Happiness and All That

ADHD & Marriage News - February 28, 2019

Quote of the Week

“Happiness is a choice and a set of skills."

- Mary Pipher, psychologist and author of Reviving Ophelia

Happiness and All That

My mother passed away in 2008 and, soon after, my father chose a partner who is the most intentionally happy person I have ever met.  It has been a wonderful experience to observe how she absorbs bad news, thinks about how she wants to respond, and then takes action to create a happier path.  When I saw this quote it reminded me of her.  Without a doubt she chooses to be happy rather than sad or angry, and she applies a set of skills she has been honing for a lifetime.

What are those skills?  Here are a few:

  • Actively looking for the positive every day
  • Taking responsibility for creating your own happiness and putting boundaries around that so that others can’t ‘steal it away’
  • Reflecting on what you love to do and pursuing it – so that your life is filled with activities that make you happy
  • Exercising (which is a mood stabilizer) and getting outdoors whenever possible (also a mood stabilizer)
  • Connecting with others every day

I don’t wish to suggest that this is a Pollyanna-ish approach to life.  She doesn’t shy away from addressing the problems she faces.  Instead, her view is that she wants to live her life in happiness, and in spite of any issues, she is going to work hard to help that happen.

Could you do the same?

Learn Happiness skills!! - The next Non-ADHD support group series begins March 20th and the Spring session of my Live Couples Seminar starts March 26th.   Don't Delay!  

Are you parenting a challenging child? Gain insights, tools, and strategies to manage your child's ADHD, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, and Executive Function challenges. Learn more.

For those in marriages impacted by ADHD

You can find great resources for couples impacted by ADHD at adhdmarriage.com, including free: Online treatment overview; Downloadable chapters of my books; A community forum with other couples facing similar issues; A large number of blog posts on various topics; Referrals. Adult ADHD can have a huge impact on your relationship. ADHDmarriage.com can literally change your life!  

Seminars and Groups

Is your relationship in trouble? Consider my highly acclaimed couples' course: ADHD Effect In-Depth Couples' Seminar - This 8-session phone seminar has helped many couples thrive in healthier, happier relationships. The Live session starts March 26, 2019.

Is your relationship in pretty good shape but you'd love to feel closer? Consider my self-study seminar Recovering Intimacy in Your Relationship.

Is Anger an unwanted contributor in your relationship? Check out How to Diminish Anger in Your Relationship.

Support Tele-groups - Be part of a community exploring similar issues; learn from each other's successes and struggles; and find new, more effective ways to be your best self in your relationship: Non ADHD Partner Support Tele-group begins March 20th and ADHD Partner Support Tele-Group will start soon.

Question? Contact Melissa.

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© 2019 Melissa Orlov