Archive for May 2017

1. Give them your uninterrupted, undivided attention. Nod often or give encouraging murmurs of yes, I see, uh huh.

2. Be sincere. You don't have to solve their problem or make them feel better. Just be there, and be concerned. Ask open-ended questions such as 'How does that make you feel?' instead of 'So you felt bad?'

3. Don't make judgments or conclusions. Instead, paraphrase what they've said to check wether you've understood them. Check in especially about their feelings. Listen to their heart. It's the underlying feelings, not the words, that matter most.

4. Don't rush the person speaking towards a solution or conclusion. Often times, he/she has already made a decision.

5. Be kind. Be a friend. Do what you can.

Read More about famed Japanese artist Hokusai (you can see his designs reprinted on placemats, posters, mugs and more.....including in Japanese discount stores)

From the Guardian

The current President of the USA, Donald Trump, has lately been compared to a petulant child. Find out why that isn't fair...to perfectly lovely 4 year olds

From the NY Times

Age is but a number, especially for these active seniors whose health, vitality and positivity should put most younger folk to shame

From the Straits Times

You might have already seen this video making its rounds, and it's made you go 'awwwww'.

After dating for less than a year, he already knew he wanted to be with his girlfriend forever. So he makes her a wooden necklace, and hides an engagement ring in it.
She proceeds to wear it almost everywhere everyday for the next 1.5 years, until he splits it open at a Scottish cave special to them, shocking and delighting her with his marriage proposal and ingenious plan.

Click to see their happy photos

Where do you find love? Sometimes All You Need is a SIGN.

It's an old short film that's stood the test of time. Still heart-warming, relatable, authentic, hilarious. You never know until you try!

Click to watch

It's Good to Say No, Sometimes
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/.../why-you-should-learn-to-say-no-more-often.html

Pass the Salt Please
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/08/health/salt-health-effects.html

Ways to Cultivate Well-being
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/05/education/edlife/get-happy-four-well-being-workouts.html