Be happy - take risks

There was an interesting snippet in the Times on Saturday. Apparently German researchers studied 20,000 people and discovered that people who take lots of risks are much more satisfied with their lives. However, they didn't manage to decide whether it is taking risks that makes us happy, or whether being happy makes us more likely to take risks.

I have noticed that people who are unhappy are usually scared to take action to change things - they prefer to stay in an 'uncomfortable comfort zone' rather than risk the unknown. This is something of a spiral - the less chances they take, the less they achieve, so the more miserable they become and the less they feel like doing. I think this can ultimately result in obsessive behaviour... constant requirement to wash hands, check doors locked etc. keeps the mind and body active, allowing for very little time for other activities - thus meaning that no risks need to be taken.

Peace Day

Every year, on 21 September, the United Nations International Day of Peace is a day of global ceasefire and non-violence. See http://www.peaceoneday.org/page/home.

So I spent the day trying to regularly focus on aspects of peace. Just simple things, like giving way to other motorists and smiling at people more. It felt good...

Absent for a month!

Apologies - I have had a strange August, during which I spent 2 weeks on holiday, but also have ongoing PC problems. Early August my hard drive had to be replaced, and after my holiday, all is still not well.

However, I am back, and have just issued my September newsletter. See http://www.ambitioncoach.com/62652/84225.html.

ALso, please see http://www.great-inspirations.co.uk/beinspired.html for the launch of an excellent new online 'digital magazine'. It costs just £2.50 and the first issue features an article by me, called 'Bouncing back after a life crisis'.