If you’re looking for a way to add to your joy, look no farther than spending some extra time with the relationships that matter most in your life!

Convincing evidence of this comes from Martin Seligman, a leading expert in the field of happiness research. He said, "Research has shown that daily support from those closest to us is a key factor in cultivating a positive outlook."

We’ve all experienced such a prolonged season of increased isolation over the past two years, so it’s a very inviting invitation to focus outward and deepen the relationships in our lives. 

Check out a couple other compelling reasons why investing in deep connections are vital.

Close Relationships Make Us Feel Optimistic
A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology showed that when we have social support, our perception of challenges changes. And the social support paves a way for optimism to grow, increasing overall satisfaction with life while lowering the risk of...

Treating other people well is a great rule to live by. But did you know it’s also good for your health, vitality and growing resilience?

Psychology researcher Barbara Fredrickson, PhD, author of Love 2.0: Creating Happiness and Health in Moments of Connection, studies how “micro-moments” of connection with others, like sharing a smile or expressing concern, improve emotional resilience, boost the immune system, and reduce susceptibility to depression and anxiety.

In Fredrickson’s view, we need affirmative human connection in much the same way that our bodies need wholesome food. “Moments of uplifting positive emotions function like nutrients for creativity, growth, and health,” she says.

And when we look at the New Testament, we see the same sentiment of love being the highest goal and treating others with care and compassion as our ideal. Colossians 3:12 says it best…

"So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe...

If you’re looking for a way to add to your joy, look no farther than spending some extra time with the relationships that matter most in your life! Convincing evidence of this comes from Martin Seligman, a leading expert in the field of happiness research. Check out a couple other compelling reasons why investing in deep connections are vital.

Close Relationships Make Us Feel Optimistic

A study in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology showed that when we have social support, our perception of challenges changes. And the social support paves a way for optimism to grow, increasing overall satisfaction with life while lowering the risk of anxiety.  

Friends Provide a Deeper Level of Support

We all enjoy some causal chit-chat with our buddies and colleagues, but when there’s something important to discuss, it’s crucial to have a confidant we can turn to.  This has been shown to be...

How are you? How was your week? We hope you are well! 

This week, we wanted to share with you a very simple, but incredibly important skill to bring greater joy, hope, happiness, and purpose to your day and life. 

According to researchers, what is the source that generates the most power and energy to live well and be happy? If you guessed “healthy relationships” you’d be correct! 

In fact, according to medical scientists, the three relational sources which influence your physical health more than anything else are; Love, intimacy, and friendship. You mean it’s not our diet? It’s not our exercise? It’s not how we handle stress? But rather, it’s how connected we are that has demonstrated to have the greatest impact on our emotional, spiritual, and yes, even our physical health. The latest scientific research has uncovered when we are isolated or disconnected from important life-giving sources, such as close and...