Expanding Your Happiness Vocabulary

November 23, 2011 4:39 am \

Butterflies - HappinessThe framework of Non-Violent Communication (NVC) is an effective formula for giving and receiving empathy.  We all need empathy from time-to-time because we all experience pain and suffering.

Now, the icing on the cake.

NVC training also helps us to expand our happiness vocabulary.

NVC encourages us to identify and celebrate our positive feelings and our met needs.  When we immerse ourselves in the positive, the negative gradually diminishes.  It’s the old “is the glass half empty or half full” story.

Here’s one way to fill up your glass – and life – with more contentment and joy.  Experiment with expanding your positive vocabulary during the coming holiday season.  Here are a few dazzling words to sparkle up a moment or two and get your started on vocabulary enhancement.

  • Jubilant
  • Invigorated
  • Eager
  • Dazzled
  • Enchanted
  • Spellbound
  • Optimistic
  • Radiant
  • Content
  • Vibrant
  • Tranquil

There are almost 100 happy words on the NVC list of “feelings when your needs are satisfied”.  That’s three-months’ worth of mood enhancers if you practice using one word from the list each day. You could refresh yourself each morning and start with a brand new word.  Be imaginative and see how many different ways you are able to use it throughout the day.

Print out the list, pin it up in a obvious place, and give it a try.  What better time to practice joy than the holiday season with all it’s unnatural stresses and demands?

Ultimately, abundance is a state of being.  One we can all get started on right now. 

Are you in?

Related article on NVC:  The Power of Knowing Your Feelings and Needs   Image:  Public Domain Pictures Dot Net

If you liked this article, please share the link with others.  BTW, have you seen my Treasures?  With love, Sandra

Posted in: Personal Development \ Tagged: , ,

17 Thoughts on “Expanding Your Happiness Vocabulary”

  1. Invisible Mikey on November 23, 2011 at 6:43 am said:

    As usual, you are a cornucopia, Sandra. Have a restful holiday.

  2. Deva Coaching (@SandiAmorim) on November 23, 2011 at 7:45 am said:

    Exhilarated, joyous, delighted are the first three words that come to mind and I love the idea of trying a new word on every day!

  3. Sandra Pawula on November 23, 2011 at 4:39 pm said:

    Exhilarated! I’m going to try that one one for today! Glad you like the idea.

  4. Zeenat on November 24, 2011 at 6:13 am said:

    Oh sandra,
    I’m jubilantly invigorated by your vibrant thoughts here ;)
    As I type this I would like to share with thee that peace has once again taken over my complete being…
    Sending you love,
    Z~

    p.s. i do so so so so love chateau!!! DOnt entice me ;) I’m seriously getting tempted..but will hold on and try to make a bang of NEW on new years :)

    • Sandra Pawula on November 24, 2011 at 11:02 am said:

      How marvelous! So happy that peace prevails within you. Looking forward to see what you unveil in the New Year. Not sure this is the right theme for me, but I’m experimenting. Love to you.

  5. Pingback: Expanding Your Happiness Vocabulary « Always Well Within | Language News & Information | Scoop.it

  6. GutsyLiving on November 25, 2011 at 7:09 am said:

    I love the word jubilant and don’t use it enough. it just sounds so happy doesn’t it? Thanks for keeping me in a positive frame of mind.

    • Sandra Pawula on November 25, 2011 at 9:00 am said:

      You’re welcome. I think I will try that one on today myself! Just saying the word makes me smile. :) Thanks, Sonia

    • Sandra Pawula on November 28, 2011 at 6:52 pm said:

      Hi Sonia.

      That’s a good one. I can see why you don’t use it often though as it doesn’t easily roll off the tongue. My pleasure to encourage a little positivity. It helps me too.

      • eastside454 on November 29, 2011 at 5:29 am said:

        Sandra, to either see or feel what these words represent means that we are in tune with the universe and that is a wonderful place to be! Have a truly joyful day. Eastside Eddie.

  7. Eddie Ostapchuk on November 25, 2011 at 11:13 am said:

    Although the content of my life is a bit precarious right now, i am eager and optimistic about the future. My vibrant personality and jubilant demeanor along with a tranquil disposition will make you spellbound! I get invigorated and enchanted when i see people radiant and full of life. I hope i have dazzled you with the use of all eleven words above.Have a magnificent weekend everyone!!! Eastside Eddie.

  8. Sandra Pawula on November 25, 2011 at 1:54 pm said:

    Eddie,

    You have dazzled me indeed. It’s quite an accomplishment to be so upbeat when the content of our life challenges us. Your humor, spaciousness, and word-crafting has uplifted me. Thank you!

  9. Vishnu on November 25, 2011 at 2:51 pm said:

    Hey Sandra – The last time I heard the 11 words you mention in your post was from a car salesman. And that was just him telling me how I’d feel before I bought the car. I’m not sure if I can repeat on your blog the things he said after I bought it!?! :)

    But seriously – words matter! Why not use the positive ones?

  10. Tess The Bold Life on November 26, 2011 at 1:08 am said:

    Sandra,
    I love your idea of how easy it is to practice non-violent communication. Your peace and joy that you share here is as bright as the butterfly painting. I’m overjoyed by your positivity. Thanks for sharing!

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