To work or not to work: That is the question for many moms. Or is it? The implication of a new University of Michigan study is that, when it comes to the well-being of her children, the kind of job a woman has may be just as important as whether or not she works at all.
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When my dad retired at 55—the age I am now—he had a solid pension plan and the kind of comprehensive healthcare coverage workers today only dream about.
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Therapeutic news for people who work at home and nap secretly, in shame: You are not alone. The Pew Research Center reported in July, 2009 that about 34% of adults surveyed had napped in the previous 24 hours. Plus, you nappers are providing your customers a valuable service.
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One of the reasons I like living in Holland, Michigan, is that it’s a balanced mix of city, country, and beach resort. Complemented by the beauty of four seasons, we have a lot of variety all year ‘round. In the summertime, there’s nothing like a commute to work by bicycle, especially with a network of bike paths to keep you safe and free to enjoy the ride.
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When “natural” happiness withers under the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, it’s nice to know we can just make some more.
Making happiness may not be as easy as whipping up a batch of double chocolate brownies, but psychologist Dan Gilbert, author of Stumbling on Happiness, says that we humans have the capacity to manufacture happiness, and that “synthetic” happiness is indistinguishable from “natural” happiness.
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When I think about resilience, I think of Ma Joad in The Grapes of Wrath, who held her family together through death, homelessness, unemployment, and hunger. I think of Ishmael Beah, who lost his humanity as a child soldier in Sierra Leone’s civil war but later regained it, wrote a memoir, and now serves as an advocate for the rehabilitation of child soldiers. And I think of my friends Ann and Jim. Within a span of 18 months, they separated and reconciled, she learned she had cancer and underwent treatment, and he lost his job.
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“Black as the devil, hot as hell, pure as an angel, sweet as love.” — Talleyrand, (1754-1838)
Any substance so gently arousing and bewitching to the senses must be paired with adventure and romance. And the colorful story of coffee does not disappoint.
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Photo credit: iStockphoto.com
Healthcare environments have more constraints than most, garner more attention than many, and have to account for more life-and-death variables than any other kind of environment you are likely to find yourself in. The stakes, the stress, and the rewards can be high.
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Illustration credit: Caitlin Kuhwald
Small talk gets no respect. Flip through the stacks and stacks (literal or virtual) of books and articles on the topic, and you’ll see that it’s cast as manipulative or mercenary: it’s what you do to get the girl, get the sale, or get the job. It’s called the “grease” or the “glue” of social interaction; neither of those metaphors is particularly appealing, unless you’re a counter cook or a collage artist.
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Photo credit: Jeffrey Coolidge/Iconica/Getty Images
Been a little cranky lately? Can’t focus? Not sleeping well? Unable to resist the Double Chocolate Toffee Crunch stashed in the bottom of the freezer?
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