Have you ever wondered why the atmosphere of your marriage can set the tone for your entire life? We're Denise Russo and Samantha Powell, and in this heartfelt episode of "What's on Your Bookshelf," we explore February's theme of love from "The Happiness Project." Join us as we discuss the profound influence that marital satisfaction and the dynamics of love have on overall happiness, especially after having children. We dive into key resolutions like quitting nagging, not expecting praise, fighting right, and giving proofs of love to strengthen our relationships.

Expressing appreciation and gratitude is more than just a nice gesture—it's a cornerstone of healthy relationships. Drawing insights from John Maxwell's "Everyone Communicates, Few Connect," and referencing "Solve for Happy" and "Atomic Habits," we underline the power of small gestures like the six-second hug to enhance relationships. Listen in as we share a humorous family anecdote about the importance of finding internal motivation and satisfaction in our actions, particularly in maintaining strong bonds with loved ones, including teenage children.

Communication is key to building healthy relationships, and we delve into John Gottman's research on the six-second kiss and how fewer unpleasant experiences contribute more to relationship satisfaction due to human negativity bias. We explore different conflict styles and the importance of managing conflicts with humor and affection. Lastly, we discuss integrating work into life, rather than seeking a work-life balance, and how personal happiness, especially within marriage, can significantly impact professional success. Join us for an engaging conversation on love, happiness, and the interconnectedness of our personal and professional lives.

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Ever wondered how small changes can revolutionize your happiness and energy levels? Join us as we unpack Gretchen Rubin's "The Happiness Project" and its transformative January theme focused on boosting energy and vitality. From practical tips like going to sleep earlier and exercising better, to tossing, restoring, and organizing your space, we share personal anecdotes of both challenges and triumphs in our quest for a more energized life. Whether you're struggling to tackle nagging tasks or simply want to act more energetically, this episode promises actionable insights to set you on the path to sustained happiness.

Have you ever considered the profound impact of sleep on your overall well-being? In this episode, we delve into the nuances of improving sleep quality, from experimenting with sound frequencies and classical music to tracking sleep patterns with innovative tools like the Oura Ring and Fitbits. Sharing our unexpected discovery of using TV for sleep sounds, we discuss how cutting down on screen time before bed can significantly enhance your sleep quality. Drawing from "Atomic Habits," we emphasize the importance of establishing effective routines and highlight the intersection of sleep, energy, and overall wellness.

Clutter dragging you down? Discover the liberating power of decluttering as we dive into the emotional and psychological complexities of household clutter. Inspired by "The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up," we share stories about generational hoarding tendencies and the emotional attachments we form with objects. Learn strategies for categorizing and overcoming different types of clutter, from nostalgic to freebie clutter, and how these small steps can lead to a more peaceful and energized living space. Tune in to uncover how intentional living and small, manageable changes can make a world of difference in your daily life.

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What if you could unlock the secrets to a happier life in just a few weeks? Join us as we dissect "The Happiness Project" by Gretchen Rubin, the third book in our 2024 happiness quest, and learn how to apply Rubin's year-long journey into a condensed month-per-week format. This episode kicks off with a powerful revelation on the need for change and challenges you to ask yourself: Do you believe you can be happier? What does happiness look like for you?

Next, we delve into the importance of mindset and belief systems, illustrating how our thoughts can often be the biggest barriers to achieving our goals. Drawing from personal experiences and insights from Sonia Lyubomirsky's "The How of Happiness," we explore how happiness is a subjective experience that can often be found in our immediate surroundings. We share strategies for shifting unconscious thought patterns and discuss how coaching can be a transformative tool in unlocking one’s potential.

In our final segment, we focus on practical steps for elevating happiness through self-awareness. Inspired by Rubin's practice of writing down "secrets of adulthood," we discuss how documenting personal philosophies can enhance both self-awareness and leadership skills. Reflecting on the ripple effect of personal happiness on others, particularly in a leadership context, we share anecdotes and insights on fostering happiness within teams. Plus, we give a shoutout to our incredible producer, Scott Miller, and invite you to share your happiness insights and expectations from "The Happiness Project." Thank you for being an integral part of our "What's On Your Bookshelf" community!

Order The Happiness Project

Connect with us on our LinkedIn page School of Thoughts . We also value your reviews, subscribing, and sharing our podcast "What's On Your Bookshelf?" on Apple and Spotify.

Subscribe to our new YouTube channel.