Marie Jahoda

In 1958 she developed the theory of Ideal Mental Health. Through her work Jahoda identified five categories which she said were vital to feelings of well-being (1982, 87). These were:

Time structure
Social contact
Collective effort or purpose
Social identity or status
Regular activity

This was subsequent to a study of unemployed people and deals with the realm of work. Not included are ideas relative to the importance of love, community or spirituality. But it is very interesting to note that work was found to contribute to "Ideal Mental Health," Jahoda's paradigm, based not on "success," productivity, accomplishment or compensation, but rather on having a time structure, a regular activity to do, social contact, i.e. being with others, social identity or status, that is belonging, and being "someone," and a collective effort or purpose -- work as a vehicle to give meaning. Today we may take these ideas for granted, but in 1958, this may have been a new way of looking at the value, and personal meaning, of work

Chana Weisberg for Chabad on Scary Shadows

http://www.chabad.org/blogs/blog_cdo/aid/697471/jewish/Scary-Shadows.htm

This is a very powerful, thought-provoking piece on the place of perspective as we grapple with the shadows of our lives. Through the eyes of her young daughter, Chana sees a metaphor for growth opportunities in the darkness. The short video is beautifully shot and edited and rang true for me. I hope you enjoy it and that your days are filled with light. And if you are in the shadows of darkness, may you trust Hashem to see you through.

Gratitude

Find something to be grateful for. When I drive to work, I drive along the beach and in the mountains and I am awestruck each day anew by the beauty! Wow! And I am grateful! Find the things you are grateful for and make them your mantra. The beauty you see is the beauty you carry inside yourself every day! Have a beautiful, loving and grateful day! And, Cherrie, a special hi to you today!

Taking Action by Rabbi Pliskin -- Bears Repeating!

Daily Lift #394
Mastering the Habit of Taking ActionPeople who are lazy and habitually procrastinate lose out in all areas of their life. They ignore their health. They don't take care of their financial obligations on time. They don't study when they should study. They waste a lot of time. They tend to be late to things. The antidote is to become a person who consistently takes action with joyful zrizus. You gain tremendously in all areas of your life when you make and reach goals, when you do what you say you will do, when you take care of things on time, and when others are counting on you. You gain spiritually and materially.
[From Rabbi Zelig Pliskin's new book: "Taking Action" - pages 30-1] (Artscroll.com)

Nelson Lauver, The American Storyteller

Motivational Speaker Nelson Lauver The American Storyteller
Nelson Lauver is a guy who beat the odds and changed his life. One would never guess that until age 29, Nelson struggled with serious literacy issues, ...www.theamericanstoryteller.com/
From Nelson Lauver --
It’s Never too Late to Succeed: Take Control of Your Success Finally diagnosed with severe dyslexia at 29, Nelson Lauver had been hiding his serious literacy issues his entire life. Then he did something no one expected. He set out on a course of self improvement, stopped making excuses, swallowed his pride and entered a vocational rehabilitation program to learn to read and write. In the years that followed, intense struggle, burning desire and a never give up attitude enabled his to achieve his goals and change his life. this inspiring program is ideal for those facing a challenging transition, or are struggling to create their own success story.
A fascinating program that will inspire you and your team: Recognize your self-limiting beliefs and take back control of your own life and success; Reach inside and find more strength and power than you ever imagined you possessed; Realize that it’s never too late to achieve your dreams and create your own success story.

Today -- Being of Service

How can I be of service today? How can I help others? How can I create a sacred space in which to create my day? By using my Intention to put me there. So, it is my intention to have a great day, to be of service and to Praise G-d for all the gifts he has given me! Have a great day!

A Beautiful Day

Today is a beautiful day. Sunny and bright and full of promise. I watch the news as little as possible. It's not that I'm not a realist, it's that I choose to create my reality with input that is uplifting, useful and forward moving.

And, while I'm on the subject, a big thank you to Cherrie McKenzie for her loving support, encouragement and mentoring! A great week, full of happiness and blessings to you, Cherrie!
(See Cherrie's Blog, CoActive Dreams).