We all know that what made us happy as children may no longer apply. But is it just a matter of our tastes changing?Social psychologist Jennifer Aaker, PhD, theorizes that your happiness is not based on your likes and dislikes, but rather, the motivating forces that drive you. Our definition of happiness tends to shift every 5 or 10 years, evolving through 5 basic "chapters" throughout our lives.The first chapter lasts through your childhood and teen years, where happiness is found through discovery and excitement. You gain happiness by understanding the world around you.Most people go through the second and third chapters through their 20s and 30s, where pursuit and balance become the primary motivators in their lives. For example, success in your career may help fill your bucket in your 20s,...
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My Claire Bear turns five years old today. FIVE...
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If you're friends with me on Facebook, you may have noticed that I'd had a bit of baby fever lately.Say what?Me? The girl who hates the baby years and never looks back on her children's infancies with nostalgia?What happened?Well, for one, my friends and relatives keep having ridiculously cute babies and I don't mind at all that they clutter my social media feeds with baby pictures and stories.Then there's the fact that my girls, who will be turning 5 and 4 soon, are evolving into pretty awesome individuals who increasingly amaze me with their creativity, wit, and lively personalities. They're getting along better, they make each other and the people around them laugh, they're cooperative, and they're both so smart. I'd helped create...
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Yesterday, my friend Jacinda joked that she needs a Geek in Heels beauty subscription box. I was super flattered to receive the comment, and it got me thinking about what I'd include in a box if I could curate one...
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Aerin is still at an age where the things she says can sometimes be difficult to understand."Umma, can yoo be the peejun and I be the pellekrin falkon?""Huh? Can you say that again?"Luckily, Claire can understand her little sister better than anyone else."Umma, I know what she said! She said, 'Can you be the pigeon and I be the Perigrine falcon?'" (Both kids love Wild Kratts.)Thank goodness for older sisters. :-) While the first half of summer was busy with camp, this last month is relatively dull. Trips to the local playgrounds and urban water park. Sleepovers at halmuhni and halahbuhji's house. Weddings. An excursion to the museum. And daily study sessions with umma so that they don't fall behind in school. (Can you believe...
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