A place to to recharge your battery, jump-start your passion, and refuel your hope.

Patch Adams is one of my heros. He is totally devoted to spreading joy. I am happy to pass along this message/request from him…
A message from Patch Adams for Valentines Day…

We need models, ideas, programs for this country, that are coming from love.

Last week I met with Dennis Kucinich, US representative from Ohio. Dennis has been for me a hero: a stalwart for peace, justice, and health care for all. Dennis talked about the recent health care reform proposals in Congress as a fiasco: legislation that would enable the health insurance companies to have a monopoly on the health care system! —with the government only pitching in to subsidize those of us who couldn’t afford to buy the mandated health insurance. Where is the love?

We need models of our love for all people. The number one factor for surviving a heart attack is having a loving community. A study of 4,000 women with breast cancer found that with a little love—six hour-long support sessions—their survival rate increased five-fold. Both at home and around the world there’s too much reliance on force and militarism and imposing control, and not enough emphasis on listening, compassion, and love. Even areas of natural disaster are treated as military situations. We need love of all kinds, not just on the personal level but on the national and global level, too. It’s time for a love platform.

What’s a love platform? It’s a set of policies that shows compassion for the elderly, the mentally ill, the homeless, the poor. It’s a platform that treats the environment with the loving respect it deserves. A platform that doesn’t let greed and power-over call the shots. Not from the top down, but from the bottom up: that would be a love platform.

Every step you yourself take in that direction—toward a love platform– is a step we all are taking.

A donation to the Gesundheit! Institute helps us continue building work on the 40-bed rural hospital in Appalachia based on fun and friendship. The hospital will run on 10% of the average cost of current US hospitals and will be a model to the US and the rest of the world of a hospital built on the love platform: care for all people.

TO DONATE, CLICK HERE

Ok, it’s a new year and I have been reflecting on what I have to contribute to Drive Yourself Happy to expand its meaning and relevance in the sea of challenging times in which we find ourselves desperate for a life-raft (Ooops, not a car analogy).

Like you, life has tugged me this way and that. I have had moments of doubt, exhaustion and uncertainty that fortunately always lead me back to what always is… a certain knowing that happiness and creating a contented meaningful life is an inside job and, most important, is possible regardless of our circumstances. I know this is a bold statement when we are hammered by a recession, catastrophic disasters make the headlines, and other detours from the potential of happiness abound.

My tenacity and committed intention relentlessly calls me to reveal the evidence and to shine light on the power of accepting what is seen through the lens of purpose, hope, joy, and common ground. I attempt through Drive Yourself Happy, Center of Happiness, and all my related work to provide spiritual nourishment and vision, inspire personal evolution and greater decisiveness, bump us into meaningful and bold action, and provide a community container to question, heal, explore and share as we evolve. [Read more →]

As I ponder what leads to and sustains happiness, my role as a leader and contributor in my own life, and the challenges we face in coming together to make a meaningful difference, I found this video clip very enlightening and thought-provoking.

Psychologist Jonathan Haidt studies the five moral values that form the basis of our political choices, whether we’re left, right or center. In this eye-opening talk, he pinpoints the moral values that liberals and conservatives tend to honor most.

I hope you find as much value in it as I do.

Dear Happy Travelers,

Their 4th grade class goal was to understand how to be happy and care for other people. It sounds like the sort of class we all would find beneficial given we find ourselves so over-stressed and over-worked.

Instead of writing my own reflections on happiness, I encourage you to take the time to watch all five segments of CHILDREN FULL OF LIFE.  Especially if you don’t have the time, it will be time well spent.

If you make the time you will have the privilege of watching a different and heart-felt teaching approach than most grammar teacher’s take in Tokyo… no, around the world. May we all be touched by the valuable lessons he offers his students and take his wisdom into our own hearts and actions.

Start by watch the first of five segments below. See how Toshiro Kanamori teaches his pupils to understand their inner thoughts and teaches them about the power of love, compassion, binding, and sustainable joy..

Joy-fully,

Rhonda

A TUNE UP GUIDE to DRIVE YOURSELF HAPPY:

Questions to Catch Your Blind Spots, Tune Your Engine, Recharge Your Battery, Fill Up Your Tank, and Stay On Course on Your Road of Happiness

Directions:

As a regular tune-up tool, ask yourself one or all of these questions regularly, especially when you get stuck or detoured. From your answers, create a list of manageable and measurable authentic action steps to chart your course and ensure an enjoyable journey. Move forward, through your fear and resistance, and choose your attitude. Regular tune-ups insure that what’s under the hood continues to operate in a way that you can be happy regardless of the circumstances.

On the Road of Principles, Values and Beliefs:

~ What are my bottom line principles, values and beliefs that I want to use as the compass for my life?

• What is their order of importance?
• Which one(s) do I need to focus on and recommit to currently to be on a path of purpose and happiness?
• Where and how can I have my words and actions match to reflect these values more consistently?
• Can I do this willingly, recognizing that although I cannot choose my circumstances I can choose my perspective?
• What places am I out of balance, detouring down the wrong road or wasting energy?
• Where can I adjust to regain balance and get my tires back in alignment?
• What small adjustments in my direction am I willing to make at this time?
• What mistakes of my own or others do I need to forgive to be present now?

On the Road of Choice:

• Am I willing to no longer be a back seat driver of life, judging and blaming others, and telling them what to do?
• What small step can I take in each major area of my life to get back on course?
• How will I celebrate and acknowledge small victories?
• What specific things have I been avoiding and procrastinating about?
• Am I willing to strive for excellence, not perfection?
• Am I willing to see mistakes as opportunities to learn?
• What mistakes have I made recently?
• What have I learned and am willing to apply?
• Am I willing to no longer live in reverse, wasting energy reliving my mistake?

On the Road of Purpose:

• What are my deepest and most heartfelt desires, and creative vision if I believed I could not fail?
• Where am I off purpose and why?
• What are the deep and meaningful things that I have been afraid to ask for?
• What do I believe would happen to me if I did not get what I want?
• What do I feel would happen if I did get what I want?
• What are my ten-year goals? Five year? One year? One month? Today?
• Where do I need to clarify my goals and take action?
• Am I willing to be committed AND flexible?
• Where are places and ways that I can acknowledge my talents, and give them for the joy of giving rather than expecting anything in return?
• How can I create a greater sense of meaning in my life today?
• What are simple pleasures I overlook?
• What are ways that I can develop my intuition and deepen my sense of inner listening?
• List the ten greatest pieces of wisdom or insights that I know.

On the Road of Happiness and Peace:

• When do I feel the greatest happiness in my life?
• What can I do to have more fun in all areas of my life?
• What is the first thing I think and say each day?
• What is the way I end my day?
• Am I asking for what I want?
• Am I listening for the answer, willing to receive it regardless of its form?
• Am I willing to look for the blessing in even the greatest challenges?
• Am I aware when I drift from present moment thinking?
• What way do I bring myself back to center?
• What daily steps am I willing to take not to have greater peace, clarity, balance, congruence and happiness in my life.
• When can I develop greater compassion and better genuine listening?
• How can I be more authentic?
• What activities lead me to greater stillness and confidence?
• If love is the answer to any question, what questions in my life need to be answered with love?

On the Road of Love, Acceptance, and Acknowledgment:

• Where am I going in reverse in blame, guilt, regrets or judgments, wasting time or distracting myself from what is truly important now?
• What are the old beliefs, excuses, or self-criticism I use to keep me stuck in the mud?
• Where have I detoured from positive and loving thoughts?
• What misbeliefs am I willing to adjust at this time.
• What is my greatest fear(s)?
• Is the FEAR a False Expectation Appearing Real?
• Where do I feel vulnerable, hurt, or a victim of life?
• What stresses me?
• Where do I see myself as inadequate and not like myself?
• Am I willing to commit to seeing myself as adequate and loving?
• How do I perceive my strengths as weaknesses?
• What major roadblocks need to be resolved?
• What ways can I step back into the driver’s seat?

On the Road of a New Perspective:

• What are my expectations for myself? What is my purpose?
• What is my personal definition for success?
• Where do I hold myself back?
• Am I willing to change my direction?
• What are the expectations of others that I am driven and detoured by? Boss? Work? Spouse? Parents? Friends?
• Do I have supportive traveling companions on the road of life at work, at home, and with friends?
• If not, why?
• What steps am I willing to take to choose supportive traveling companions.
• How can I improve my communication and inter-personal skills?
• In what ways am I not speaking up and not being honest?
• What run away negative or limiting thoughts or judgments keep steering me off course?
• What key choices am I ready to make to choose my own gear and direction?

Arrrrrghhhhhhhhh!

I don’t know about you, but I long for a rest when life remains full with relentless demands. Details are falling through the cracks as I attempt to pull off the impossible, managing way too much.

Sometimes we just can’t stop. We can’t change the circumstances and what we resist, persists. So what can we do at times like these to maintain joy during challenging times?

1.       Allow room for support and ask for help: I may be dating myself, but when things get tough, (women especially) we tend to go “Lone Ranger.”  Although there is benefit in being resilient and knowing you can do it alone if necessary, too often we push away offers of help or never speak up to give someone the satisfaction of offering to help by lightening our load. Freely ask, however don’t take it personally if someone cannot be helpful when you need it. We are all juggling. Collaboration and mutual support is key to sustaining happiness. Stretch your muscles and do what you can, but don’t hesitate asking for help and support. Even the Lone Ranger had Tonto!

2.       Find a REST AREA: We have long applauded hard work, however, like a muscle in your arm, in order to gain strength and stamina it is best to rest it from time to time, otherwise it will fatigue and become useless. It is necessary to take respite, even if only a deep breath here or there, or a nap of renewal. Perhaps a walk in stillness, or even two minutes hiding in the bathroom alone! This is necessary to prevent burnout and give you the chance to find your joy that got lost along the way.

3.       Love your body:  Far more often we judge and push our body rather than honor and appreciate it for all the ways it serves us. Listen to the messages it offers you. Do you need a drink of water or a lunch break. Is your back hurting and your knees aching, reminding you to adjust your posture? Do you have a headache from bending your neck holding the phone rather than grabbing your ear-piece? Are you forgetting to take deep breaths, signaling that you are stressed? Let your body offer direction for the journey. By honoring your body, it can help you get further down the road.

4.       Give Up and Let go: I don’t mean ‘Give Up’ to mean surrendering in defeat. I mean “Give Up’ to a Source bigger than you and trust that there is a perspective not revealed to you yet, demanding trust that the unknown brings something wonderful, perhaps not in the form you imagined. Hold on with a lose grip so you can be more flexible on the journey. Holding on too tight you will feel every bump and make the road harder than it needs to be.

5.       Be Brain-washed and Get out of your head: Let go of dwelling on the negative and expecting the worst. Our life is created by the quality of out thoughts. Stop the worry wheel. Find the choice point in each situation and choose joy. It is much more fun to be happy than right. Adjust the  quality of your thoughts and expand your ability to trust your own intuition. There is a trustworthy voice within that draws on a greater strength that is generated and nourished by your spirit and passion.

6.       Get into nature:  In some places, nature is a challenge to find. However, even if only briefly, unhook from the news, T.V. emails, cell phones and the clamors of a demanding world. Find a park. Notice the clouds in the sky. Smell a flower. Watch a snail shuttle it’s way slowly across the side walk, and allow yourself to be fascinated by simple pleasures.

7.       Connect with Spirit and Listen Within: There is a bigger picture we cannot fully imagine. Faith allows us to surrender to life being a co-created experience, trusting an energy and intelligence far bigger than we know. Although you may resist,  make it a priority to have time to be still, meditate, journal, or pray. Be curious about life being a spiritual adventure and listen within for trustworthy guidance. Transform the worry, fear, and doubt and listen more than you attempt to micro-manage and control life. After all, control is only an illusion.

8.   Forgive Yourself: Love yourself as much as you love others. Be patient of your shortcomings and suspend judgements of yourself as well as others. We are all doing our best with the consciousness we have. Life is messy, always a teacher, and a glorious mystery. To expand your consciousness and create sustainable happiness remember that choice is a powerful tool, so apply it to have fun and to take full accountability and responsibility for your own joy.

Happy Trails,
Rhonda

Paul Hawken is a renowned entrepreneur, visionary environmental activist, and author of many books, most recently Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming. He was presented with an honorary doctorate of humane letters by University president Father Bill Beauchamp, C.S.C., in May, when he delivered this superb speech.

My dear friend, Ann, sent this to me, and I thought it was worth posting!!!

The Unforgettable Commencement Address to the Class of 2009, University of Portland, May 3rd, 2009??By Paul Hawken

When I was invited to give this speech, I was asked if I could give a simple short talk that was “direct, naked, taut, honest, passionate, lean, shivering, startling, and graceful.” Boy, no pressure there.

But let’s begin with the startling part. Hey, Class of 2009: you are going to have to figure out what it means to be a human being on earth at a time when every living system is declining, and the rate of decline is accelerating. Kind of a mind-boggling situation – but not one peer-reviewed paper published in the last thirty years can refute that statement. Basically, the earth needs a new operating system, you are the programmers, and we need it within a few decades.

This planet came with a set of operating instructions, but we seem to have misplaced them. Important rules like don’t poison the water, soil, or air, and don’t let the earth get overcrowded, and don’t touch the thermostat have been broken. Buckminster Fuller said that spaceship earth was so ingeniously designed that no one has a clue that we are on one, flying through the universe at a million miles per hour, with no need for seat belts, lots of room in coach, and really good food – but all that is changing.

There is invisible writing on the back of the diploma you will receive, and in case you didn’t bring lemon juice to decode it, I can tell you what it says: YOU ARE BRILLIANT, AND THE EARTH IS HIRING. The earth couldn’t afford to send any recruiters or limos to your school. It sent you rain, sunsets, ripe cherries, night blooming jasmine, and that unbelievably cute person you are dating. Take the hint. And here’s the deal: Forget that this task of planet-saving is not possible in the time required. Don’t be put off by people who know what is not possible. Do what needs to be done, and check to see if it was impossible only after you are done.? [Read more →]

Dear Fellow Travelers,

I selectively endorse books, however this one is worth you taking a look.

We all know that minds create and most of us put a lot of energy into positive thinking. Why then are we living in such troubling times? Today I bring you information that is vital for living truly free lives, where we are in control and can once again create our ideal life.

I am writing about my friend and colleague, Eldon Taylor and his brand new book, Mind Programming: From Persuasion and Brainwashing to Self-Help and Practical Metaphysics. This is simply a must-read book! This message is so important that many of the world’s visionaries, myself included, have joined together to support this book launch.

View the trailer for Mind Programming:

CLICK HERE

As you read this book, you’ll feel the blinders being removed and you will truly see the world in an entirely new light.
Jeff Warrick, – documentary filmmaker, Programming the Nation?
[Read more →]

Each of us at one time or another have said “yes” to something, following our intuition, and then wondered how we would pull it off, how we would rise to the occasion.

I’ve done it again. I’ve decided again to look for happiness in unlikely places.

As many of you know about three years ago I said “yes” when my grandnephew when at age 2 he was diagnosed with A. L. L. leukemia. I became a part of his hands-on circle of support as he maneuvered his way through a bone marrow transplant and months of horrific treatments. My work from the moment I got the news was for the most part put on hold in order to participate in his healing process. I am delighted to say that, except for a few challenges, he is doing well and just celebrated his 5th birthday!

After he returned to his home in Alaska, I began the journey of regaining the momentum I had gained with Drive Yourself Happy and my other work with Circle Connections when it became apparent that my own grandson was facing challenges with autism. How could I turn my back here? Despite the downward turning economy and my ever-dwindling savings, I decided to temporarily relocate from my beloved Post Townsend to Long Beach, CA to assist with Brody’s care.

A visit that we intended to be long enough to welcome Brody’s baby sister and arrange for him to get appropriate services has turned into months and an incredible biomedical approach to his healing as well as a off-putting obstacle course with the school district , insurance, and medical systems. Sound familiar to some of you?

For whatever reason I was called to say “yes” once again and become an active advocate for Brody, just as I did for my grandnephew, Connor. In my heart and against all logic, I feel called to be here for these children who act as “canaries in the gold mind” to alert us what is needed to heal our earth, our environment, our health-care system, our bodies, and out way of being with one another.

Last month was Autism Awareness Month. Since we fully leaped beyond denial to understand and accept that Brody had this disorder that is now affecting 1 of every 60 children, I have learned so much, and yet have only scratched the surface. Exhausted but invested, I know it is my calling to be of help in any way I can, trusting that the way and the means would be revealed.

Still committed to the belief that happiness is possible regardless of even these circumstances, I have decided to share the knowns and unknows of the step I take, clear that there are many faced with such challenges who might benefit from my revelations and feel less alone because I am willing to share my fear along the way.

And so this will be the first of many updates I will share with you as I prepare to head off in June to the Autism Treatment Center of America’s Son-Rise Program for a 5 day intensive training to set up a home based child centered program specific to Brody’s needs.

Ready. Fire. Aim. Deep breath. Lean with faith.