If you want to be more positive, you should watch what you watch. That’s the simple the conclusion that I came to after spending 100s of hours researching happiness.

When people say that “the eyes are the windows to the soul,” they usually mean that you can tell a lot about a person just by looking into their eyes. What some people forget is that windows let light travel in both directions. Our eyes tell the world about us. But, they also tell us about the world.

The problem is that the information that our eyes see is not always accurate – especially in today’s “always connected” world.

TV channels and websites broadcast a constant stream of sensationalized news. They maximize their ratings by cherry-picking only the most shocking, tragic and violent stories. As a result, our minds form the opinion that the world is much more dangerous than it actually is. And, once visual information enters our minds, it is almost impossible to remove.

If we want to have a move balanced and positive view of the world, it is more effective to control what we see.

How to be More Positive by Watching What You Watch

Think about the latest news show that you watched. What stories do you remember? Do you think that the world that is presented in the media is

The first step to forming a more positive view of the world around us is to become conscious of how we consume information. Take a look around you. How many electronic devices do you have in your house? Do you have a television? How much do you watch it?

How Much TV Do You Watch?

The average American watches between 4 and 5 hours of television every single day. And, that doesn’t even count the time that we spend watching our computer screens, listening to the radio or reading the newspaper.

When so much of our day is spent passively consuming what the media wants us to see, is it any wonder that we feel anxious, depressed and nervous?

Watching one hour less of TV per day will have a huge impact on your happiness, especially if you use this time to engage with the world in a positive way.

How do you feel about the amount of time that you spend watching TV and surfing the Internet?

The best way to reduce the amount of negative information that we consume is to turn off our electronic devices and get out into the world. But, for most people, turning off the TV for good is not an option. So, the next best thing is to force ourselves to be conscious consumers of information.

Make Yourself an Active TV Watcher

Don’t watch the TV passively. Whenever you see a “shocking” story in the news, ask yourself whether it really represents the world around you. Many people are afraid of flying because they see images of plane crashes in the news. The truth is that flying is one of the safest ways to travel.

Don’t be afraid to look up the facts. If you hear that “Alzheimer’s is reaching epidemic proportions,” check the facts yourself. You might find that the risks are not as bad as you fear. More importantly, you might discover some ways that you can tip the odds in your favor with exercise, diet and other lifestyle choices.

Can you think of a news story that you saw recently that scared you? Is there a way that you could check the statistics yourself?

Look for Sources of Good News

Another way to counter the negative impressions that bombard us every day is to actively look for good news. Spend some time every day reading positive and life-affirming stories. The Sixty and Me community dedicated to positivity and happiness. But, there are many others.

The Daily Good is a website that is committed to delivering inspiring and positive stories from around the world. Huffington Post’s “Good News” channel is also an excellent source for news that will bring a smile to your face.

Have you found any other sources of positive news? Do you have any tips regarding how to be more positive? Why not share them with the community?

Technology has brought us so many amazing opportunities to connect with the world around us. But, in some ways, it has become too easy to access information without really thinking about what we are watching.

Do we really need to watch 4 to 5 hours of TV a day? Or, would some of this time be better spent explore our passions, enjoying our families or improving our minds and bodies?

When we watch TV or surf the Internet, does it need to be a passive process? Or, should every new story be a starting point for our own exploration of the world?

If our eyes really are the windows to our souls, don’t forget to keep your rose-colored glasses handy.

Take Action to Find Happiness

Visit a happiness-focused website every day to add a daily dose of positivity to your life. Every time you see a negative new story, ask yourself whether it is accurate and representative of what is going on in the world. Chances are that it isn’t.

Do you feel like you watch too much news, too little or just the right amount? What have you done recently to increase your happiness? Let’s have a chat!

Madison Prewett’s Mauve Off the Shoulder Sweater on The Bachelor Finale

The Bachelor Season 24 Finale Fashion

Madison Prewett’s mauve sweater during this scene when Chris Harrison went to visit her back home in Auburn, Alabama was super cute with it’s off the shoulder style and snap button detailing. So although Peter’s mother Barbara may not have exactly been buying what she was selling (seriously g-d bless whoever was in charge of panning to the Barb cam), we have a feeling you guys on the other hand definitely will.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her All Saints Sweater

Originally posted at: Madison Prewett’s Mauve Off the Shoulder Sweater

Every time Kylie Jenner switches up her hair, we all wonder if she got a new wig or maybe she decided to make the change for good. Now, we got a peek at Jenner’s real hair and we have to say, we’re a bit surprised by the findings. The beauty boss posted a selfie video to Instagram with the caption: “Roots almost there.” With her favorite butterfly filter, she showed the length of her hair and it’s not the waist-length strands we’re used to. Instead, it’s in a trendy bob.

We told you two weeks ago that Jenner switched up her dark brown/black hair to a ’90s blonde, or bronde as some are calling it. (Yup, that’s the mix of brown and blonde.) The high-contrast highlights are courtesy of colorist Cassondra Kaeding. “Do brondes have more fun?” Kaeding asked on Instagram. We’re going to say they possibly do by the look of Jenner’s recent Instagram photos. 

Source: Instagram

Since Jenner was seen touching up her roots, it’s safe to say Kaeding did highlight and color her client’s hair. That part is true. The length, though, is thanks to hairstylist Jesus Guerrero. He gave Jenner long extensions that blend beautifully with her new hair color. In her post, Jenner joked: “@jesushair said he was giving me a trim and cut off all my hair.”

Image: Instagram.com/kyliejenner.

I don’t make New Year’s resolutions. I set intentions and while my intention for the year is to experience more joy, I enjoy reading articles and blog posts about reinvention.

There is a school of thought that says that we can choose, at various stages of life, to reinvent ourselves. It’s a fascinating concept. Could I, as an aging woman of some physical substance, reinvent myself as a ballerina? Nope. I don’t think so. What I can do is to reignite myself!

What does that even mean?

Reflect on Your Childhood

Think back to your childhood years. Did you have interests and passions? Did you tinker in the backyard plotting adventures? Did you draw pictures of dreams that had meaning perhaps only to you?

As a mom, I devoted my life to my kids. I reasoned it was only a short season of my life, and I wanted to give my all to my children. However, I now realize that the way we chose to spend our time in those years will have an impact on their entire lives.

When you choose to mother that way, you can sometimes forget who you are. I know I did. Life is full of compromises and exchanges. When I was actively mothering, I chose to exchange my time, energy, talents and sometimes my dreams, for the benefit of my children.

I have no regrets and I look back at active mothering with great love. It was a busy sunshine time and I loved nearly all of it. But that time has ended, and it is a new day and a new year.

My children are all adults now. My house is quieter. Instead of coming home to busyness, noise and chaos, I come home to myself.

Are you at that point in life? If so, then it really is time to come home to yourself and to reignite those interests and passions that uniquely fit you.

Looking Back to Look Ahead

I am the youngest of eight children. Even though I am over 60, my siblings still refer to me as ‘the baby.’ Much of my free time was spent copying passages from their high school and college text books, ‘teaching school’ to my dolls and stuffed animals, and writing short stories.

Is it any wonder that I became a writer/lawyer? There were clues in my early play that hinted to my future.

How about you? When you had time for free play as a child, what were the things you did? Did you care for sick baby dolls in a hospital? Did you teach your stuffed animals? Did you build cardboard space ships to take imaginary journeys?

What might these childhood memories tell you about unignited passions that you have not had time to develop, or that you have hidden all these years?

What If Nothing in Particular Stands Out?

If looking back doesn’t reveal anything in particular, this is also an answer! It is an indication of how much you have changed and grown. But let’s take another shot at this looking backwards concept.

When you were a child, what were the things you enjoyed? Why do you think you enjoyed them? I enjoyed going to the library because it fed my voracious reading habit and insatiable curiosity.

One mom I spoke to loved baking in the kitchen with her mom. This memory was so powerful, she turned it into a sideline business in which she bakes cupcakes and other items for a small circle of friends and clients.

Another mom followed her dad around doing home repairs and decorating. As an empty nester, she now blogs about her home improvement adventures. She is having a ball memorializing her adventures and selling products through an affiliate program.

Think about the activities you engaged in and the traditions your family had. What stood out from them? Does this give you a clue as to an interest or passion to reignite?

Still Nothing?

Maybe your childhood was traumatic or unpleasant or you just plain don’t remember much. Many of us are in this boat! Yet there are stirrings of your heart that are waiting for you to listen to them!

Here are some questions to get you thinking:

What Have You Always Wanted to Try?

What are some things you have always wanted to try, but haven’t had the time, money or opportunity to delve into? This exploration has been a complete blast for me!

I am learning more about my love for writing and trying numerous artistic things I never had time to do, including basket weaving and jewelry making! The time and opportunity to write have reignited a passion within me to communicate, share and help. How about you?

When Did You Feel Fulfilled and Happy?

Think about your past 10 years. Were there times when you said to yourself, “I was made for this!” For me, it was teaching and mentoring my children. That experience was a confirmation that I wanted to work with people in a way that encourages, teaches and inspires.

Maybe you had the “I was made for this!” thought when you were volunteering to work with preschoolers or decorate a room for a special party. Think back on those times and see what they are trying to tell you.

What Groups Appeal to You?

What group or societal need tugs at your heartstrings? I cannot watch the animal welfare group commercials without nearly weeping. So, I support and volunteer for animal causes.

I know another mom whose heartstrings are plucked by the exploitation of the sex trade. She works with a group that educates and raises funds to help rescue victims of the trade.

Maybe you really feel for the homeless or children in foster care. Listen to these heartbeats. They may hold the key to uncovering the passion of your life.

There is so much to explore and do! Life after motherhood can be a full and wonderful life. Take some time to make a study of you – your past interests, your current interests and the beating of your heart. You will find clues for your next adventure in life!

How about you? Are you ready to reignite your life? Have you done some of this self-inquiry work? What did you learn? Are you ready to take action to see where your next path leads? Please join the conversation below!

Hannah Ann Sluss’ Red Ruched Dress on After the Final Rose

The Bachelor Season 24 Finale Fashion

For those of you who haven’t seen tonight’s season finale episode of The Bachelor all I have to is WOWWWW. And although that could apply to what went down (even as someone who accidentally saw the spoilers yesterday, my jaw is still on the floor), it also applies to Hannah Ann Sluss’ ruched dress which definitely had us all (especially Mama Weber) seeing red tonight.

Fashionably,

Faryn

Click Here to Shop Her Alexandre Vauthier Dress in Many Colours

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Originally posted at: Hannah Ann Sluss’ Red Ruched Dress