A Cup (or two) of Holiday Cheer

The Magic of Christmas and Magic of Silence.
“A 2013 study published in the journal Brain, Structure and Function used differed types of noise and silence and monitored the effect the sound and silence had on the brains of the mice. The silence was intended to be the control in the study but what they found was surprising. The scientists discovered that when the mice were exposed to two hours of silence per day they developed new cells in the hippocampus. The hippocampus is a region of the brain associated with memory, emotion and learning.” – Science Says Silence Is Much More Important To Our Brains Than We Think
The 2013 study concluded short periods of silence can act as a “good stresser” to activate new brain cell growth.
Spend a few minutes in silence with a #cupofholidaycheer!

The Joy of Giving Lasts Longer Than the Joy of Getting.
“The happiness we feel after a particular event or activity diminishes each time we experience that event, a phenomenon known as hedonic adaptation. But giving to others may be the exception to this rule, according to research in Psychological Science. In two studies, psychology researchers Ed O’Brien (University of Chicago Booth School of Business) and Samantha Kassirer (Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management) found that participants’ happiness did not decline, or declined much slower, if they repeatedly bestowed gifts on others versus repeatedly receiving those same gifts themselves.” – The Association of Psychological Science
Regrets and Muddy Shoes
“To have regret is to be disappointed with yourself and your choices. Those who are wise, see their life like stepping stones across a great river. Everyone misses a stone from time to time. No one can cross the river without getting wet. Success is measured by your arrival on the other side, not on how muddy your shoes are. Regrets are only felt by those who do not understand life’s purpose. They become so disillusioned that they stand still in the river and do not take the next leap.”
― Colleen Houck


Your Brain on Music
A TedTalk by neuroscientist and musician Alan Harvey. Mr. Harvey shows what music does to our brain waves, and explains how music is more than just entertainment.

“Do a good turn to someone every day: that is, be a giver and not a taker. ” Juliette G. Low, founder of the Girl Scouts (1912).

“At the age of 51, on March 12, 1912, (Juliette Low) called a distant cousin and exclaimed, “I’ve got something for the girls of Savannah, and all of America, and all the world, and we’re going to start it tonight!” On that evening, she gathered those 18 founding members, including her niece and namesake Margaret “Daisy Doots” Gordon, to register the first troop of American Girl Guides. The name of the organization was changed to Girl Scouts of the USA the following year.
Life and times of the girl scout founders
eazywalkers
June 18, 2018 — 4:10 am
Nice information, really appreciate your time and dictation on this work.
Daniel
June 18, 2018 — 7:55 am
Thank you! We appreciate your kind encouragement.
Jamie Cordon
June 25, 2018 — 9:28 pm
Love the inspirational photos that you posted here as well as the video of a TED talk you shared. Its the inspiration i’m looking for the day. Thanks.
Daniel
July 7, 2018 — 1:21 pm
Thanks for the feedback, Jamie Cordon. Inspiration helps us pursue all of the aspirations in our life. We’re currently reading Simon Sinek’s, “Start with Why.” Sinek distinguishes between formal authority that uses manipulation to motivate and leaders that inspire. Inspiration produces better results as individuals and for teams or cultures. We love motivational TED talks too.
Dr Sangeeta Poriya
February 6, 2019 — 6:09 am
Great job Dan and Lori!
A big fan of your work. Feel free to check out scientific related information.
Daniel
February 6, 2019 — 6:26 am
Thank you, Dr. Sangeeta! We appreciate your support and are enjoying your scientific information on aging. Helpful and fascinating!
Rashel Ahmed
April 15, 2019 — 4:13 am
Really Useful Article, It’s very informative writing, Thanks for sharing,
Daniel
April 15, 2019 — 9:58 am
Thanks for the feedback, Rashel Ahmed! We try to hit both interesting facts from the consumer perspective and inspiration to encourage effective action.