When I launched Prayers and Piazzas nearly seven years ago, I created it as a space to share my love of all things Italy (represented by the word piazzas), and a space to share all the other things in my life that bring meaning and joy (represented by the word prayers). “Prayers” topics cover writings … Continue reading
Category Archives: Happiness & Joy
Happy International Day of Happiness!
Today, March 20, is International Day of Happiness, a day to celebrate and spread positivity and joy in your little world and ultimately, around the world. It is a day to deliberately remember that happiness is contagious, and that your happiness, expressed in even the smallest of ways, has the power to make a big … Continue reading
LinkLove: interesting reads from the www this week #2
January 28, 2018 Here’s what has caught my attention recently… Italy/Travel Gorgeous Florence summed up in one simple photo at Timeless Italy High on my Italy wish list is the Basilicata region, featured at Calabria: The Other Italy Books/History/Art So many heavy-hitters of positive psychology on one list? Yes please, to all of them: The Top 10 … Continue reading
LinkLove: interesting reads from the www this week
Here’s a round-up of posts which caught my attention this week, and I thought you might enjoy them too! Italy/Travel Ancient Roman board game found in 4th century tomb: The History Blog The most instagram-able spots in Rome: Italophilia Taxi therapy for young Italian cancer patients: The New York Times (thank you to Jenny’s Lark for leading me … Continue reading
Laughing all the way…
…or at least embracing the season with joy and calm I rely heavily on snarky comments and sarcasm in my sense of humor and daily discourse, supplemented with a symphony of sighs, huffs and general complaints. Sometimes there’s eye-rolling involved. I am hoping you do not realize this, as I work hard to keep this … Continue reading
An Unexpected Lesson in Joy
A while back, Daughter and I had great seats at the hottest ticket in town: Justin Bieber’s Purpose concert (!). It was spectacular, larger than life, and employed every special effect one could possibly cram into a concert: water, fog, fireworks, lights, lasers, moving stages, dancers, costume changes, platforms which raised and lowered….and did I … Continue reading
Is Happiness Contagious?
When my husband was recovering in the hospital ten years ago from a life-threatening bloodstream infection, my worry level was consuming. It was most intense during the times when I was away from him, when the “what ifs” sabotaged my thoughts. But, strangely enough, when I was by my husband’s side, watching him breath, rest and … Continue reading
Contagious Happiness
When my husband was recovering in the hospital nine years ago from a life-threatening bloodstream infection, my worry level was consuming. It was most intense during the times when I was away from him, when the “what ifs” sabotaged my thoughts. But, strangely enough, when I was by my husband’s side, watching him breath, rest and … Continue reading
Happiness vs. Joy
In scouring my bookshelves this morning, searching for some tidbits of inspiration to share with you all, I reached for a book I read years ago, The Power of a Positive Mom by Christian writer and speaker Karol Ladd. This notion jumped out at me: “There is a distinct difference between happiness and joy.” She notes that … Continue reading