I recently had the privilege of leading an in-person “Feedback as a Value and a Skill” workshop for over 100 people. It was great to be out of Zoomworld and back in the wild! While I sensed people were engaged, I was eager to read the post-event evaluations to get their unfiltered and anonymous opinions, […]

I don’t like giving up.   Some people call me “competitive,” although I prefer the more nuanced labels “determined” or “ambitious.” (To me, competitive is linked with both aggression and I win/you lose, which is NOT what I am about.)But it is true, I have often demonstrated that I am willing to keep driving forward […]

It is no secret to my regular readers that I am a fan of efficiency. Whether it is about practicing my pomodoros, prioritizing tasks, or habit stacking, I am always seeking out methods or processes that will help me feel more efficient. A friend commented once that even my body type (a compact, under 5 […]

In sixth grade, our teacher led a semester-long study of mythology. We marked the end of the term with a “bacchanalia” (no alcohol of course, even though it was the ’80s and rules were different then). We listened to Greek folk dancing music, I had my first taste of moussaka and baklava, and we were assigned to […]

Whenever I am asked to create a gratitude list (which happens more often that one would think), one of the things I always say I am grateful for is my brain. It is awe inspiring when you consider what our brains can do: retain and process information, make connections and generate emotions, as well as […]

There are many Valentine’s Day skeptics, including right here in my Slice of Sunshine readership.  I get it. Valentine’s Day is another example of how, when people are forced to do something—whether is “be celebratory” on New Year’s Eve, or “prove your love” on Valentine’s Day—it kind of defeats the purpose. Add into that the […]

There are many benefits to being a “giver.” Being more of a giver than a taker has been proven to increase levels of happiness, lower blood pressure and stress, and contribute to a greater sense of empathy and meaning. Social psychology explains that the human desire to give is partly rooted in the fact that […]

In an old episode of The Simpsons, the kids are leaving for a field trip. As they board the school bus, their parents call out words of advice. Chief Wiggum says to his son Ralphie, “If your nose starts bleeding, it means you’re picking it too much…(pause)…or not enough.” I am not about to write […]

Coming to you almost live, here’s your annual pep talk from DPS. (Here’s last year’s pep talk in case you need a double dose of pep!)Sending you love, gratitude, and many wishes for a happy new year! Text… Receive the “Slice of Sunshine” in your inbox by subscribing to the Department of Practical Sunshine newsletter. Text… Try it! Text…