Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2821:

Jay Harrington explores how simple, heartfelt traditions, like letting kids decorate the tree with old handmade ornaments or taking family walks in the snow, can create the most lasting holiday memories. By focusing less on perfection and more on presence, families can build rituals that truly reflect what matters most.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://nosidebar.com/simple-holiday-traditions/

Quotes to ponder:

"Traditions give us a sense of belonging and provide ways to express our priorities."

"Don't get caught up in trying to create perfect, Pinterest-worthy family traditions."

"The best moments are the small, simple ones that don't involve wrapping paper and big credit card bills."

Episode references:

The White Envelope Project: https://whiteenvelopeproject.org

Giving 101: https://www.giving101.org

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0097958/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2820:

Dr. Margaret Rutherford shares a deeply personal account of losing both her parents during the holiday season, revealing the raw emotions and unexpected details that come with grief. Through vivid memories and honest reflection, she invites us to create our own healing rituals and approach the holidays with compassion, for ourselves and for others navigating loss.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://drmargaretrutherford.com/when-the-holidays-bring-the-memory-of-loss/

Quotes to ponder:

"Are we allowing ourselves to feel the way we need to?"

"Treat yourself as well as you can next time you're in a place of loss."

"If you have lost someone you love this year, or if it's the anniversary of their death, you can celebrate their life by creating a ritual that is meaningful for you."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2819:

Melissa Josue offers compassionate yet grounded advice to anyone facing dishonesty in a relationship, emphasizing emotional clarity and open communication over confrontation or control. By encouraging listeners to reflect on their own needs and relationship standards, she provides a powerful framework for making empowered decisions, even in long-standing, painful situations.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://melissathelovecoach.com/what-should-i-do-if-my-boyfriend-keeps-lying-to-me/

Quotes to ponder:

"You can't control whether or not someone lies to you, but you can control how you respond."

"Communicating and reacting to bad experiences are different things."

"It really comes down to asking yourself: What kind of man do you want to be with?"

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2818:

Dr. Diana Kirschner reveals how to break free from love confusion and self-sabotaging habits by using simple yet powerful practices like writing a "Lasting Love Intention" and embracing what she calls "Soulmate Listening." By shifting focus away from fear and self-doubt and toward mindful connection, you can rewire your brain and nurture a deeper, more committed romantic bond.

Read along with the original article(s) here: http://lovein90days.com/how-to-create-committed-lasting-love/ & http://lovein90days.com/a-personal-confession-about-relationship-sabotage/

Quotes to ponder:

"You do not have to believe an affirmation in order for it to work and come true."

"Negative thoughts lead to fear, worry and more uncertainties."

"It is in silence, when you are paying full attention to your partner, that you really get him or her."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2817:

Dr. Lisa Firestone invites us to transform our relationships by recognizing how much of our emotional reactivity stems from old wounds and unconscious projections. By pausing to consider that our partner's behavior may be shaped by their own past rather than something we caused, we can shift from being reactive to being curious, creating space for empathy, compassion, and deeper connection.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.psychalive.org/stop-projecting-in-your-relationship/

Quotes to ponder:

"In a couple, one person always has 100 percent control of 50 percent of the dynamic."

"Sometimes rather than react and pounce all over the present issue, it's better to give it a little time and space."

"Whatever is happening inside our partner isn't always about us."

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2816:

Nicholas Kraft reflects on the surprising skepticism he and Adam Shell encountered while filming Pursuing Happiness, exploring why some thoughtful, creative individuals believe happiness is overrated, selfish, or even counterproductive. By engaging with these dissenting perspectives, Kraft uncovers deeper insights into fulfillment, arguing that happiness is most powerful when it's a byproduct of meaningful work and service, not the goal itself.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://livehappy.com/is-happiness-important/

Quotes to ponder:

"Being happy or wanting to be happy does not make you selfish."

"There is practically no limit to the happiness you can create."

"Let happiness be the pleasant byproduct of your pursuits, not the pursuit itself."

Episode references:

Can Seeking Happiness Make People Happy? Paradoxical Effects of Valuing Happiness: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21517168/

The Pursuing Happiness Documentary: https://pursuinghappiness.com/

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2815:

Karl Staib shares practical strategies for cultivating a gratitude habit in children that can create lifelong emotional resilience and stronger family bonds. By modeling gratitude, using creative prompts, and embedding it into daily routines, parents can help kids develop a more positive and grounded outlook on life.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://digtofly.com/how-to-build-a-gratitude-habit-with-your-kids/

Quotes to ponder:

"Gratitude is one of the best habits we can help our kids develop because it teaches them to focus on the good in their lives."

"When we express gratitude, we shift our mindset from what we lack to what we have."

"A simple prompt like 'What made you smile today?' can help a child focus on the positive."

Episode references:

5 Minute Journal for Kids: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal-for-kids

Greater Good Science Center: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Atomic Habits: https://www.amazon.com/Atomic-Habits-Proven-Build-Break/dp/0735211299

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com.

Episode 2814:

Crystal Karges offers practical strategies to help parents navigate picky eating by focusing on connection over control. By creating a stress-free, emotionally neutral mealtime environment, parents can foster a child's positive relationship with food, encouraging progress without pressure and strengthening family bonds.

Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.crystalkarges.com/blog/how-to-get-a-child-to-eat-when-they-refuse-does-encouragement-help

Quotes to ponder:

"Instead of worrying about what your kids are eating from the food you've served, focus instead on connection and communication."

"Pressure-to-eat can come in the form of negativity or positivity. Either way, it has the same effect on a child who is learning to eat."

"Feeding kids is a marathon, not a sprint."