would pretend to talk on the phone by walking around furiously, waving her arms and simulating a vibrant conversation. It dawned on me that she was mimicking me. Unconsciously, while talking on the phone, I was also unloading the dishwasher, making the beds, checking my email, even cleaning the toilets. I was a chronic Telephone Talker Multi-Tasker!

In the last six months, I have made a conscious effort to sit down, old school-like, and direct my attention to my telephone conversation. I pretend that there is a short windy cord connected to my phone that keeps me in place. It's amazing what you can hear and learn when you are actually focused on a conversation!