Don't worry be happy

 Happiness is often misunderstood as the ultimate goal of life, but in reality, it's more of a byproduct of how we live our lives and the choices we make.

Happiness often arises from leading a purposeful life rather than seeking happiness directly. For example, someone who volunteers at a local shelter may find deep fulfillment in helping others, which leads to a sense of happiness as a consequence of their meaningful actions. Many people believe that helping others will make them happy. While this may be true in the short term, research has shown that the relationship between helping others and happiness is more complex. While helping others can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, it is not always the case that it leads to increased happiness.

Meaningful relationships and social connections contribute significantly to happiness. People who prioritize building strong connections with friends, family, and community often experience greater levels of happiness. For instance, a close-knit family that regularly gathers for meals and activities tends to foster happiness among its members. People often believe that finding the perfect partner or having a certain number of friends will make them happy. However, research has shown that the quality of relationships is more important than the quantity. Having a few close, supportive relationships is more beneficial to well-being than having a large social network.

Many people believe that having more money will make them happy. However, research has shown that once basic needs are met, additional wealth does not necessarily lead to greater happiness. In fact, an excessive focus on material wealth can lead to negative consequences such as stress, social isolation, and decreased well-being.

Whether in personal development, career achievements, or learning new skills, can lead to a sense of satisfaction and happiness. For example, someone who sets and achieves meaningful goals, such as completing a marathon or mastering a musical instrument, experiences happiness as a result of their efforts and progress.

Happiness is also intertwined with emotional resilience and the ability to navigate life's challenges effectively. Individuals who practice resilience techniques, such as mindfulness or cognitive reframing, often have a more positive outlook on life and experience happiness even during difficult times.

Cultivating gratitude and practicing mindfulness can enhance one's ability to find joy in everyday experiences. For instance, keeping a gratitude journal or regularly practicing mindfulness meditation can increase awareness of moments that bring happiness, such as enjoying a beautiful sunset or sharing a laugh with a friend.

Prioritizing holistic well-being, including physical health, mental wellness, and work-life balance, contributes significantly to overall happiness. For example, someone who maintains a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, nutritious eating, and sufficient rest is likely to experience higher levels of happiness and satisfaction. People may believe that achieving a certain goal, such as getting a promotion or running a marathon, will make them happy. However, research has shown that the process of pursuing a goal, rather than the achievement itself, is what leads to increased well-being. Focusing on personal growth and self-improvement can lead to a greater sense of fulfillment and happiness.

In summary, happiness is not an end in itself but rather a means to achieving greater things. It is a byproduct of living a fulfilling life, pursuing personal growth, and finding meaning and purpose. While it is important to strive for happiness, it is equally important to recognize that it is not the only goal in life.

By understanding that happiness is not an end goal but rather a consequence of how we live our lives, we can focus on cultivating meaningful experiences, relationships, personal growth, and well-being, which ultimately lead to a more fulfilling and joyful existence.

Words are events they change things

 I was reading my twice-weekly post from The Marginalian by Maria Popova <newsletter@brainpickings.org > and Maria in her first article of the post called "The Dictionary of Obscure Sorrows: Uncommonly Lovely Invented Words for What We Feel but Cannot Name." started with this quote:

 Words are events, they do things, change things. They transform both speaker and hearer; they feed energy back and forth and amplify it. They feed understanding or emotion back and forth and amplify them, by Ursula K. Le Guin,

I love Maria's work because it makes me think outside the box and she challenges my thinking. If you are not a subscriber of hers you should check her out. 

This statement beautifully captures the dynamic power of words in shaping our experiences and interactions. In essence, Le Guin's statement emphasizes that words are not passive symbols but active agents that shape our thoughts, feelings, and interactions, ultimately influencing the course of our lives.

Words have power. They have the power to transform, to change to feed energy and amplify it. They have the power to create understanding and evoke emotions. 

Words are events Words are not just random sounds or written symbols. They hold meaning, and when used effectively, they can create a significant impact. They can be used to convey ideas, tell stories, share experiences, and express emotions. Words can inspire, motivate, educate, and entertain. They have the power to move people, to make them think, to make them feel. When someone says, "I believe in you," these words can inspire confidence and motivate the listener to take on new challenges or pursue their dreams. Similarly, words like "I'm sorry" or "I forgive you" have the power to mend relationships and initiate healing processes.

Words are not just passive symbols. They are active agents that can change the way people think, feel, and behave. They can influence people's beliefs, attitudes, and actions. They can inspire people to act, to make a difference, to create positive change. Positive affirmations such as "You can do it!" or "You're amazing!" can uplift spirits and energize individuals to overcome obstacles. Words can also hurt, divide, and destroy. Conversely, negative words like "You'll never succeed" can drain motivation and create self-doubt.

Words have power, and it's up to us to use them responsibly. They transform both speaker and hearer Words not only affect the listener, but they also transform the speaker. When we speak or write, we convey our thoughts, emotions, and experiences. We share a part of ourselves with others, and in doing so, we open ourselves up to feedback, criticism, and validation. Words can build connections, create communities, and foster understanding. In conversations, words act as bridges between people, fostering understanding and empathy. For instance, when someone shares their personal story, it creates a connection and deepens the bond between the speaker and the listener. A simple "I love you" can convey profound emotions of love and affection, intensifying the bond between loved ones. On the other hand, hurtful words can escalate conflicts and amplify negative emotions, leading to misunderstandings or resentment. 

When we communicate effectively, our words have the power to exchange energy, emotions, and ideas between people. We resonate with each other's frequencies, creating a symphony of understanding and empathy. Words can amplify emotions, creating a ripple effect that touches the hearts and minds of people. They can inspire hope, spread joy, and ignite passion. Inspirational speeches, motivational quotes, or insightful teachings can transform perspectives, challenge beliefs, and spur personal growth. For example, a powerful quote like "The only limit to our realization of tomorrow will be our doubts of today" by Franklin D. Roosevelt can inspire individuals to embrace optimism and take bold actions.

Another example, consider a speech by Martin Luther King Jr. His words inspired hope, ignited passion, and created a movement. His words continue to inspire generations, feeding energy back and forth, amplifying the message of equality and justice. 

Another example is the poem "Still I Rise" by Maya Angelou. Her words evoke emotions, creating a deep understanding of the human experience. Her poetry feeds energy back and forth, amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced, ignored, or marginalized. 

In conclusion, words are powerful. They are events that transform people, ideas, and societies. They feed energy back and forth, amplifying emotions, creating connections, and inspiring change. We must use words responsibly, recognizing their power to create and destroy. 

Considering changing your diet to boost cognitive function in old age?

A recent study suggests that a balanced diet could be your best bet. Here are the main takeaways:

What we eat affects our well-being, but understanding the precise relationship between diet and brain health is complex. Recent research published in Nature Mental Health indicates that different dietary patterns can influence various aspects of brain health, including mental health, cognitive function, metabolic biomarkers, and brain structure.

Among four dietary patterns examined in the study, including starch-free, vegetarian, high-protein/low-fiber, and balanced diet, the balanced diet emerged as the winner. Participants adhering to a balanced diet showed better mental health, cognitive functioning, and overall brain health.

Registered dietitian Isabel M. Vazquez underscores the importance of a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats for supporting cognitive function and reducing the risk of cognitive decline. Conversely, diets high in processed foods, saturated fats, and sugars may have adverse effects on the brain.

Researchers found that participants' food preferences correlated with actual food consumption traits. The balanced dietary subtype exhibited the most favourable outcomes across mental health measurements, cognitive function tests, and brain structure assessments.

Genetic differences were observed between dietary groups, suggesting a link between genetics, diet, and brain health outcomes. The balanced dietary group showed a lower genetic risk for most mental disorders compared to other groups.

While the study sheds light on the impact of diet on brain health, it has limitations. Data from the UK Biobank may not fully represent the population's diversity, and the study primarily focused on older individuals. Additionally, the study's observational nature prevents establishing causality between diet and brain health outcomes.

Despite limitations, the study underscores the significance of adopting a balanced diet for optimal brain health and mental well-being, especially in older age. Future research could explore the impact of dietary patterns on brain health in younger populations and delve deeper into the mechanisms underlying these associations.

In conclusion, choosing a balanced diet rich in diverse food groups may be a proactive step toward maintaining cognitive function and promoting overall brain health as you age.

CPP is Canada’s national retirement plan

 The CPP is Canada’s national retirement plan. It’s designed to provide a foundation for millions of Canadians to build their retirement.

Right now, conversations are taking place about the potential of withdrawing from the CPP. It’s an important decision for Albertans, with implications for all Canadians.

CPP Investments, the independent, non-partisan, global investment management organization responsible for investing in the CPP Fund, has launched a new online resource yourcpp.ca to support the conversation and help residents make an informed choice about their future. 

Today, the CPP is well-funded, resilient, and financially sustainable for generations to come, despite rapidly aging populations and longer life expectancies.

The CPP is safe. When it comes to pensions, there is strength in numbers. Pooling contributions from more than 22 million Canadians helps protect the CPP Fund from market volatility and changing demographics.

What makes the CPP one of the best in the world?

CPP Investments has a clear mandate to maximize returns without taking unnecessary risks, independent from government interference. Our diversified portfolio has achieved a 10-year net rate of return of 9.3% – a proven track record of performance surpassing many of our domestic and global peers.

The CPP Fund is resilient and well diversified. The CPP Fund is invested in Canada and in more than 50 countries. It holds assets in many sectors, such as Alberta oil and gas, ports in the United States, and toll roads in Australia. The investment returns we generate abroad are brought back to pay pension benefits in Canada.

The CPP is portable. Since its creation nearly 60 years ago, the CPP guarantees full portability across every province and in almost 60 countries, allowing you to access your pension wherever you live.

The CPP is financially sustainable. Independent experts have concluded the CPP is financially sustainable for generations to come. That means you, your children, and your grandchildren can rely on the CPP for security in retirement.

The CPP Fund is independent of the government. The CPP Fund is managed by investment professionals who invest the funds and maximize returns without taking excessive risk. Governments do not direct how or where the CPP Fund is invested.