Author Archives: Ellen

Rick Hanson – Taking in the Good

A few months ago, I attended a great day-long seminar sponsored by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.  Rick Hanson, PhD, was the main speaker.  He’s a neuropsychologist and best-selling author, who has done a ton of research … Continue reading

How to Train Your Brain For Happiness

Discover Your Strengths

Recently, I purchased the book, “Strengths Finder 2.0” by Tom Rath. It’s been around since 2002, but was updated in 2007, and has been a #1 Wall Street Journal bestseller. “The Clifton StrengthsFinder measures the presence of talent in 34 … Continue reading

Clifton Strengths Finder 2.0

Prayers for My Uncle Chuck

My uncle, Chuck Cozza, is an amazing and inspirational person. In February 2006, Chuck suffered a massive brain injury to his head while on the job for his garage door business in Colorado. After the blow to his head, Chuck … Continue reading

Accidents, Chuck Cozza, Prayers, Recover, Seizures

Remembering How Great You Really Are!

We all feel down sometimes. Maybe nothing is really wrong. Or maybe a lot of things could be going a lot better. It doesn’t matter who you are or where you are or what you are doing at the moment. … Continue reading

Appreciation, self-confidence

The Hummingbird Incident: Or When Accidents Happen

Hummingbirds are beautiful small creatures. According to Wikipedia, “They are among the smallest of birds, most species measuring in the 7.5–13 cm (3–5 in) range. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12–90 times per second. They … Continue reading

Accidents, Hummingbirds

Happy Birthday!

Everyone has a birthday, and today is mine! And I have a lot to be grateful for. To begin with, I am grateful that because of the love of my parents and their desire for children, they brought me into … Continue reading

Birthdays

Where Are You Going?

Today, someone asked me a good question. One year from now, what will be different? I think it’s important to break this question down into 2 parts: 1) Where (or how or what or who) do you want to be … Continue reading

Goals, Habits, Outcomes

The Existence of Rainbows

Last night, as we were exiting a restaurant in Berkeley, we looked up into the sky and saw a beautiful rainbow. The sky was dark with clouds, but this beautiful bright rainbow was glimmering at us and it was just … Continue reading

Uncategorized

What a Way to Go!

This past Saturday, May 21st, 2011 was prophesied to be the day of the “Rapture,” otherwise known as the “End of the World.” Of course, we’re all still here, so someone was thankfully very mistaken. But it did make me … Continue reading

Dying, End of the World, Rapture, Trail Running

Receiving Compliments, Giving Compliments

Every Tuesday morning, I meet up with friends at Berkeley Marina for our ritual Tuesday morning run. Today, there were 8 of us, mostly from Berkeley, Albany and Oakland. And it was a beautiful sunny morning, with views of San … Continue reading

Compliments