Happy

Make Someone Happy!

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor April 2, 2013

Guess what I just learned? Another good way to make someone happy! Found out about it through Pauley Perrette. She works with lots of homeless organizations in ways that help on a grassroots level….

Wait – let me back up.

Pauley is the woman who plays the role of Abbi on NCIS. I love the show. Maybe because my dad and my son were in the Navy, and my son-in-law still serves. Maybe because it has fabulous writing and direction. It really doesn’t matter. I”m …

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Happy

Dig Out. Climb Up. Pry Open. Be Happy

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor November 6, 2012

Digging out of the dirt. Climbing up from the hole. Prying open a window [to let in sunlight] during a moment when everything seems [or is, for real] dark and contrary. My Happy has been temporarily displaced.

Most days I’m in a pretty good mood. If I don’t start out that way, I’ve learned a few tricks to flip it around. But sometimes… sometimes, the gray cloud seems to seep into the pores of my body and invade the warmth and sunshine of my …

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Happy

Six Good Ways to Bring on the Smiles!

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor August 29, 2012

We all have our good days when things go right – as well as the ones when it’s hard to bring on the smiles. Here are six good, simple ways to stress less and smile more often. I’ve gathered them from experience, prayer, friendly [and important] advice, and scriptures:

1. Get out more.

I mean, like….. out …. outside. Feeling the wind, smiling up at the sun, tasting the snowflakes, spreading arms and dancing around in the rain. It’s fun! And smart. While we’re out …

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What If We Created a Happy Oreo Day?

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor April 28, 2012

What if we created a Happy Oreo day? What if, in honor of their 100 years of making them, we choose to make this coming Tuesday the day we all eat an Oreo. [Note that I didn't say an entire bag of them, which sounds more appealing but less healthy.]

Or, choose any kind of cookie or treat that makes you smile. Then head to the store to go get yourself some of it. [Or, big shocker here - make your treats from scratch.]Then down …

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A Few Good Ideas for Happiness

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor April 16, 2012

Thomas S. Monson offers some good, practical ideas to increase our happiness quotient. At least, that’s what I call it. We can be happy in direct proportion to our perspective in any given situation. Keeping ourselves steady allows us to remain right side up in a sometimes upside down world.

Today, I share the first few suggestions he has taught. They’re easy and do-able:

1. Keep your mind stored with constructive thoughts.

The negatives of getting through heaps of laundry, dealing with crazy traffic, struggling …

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Happy New Year?

by Vickey Pahnke Taylor December 30, 2011

We’re wrapping up 2011. What kind of year was it for you? Whether you party, have a big dinner, follow a custom in the country in which you live, or climb into bed at nine on New Year’s Eve, are you gonna have a happy new year?

Every year, in retrospect, seems to have flown by. Each year brings with it positive and negative. Mistakes and fabulous “I get it!” moments. Good laughs and times of tears. But here’s the thing: The negatives don’t have …

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Happy