Flourish & Thrive

About 35 percent of all harvested trees in the world are used to make paper and cardboard. Worldwide, the pulp and paper industry is the fifth largest consumer of energy and uses more water to produce a ton of product than any other industry. Pulp extraction consumes large amounts of energy and can involve dangerous chemicals like dioxin. Paper production results in the emission of the nutrient phosphorus. That, in turn, boosts plant growth, which can use up all the oxygen in the water and kill any animal life. Even after paper is made, its use damages the environment. Trucking paper from where it’s made to where it’s used generates air pollution. And making and using ink and toner also harm the environment, by contaminating water, poisoning soil and destroying the natural habitats of wildlife.

Envy isn’t a functional behavior. It’s not useful.

“The ideals which have lighted my way, and time after time have given me new courage to face life cheerfully, have been Kindness, Beauty, and Truth.”                            —Albert Einstein, Physicist, Nobel Laureate (1879–1955)

Focused Persistence is the way to succeed.

Say “Thank you,” NOT “Sorry.” Great advice!

This is funny. Sarcastic might be a better description. Guided Meditation works, but this is exactly what happens to most of us when we begin to use it. I love the humor.

Want Kids to Listen More and Fidget Less? Try More Recess....

A new, large, British study has found that young people who take part in social action initiatives, such as volunteering, develop better skills for employment and adulthood. They improved young people’s levels of empathy, their sense of community involvement,  increased students’ cooperation with others, increased their levels of grit (persistence and hard work), and increased their willingness to donate their time in the future.

“Although no one can go back and make a brand new start, anyone can start from now and make a brand new ending.” —Carl Bard

Happy New Year!

Nietzsche on How to Find Yourself and the True Value of Education

“The real things haven’t changed. It is still best to be honest and truthful; to make the most of what we have; to be happy with simple pleasures; and to have courage when things go wrong.” —Laura Ingalls Wilder, author