Want to dive deeper into the world of mindful crafting? Check out my book "Craft Your Calm: The Mindful Creator's Handbook," where I share more personal stories, practical tips, and exercises to help you journey to a calmer, more creative life.

Monika Baechler-Dombay
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I binge-watched the documentary series in two evenings. It was a captivating journey into the lives of centenarians from around the world, and it left me inspired and filled with a profound appreciation for the joys of life. In "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones," I had the privilege of experiencing individuals who have not only crossed the remarkable milestone of 100 years but are also thriving in ways that defy conventional wisdom.

What struck me the most was that these centenarians were not confined to impersonal elderly care facilities but were surrounded by the warmth of their families and communities. In a world where we often find ourselves swept away by the currents of modernity, witnessing the unwavering devotion of these remarkable individuals to their friends and communities was nothing short of heartwarming.
The documentary provided a unique window into the lives of these beautiful souls who have generously mastered the art of living and shared their wisdom. It was a journey that enriched and enlightened me, and I wholeheartedly urge you to experience it on Netflix.

In this article, we'll delve into the profound lessons and insights from the Blue Zones, where centenarians thrive and defy the norms of ageing. These remarkable individuals have unlocked the secrets to longevity, and their wisdom can inspire us all to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. 

Let's embark on this extraordinary journey together.
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Have you ever wondered what it takes to live a long and fulfilling life? The Netflix documentary "Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones" by Dan Buettner explores this question by taking us on a global journey to regions where people consistently live past 100 years. These areas, known as Blue Zones, include Okinawa, Japan; Ikaria, Greece; Sardinia, Italy; Nicoya, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California.

For those who aren't familiar with Gratitude, it is a deep appreciation for all that we have in life. It's about counting your blessings and meaningfully and sincerely appreciating them. For example, one person can be grateful for having a roof over their head, while another might be grateful they can eat three meals daily.

Gratitude has been shown to benefit our physical health and mental well-being. In addition, studies show that practising gratitude can lower stress levels, improve sleep quality and strengthen relationships with others. In this article, you'll learn about gratitude's science and how it can improve your life!

Gratitude is not a complex concept. It's a positive emotion that arises when we focus on the good things in our lives. It's not about what we lack, but about appreciating what we have. Gratitude can be practised in simple ways every day, even if it's just taking a few seconds to pause and reflect on the blessings in your life. When we practice gratitude, we live happier lives because we feel more content with our current situation.

Gratitude
The best way to practice gratitude is by keeping a gratitude journal. This can be done in several ways, like writing down your grateful thoughts on paper or typing them up and saving them as a text document. Alternatively, you can use an app like [the Gratitude App], which allows you to record your experiences and emotions over time in photos and videos. Having a gratitude journal will enable you to reflect on what makes you happy - whether it be a memory from the past or something extraordinary happening right now!

Here are some other ways that I've found helpful in maintaining my sense of gratitude:
Keeping track of good things that happened each day.​

• I put positive affirmations around my room/house (writing positive messages on sticky notes). This helps me see myself as someone who has good things happen to them every day. :)
  
• You could also write these affirmations in your gratitude journal at the end of each day if they're not already there.
• Looking back at previous entries when I feel low - helps remind me how far I have come since then, so I can look forward again with hope rather than dwelling on the past.

I hope this article has opened your eyes to the transformative power of gratitude. It's not just a concept, but a tool that can truly change your life. But remember, it's only effective if you put it into practice. So why wait? Start your gratitude journey today and watch how it transforms your life!

According to Harvard University, gratitude is not just a feel-good concept, but a scientifically proven path to greater happiness. It consistently shows strong associations with positive emotions, relishing good experiences, improving health, coping with adversity, and building strong relationships.

So, rest assured, practising gratitude is a sure way to enhance your well-being.

​Monika Baechler-Dombay

Being happy is a choice.
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You can decide how your day will go every minute of the day. You can choose to be sad and depressed, or you can choose to get up out of bed and say, "today is going to be a great day!" It's common to wake up in the morning feeling unmotivated, but that doesn't mean anything. Your life isn't as bad as you think; you're in a warm bed. So get up, grab that coffee (or tea) and start your day by making choices that will make you happy!

It's important to remember that you can choose how you feel about anything at any time. So if you're feeling down, it's time to start making positive choices like "I'm going to be happy." Or even better, have something positive to say about someone else or compliment them.
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There are many ways to choose happiness every day. For example, you can choose not to let other people's actions affect your mood or behaviour. You can choose things that make you happy instead of just doing what others want. You can focus on the positive instead of the negative. And you can be grateful for what you have instead of dwelling on what you don't have.

Getting angry and wasting energy doesn't do anything but make you unhappy. Anger is a negative emotion that doesn't solve anything and can lead to regret. Instead of getting angry, try to be patient with yourself and others. It's not about what happens in your life that makes you happy, but how you react to it.

Baby steps are a great way to get started on the road to happiness. Keep learning how to be happier every day. You can do it! It

Where do you start?
One way to start becoming happier is to focus on the things you are grateful for. So every day, take a few minutes to think about the things that make you happy or bring you joy. This could be your family, friends, pets, hobbies, or anything else that brings you happiness. By focusing on the positive aspects of your life, you can shift your perspective and start seeing the good in your life.
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Another way to start becoming happier is to take care of yourself. This means ensuring you get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and take time for yourself. When you are well-rested and nourished, you will have more energy and a better mood. Exercise, in particular, has been shown to positively affect mood and can help reduce stress and anxiety. Self-care melts into Self-Love. 
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Finally, try to surround yourself with positive, supportive people. Spend time with friends and family who lift you up and make you happy. Avoid negative people or situations that bring you down. By focusing on the positive and surrounding yourself with supportive people, you can become happier.

​Mona M. Bee