While researching ideas for my posts, I have come across some wonderful resources that I want to share with you. I began blogging to spread positive ideas and messages in a world that seems to be focusing more and more on the negative. My Cup of Cocoa is all about creating happiness, how to add good things to our daily lives, and how to lift each others (and ourselves) up.
I like the phrase “creating happiness.” Being happy is an active pursuit. We can’t just sit and wait for happiness to find us. I actively choose to look for the brighter side of life, for the good in people, and for the silver linings. It is a choice and I have to make it on a daily, and sometimes hourly, basis.
Don’t get me wrong. I know life is hard. Bad things happen to good people. Injustice, sadness, cruelty, loss, and pain are all realities we have to deal with. But regardless of our situation, we can choose happiness. I love the Milton Erickson quote: Life will bring you pain all by itself. Your responsibility is to create joy.
Here is a list of some of my favorite resources. These are blogs that I go to for inspiration, for a pick-me-up on a hard day, and for new ideas on how I can add positivity and happiness to my own life.
13 Favorite Happiness Blogs
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Tiny Buddha
Whether you like good quotes (I do!), uplifting personal stories, or healthy living tips, you can find it all on this site. Some recent post titles include “Being Happy Doesn’t Mean Everything is Perfect” and “When Life Feels Unfair: 4 Lessons that Helped Me Cope”
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The Greater Good
This blog is affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley. It looks at the science of a meaningful life. Recent posts include: “What Happens When We Reconnect with Nature” and “How Dogs Help People Get Along Better.”
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Pathway to Happiness
This blog is written by a life coach who also offers classes. Some recent posts include: “How to Stay Mindful” and “Dealing with Political Fears” I have never taken a course, but his articles are insightful.
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Positively Present
This is a beautifully designed blog about positivity, awareness, and self-love. Recent posts include: “Coping with News Anxiety” and “Health is Wealth: How to Cope When You’re Feeling Poorly.”
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The Chief Happiness Officer
This blog is all about happiness in the workplace. Recent posts include: “The 20 Most Common Objections to Happiness at Work and Why They are Wrong” and “Say Good Morning at Work-It Works.”
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The Positivity Blog
This blog offers simple tips and habits that “work in real life.” Recent posts include: “How to Live a Happy Life: 10 Things to Say Yes To Starting Today” and “41 Inspiring Quotes on Failure (and How to Handle it).”
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Psychology Today
They have a section specifically related to happiness. There are tons of great articles here. Recent ones include: “Unrealistic Expectations Impede happiness and Empathy” and “Do Happiness Interventions Really Work?”
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A Year of Happy Blog
Written by a working mom of two young kids, this blog is great for moms struggling to create happier homes and lives. Recent posts include: “Learn to See the Magic Right in Front of You (and Take Great Pictures too)” and “A Meditation to Collect More of What You Want.”
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Gretchen Rubin
You’ve probably heard of “The Happiness Project.” Author Gretchen Rubin embarked on her happiness project, spending a year trying out all the advice she could find on living a happier life. She has continued her happiness studies and posts about it here. Recent posts include: “A Little Happier: Never Have a Crush on Just One Person” and “7 Types of Loneliness (and Why It Matters).”
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Fulfillment Daily
Science-backed information on living a more fulfilled life. Recent articles include: “Five Healthy Life Hacks that will Instantly Boost Your Mood” and “Stop Fretting and Regretting: 5 Mind-Hacks to Stay Present.”
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Mindful
Mindful is a blog and a print magazine. I am a big believer in mindfulness training. Of course, you could check out this site and try it for yourself. Recent posts include: “Finding Happiness By embracing All of Your Emotions” and “Mindfulness for Anxiety: Research and Practice.”
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The Utopian Life
This site takes a look at the latest scientific research in regards to mental, emotional, and physical health. Recent posts include: “7 Proven Strategies to Make Your New Habits Stick” and “10 Surprising Benefits You’ll Get From Journaling.”
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Power of Positivity
This is another popular site. Many of my Facebook friends post quotes from here. Recent posts include: 25 Ways to Find Happiness (Without Chasing It)” and “Can You Go 24 Hours Without Complaining (Here’s How).”
Hopefully one or more of these blogs will give you a lift, provide some inspiration, or give you a new way of looking at things. We all need more peace, love and happiness in our lives. Thanks for reading and please share.
