Tag: happiness
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Which film will win the Oscar for Best Picture?
For the first time in my life, I have seen each of the films nominated for the Best Picture Academy Award. In a typical year, I see one or two, if I’m lucky. Frankly, I don’t normally have much interest in the nominees, but this year the films grabbed me and I was compelled to see…
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My top 10 favorite experiences of 2016
As 2016 quickly draws to a close, I need to stop and reflect upon the joy I felt this year. In fact, especially this year. By just about every measure, 2016 was a difficult year for many people. Generation X lost many of our pop culture idols; a presidential election went wonky at the last…
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Ask Little Merry Sunshine: Are you always happy or are you too stupid to realize life sucks?
Dear Little Merry Sunshine, I am a regular reader and big fan of your blog. In fact, I’ve been reading since the early days when you were writing on Blogspot. As I’ve read and re-read your posts over the past 7 1/2 years, I’ve noticed one overarching theme: far more often than not, you are…
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5 Best Apps for Your Guided Meditation and Mindfulness Practice
One of the best things I’ve ever done is to begin a meditation and mindfulness practice. I suppose I began it almost 10 years ago when I took a hypnosis class with Rev. Jean Kadkhodaian of The Lighthouse Emotional Wellness Center in Arlington Heights. I took to it like a fish takes to water and…
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This I believe
A little over seven years ago, I did a Crash Davis-like Things I Believe In blog post on the original Little Merry Sunshine blog. To this day, it ranks right up there with my all-time favorite posts. Oh, you’re not familiar with Crash Davis’s monologue from Bull Durham? I won’t judge you (much), but you…
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Lumpectomy results: A benign papilloma
NOTE: This is the conclusion to an unexpected five-part series about my first mammogram. To fully appreciate the context of what transpired, I encourage you to read the first three installments: My first mammogram saved my life, Respect my coping skills and I’ll respect yours, My lumpectomy was easy-peasy, and Post-lumpectomy recovery. By about 4:00…
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Watervale Bingo: Mark Your Cards for Days 3 and 4
You know what the great thing about vacation is? The lack of schedule. There was a moment yesterday when I was standing on the steps of the Inn and asked myself, “what day is it?” That’s truly the sign that I’ve checked out of life as I’m accustomed to it and am fully engulfed in…
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A life of Triumph: How this wonderful car helped my family through our grief
My late Uncle Ray loved cars. Well, that’s not quite accurate. He loved Triumph cars. In my entire life, I don’t think there was ever a time he didn’t own at least one. The stories of Uncle Ray and his Triumphs were the stuff of legends. Restoring Triumph cars was one of the many ways…
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A Life That’s Good – Official Little Merry Sunshine Theme Song
In early March, I wrote a post titled “What’s Your Theme Song?” I’d been thinking about creating a theme song for Little Merry Sunshine and for me because ChicagoNow Community Manager, Jimmy Greenfield, posted the question on Facebook. In that post, I toyed around with the idea of A Bushel and a Peck because Nana…
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Happy Memorial Day Weekend
I love Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a three-day weekend and the first work holiday since New Year’s for many adults. It’s the unofficial kickoff to Summer, although in Chicago this year no one knows for sure. It marks about three weeks to my favorite holiday of the year – my birthday. And, of course, it’s…
Jessica L Gardner 