ARTICLES & BLOG
LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE
The blog was not planned. The fantastic Mel Robbins video The World Needs Your Light prompted a thread connecting various content. The essence is about being the light, shining our light. This is by living and expressing our virtues, qualities and values. The World Values Day and the Book Club help by recognising the values and virtues that are important to us, how we become Heroic in expressing them each day to be our best and contribute to positively serving the world.
For those who have joined the book club or ordered the book from Happy Life Habits watch this video on the Heroic 7 Objectives to get a sense of what the book is about and how we use it to be our Heroic Self.
Mombasa beach sunrise by Meerav Shah
The blog was not planned. The fantastic Mel Robbins video The World Needs Your Light prompted a thread connecting various content. The essence is about being the light, shining our light. This is by living and expressing our virtues, qualities and values. The World Values Day and the Book Club help by recognising the values and virtues that are important to us, how we become Heroic in expressing them each day to be our best and contribute to positively serving the world.
For those who have joined the book club or ordered the book from Happy Life Habits watch this video on the Heroic 7 Objectives to get a sense of what the book is about and how we use it to be our Heroic Self
This uplifting, catchy song by Aswad I remember from my younger days - listen to the lyrics.
Aswad - Shine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IIw3BtSPHtI
The days are shorter, nights longer, it’s getting darker earlier and staying dark for longer. It’s the season of change, of letting go - just as the trees do. For me, it is also the time of the festival of lights. Diwali. A reminder of the triumph of good over evil.
The flame of the Diwa (candle) symbolises a variety of things including light over darkness, hope, the light of spiritual truth and knowledge of self-realization over ignorance, the burning of our negative tendencies including ego, greed, anger and deceit, how one candle (enlightened teacher) can light the spark of divinity in others.
This Mel Robbins video is a must watch in relation to the current world issues arising in the Gaza region. It is filled with virtues/values, with positivity, hope, what we can do - shine our light.
The Father and the Assassin - play at Nation Theatre
"The Father and the Assassin" - What Values would you die for?
Saw the play "The Father and the Assassin" recently at the National Theatre. Awesome. gripping, fast moving theatrical experience.
What values come to mind when you think of Gandhi or the Assassin?
Both were ready to die for their values.
Values are what matter most to us. They motivate and guide us. They are the passion in our hearts, the reason we do the things we do.
In a world that can feel increasingly divided, values help unite us. They are the glue holding together our communities and wider society. This year’s campaign theme is Values Bring Us Together.
What Values would you die for?
Join us World Values Day on Thurs 19th as we explore and focus on values at either of these times
Here are 2 videos that give an insight into values. The first for the theme of Values Bring Us Together the theme of World Values Day. The second by Dr Prabodh Misty that says Love and Truth are core values.
World Values Day 2023 : Values Bring Us Together https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CTKtYaNLmJ8
The Power of Values - Dr Prabodh Mistry https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gyqbeDr_1cE
What do you want to become? Quotes like these shared in Daily Quotes WhatsApp group : https://chat.whatsapp.com/LIaT2YWByLlA03kmLbQxcc
The values/virtues that we cultivate and live by to be our best heroic self are in this image for the Arete book. These are the ones we will explore in the Happy Life Habits Book Club. See previous blog for more details on the Book Club.
For those who have joined the book club or ordered the book from Happy Life Habits watch this video on the Heroic 7 Objectives to get a sense of what the book is about and how we use it to be our Heroic Self. It has 451 micro chapters each having the potential to change your life. The idea behind 451 is that is the activation energy for heat or fire - it needs to be at 451 degrees to burn, any less it will not. Likewise water will not boil at 99 degrees Celsius, only when it reaches 100 does it boil. These 451 concepts activate our heroic potential.
OBJECTIVE I: KNOW THE ULTIMATE GAME
OBJECTIVE II: FORGE ANTIFRAGILE CONFIDENCE
OBJECTIVE III: OPTIMIZE YOUR BIG 3
OBJECTIVE IV: MAKE TODAY A MASTERPIECE
OBJECTIVE V: MASTER YOURSELF
OBJECTIVE VI: DOMINATE THE FUNDAMENTALS
OBJECTIVE VII: ACTIVATE YOUR SUPERPOWER
The below reshared from previous blog article.
“To Be or Not to Be? – That is a question or is it a choice?
Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
By a Wanna Be Butterfly Shaileen Shah 26 Sep 2017
Dedicated to all the teachers and inspirers past, present and future; who have guided us to make this world better by making ourselves better. Lessons, values, guidelines, way of living learnt through family, friends, films, books, seminars, workshops, talks, teachers, TED talks, newsletters, articles, blogs, conversations and ponderings.
Behind you lies the past
Before you awaits the future
Be present, be here, now
Be blissful, joyful, happy and peaceful
Be conscious, conscientious, insightful and natural
Be energetic, be moving, be moved and be still
Be a seeker, aspirer, Divine, graceful and of service
Be wholesome, authentic, an observer and a witness
Be grateful, humble, generous and giving
Be charitable, donor, giver and receiver
Be compassionate, kind, caring and loving
Be forgiving, honest, straightforward and content
Be awake, alive, awesome, extraordinary and wonderful
Be careful, respectful, carefree and tolerant
Be a follower, leader, trailblazer and a guide
Be on The Path, be off the beaten track
Be the light, beacon, role model and mentor
Be a teacher, student, learning, teachable and sharer
Be growing, nurturing, developing and blossoming
Be listening, consoling, be consultative, and approachable
Be flexible, adaptable, open and perspective shifting
Be encouraging, supportive, dependable and helpful
Be proactive, responsible, accountable and resourceful
Be cooperative, patient, synergistic and part of the solution
Be going the extra mile, adding value, not giving up and keep moving forward
Be positive, enthusiastic, insightful and optimistic
Be focussed, steadfast, persistent, grounded and centred
Be brave, courageous, bold and fearless
Be creative, imaginative, visionary, daring and clear
Be connected, a team player, performer and game changer
Be prepared, planned, ready, organised and spontaneous
Be engaging, gregarious, humorous and funny
Be hospitable, welcoming, warm and big hearted
Be trustworthy, trusting, loyal, complete and full of integrity
Be mindful, aware, attentive, tuned in and be there
Be inquisitive, curious, and adventurous
Be healthy, wealthy and wise
Be better today than you were yesterday
Believe in yourself, have faith and move mountains
Be reflective, contemplative, introspective and meditative
Be the change, be transformative, evolving and a catalyst
Be the best that you can be, a masterpiece, unique and special
Be yourself, realise your potential and be free
Be a caterpillar, become a butterfly
Too busy to just be?
Be reminded it is a choice to be or not to be
Just Be.
— Shaileen Shah - Happiness Coach
Take That - Shine https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JwC1Ctrj6Xk
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list and join the Happy Life Habits Community WhatsApp Group
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too.
Inner Cheerleader instead of Inner Critic
2, 4, 6 8 Who Do We Appreciate?
Do you sometimes amaze yourself?
We often succumb to the inner critic we all have who tells us we can't do it, we not worthy, we are not good enough, it's going to fail etc.
I believe we have an Inner Cheerleader too. I amazed myself yesterday. I went for a walk and chose to listen to the People on Purpose podcast by David Roberts which released the episode I am in on 1st Feb. We had recorded it end of last year so I had forgotten some of what we have covered.
It's bloody brilliant if I humbly say so myself, so rich in content, David has asked questions which give breadth and depth covering so much in 60 mins about life, happiness, wellbeing, stress, work life balance, habits, routines, practices, planning, my journey, personal development, science of happiness and spirituality.
Here are the show notes:
For this episode, David is joined by Shaileen Shah who is a happiness coach. He is the founder of Happy Life Habits. A business that helps people, communities, and companies to be happier, kinder, and more effective, and to respond in a meaningful way to the challenges that life and indeed wider society throws at us on a daily basis. Shaileen shares his own learning journey. Explaining how he explored the science of happiness and sharing some of these experiments and the results. Shaileen explains how to develop habits that naturally release the happy chemicals and flush away the stress chemicals. Something that automatically makes you feel happier as well as benefiting your health and improving the balance in your life.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Shaileen´s approach is informed by scientific studies into happiness as well as by cultural practices. Doing the things that naturally release the happy chemicals in your body is powerful. Hedonic happiness is fleeting. Eudaimonic happiness goes far deeper. Pro-social practices contribute massively to happiness. Acknowledge negative emotions like anger, but don't dwell on them. You have to actively counter society's negative bias. Shaileen shares several ways to do this. Connection with others is really important. Be aware of what you have achieved in the past year. It can be used as fuel to take you further. Take stock 4 or 5 times a year. Life is short, make the absolute most of it.
BEST MOMENTS
‘With that timeout, I revisited and really looked at the things which were important to me, I reflected, I looked at my values again,’ ‘Happiness is not just a fleeting emotion, it's bigger than that.’ ‘There is flex in my planning, if an opportunity comes along, which I hadn't planned for, but it feels right … I say yes to this’
It is 60 mins, take 10 minutes and listen today, if you like what you hear listen to another 10 today or tomorrow and repeat. (use link in original post or one shared in comments)
What's your Inner Cheerleader cheering you on about?
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Back to the Future: Creating memories to Savour
The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
To fully enjoy a time or experience
Back to the Future The Musical
The word savour (savor in American English) is an interesting word, it is a verb. It has at least 2 meanings in the dictionary:
To fully enjoy the taste or smell of something
To fully enjoy a time or experience
I feel the first definition is limited to taste and smell when I feel it should be all the senses. Another definition I feel encompasses the sentiment better :
to enjoy food or an experience slowly, in order to enjoy it as much as possible
This extends to one more which is the one we will use in this article:
attempt to fully feel, enjoy, and extend our positive experiences
The practice of savouring leads to more happiness. We can savour all three tenses of time: Past, Present and Future. I have enjoyed this practice. I share a few examples here.
Savouring the Past
Recently I enjoyed reminiscing about a convention that I co-led 20 years ago for Young Jains, a faith organisation I volunteer for. The experience 20 years ago was amazing, creative, high energy and innovative with wonderful team work. Individually I enjoyed seeing some photos, reading a souvenir magazine and listening to music from the event. We hosted a 20 Year catch up and some people who had attended 20 years ago joined sharing their experiences and memories. This led to a feel good energy, re-living the positive experiences and memories and a sense of community and connection. A benefit of savouring the past positive experiences is you get to live them again and create new memories.
Another example is Facebook popping up a memory from 2018 when we took part in a volunteering programme in India with the Jain school that we are part of. It brought back many good memories and associated with it good feelings.
What is a past experience that you savour?
Savouring the Future
I enjoy planning for the future, having events and activities scheduled in the diary to look forward to. These may be a holiday, trip away, catch-up with family/friends, visit to theatre etc. The anticipation and looking forward to generating positive emotions and good feelings as much as the actual event. An example of this is booking tickets for the Back To the Future musical months in advance of chosen visit date. Back To the Future is a classic film I grew up with so we are already onto a winner. Again looking forward to the actual day with much enthusiasm was wonderful. The musical did not disappoint; great sets, acting, humour, music and a De Lorean. It was a shared experience with my family. We created a memory that we can relish and savour in the future.
What is a future experience you can schedule to later savour?
Savouring in the Present
A key to savouring the past or the future is to be fully present in the present. To be mindful, engaged in the moment, aware and enjoy it. Some examples I have experienced are:
A few years ago I took part in a retreat where the meal at lunch time was in silence. I ate mindfully, chewing slowly, observing and enjoying each bite and chew. Savouring the taste, experience and textures.
During a full packed day with my wife visiting London we enjoyed St Paul’s Cathedral with a tour, boat trip on the Thames, lovely vegan meal, Mama Mia the Musical with a walk across Waterloo bridge at night time. Each of those moments I experienced being in the moment, enjoying it and not thinking about the experience before or coming after. This led to deeper enjoyment of each moment.
Ways to Savour
Journaling
The Happiness Journal (the 5 minute journal) we supply and use in the Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course helps capture some savouring across the past, present and future with sections on gratitude, what would make today great and what was amazing about today.
Facebook memories
Capture memories in Facebook on your timeline and enjoy savouring when Facebook pops up the memory on it’s anniversary
Google Photos
Capture your digital photos and store them in google photos letting it pop up the memories on your phone. I enjoyed seeing memories from 14 years ago.
Create memories to savour
Book, schedule experiences and activities. Even better if you can book them with someone else to create shared memories.
Take photos / videos. My son recently turned 18. A great idea would have been to take a photo of him on each birthday and capture it in an album. Likewise for anniversaries.
Happy Life Habits events, talks, workshops and training are a great opportunity to create positive memories and emotions. The waiting list for the 30 Day Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course is open.
We enjoy celebrating birthdays, anniversaries and World Days… see below.
Happy Life Habits us supporting World Values Day 20th October
Have a Great Day
There goes another day of your life. How did you live it?
What did you choose?
Happy Life Habits is celebrating the following upcoming World Days.
World Mindfulness Day : Monday 12th September
World Gratitude Day (Also International Day of Peace) : Wednesday 21st September
Shaileen Shah's Birthday : Monday 26th September
World Values Day : Thursday 20th October
World Kindness Day : Sunday 13th November
We hold dear Mindfulness, Gratitude, Kindness, Values and Birthdays as reminders of the things important in our life and essential for our happiness, wellbeing and a good life. An opportunity to celebrate, reflect, re-enforce and connect.
If you would like a passionate, enthusiastic, inspiring and encouraging talk or workshop on these topics during the World Day or the week the World Day falls in then look no further than Happy Life Habits. This is what we believe in and live by : Positively Impacting Happiness and Wellbeing Levels (every day)!
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach
Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).
Recently I had the opportunity to contribute to a feature in the Metro on Tips for better/happier/mentally healthier mornings. I submitted my morning Happy Life Habits and was very pleased that they used a few of them. I hope you find them useful and take action to apply them. We have trained many on Gratitude and Journaling. If you need support you know who to call (Not Ghostbusters but Shaileen at Happy Life Habits!).
The 7+ Highly Effective Morning Habits of a Happiness Coach
Shaileen Shah a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer with Happy Life Habits loves morning routines to help kick start the day energised, focused, positive, happier and healthier. He has various daily routines that support his physical, mental, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing - each only taking a few minutes to do before breakfast but the effects lasting throughout the day. Here they are:
Drinking water by keeping a water bottle by the bedside to rehydrate (we can dehydrate during the night) and activate the stomach
Opening the curtains and letting the morning sun into the room - helps the circadian rhythm
5 minutes of mindfulness/meditation using an app which has a few minutes of learning and then the meditation - helps develop focus, centredness and resilience (from my subscription to mindfulness.com, each month I have some 30 day trial passes I can share. Get in touch if you are interested).
A few minutes of stretching and exercise : 3 Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar yoga), 10 press ups and 5 push ups
A short prayer - humbles and grounds
Recommit to personal mission statement - sense of purpose and meaning
An element of learning - reading a few pages from a book, listening to a podcast or going through material of a year long coaching programme he is on
Tackling a challenge, activating the brain, applying strategy by doing Wordle - a sense of accomplishment. Making the bed can give a sense of accomplishment too.
Using a Happiness Journal (which he has used for more than 7 years; now runs workshops on and trains people to develop a habit in over 30 Days) has these 3 morning activities done in 5-10mins
A daily practice of practising gratitude / counting blessings. This causes an immediate positive shift in mood, activates the learning centres in the brain and feel connected by releasing the happy chemicals dopamine and oxytocin.
Asking and answering “What would make today great?” helps focus on intentions for the day.
Reflecting on Positive Affirmations to help cultivate virtues and remind of strengths.
These habits are kept easy and quick to do so they actually get done. They prime his Mind, Body and Soul to bring his best to the day by being energised, positive, happy, healthy and focused for the challenges and opportunities that unfold.
Here is the Metro article with a great selection of tips from various coaches and experts, including me :). https://metro.co.uk/2022/06/04/27-expert-backed-tips-to-make-your-mornings-better-16757102/
2 Things you can help us with…
We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel
I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.
Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ
(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc
If you know any podcasters please share this with them.
If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.
I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.
Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?
On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. We recently asked “What strategies do you use to keep calm through challenging situations?” and have a good response to it.
May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.
On the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group we regularly share quotes, reflective / thought provoking questions, articles and events. The below we asked recently and have a good response to it.
May prove to be useful this month as students get their “A” Level and “GCSE” results.
My friend Deepa shared a whole series of useful ideas many of which resonate with the Self care ideas we have shared in the past:
Wow, so many strategies to help re-set:
1. Movement - walk, workout, trampoline, yogasanas, garba!
2. Sing - usually devotional music, raises my vibrational frequency!
3. Talk to friends, seek guidance, especially if it's new challenges.
4. Rest, give my nervous system a chance to feel, heal. Guided yoga nidra is great.
5. Go out into nature, tap into the natural healing components of the sun, the greenery, water, earth, air.
6. Listen to relevant podcasts/clips which help inform so can take the next steps with more awareness.
7. Just be, take time to pause, to just be. It's not as easy if the mind is on overdrive. But needs to be trained, cultivated so that you have access to do this.
8. Give myself a chance to process the heightened emotions. Often in times of stillness, usually first thing in the morning or last thing at night - poetry comes out! Sometimes in the middle of the night too, when I wake up! (Journalling and gratitude also effective)
9. Continuous practice of meditation and prayer. So much inner power there.
10. Connect - find what works best for you to connect back to your real truth/soul centre, any of the above may help.
11. Sometimes watching funny shows, just gives you a light-hearted needed distraction!
12. Pranic healing.
13. Reminding myself of certain quotes, eg 'life happens for us not to us'. For our growth and evolution.
Oh I should write, I do a lot of venting out too I find that helpful, rather than bottling up.
Oh and also crying if your system allows, so healthy and releasing.
2 Things you can help us with…
We are asking for your help on 2 activities for Happy Life Habits to grow and sustain positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels
(1) Help on renaming Happy Life Habits YoutTube channel
I'll be sharing some videos on YouTube which won't necessarily be immediately shared on Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn.
Asking for a favour, if you subscribe to the Happy Life Habits YouTube Channel you will get the videos first and not miss any. Plus if we get 100 subscribers I can rename the channel from a random link name to Happy Life Habits. Really appreciate if you are able to subscribe to the YouTube channel and help us rename the link. After we have renamed, if the find the content not useful feel free to unsubscribe.
Here is the current link https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCxIVX_KsPU_1i_7GXZg1uBQ
(2) Opportunities to take part in podcasts, webinars, lives etc
If you know any podcasters please share this with them.
If you host a podcast, webinar or lives I'm currently available as a podcast guest.
I'm a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer trained in the Science of Happiness rewiring hearts and minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
See the poster for topics and here for past recordings of podcasts/webinars.
Been in corporate world experiencing work related stress, grief, mental health, work life balance challenges and have developed habits for positivity, happiness, resilience and productivity.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day.
We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
These include the 30 Day Gratitude and Journaling Habit Immersion Training Course and the monthly MasterMind Group sessions
Great investments that produce outstanding results - guaranteed!
The Happiness Journal used by Tim Ferris, Emma Watson and Shaileen Shah (pretty much every day for the last 6.5 years) is a great starter tool to shift your mood and develop morning routines. For a DIY option the journal is available for £27 (£30 inc p&p in UK, international please enquire. Order 2 or more journals at £25 each).
This is a perfect, unique and life changing gift that can be gifted for:
teachers at the end of the year as a thank you
Birthdays, anniversaries, weddings
graduations, new job
staff / employees
In fact it has been well received as a corporate gift by staff, clients and suppliers when given by my clients. (Enquire for bulk orders and add value workshops). A journal workshop and 30 Day gratitude & journal habit immersion training course (running for the last 2 years) are also available.
Contact Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for any enquiries.
Happy Life Habits rewires hearts & minds for better productivity, happiness and wellbeing in 10 minutes a day. We help you move out of the comfort zone and into the learning/growth zones. Our products and services help develop habits and continuous personal development.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
What am I doing here?
I hated every minute, every moment.
Patience is a virtue…
Marketing is about Values says Steve Jobs
Last 100 Days or so plus next 100 Days or so
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Pay it Forward Fund
What am I doing here?
I hated every minute, every moment. “What am I doing here?” I asked myself many a time. I was unhappy, frustrated, annoyed and unproductive. Losing company loyalty fast. Working late again on a task which I was ill equipped for. Not having the correct skills, knowledge or support. One that was not really part of my role or responsibilities. I was caught in the cross fire of stupid office politics between 2 departments; my department : Technology and the other department : Business Change. I was a technical lead on the project, that meant I’m a coder, designer, integrator not a business specification writer. However here I was sat at a desk in business change trying to write business specifications for the first and last time in my life. Hating every minute, every moment. Some additional back story context, the bank I had worked for had been bailed out in the financial crisis of 2008, yes that bank. It had spent silly amounts on a takeover of another bank, now I was in a changing culture, uncertain future, with managers who did not really know me, on a project from hell.
This was because I was not working from my strengths. In fact far from it.
These days when I work from my strengths I am in good flow mode, creative, productive, engaging, happy, on fire and on purpose. For an example of that, have a listen to recent podcasts/talks. Most recent is the Woo Woo Wednesday Show Podcast where we covered a lot of ground from gratitude, grief, science of happiness to Tony Robbins Firewalk Seminar and Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. I was asked to share an overview of the 7 Habits - this was not pre-planned, it was spontaneous. Fortunately the habits have been a big part of my development so I was able to share my view and insights enthusiastically. I loved every minute, every moment. I was feeling energetic, connected and congruent. I was living from my strengths.
What are your strengths and why be aware of them?
Character Strengths are the positive parts of your personality that impact how you think, feel and behave.
Knowing and applying your highest character strengths is the key to you being your best self.
Character strengths are the core personality traits that define your unique identity and make you feel authentic, alive and engaged in life.
Research shows learning about your strengths and how to express them can make you happier, less stressed, more productive at work and better connected to others.
From VIA Institute on Character
As I continue learning and exploring I am regularly reminded of virtues and character strengths. These have been a core part of my spiritual development, personal development, happiness & wellbeing. In fact the initial version of the Gratitude Workshop was born more that 7 years ago at a Young Jains Virtue Lab where we explored and practiced virtues such as gratitude, forgiveness, humility and compassion. There are 4 foundation qualities recommended to nurture and cultivate for our spiritual journey. I’ll share two of them here, The first being ‘Maitri’ , universal friendliness, unconditional love and I akin it to the Buddhist concept of Metta, Loving Kindness. More on this in next blog dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Week which is on the theme of Loneliness. Another is ‘Pramod’ , recognising and appreciating the good qualities in others. This for me is an expression of gratitude and we fully experience this in the 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course when we do a powerful Gratitude Letter exercise.
Current coaching program and courses I have done re-iterate knowing our core virtues /strengths and living/expressing them.
I have been taking the VIA (Virtues In Action) character strengths test for the last few years. I encouraged our Master Mind Group members take the test in 2021 and we learnt more about them in the course on Happiness and Health we were doing together. Interestingly MY TOP 5 (from the list of 24 split over 6 categories : WISDOM,COURAGE, HUMANITY, JUSTICE, TEMPERANCE, TRANSCENDENCE) have been fairly consistent last few years though order does change. Here they are for March 2022.
This is great as it fits hand in glove with what Happy Life Habits is about:
HAPPY LIFE HABITS = PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT + THE SCIENCE OF HAPPINESS + SPIRITUALITY
The 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course expresses all 5 virtues. The Master Mind Group has learning as a core component. The community talks and free events / talks are acts of kindness and spirituality.
If you would like to find out your character strengths then you can take the free short survey by clicking here VIA Character Strengths Survey or finding the survey at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Patience is a virtue…
I have enjoyed the very visual posts shared by Janis Ozolins recently on LinkedIn.
This one, in relation to patience, struck a chord. I am all of the roles shown in the image. Being a parent definitely needs patience.
I suggested another one right next to parent and of same height or taller is "carer for your parent".
I suggested another one right next to parent and of same height or taller is "carer for your parent".
The last 15 months or so I have needed to cultivate my patience as I become one of the main carers for my elder mum (80+) who was widowed 15 months ago and suffers from both Parkinson's and Dementia.
Sometimes I have lost my patience but the lesson and opportunity comes again and again.
As they say Patience is a virtue and I'm all for developing and expressing virtues.
Marketing is about Values says Steve Jobs
A brilliant example of focus on strengths, virtues/values as well as conviction to a vision and sense of purpose. Watch the whole 15 minute video introducing the Think Different campaign for Apple - it is a master class, so inspiring and in hindsight what awesome foresight.
Last 100 Days or so plus next 100 Days or so
Here are some of the activities and events we have delivered and will be delivering. They include the Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course, Master Mind Group sessions, Gratitude & Journal Workshop for Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Kids Happiness Booster sessions, Happier Relationships, Positive Grief talk for the Lohana Community of North London, Stress & Mental Health at Better plus just last month the Happiness Festival with over a dozen speakers to celebrate International Day of Happiness.
Mental Health Awareness Week 9 -15 May 2022 : Theme Loneliness
Happy Life Habits (HLH) is again supporting Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW). This year the theme is Loneliness.
The Paradox is you are not alone in feeling alone.
When have you experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness? How did you feel? What did you do? What Helped?
I've felt lonely or experience Mental Health challenges (stress) :
1st week and 1st year at University
During the Summer when finishing an MSc.
In my first job during my twenties for a US consultancy when I was posted in the US for a few weeks/months - first and only birthday and Diwali on my own without family or friends
When on honeymoon in the Maldives and better half needed an emergency operation
At work when there was after work drinks at pub, being a non-drinker and introverted I felt out of place.
When I suffered work related stress
At the start of the pandemic
I felt disconnected, on my own, low, no drive.
Anyone else experienced Mental Health Challenges or loneliness and are happy to share?
_____________________________________________________
We are partnering with some groups, organisations and individuals to support in terms of awareness, community and connection. These are : Mind In Enfield and Barnet, Young Jains, Oshwal Connect, Manish Gohel (Asian Parents Club, Business Club) , Reshna Shah, Aarti O Gosrani (Oshwal Connect), Sonal Dave, Priya Shah, Hansa Pankhania and Martine Drake (Mind In Enfield and Barnet) . We ae also very grateful to Shandip Shah from Balance Consultancy in providing sponsorship for this project.
Daily Evening sessions (will be recorded) with guest speakers followed by activity to foster connection & community.
Sessions on
Panel discussion on Community & Connection
The charity Mind in Enfield & Barnet sharing on Mental Health and Loneliness
How to overcome Loneliness
Stress & Anxiety in the Workplace
Suicide Prevention
See the posters below or events page for more details.
The next blog will be fully related to Mental Health Awareness week and the theme of loneliness. Be sure to sign up for the newsletter to get it in you inbox and not miss it.
Register Now for life changing, happiness inducing events
Register Now for life changing, happiness inducing events
What an opportunity and uplifting experience. Thank you Shaileen Shah, at ‘happy life habits’.
I truly appreciate every session (and all the encouragement and support, connection and sharing in the group, and between sessions), and your incredible commitment to making it such a enriching experience.
There are so many benefits from this experience. It has opened my eyes and shown me how much more intentionally and enjoyably I can be living. I highly recommend engaging with Happy life habits.
Mary Thomson. NHS Public Governor, nurse and educator._________________________________________________________________________
Joining the Mastermind Group enabled me to be among like-minded people who all wanted to learn new things and improve their lifestyle. I enjoyed the discussions which were inspiring and uplifting. I found everyone in the group non-judgemental and genuinely interested in helping and supporting each other. Personally, they helped me resolve a difficult challenge by suggesting a few different solutions.Pragna, Carer
_______________________________________________________________________
In 2021 I joined the Mastermind group where it enhanced my own personal development and learnt some techniques to optimise my learning and energy which were put in practise as well. We also had to choose a book to the relevant topic and discuss what we grasped from it.
It's all about exchanging themes and ideas to suit your own pace and being with like minded people who want to make a change for themselves in a positive way!
This has definitely made me utilise my time in an efficient way and see what my priorities are and bringing about awareness.
Thank you Shaileen for bringing colours to all the members and touching the lives of many friends!
See the change in you as you bring happiness to yourself and others!
Reshna Shah
Finance Manager
Pay it Forward Fund
A sponsored or part sponsored space on the excellent, life changing, mind shifting 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course (worth £135+).
As a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer I have experienced Mental Health challenges such as stress, grief, loneliness, etc. One of the practices that science says and certainly has been my experience for better mental and emotional wellbeing is the practice of gratitude and journaling.
That is why during the start of the pandemic in 2020 we launched the 30 Day training course that has positively impacted many. There are many benefits that I can't list here but refer you to the dedicated web page for the course.
Through some generous seed funding from my old badminton club, Sonal Dave and others who see the benefits of the work we do have a small Pay It Forward fund.
If you or you know someone who may benefit from the Training Course but at the current moment are not able to due to financial reasons then the Pay It Forward Fund can help. As the name says Pay It Forward is someone having paid before to allow this opportunity. If you do take up the Pay It Forward funding we hope that when circumstances change for you that you are able to help Pay It Forward for someone else.
On registration form in the referral code put "Pay It Forward Fund" if you want to request use of the fund.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Facebook Group, Instagram, LinkedIn, Youtube etc links can be found at https://linktr.ee/HappyLifeHabits
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
I GOT HIGH ON GRASS, WEED AND POT
It’s been tough times with many challenges, stresses and emotions to deal with. Some dealt with and some not so well. To help I have turned to grass, weed and pot. Here I share some of those experiences, insights and learning.
I GOT HIGH ON GRASS, WEED & POT
It’s been tough times with many challenges, stresses and emotions to deal with. Some dealt with well and some not so well. To help I have turned to grass, weed and pot. Here I share some of those experiences, insights and learning.
I am not talking about getting high on grass, weed or pot in the sense of drugs but about positive emotions from gardening and nature.
Grass
The grass is greener where you water it
Neil Barringham.
During Spring I took out the lawnmower and cut the lawn. Then many weeks passed and the grass grew and grew. Once again I took out the less than 1 year old lawnmower, set it to the lower setting to cut the grass very short and started to mow the lawn. The lawnmower was hard to push, struggled and did not make a lot of headway. Then it stopped working. Could it be the fuse, the socket, the extension lead, the lawnmower? I checked the lawnmower cord into the extension lead, that was fine. I checked the extension lead into the wall socket and that it was switched on - that was fine too. I plugged in another device in the wall socket to confirm socket was fine, did the same with the extension lead. They were all fine, so by process of elimination the problem was with the lawnmower or its cord/plug. Changing the fuse made no difference. Was the lawnmower still in warranty? Was it going to cost a fortune to solve?
I unplugged the lawnmower, turned it upside down and checked the blades etc. The long grass had got entwined around the blade spinner (hover mover) and stopped it from spinning. Slowly I removed all the strands that were wrapped around, plugged in the mower, and started it. The joyous sound of a whirling blade was heard. A few weeks later I cut the grass again on mid height setting and also used strimmer. So what were the lessons learned?
Lessons learned
If you try to cut too long a grass with too low a setting it won’t work. You have to tackle the challenge with the right setting. To be effective, the ability to produce and the capability of producing need to be on par. Too big a challenge without the correct ability will lead to failure.
When you have a big problem, break the problem down into smaller chunks and tackle each one to identify where the actual problem is.
Once you identify the problem establish if you can fix it yourself or need expert help
For maintaining a good lawn or anything else it requires regular attention /cutting/ routines at the appropriate frequency be that daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly or yearly.
Know which tool to use for which problem. If the only tool in your tool box is a hammer all your problems will look like nails. Use correct tools for the correct job, using the strimmer or hand shears to cut the long grass may not be the best approach. Using a spade would be the wrong tool for the job.
Stephen Covey 7th Habit : Sharpen the Saw - keep the saw sharp to do the job. Keep learning, investing and developing yourself.
Establishing, investigating and resolving the problem myself gave a satisfaction and affirmed my growth mindset and provided an entry for my happiness journal - I could have got a gardener to do the job. Where and when appropriate I get the correct help involved.
What is needed for Growth (Pot)?
What is needed for Growth?
.
When I Google to see what is need for growth, in particular plant growth the results shown vary from 4 to 7 things. The four things are best described with this acronym: LAWN
L = Light - Sunlight
A = Air - Carbon dioxide
W = Water - H20
N = Nutrients - Soil etc
The magic of photosynthesis in plants takes water (Carbon dioxide) + Water + Energy from light to transform it; using Chlorophyll; into food (glucose) and oxygen.
The additional items are : The right temperature, room to grow (space) and time - it is not overnight.
Similarly for our growth we need the right environment (air to breathe, water to hydrate, food for nutrients, people, etc), goals to grow towards (sunlight), space to grow - not be constrained or limited by our thinking, beliefs, fears and time. We often also need a catalyst like the Chlorophyll to create that growth transformation - this may be internal or external.
What makes the plant strong and build resilience is exposure to challenge - rain, wind, sun, insects, etc. Similarly challenge helps us grow and develop resilience. The plant if in a pot needs to be in the right size of the pot, as it outgrows the pot it should be re-potted into a bigger pot so it has space to grow. Likewise we need to move out of our comfort zone into a slightly bigger zone, grow and keep going. If we try to move out too far too fast, similar to a seedling being put into a very large pot it will struggle.
Strong, deep roots are needed.
Here is an interesting video shared by KarmaTube about how trees talk to each other thought their roots.
Gardening & Community Gardens
We might think we are nurturing our garden, but of course it’s our garden that is really nurturing us” -Jenny Uglow
Many thanks to Devi for sharing the above quote in the Happy Life Habits Community Facebook Group.
Being in nature and gardening have many beneficial effects. Some I have experienced when gardening, tree planting, working in a community garden or being in nature are relate to the happiness/health dimensions of Physical, Mental, Social/Emotional and Spiritual :
Connection
Community
Mindfulness, Present moment awareness
Focus, Distance from our troubles
Relaxation, Therapeutic
Nurturing growth
Working with our hands
Vitamin D
Noticing smells, the air and watching the wildlife
Reminded of what we sow is what we reap
Pruning - get rid of habits, beliefs and things that don’t serve us to allow space for those that do
The greenness and expanse of nature has a calming and awe inspiring effect. The colour green is relaxing hence in TV studios they have the green room used before people go on air. This article shares the benefits of gardening and being in greenery.
Martine Drake from Mind in Enfield & Barnet took part in the Happy Life Habits 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. She runs a community garden and has this to share:
Results suggest that community gardens were perceived by gardeners to provide numerous health benefits, including improved access to food, improved nutrition, increased physical activity and improved mental health. Community gardens were also seen to promote social health and community cohesion.
From my experiences running the garden for Mind in Enfield and Barnet, we have seen increased physical activity (including from walking to and from the site) and improved mental health mainly from being with other people in an attractive environment.
Weed
Weeds take no effort to grow and they grow quickly.
They take nutrients away from plants/flowers.
Negative thoughts are like weeds. They are an energy drain.
We have to put in effort to remove them, take them out at the roots, plough the land (mind) and plant the seeds we want to nurture, feed, cultivate, blossom and bear fruit.
The world is on a negative bias and the work of Barbara Fredrickson on positive emotions shows that we need a ratio of 3:1 of positive emotions to negative to balance out the negative. Likewise for a wonderful bloom we need to plant many more flowers than weeds so there is hardly any room for the weeds to grow.
We have to actively remove the weeds/negative thoughts and cultivate the flowers/positivity we want to blossom, enjoy and share.
“Happiness held is the seed,
Happiness shared is the flower” - John Harrigan
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaileen-shah/
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk
The UN's International Day Of Happiness
As a Happiness Coach and Happy Life Habits we love the International Day of Happiness, dedicated to celebrating the importance of happiness. We are celebrating with an event and also share some other activities that we are aware of that are going on related to this. Wishing you a Happy Day celebrating the International Day of Happiness.
As a Happiness Coach and Happy Life Habits we love the International Day of Happiness, dedicated to celebrating the importance of happiness. We are celebrating with an event and also share some other activities that we are aware of that are going on related to this. Wishing you a Happy Day celebrating the International Day of Happiness.
What is the International Day of Happiness?
The UN says
It’s a day to be happy, of course! Since 2013, the United Nations has celebrated the International Day of Happiness as a way to recognise the importance of happiness in the lives of people around the world. In 2015, the UN launched the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which seek to end poverty, reduce inequality, and protect our planet – three key aspects that lead to well-being and happiness.
The United Nations invites each person of any age, plus every classroom, business and government to join in celebration of the International Day of Happiness.
Happy Life Habits Celebrating International Day of Happiness
Our Inspiration Point Podcast episodes on either side of the International Day of Happiness, 17th March with Sacha Clark and 24th with Mary Thomson are both who have trained in teaching happiness.
Happy Life Habits is celebrating with a event on the actual day, there will be various zones such as laughter, relaxation, life after loss, gratitude and more for people to discuss, share, express, explore, listen and connect. We will have comedy, laughter yoga, EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - Tapping, rebuilding life after loss, gratitude and more. This celebration is delivered with the help of:
Mary Thomson will share a Playful blending of Happiness, Laughter Yoga, Mindfulness and Gratitude
Mary is a trained nurse and nurse trainer who has taken training in Happiness Teaching, Laughter Yoga, Mindfulness and Gratitude. More about Mary on Inspiration Point Podcast page.
Kalpana Doshi will combine Laughter Yoga and lead a Meditation
Kalpana is a certified Laughter Yoga practitioner based in London, with more than eight years of experience across the UK and internationally. (www.spiritlaughter.com)
Mel Byron will bring smiles with Comedy and Laughter
Mel is a trainer and stand-up comedian, who passionately believes in joy, confidence and kindness being the keys to success in work and in life. More about Mel on Inspiration Point Podcast page. ( www.melbyron.com)
Suraj Shah will hold space on “Rebuilding a calm, joyful and purposeful life following the loss of a loved one”
Suraj holds deep conversations with those seeking to rebuild their lives following a significant change or loss. For instance, the death of a loved one or a change of role due to redundancy, retirement or when children have grown up and left the nest. (www.SurajShah.com)
Nina Joshi Ramsey will conduct EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - Tapping
Nina is an author, speaker, trainer with skills in stress management, Reiki and healing techniques including EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) - Tapping. More about Nina on Inspiration Point Podcast page. (www.ninajoshiramsey.com)
Hansa Pankhania will lead a Relaxation Meditation
Hansa is a Stress Resilience & Wellbeing Expert and Author, Executive Coach and Speaker, and cherishes the opportunity to support the world in managing the stress and anxiety that is prevalent in society today. More about Hansa on Inspiration Point Podcast page. (www.aumconsultancy.co.uk)
Melanie Bloch will share Laughter from the Inside Out
Melanie is a Holistic Laughter Coach - student and facilitator of' A Course In Miracles' Laughter Therapist, Laughter Yoga Teacher, Advanced Bodyworker, Theta Healer, Thought Field Therapist and Reiki Master with over 25 years in the Complementary Medicine Field.(www.melaniebloch.co.uk)
Shaileen Shah will hosting, celebrating and looking forward to conversations on happiness
Shaileen is a happiness coach, speaker and trainer. He is trained in the Science of Happiness and through Happy Life Habits positively impacts Happiness & Wellbeing Levels. (www.HappyLifeHabits.co.uk).
Tickets can be booked here.
Action for Happiness - 10 Days of Happiness
Action for Happiness a non-profit movement of people from 160 countries helps coordinate activities of the UN’s International Day of Happiness.
For a month long coping calendar and to join a 10 day online happiness course see https://www.dayofhappiness.net/#new
The Museum Of Happiness - Celebrate International Day of Happiness! 20th March 11am -12pm
Our friends The Museum of Happiness each year celebrate this day. This year join Museum of Happiness co-founder Vicky, to explore and create your very own mini Museum of Happiness, and learn simple but science-backed ways to add a little happiness to your every day.
Aimed at everyone from 5 to 95, bring some art supplies and a sense of play, and let’s make it a day of happiness - together!
The session will be held on Zoom and you will receive and email nearer to the time with everything you need for the session.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/celebrate-international-day-of-happiness-tickets-144239617579
The Slough Collective - Feel Good Festival 10:30 - 5:45pm
Our friends at the Slough Collective have put on a Feel Good Festival with a variety of activities including meditation, cooking, creative writing, laughter and play during 18th, 19th, 20th and 22nd March.
Celebrate International Happiness Day at our Slough’s fifth feel-good festival. Join us on zoom to connect, have fun, and feel-good. You’ll experience 'the five ways to well-being' with Slough Happiness Collective and our co-creators. Andy Craven-Jones (Joygernaut), Friends in Need (MIND Bucks), HOME Slough, Light Mind, Natasha Bloc (ToucanToo), Reading Friends (The Curve & Slough Libraries), Slough CVS, Slough Caribbean Forum, Slough Dominican Association, VIBE (Vision Impression Black Expression), The Samaritans, Tuneless Choir, Yoga with Bali.
The programme includes opportunities to create, learn, relax, and play. Create a perfect pasty, a Polish version of ‘Nutella’ some happy art, happy poems, kind creative writing or an icon for Slough. Learn how to really listen, build your positivity portfolio or how to look after your happiness in challenging times. Relax with happy mindful reading, Tonglen meditation or laughter yoga. Play in our happiness quiz, creative playtime or playful singing for those who can’t sing (and those who can). Pick and mix the sessions to suit you.
We’re bringing together creatives, well-being practitioners and happiness facilitators to give you a chance to have some fun, try something new, learn new skills and meet friends old and new.
Come for the day or as many sessions as you like, just arrive a few minutes before each session. We'll have short breaks between sessions where we'll close Zoom so we can all have a change of space.
For the Creative Playtime with Natasha Block of Toucantoo
Shamash Alidina - Fun Mindfulness for Children and teens 20th March 2-5:30pm
Our friend Shamash a mindfulness teacher and trainer is hosting this event.
This event will bring together 10-20 different mindfulness teachers, trainers and specialists, offering ways to bring mindfulness in a fun and accessible to children of various ages.
Children and teens are welcome to attend, although the day is designed to offer tips to adults who work with children or teens.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/fun-mindfulness-for-children-and-teens-tickets-137921479859?ref=eios
Healing Our Earth Happiness & Meditation 21st March 2pm -7pm
A collection of international speakers sharing on happiness and meditation talks and activities. I’ll be speaking at this at 4:15pm (TBC).
Life Counsellor & Spiritual Teacher Lia Steinson & Holistic Laughter Coach Melanie Bloch Tues 23rd March 7pm -9pm
The International Day of Happiness is an annual event organised by the United Nations to promote the idea that feeling happy is a global human right.
Exploring this year's International Day of Happiness Theme
Keep Calm, Stay Wise, Be Kind
Tuesday 23rd March 7-9pm
With Life Counsellor & Spiritual Teacher Lia Steinson and Holistic Laughter Coach Melanie Bloch.
'Whatever turns the corner of your mouth up-trust that' Rumi
An evening of connection, sharing laughter play, enquiry, meditation and music.
Contact Lia on lia.ichooselove@gmail.com to let us know you're attending and to receive the Zoom Link.
Lia Steinson is passionate about our potential to experience lasting happiness, love and inner peace and she has dedicated her life to this purpose as both a Counsellor and Facilitator. Her qualifications and experience are extensive. She focuses particularly on the teachings of A Course in Miracles, Hindu spirituality, non-dual teachings in general and Reichian Bodywork - all with love and joy at their core.
Melanie Bloch
Holistic Laughter Coach - student and facilitator of' A Course In Miracles' Laughter Therapist, Laughter Yoga Teacher, Advanced Bodyworker, Theta Healer, Thought Field Therapist and Reiki Master with over 25 years in the Complementary Medicine Field.‘
Anyone looking for some peace, fun, joy and real healing – I can guarantee Mel will deliver. She is the real deal’.‘
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
A NEW HOPE? OR NO HOPE?
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Sometimes with the restrictions of lockdown, the negative news, so many deaths and cold, dark winter we feel like there is no hope and at other times hope is all we have.
The original classic Stars Wars was titled Episode IV : A New Hope. In this blog article I share some recent positive news stories, resources and Happy Life Habits activities.
Everything is F*cked : A book about Hope
Sometimes it feels like the title of this book. This is a book I recently got hold of, still to be read but looks interesting and the author’s previous book I have seen mentioned.
““Why should I fear death? If I am, then death is not. If Death is, then I am not. Why should I fear that which can only exist when I do not?””
Wonderful Positive News about HelpVeerNow
Veer is a 4 year old boy, son of our friends and from the communities we are part of. He has low blood counts and desperately needs a stem cell donor. The family have set up HelpVeerNow to raise awareness and help campaign to get more people on the the donor lists so they can find a match for Veer and also help others in the same situation to find a match. The numbers of people registered to be a donor is very low especially in BAME. To find a match is like finding a needle in a haystack. It needn’t be. If everyone, including you and people you know registered then there would be plenty of needles to be easily found.
The wonderful news is that three 90% matches have been found. A few months ago there weren’t and the family had been told that Veer had months instead of years to find a transplant donor as his counts had dropped.
You can listen to the family’s journey on the BBC World Service recording. It is very powerful, positive, uplifting and funny with the mention of a stem cell donut! and Veer going out to look for his superhero donor. What comes through the the emotional and mental struggles, them leaning into their Jain faith and keeping focused on the positive. Even with Veer having a match, the campaigning continues as many more people needed on the registers.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/w3ct1fq8
I am privileged to say the family are part of the Happy Life Habits Community, attended workshops and training courses. In May 2020 when a Veer’s Virtual Extravaganza was held, Happy Life Habits was honoured to serve in opening the Extravaganza with a Happiness and Gratitude workshop.
Resource: Coping in a Crisis
Hansa Pankhania a new acquaintance is an author, coach and consultant who will be in a future series of the Inspiration Point Podcast. She has written a variety of books on Stress, Crisis as well as stories. Her most recent is title Coping in a Crisis and covers coping with loss, financial loss, grief, relationship and including coping strategies. The book is free to download from www.aumconsultancy.co.uk.
Hansa has been inspired by Deepak Chopra’s WellBeing Centre - more in future Inspiration Point Podcast .
JVB London: The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra
Recently I was able to attend a zoom meeting with the world reknowned Deepak Chopra. It was organised by JVB London and titled The Future of Wellbeing & Higher Consciousness by Dr. Deepak Chopra. The recording is here and well worth listening to. It resonated on some many levels for me and I loved watching it.
Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
Gratitude has been shown to increase the chances of psychologically surviving hard times. In the HLH Gratitude Workshops I share that gratitude helps :
Us feel less deflated
Gives Hope
Helps Heal
It certainly has done this for me through life’s various challenges and has helped over 50 people who have taken the 30 day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course. It is a pro-social behaviour making use feel more connected.
I’ll share a recent testimonial:
“I’ve just completed the Happiness and Gratitude training programme that Shaileen hosted.
We all ‘know’ what to do and how to ‘be’ happy, positive and grateful but it’s not always something that’s at the forefront of our minds when we are in the day to day of our lives. I booked on this course back in November as something to look forward to for the start of the year.
Alongside Shaileens’ great questions and coaching support, there was a daily journal to complete.
The whole programme was really, really good. My mindset has grown stronger as a result of the course and for anyone who wants some MH (Mental Health) support, to be able to see the ‘wood for the trees’ or like me, just wants to spend a bit of time focussing on the ‘haves’ vs the ‘have nots’ - this is for you.
I highly recommend it to you and to anyone who supports MH in the workplace. It’s fabulous.”
If you want to know more, sign up or join waiting list go to https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/habit-immersion
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
We reach half way through series 2 with 2 fantastic episodes completed and the 3rd due in a few hours as I write. The sessions I have found and feedback received as being unique, inspiring, positive, uplifting and an hour well spent. Episode 5 is about my cousin Dr Ajay Shah who is the older brother of episode 3 Niraj Shah. Earlier we shared Veer was looking for a super hero to be his stem cell donor. Episode 5 is Dr Ajay Shah - Super Hero Doctor. In recent ITV news about the Covid19 vaccination programme, Ajay has been caught in action.
Past recordings you can find at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and if you would like or know one who may be great to take part in a future episode please fill out the simple form at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point-form.
Happy life habits connected conversations
I have recently had wonderful conversations related to Happy Life Habits projects. One was with a friend, HLH community member and course graduate. They asked what is the difference between motivation and inspiration. I had a good think, some ideas, did research and confirmed my thoughts plus additional concepts. We had a great conversation sharing and deepening each of our understanding. I’ll share at a later date the ideas shared. That conversation, the HLH Book Club plus writings on connection, relationships, isolation shared over the last year help give more traction to the idea of Connected Conversations.
To help foster connection, reduce sense of isolation and pro-social behaviour plus its benefits we have a new initiative we are exploring: Connected Conversations. It is not a workshop, it is not a talk. It’s a conversation.
30-60 mins - join on time, leave at anytime
1:1 and 1:many conversations
Move to different conversation groups at will
Using wonder.me platform
Discuss, share, express, explore, listen, connect
Theme: Relationships and Connection
Date & Time: Sunday 14th Feb 10:30am -11:30am
Where: Wonder.me
Here are some links to previous articles and workshop recordings from 2020 on Happier Relationships that I am quite proud of and people have found useful. https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2020/2/6/happier-relationships
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
TAKE MY BREATH AWAY : THE INEVITABLE - DEATH, THE END OF LIVING - ONE YEAR ON
The theme of death and loss is back in my awareness. Over the months we have explored it in Young Jains Enriching Conversations. Many friends, family and people in the community over the last 2 weeks have lost a close loved one. I shared with them an article I wrote last year upon the death of a close friend, Bobby Shah, on 15th October. The article has my thoughts feelings and also some resources that may help. Since originally writing it almost exactly a year ago I have shared it with many and edited to include a wonderful podcast from commune. Really do check out the article and resources - share with those who you may know are dealing with the loss of a loved one.
The theme of death and loss is back in my awareness. Over the months we have explored it in Young Jains Enriching Conversations. Many friends, family and people in the community over the last 2 weeks have lost a close loved one. I shared with them an article I wrote last year upon the death of a close friend, Bobby Shah, on 15th October. The article has my thoughts feelings and also some resources that may help. Since originally writing it almost exactly a year ago I have shared it with many and edited to include a wonderful podcast from commune. Really do check out the article and resources - share with those who you may know are dealing with the loss of a loved one.
https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/news/2019/10/17/the-inevitable-death
As shared in a recent post I celebrated my 50th birthday and covered connection and time as themes. Over the birthday weekend I have great zoom catch ups with a variety of people from the different communities I am part of. It was lovely. Last year when thinking about planning celebrations for my 50th, I had seen Bobby as part of the celebrations as we continued to share milestones in our lives.
In the Happy Life Habits Book Club we are reading Jay Shetty’s Think Like A Monk. In the first section “Letting Go” chapter 3 is titled Fear. The quote for the chapter is:
Fear does not prevent death. It prevents life. - Buddha
At the start of the book it shares that at the start of life we breathe and at the end of life we take our last breath. Important to be aware of our breathing as it is connection to our emotions.
THERE IS A THIEF IN THE CITY
Below is a Kabir Cafe T-shirt I have based on a poem by the legendary 15th Centuary mystic and poet Kabir. It has been made into a lovely fusion song by Neeraj Arya’s Kabir Cafe. The title is “Be alert there is a thief in the city”. It is referring to death. Listen to the song in the video below and read the translation.
Kabir Cafe T-Shirt - Be Alert, Death is in the neighbourhood
Here is a great video from karmatube on the idea of a death walker : https://www.karmatube.org/videos.php?id=8662
WHAT SEEDS ARE YOU PLANTING?
Many a time I have contemplated on that each day we live we get closer to death. The true deadline. What we have to do is keep this in our awareness from time to time so that we can truly live, be fulfilled instead of deal with the mundane. Each moment counts and the more moments shared with happiness, kindness and love the happier our lives. From the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Dr Stephen Covey, Habit 2 is Begin with the End in Mind. There is a great exercise where we do begin with the end in my and contemplate our funeral and consider what we want people to say about us at that time. This helps us see what is important in our live and the values we want to cultivate.
This week on a small pot plant on the window sill emerges signs of life. It is either chillis or capsicums - those we the seeds planted.
Seedlings growing
Check out www.HappyLifeHabits.co.uk for Inspiration Point episodes to book tickets and watch recordings as well as book Gratitude Workshop and Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Happy Birthday - Time to Connect
I write this on the eve of turning 50. What to say? These birthday celebrations are way different from what we had in mind last year or even at the beginning of this year. We were making plans to have family from USA and Kenya come visit during the summer and arrange a few get togethers with both sides of the families - both in terms of mine and my wife’s as well as both in terms of my dad’s and mum’s side. This is a lot of people. The celebrations would be for my son turning 16, completing GCSE exams and me turning 50. With the pandemic issue we can’t have more than 6 people meet.
I remember before I turned 24, I had just started my first real job and career out of university. I was a junior consultant in a US based technology consulting firm. I had been to Cambridge, Massachusetts for month long orientation training. During one weekend we had driven to New York, the Big Apple. I was then back in the UK working on projects, work then had become quieter in the UK. During September they shipped a few of out to projects in the USA. I ended up in Lansing, Michigan for a good few weeks. One weekend we took off to Lake Michigan - more like am ocean than a lake. I ended up spending my birthday weekend driving with a friend to Toronto, Canada where he had his family. I was away from family and friends. Being with my friend and his family was fine but I felt alone and did not enjoy that birthday experience. I enjoy being around people, especially family and friends and I enjoy celebration birthdays. Happy Birthday - I has HAPPY in the phrase and it has Birth - Life, so a Happiness Coach calling his company Happy Life Habits loves celebrating birthdays be they his own or others.
I was reminded by Facebook of a post from a few years ago which is a real treasure and I share here which share the difference between a contact and connection.
A Monk of the RamaKrishna Mission was being interviewed by a journalist from NY.
Journalist - "Sir, in your last lecture, you told us about Jogajog (contact) & Sanjog (connection). It's really confusing. Can you explain ? "
The Monk smiled and apparently deviating from the question asked the journalist:
"Are you from New York?"
Journalist - "Yeh..."
Monk - "Who are there at home?”
The Journalist felt that the Monk was trying to avoid answering his question since this was a very personal and unwarranted question. Yet the journalist said: “Mother has expired. Father is there. Three brothers and one sister. All married..."
The Monk, with a smile on his face, asked again: “Do you talk to your father?"
The journalist looked visibly annoyed...
The Monk - “When did you talk to him last?"
The journalist, supressing his annoyance said: "May be a month ago."
The Monk: “Do you brothers and sisters meet often? When did you meet last as a family gathering?"
At this point, sweat appeared on the forehead of the journalist. Now who was conducting the interview, the Monk or the Journalist? It seemed that the Monk was interviewing the Journalist.
With a sigh, the Journalist said: “We met last at Christmas two years ago."
The Monk: “How many days did you all stay together ?"
The Journalist (wiping the sweat on his brow) said: “Three days..."
Monk: "How much time did you spend with your Father, sitting right beside him?"
The journalist looking perplexed and embarrassed and started scribbling something on a paper...
The Monk: "Did you have breakfast, lunch or dinner together? Did you ask how he was? Did you ask how his days are passing after your mother's death?"
Drops of tears coming out started to flow from the eyes of the journalist.
The Monk held the hand of the journalist and said: “Don't be embarrassed, upset or sad. I am sorry if I have hurt you unknowingly... But this is basically the answer to your question about "contact and connection (Jogajog and Sanjog)". You have 'contact' with your father but you don't have 'connection' with him. You are not connected to him. Connection is between heart and heart... sitting together, sharing meals and caring for each other ; touching, shaking hands, having eye contact, spending some time together...You brothers and sisters have 'contact' but you have no 'connection' with each other...."
The journalist wiped his eyes and said: "Thanks for teaching me a fine and unforgettable lesson"
This is the reality today. Whether at home or in the society everybody has lots of contacts but there is no connection. No communication... Everybody is in his or her own world.
Let us not maintain just "contacts" but let us remain "connected"; caring, sharing and spending time with all our dear ones.
*****
The Monk was none other than Swami Vivekananda
Lessons Learned at 50
There are many people who have come into my life, there are many mistakes made, lessons learned, many inspirers, many joyous moments and continue to do so. Some of these lessons relate to a few themes.
TIME is our most precious resource. We don’t know how much we have left so use it wisely.
CONNECTION is central to our existence. The much loved and shared Brene Brown quote says it all. Check out this awesome blog on connection.
We have 3 main relationships or connections:
with our self
with others
with our higher self, nature, universe, God
The Happy Life Habits logo is all about connection, it is a connected pieces of a jigsaw puzzle.
The below quote was share on HLH Community group when within a few days we developed the HLH Book Club. Thanks Mary T for inspiring it.
“‘Time is our most precious resource. We should not waste it. If it fits with my mission, serves, feels right, positively impacts, makes me smile, adds to the greater good, enthuses and inspires me and have the opportunity to be with wonderful like minded people - why wait? ”
Manage your TIME, ENERGY & ATTENTION
I am hoping to share sessions on this in 2021
HABITS OF THE HEART & SOUL : GRATITUDE, COMPASSION, KINDNESS, LOVE, FORGIVENESS, MINDFULNESS
return wonderful returns when developed - they are all about connection.
“Our life is made up of a series of moments. We live moment to moment. The more happy moments we can have and create the happier our life will be. ”
All the current Happy Life Habit projects and activities relate to these themes : The Happiness Boosters, The Gratitude Workshop, The Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Course, The HLH Book Club and the newly launched Inspiration Point. I look forward to connecting with you and being part of the Happy Life Habits Community with you.
Many thanks to all the attendees, participants, partners, supporters and sponsors.
With Love, Warmth, Gratitude and Kindness
Shaileen Shah - The Happiness Coach - 50 Years Old - still got a long way to go.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
To Be or Not to Be? – That is the question or is it a choice? Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
This article is about learning, change growth, development and transformation.
This article is about learning, change growth, development and transformation.
“Until you value yourself you will not value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it. ”
The Success People Vs Unsuccessful people graphic I remember seeing many years ago, I loved it the moment I saw it and printed a few colour copies and had put up in bedroom and books. Does not need any more comment. Have a read and see what resonates and where gaps are for you.
Not sure of source - had seen many years ago
“We know what we are, but know not what we may be.”
This fabulous video from Master Shi Heng Yi sharing about Self Mastery is steeped with so much wisdom and insight. I have watched a few times and each time gained something. It really resonates with me and I see connection to my faith and spiritual path.
“To Be or Not to Be? – That is a question or is it a choice?
Be a Caterpillar, Become a Butterfly
By a Wanna Be Butterfly Shaileen Shah 26 Sep 2017
Dedicated to all the teachers and inspirers past, present and future; who have guided us to make this world better by making ourselves better. Lessons, values, guidelines, way of living learnt through family, friends, films, books, seminars, workshops, talks, teachers, TED talks, newsletters, articles, blogs, conversations and ponderings.
Behind you lies the past
Before you awaits the future
Be present, be here, now
Be blissful, joyful, happy and peaceful
Be conscious, conscientious, insightful and natural
Be energetic, be moving, be moved and be still
Be a seeker, aspirer, Divine, graceful and of service
Be wholesome, authentic, an observer and a witness
Be grateful, humble, generous and giving
Be charitable, donor, giver and receiver
Be compassionate, kind, caring and loving
Be forgiving, honest, straightforward and content
Be awake, alive, awesome, extraordinary and wonderful
Be careful, respectful, carefree and tolerant
Be a follower, leader, trailblazer and a guide
Be on The Path, be off the beaten track
Be the light, beacon, role model and mentor
Be a teacher, student, learning, teachable and sharer
Be growing, nurturing, developing and blossoming
Be listening, consoling, be consultative, and approachable
Be flexible, adaptable, open and perspective shifting
Be encouraging, supportive, dependable and helpful
Be proactive, responsible, accountable and resourceful
Be cooperative, patient, synergistic and part of the solution
Be going the extra mile, adding value, not giving up and keep moving forward
Be positive, enthusiastic, insightful and optimistic
Be focussed, steadfast, persistent, grounded and centred
Be brave, courageous, bold and fearless
Be creative, imaginative, visionary, daring and clear
Be connected, a team player, performer and game changer
Be prepared, planned, ready, organised and spontaneous
Be engaging, gregarious, humorous and funny
Be hospitable, welcoming, warm and big hearted
Be trustworthy, trusting, loyal, complete and full of integrity
Be mindful, aware, attentive, tuned in and be there
Be inquisitive, curious, and adventurous
Be healthy, wealthy and wise
Be better today than you were yesterday
Believe in yourself, have faith and move mountains
Be reflective, contemplative, introspective and meditative
Be the change, be transformative, evolving and a catalyst
Be the best that you can be, a masterpiece, unique and special
Be yourself, realise your potential and be free
Be a caterpillar, become a butterfly
Too busy to just be?
Be reminded it is a choice to be or not to be
Just Be.
”
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
(4) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can create a win-win result.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
Support & Services for Mental Health Awareness Week 18 -24 May
Happy Life Habits is supporting and serving Mental Health Awareness Week in a variety of ways. This article shares the support and services provided by Happy Life Habits and some other organisations.
Happy Life Habits is supporting and serving Mental Health Awareness Week in a variety of ways. This article shares the support and services provided by Happy Life Habits and some other organisations. I am excited to share that Happy Life Habits is fully supporting Mental Health Awareness Week in a variety of ways. Click the various images, videos, article and event links.
Look after you own mental health and wellbeing. Help others look after theirs.
HAPPY LIFE HABIT SERVING
1. HAPPINESS BOOSTER SESSIONS
The Free Happiness Booster Sessions that we have been running during pandemic has been extended to be provided Monday 18 - Friday 22 May 2020 at 9:30 am each morning.
2. VIDEO SERIES ON MENTAL HEALTH - 1 VIDEO EACH DAY
3. LIVE SESSION ON SATURDAY 23RD MAY
4. ARTICLES RELATED TO MENTAL HEALTH THEMES
5. OTHER ORGANISATION MENTAL HEALTH RELATED EVENTS
The support & services being provided by Happy Life Habits
Daily Video Series
OTHER ORGANISATION MENTAL HEALTH RELATED EVENTS
I am helping at the Young Jain Enriching Conversations event on Wednesday 20th May 20:00 -21:15 and speaking at Oshwal Mental Wellbeing Seminar on Sunday 24th May 14:00 -15:30. I attend the Friday SCVP Mindfulness class.
Avanti Schools Trust Family Well Being with Dr Kang Monday 18 May 17:30 -18:30
Mental Health for the SME and Freelance Community Thursay 21 May 11:00
Museum of Happiness Happy Minds Matter event Thursday 21 May 19:30 -20:30
Daily Meditation by my friend Deepa, her son and monkey. On Facebook “Meditate with Monkey and Me”
THANK YOU
Thank you for reading this and sharing.
Harshna and family thanks for your support and encouragement.
Priti Shah of Lightside Financial thank you for support and help in promoting mental health awareness week.
Sawan Gosrani thank you for the nudge to Bhavik Haria’s getdigital video training. Bhavik thanks for your training.
A request dear friend and reader.
(1) If you have enjoyed some of the articles I have shared and found useful please reply to shaileen@happylifehabits.co.uk and let me know.
(2) If you are not a subscriber to the Happy Life Habits email list - please sign up.
(3) If you want to engage my services for coaching, speaking or training get in touch and lets see if we can work a win-win result.
(4) If you think someone else might benefit from this please share with them.
If you want to receive articles, information on events and support Happy Life Habits sign up to the join the email list.
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Community Group
Happy Life Habits FaceBook Page
Happy Life Habits WhatsApp Group
Shaileen Shah is a Happiness Coach, Speaker and Trainer. Previously having been in finance technology for the investment banking arm of RBS during the RBS takeover of Natwest, the RBS takeover of ABN Ambro and the financial crisis he has experienced the challenges brought by uncertainty, change and stress. He is certified in The Science of Happiness and shares through Happy Life Habits. Happy Life Habits Positively Impacts Happiness & Well Being Levels by creatively and uniquely combining Personal Development + The Science of Happiness + Spirituality. A business for Good; supporting the UNs Sustainable Development Goals. For more information see HappyLifeHabits.co.uk.
As an experiment, for my own happiness and a way to serve I am going to chronicle as a diary some of my thoughts (ups and downs) and actions during this pandemic. Things that I am doing and finding beneficial to my all round happiness and well being many based on the themes shared in Together in Isolation .