ARTICLES & BLOG
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
Singing my Praises - 6 Month Review Happy Life Habits (HLH)
Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
Leadership Vs Management
My teenage son asked me if I thought he was a leader or a manager. He asked after I picked him up from school where he had an interview for head boy, a role he had put his name forward for. He had been asked the question. I answered I thought he was a leader, I asked what he had answered and it was the same. Then I asked what he thought the difference between the two was.
I shared with him some thoughts I have learnt over time from Stephen Covey, Robin Sharma, John Maxwell, Simon Sinek, Nick Williams and my own experience of leadership.
Some of this I had shared with Xerox The Women's Alliance (TWA): Xerox Women’s Alliance – UK & Ireland Chapter in the talk titled " The Role of Effective Selfcare in Positive Leadership".
"Leadership is an act not a position"
"Leadership is not about taking charge but looking after those in your charge" Simon Sinek
"Leadership is about bring out the best in the people you work with"
With my son I shared the difference between Leadership and Management using the Stephen Covey example of Management being about climbing a ladder and Leadership about making sure the ladder is against the right wall. I used example of management painting house - sanding correctly, applying primer, 2 coats and doing it properly. Leadership being making sure it is the correct house that is being painted.
"Management is doing things right. Leadership is doing the right things".
What are your thoughts on leadership and management?
Have you had any interesting conversations lately?
Singing my Praises - 6 Month Review Happy Life Habits (HLH)
I'm singing my praises, not to stroke my ego but to reaffirm to myself when sometimes I feel doubt, insecure, unmotivated or inspired. To remind why I get up in the morning and do what I do : Positively Impacting Happiness & Wellbeing Levels.
On 30th June we completed the 30 Day Happy Life Habits Gratitude & Habit Immersion Training Course. During the celebration calls the participants shared some of the changes that the had experienced - some were quite transformative. All rated the course excellent or very good.
With us being 6 months into the year I often take the opportunity to look back and to look forward - to review, reflect and remind.
6 Month Review:
In December just before the year end we had a Looking Back, Looking Forward Workshop - reflecting on last year and planning next. This was postponed from original date due to the death of my father in mid December.
We delivered 90 days of training through 3 instalments of the
30 Day HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Course - this was Jan, Mar and June.
From Late Jan through Apr during lockdown; through 2 series; we supported with 12 consecutive weeks of Inspiration Point Podcast featuring amazing people sharing their journeys, One series was dedicated to Women, Mothers Day and International Women's Day.
In March we celebrated International Day of Happiness using the Wonder platform and having a variety of speakers, coaches, therapists, practitioners share in zones for Laughter, Relaxation, dealing with loss and conversations.
We took part in some talks with Healing Our Earth and SRMD in March and April
During May we supported Mental Health and Mental Health Awareness week (MHAW) with
Daily Videos - various groups
Events with Asian Parents Club before and after MHAW
Xerox The Womens Alliance talk
2 Happiness Booster sessions - one with Oshwal Connect
Daily quotes in Happy Life Habits Community Facebook group
Hosting a 21 Day Simple Living Challenge
Shared through various articles, blog post etc on Facebook, LinkedIn and the HLH website.
The Future continues with
Corp talks/workshops
Wellness event by Iglobal
Taking part in podcasts
Hosting more Inspiration Point Podcasts
Asian Parents Club sessions including one on Grief
HLH MasterMind Group - new exciting monthly project
30 Day HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Course
What is one of your memorable, positive events, impacts, achievements from the last 6 months?
What are you looking forward to in remaining 6 months of the year?
The new and fun virtual event platform called Wonder that just turned 1 years old has a feature on Happy Life Habits in it’s July newsletter. We used Wonder for the International Day of Happiness event on 20th March 2020. as Happy Life Habits we are using it for various meetings and events.
Here is the write up.
"With a few simple adaptations to your routine, you can positively rewire your brain to bring high self-esteem, focus, and happiness into your everyday life."
Meet Shaileen Shah: the happiness coach trying to keep the business world an emotionally positive place. The founder of Happy Life Habits, Shaileen has a unique approach to personal development and the 'Science of Happiness'. A scientifically certified process that uses real life and digital gatherings to increase the 'feel good' chemical in the brain? Sign us up.
Q: Tell us about Happy Life Habits.
A: Happiness is a skill that can be learned and developed into empowering life habits. Happy Life Habits introduce off-screen practices and habits to rewire the brain and increase happiness levels. Developing an offline tool kit allows you to disconnect the practice from a fixed environment, and allow your brain and feelings to fully surface without distractions. We then use online check-ins to share the knowledge, reflect with others, and solidify the practice in a professional environment.
Q: Tell us about your last event.
A: Most of our events are currently online and we foresee a good proportion being so in the future. We have a 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course with a mix of live online sessions, a private Facebook group, and accountability via WhatsApp. The goal is to deliver content online but connect to your offline brain.
Q: Why are you using Wonder?
A: I used Wonder to create an event for International Day of Happiness on 20th March. I set up Areas for Laughter, Relaxation, Conversation, and Dealing with Loss; being able to define specific Areas for people to meet removes the awkward introductory periods in other online tools. It worked so well and people were immediately able to connect to like-minded individuals and approach whom they wanted to speak to. The experience lends itself to a natural environment for having conversations that stick with you after the laptop is closed. Because of the simple UX, easy setup, and Area control, my guests had a memorable and positive experience with Wonder, and made a positive connection to the material. It's the perfect platform for hybrid events.
Check out Happy Life Habits and join their upcoming training course on Happiness. Mention Wonder and get a discount ;)
Excited to join @iglobalmedia for its first-ever Great Big Indian Wellness Show, on 16 & 17 July 2021. Join me as I discuss “Happiness Habits” at the BIGGEST & BEST health and wellbeing event for the welfare of the modern British Indian. Book your free virtual seat today & don’t miss out to be a part of 2 riveting days of masterclasses, top tips and discussions at #iWellnessShow. Register NOW https://bit.ly/iGlobal-TheGreatBigIndianWellnessShow2021
I’ll be sharing on 17th at 16:25.
HLH events and activities
HLH MasterMind Group
Happy Life Habits Mastermind Group
A place for a small group of like minded positive people each month to come together online, connect, support, inspire, share and cheer each other on in life's journey.
A segment for learning - a book, podcast, conversation, reflection or article that has inspired us.
A segment for brainstorming practical solutions to a problem that a member is facing, tapping into the collective wisdom of the group.
An opportunity to take consistent steps towards our goals within an environment that helps accelerate our learning, growth and progress.
Limited spaces.
We start on the 16th of July and run each month with virtual 90 min virtual meeting plus private Facebook Group.
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 4 confirmed for Autumn with another amazing line up. Booking and episode details will be available later this month.
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.
Take A Moment
Sometimes we just need to take a moment to catch our breath, reset ourselves or get ready of the next challenge. Take a moment now to reflect on the last few months of this year and what you have experienced and learnt. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to experience in the next 3 months and also by the end of the year. I’ll take a moment here to share what Happy Life Habits has planned over the next 3 months. We are your partner on the happiness journey.
Sometimes we just need to take a moment to catch our breath, reset ourselves or get ready of the next challenge. Take a moment now to reflect on the last few months of this year and what you have experienced and learnt. Take a moment to reflect on what you want to experience in the next 3 months and also by the end of the year. I’ll take a moment here to share what Happy Life Habits has planned over the next 3 months. We are your partner on the happiness journey.
Just 2 mins…
If Happy Life Habits has positively impacted your happiness & wellbeing levels by any of these:
Attending a course or workshop
Support during Mental Health Awareness Week
Participating in the book club
Attending a Happiness Booster session
Coaching session
Inspiration Point Podcast (live or recording)
Reading a blog article
Reading a post/video/quote etc on Facebook/ LinkedIn/ Instagram / YouTube etc
Just a chat
Then please take 2 mins to fill out this google review so we can reach and serve more people.
Inspiration Point Podcast Last Episode
This week we have the last episode of Inspiration Point Podcast Series 3 (attend with gifted ticket using promo code ‘GUEST’) . With that episode we have continuously served 12 weeks, each week of Inspiration Point Podcast through series 2 and series 3. The feedback from those who attended the live episodes is that majority:
Would recommend Inspiration Point Podcast to family and friends
Compared to start of episode, at the end of the episode their happiness levels were higher
I thank all the guests who have taken part in the 3 series we have had so far (18 episodes), the sponsors and all those who have attended the live episode or caught up on the recording. Each episode has been special, insightful, inspiring, positive and I have learnt much from it. There are patterns and differences. Please do share any feedback you may have.
If you would like to take part in a future episode or know someone who might please share this form. The more forms filled the sooner we can plan series 4 and 5 later this year.
Speaker Events
We continue to host and share events and also get invited to speak at those organised by various communities, groups, companies and organisations.
This week we take part in a wellness talk, as series organised by Shrimad Rajchandra Dharampar Mission. It is a free event open to all.
Happiness at Work - Help Wanted
We could do with your help to support Happiness at Work. We have a range of talks/workshops on offer and can also do bespoke sessions. If the below topics are of interest let your HR, Managers, Leaders, networks know of these services and we could be sharing them at your workplace to everyone’s benefit. Also see further below about Mental Health Awareness Week.
For a successful engagement we will thank you with the Happiness Journal (£25) used in the Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course.
SOME OF THE TOPICS OFFERED BY HAPPY LIFE HABITS INTO THE WORKPLACE ARE:
The Role of Effective Self-Care in Positive Leadership
A Framework for Work-Life Harmony
The 7 Habits of a Happy Workforce
Increasing Positivity & Resilience in Stressful Environments
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Stephen Covey’s work)
The Secret To Long Lasting Happiness: The Gratitude Workshop
Being Centred during uncertain, changing times
Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
The Happy Life Habits Gratitude and Journal Habit Immersion Training Course will be one year old on 1st June. We just finished the March course and have June and November this year. For June we have option of morning sessions or evening sessions.
The course run over 30 days helps to develop habits in both Gratitude and Journaling and reap the benefits of these practices. The first session, a Journal Workshop has been extended to 90 mins from original 60 mins incorporating ideas on habits from various sources including: Atomic Habits - James Clear, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey and the ideas of B.J Fogg and Charles Duhigg.
If this year you want to deepen you Gratitude practice, develop it as a new one or add a journal practice then this is the course for you. The benefits delivered by the course are immense, far reaching and in excess of the investment price.
The course price will be going up on 17th May - after Mental Health Awareness Week. You can secure a place for June or Nov at the current price by registering before mid-May.
Really do not miss out on this opportunity to develop these skills during 2021, I currently have not idea if and what frequency will run the course in 2022.
Mental Health Awareness Week : 10-16 May
Last year we supported Mental Health Awareness Week (MHAW) in various ways on each day. This year we will support MHAW. If you are aware of any resources or events please do let us know by 25th April so we can include them in an article before MHAW.
We have a free 21 Day Simple Living Challenge that will start on 10th May. Each day you get an email in your inbox with a thought, reflection or action and you can go onto the kindspring platform for the challenge and share your experiences and read the other participants. I found these challenges a brilliant support during the pandemic and lockdown months.
To join click here: https://www.kindspring.org/challenge/join/2041/
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.
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.
STAR FISH STORY - WORLD HAPPINESS AWARD NOMINATION -SHAILEEN SHAH
Sometimes doubt and chatter (my friend Ashik has just sent me book called Chatter by Ethan Kross) creeps in making me wonder if I am making a difference, is there value? is it worth the time, energy, attention and financial investment? Then a conversation, testimonial or message comes through letting me know that it made a difference to them.
Photo by Ravi Shekhar on Unsplash
WORLD HAPPINESS AWARD NOMINATION
Sometimes doubt and chatter (my friend Ashik has just sent me book called Chatter by Ethan Kross) creeps in making me wonder if I am making a difference, is there value? is it worth the time, energy, attention and financial investment? Then a conversation, testimonial or message comes through letting me know that it made a difference to them. This reminds me of the classic star fish story shared here.
I am humbly excited and reassured when a Happy Life Habits Community member, client and now a friend, Mary, told me that she had nominated me for a World Happiness Award. Just the fact that she thought to nominate me is fantastic. It means so much to feel I have made a difference, had a positive impact and enthuses me to keep going.
I am not one for chasing awards, I consider myself to be more intrinsically motivated, however as I do my inner work, combat/understand the ego, be more internally validated, from time to time it is helpful to have some external validation.
From website, YouTube, Podcast stats I can see that what I am sharing is reaching people from around the world - all continents (except Antarctica - not yet!). The Facebook and LinkedIn platforms tell me that event though people may not have liked, commented or reacted to a post, the post has reached or be seen by a few hundred people. Please do like, comment, react and share - it helps the post to reach more people.
Previous articles on the website that share great value are being found from search queries. I am getting requests from people who want to write a guest article for the website.
You may have attended a talk, workshop, training course , book club, read an article, received an email or seen a post on Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, WhatsApp or just had a conversation. If it uplifted you then please do cast a vote.
If you have been positively impacted by the work I do through Happy Life Habits of positively impacting Happiness & Wellbeing levels please do cast your vote, takes 30 seconds.
WORLD HAPPINESS AWARD SHAILEEN SHAH VOTE HERE
https://happinessawards.submittable.com/gallery/c137a787-2838-4dec-a1fa-923921e2bc53/19082602/
Book gifted by my friend Ashik Shah
CORPORATE OPPORTUNITIES
Happy Life Habits is taking bookings for corporate engagements for talks, workshops, coaching, training in areas or events such as:
International Women’s Day
Mental Health Awareness week (May)
Wellbeing week
International Day of Happiness (March)
Work Life Balance
Stress Management
7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Productivity, Effectiveness, Resilience
Happiness at Work
Wellbeing
Happiness Boosters
Habits / Mindsets
Etc
If you are in a corporate environment or company please share the Happy Life Habits website with HR, Leaders, Managers, Owners, Network leaders. Do drop me an email too.
INSPIRATION POINT PODCAST SERIES 3
Happy Life Habits Inspiration Point Podcast Series 3 Dedicated to Women, International Women's Day & Mother's Day
As we near the end of Happy Life Habits Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2 we a happy to share that we have Series 3 scheduled starting 10 March.
Series 3 is Dedicated to Women, International Women's Day & Mother's Day with Anju Shah, Sacha Clark, Mary Rose Thomson, Hansa Pankhania, Sonal Dave and Karupa Patel sharing their amazing journeys.
Each speakers detail and registration on Happy Life Habits website Inspiration Point Podcast and Event pages.
The registration is open for booking all the live session episodes.
We have a VIP Pass for the whole series: One registration for all 6 live episodes for £20 +1 gift invite to share for details email shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk
Much gratitude to Balance Consultancy for sponsoring Series 3.
Series 3 will be the last series for a little while. All recordings will be on the website in due course.
If you would like to take part in a future series or know someone who may want to please fill the Inspiration Point Podcast Form.
HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
The 30 day course for March starts on Sunday 28th February. This really has been an impactful course for many of the course attendees. The benefits far outweigh the investment.
Waiting list is open for future potential dates of June and November. Fill the waiting list form to lock in current investment prices.
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.
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.
LOOKING FORWARD
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
Blue Monday
The 3rd Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, a day when many people feel low or more depressed due to various factors. This year is falls on Monday 18th January 2021. Previously, I wrote about Blue Monday and some ideas to combat it.
On Friday I learnt that an ex-work colleague passed away. We worked in the same department and had been in India together briefly. This along with my own recent grieving as well as hearing on a daily basis of friend and family losing close ones is tough. Another friend recently lost his father, I shared the articles I had written about death and loss with him and also offered to host prayers over zoom. To be of help and service lifted spirits.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
On New Years Eve we shared the previous postponed Looking Back, Looking Forward workshop where a year compass workbook had been shared as well as various ideas on finding focus for the year. A particular idea shared was to look at 3 areas :
Self
Relationships
Career/business
and have a goal/intention in each of these. For my self this has helped to have clarity on what I am focusing on for 2021 in each of these areas and has let to actions/habits/goals in them.
A slide shared at the workshop
Corporate Services
For Business - the key this year is more impact in Corporate/company sector.
I can do with your help. If you have your own business, work for company or used to work for a company please do share the Happy Life Habits website and services with Directors, Owners, HR departments, Network groups , well being officers, event organisers, training teams etc.
Some of the services are at https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/services
In short it improves well being, productivity, effectiveness, confidence, resilience and resourcefulness and has an impact on the bottom line. This is through talks, workshops, coaching or training. Some of the areas are:
Happiness at Work
Work Life Harmony
Stress Management
Time Management
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
Productivity and Effectiveness
Resilience and Positivity
Developing Habits
Mindfulness
Bespoke Training - just ask
Many thanks in advance. The Corporate work allows Happy Life Habits to offer free and low cost services to the community.
Current Happy Life Habits Projects
The 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course
We are having successful impact on the January intake of the 30 HLH Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course with the trainees half way through the course. The course is running during UKs national lockdown and supporting the participants.
Each iteration of the course has some improvements added from feedback and experience. It is a very powerful course and experience for building positive habits and deepening your gratitude, positivity and happiness. The waiting list is open for future courses.
Here is a link to a pretty good Robin Sharma video on The Winning Habits. Much of this we also share in the course and in particular the first live session The 90 minute Journal Workshop.
https://www.robinsharmanation.com/the-winning-habits-masterclass-free1610190944909
Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2
I have enjoyed many wonderful conversions recently as we prepared the schedule for Inspiration Point Podcast Series 2. We in fact have enough episode potential for half of series 3 too. If you know of anyone who may want to take part and share their story of inspiration, positivity and turning points please ask them to have a look at : https://www.happylifehabits.co.uk/inspiration-point and fill out the simple 10 question form to be considered for an episode.
Series 1 recordings are also available on the same link as is the schedule for Series 2.
We have sharing about:
a stand up comedian performing at the Edinburgh Fringe,
a mother who for her 40th ran the London Marathon and on crossing the finish line felt empty, unfulfilled and trapped leading to leaving her marriage.
Recovery from a sudden, serious brain injury at just 30 years old;
Exalted mediator with a firm focus on faith and family;
A doctor who is a senior partner in an innovative surgery who was told he would not get into medical school;
a lifewalla going from being a loner introvert to outgoing extrovert when needed.
The registration is open for booking the live session episodes.
We have a new VIP PASS For Whole Series: One registration for all 6 Live Episodes £20
+ 1 Gift invite to share to next episode
for details Email Shaileen@HappyLifeHabits.co.uk
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.
HELP HAPPY LIFE HABITS KEEP HAVING POSITIVE IMPACT
During the month we celebrate Thanksgiving, Happy Life Habits (HLH) is crowdfunding via the Mayor of London’s Pay it Forward crowdfunding platform. If we reach our funding target and other criteria we will get some extra funding towards the work we do of “Positively Impact Happiness & Well-being Levels” through free or low cost, high value services and products that have helped many, maybe even you.
https://payitforward.london.gov.uk/hlh-sharing-positivity-resilience
https://payitforward.london.gov.uk/hlh-sharing-positivity-resilience
Happy Life Habits is Crowd Funding
During the month of November, we celebrate Thanksgiving, Happy Life Habits (HLH) is crowdfunding via the Mayor of London’s Pay it Forward crowdfunding platform. If we reach our funding target and other criteria, we will get some extra funding towards the work we do of “Positively Impact Happiness & Well-being Levels” through free or low cost, high value services and products that have helped many, maybe even you.
The Mayor’s platform is called Pay It Forward.
Here is a brief reminder of some of the services and events shared in 2020:
2 Free workshops on Happier Relationships for SCVP - Feb
Free talks at community groups
Together in Isolation article to support during the pandemic.
3 Free Happiness Boosters on International Day of Happiness - Mar 20
Many Free Happiness Boosters through the lockdown
Videos to support during Mental Health Awareness Week -May
Free Daily Happiness Boosters during Mental Health Awareness Week -May
Free Live Workshops on Happiness / Gratitude : HelpVeerNow Extravanganza (May), Day 6 of Mental Health Awareness Week (May), October Workshop
Oshwal Mental Well being Seminar - Helped as part of team to develop and deliver
Launch of Low Cost, High Impact - HLH 30 Day Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course (June - 2 sets, July, Sep, Nov)
Talks/workshops to companies : Xerox, David Phillips, HB Accountants, Will Writers Society
Free Manage Your Mindset and Money workshop with LightSide Financial at Shishukunj Bethak (Sep) , HLH (Dec)
Launch of Happy Life Habits Book Club
Launch of Free Inspiration Point live sessions and Podcast - Series 1 , 6 Episodes
Regular article/post sharing on Social Media : Facebook Happy Life Habits Page , Facebook HLH Community group, LinkedIn, YouTube, Anchor Podcast, HLH website, EventBrite
Providing Happiness Journals/books
Coaching formal/informal
5 Free 21 Day Challenges to support mindset during lockdown on : Simple living, Reverence for Life, Kindness, Gratitude and Mindfulness
We are a business for good we have given a book or 365 days access to a book to those in need in India via Buy 1 Give 1 (B1G1) for each place booked on the Gratitude & Journal Course.
This is your opportunity to help SUPPORT HLH continue to SERVE WITH free and low cost high value services and products
There are various rewards you can apply for as an individual, group, company or corporate.
In the line from the film Jerry McGuire (adapted)
HELP ME TO
HELP YOU &
HELP OTHERS
Click here to go to the crowdfunding page
https://payitforward.london.gov.uk/hlh-sharing-positivity-resilience
With THANKs, gratitude and kind regards for your support
Shaileen Shah - The Happiness Coach
Happy Life Habits- Positively Impacting Happiness & Well Being Levels
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.
Opportunity for a Win-Win Partnership
Happy Life Habits is running a Free 90 min Gratitude Workshop in October. I have run Gratitude Workshops for the last 6 years during the Autumn.
The win-win opportunity for companies or individuals to partner in supporting / sponsoring the event workshop
Happy Life Habits is running a Free 90 min Gratitude Workshop in October. I have run Gratitude Workshops for the last 6 years during the Autumn.
The win-win opportunity for companies or individuals to partner in supporting / sponsoring the event workshop
What you get :
* Logo on flyers which will be shared via various social media (LinkedIn, FaceBook, WhatsApp, HLH email)
* Logo, name and web link on HLH website page for event
* Logo on Event Title Slide
* Chance to support HLH in positively impacting Happiness & Well Being levels
If interested and you would like to discuss above or other related ideas please get in touch before Wednesday 9th Sep.
Inspiration Booked & Opportunities
This blog post article looks at:
Recent Inspiration
Work Life Harmony
Some Opportunities
New Ideas
This blog post article looks at:
Recent Inspiration
Work Life Harmony
Some Opportunities
New Ideas
Recent Inspiration
Reminiscing, this time last year about a family road trip of lifetime visiting the Canyons. Amazing experiences and views of natures beauty. In Bryce Canyon we did a morning sunrise trek to Inspiration Point.
I reflected on my current week and observed the following regarding books and webinars as inspiration points.
The first was learning about the amazing teachings of the book the Hindu text the Bhagavad Gita in our Jain School. Our true nature is separate from the body we identify with. Later, organised by JITO and JVB organisations where Shiv Khera shared on "Turning Setbacks into Turnbacks". I read his book, "You Can Win", a while back. In the talk he shared
"Success is a series of positive choices"
and reminded that
"Direction is more important than speed".
I Took part being interviewed in my first podcast, This was with Camden Boyd, The Happiness Question Podcast. I enjoyed the podcast and the questions asked about Happy Life Habits.
I attended Action for Happiness webinar with Mo Gawdat interviewed by Mark Williamson sharing on the topic "Silver Linings". It was another fantastic session. The books related were "10 Keys to Happier Living" an "Solve for Happy" (to be read).
What has inspired you recently?
Work Life Harmony
Recently I was invited again for the 3rd year to Xerox to share a session with their Group Accounting team. Previously I had been invited to share on Happiness at Work ideas and implementation at the Annual Accounting Conference for Chief Group Accountants of various countries.
This time with many working from home and the challenges due to the virus situation I was asked to share ideas and practical tips on Work Life Balance or Work Life Harmony/Integration as I like to consider it.
The Group Accountants for various countries were asked
“Apart from work what are the things that are important to you, you enjoy doing, make you happy?” List at least 8.
They gave answers which included: Time with family or friends, reading, exercise, meditation and cooking.
For you “Apart from work what are the things that are important to you, you enjoy doing, make you happy?”
Some Opportunities
Following the success of June and July Gratitude & Journal Habit Immersion Training Course; registration is open for the September Course.
Happy Life Habits has a Resilience & Positivity Training Course for employees facing uncertainty, furlough, redundancy or need of a positive change. Please do share the resources from Lightside Financial and Happy Life Habits on Money & Mindset with HR teams and leaders in your place of work or network. Also have a Free Happiness Booster available for companies, networking or community groups.
New Ideas
I’ve been sharing some posts recently on LinkedIn, you can connect if you want to see them.
Happy Life Habits is going to launch a series of inspiring talks inviting individuals /speakers to come and share on a few questions about their journey, challenges faced and how overcome, daily habits, lessons and advice from parents etc. If you would like to take part or have suggestions please get in touch.
I am taking part in a 14 day The Happiness Challenge by Mo Gawdat - Ex Google and author of Solve for Happy. This starts on 10 August and looks interesting. Come join me, get in touch if you are taking part and want to share the experience together.
There is a talk by Nick Williams on Discovering the Work You Were Born to Do NOW: Find and Follow Your Calling. This is on Tuesday 11th Aug 5 pm UK time.
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.
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.