What is the relationship between disability and well-being? (In this post, I'll call this the Relationship Question.) The Relationship Question is both enormously complex and highly fraught -philosophically, socially, and politically. Philosophers have starkly different views. One prominent view, held by Elizabeth Barnes, is that disability is a Mere Difference: having a disability does not, on its own, make one's life go worse, although in our ableist society, disabled people are more likely to live worse lives because of barriers and stigmas.
For new entrepreneurs, social media is often an essential channel for marketing, networking and brand visibility. Yet the same platforms that drive opportunity can also encourage nonstop scrolling, constant comparison and a gradual erosion of focus. Striking the right balance is not only about protecting your time-it's about establishing sustainable habits that support both business growth and personal well-being.
Seeing your life as a Hero's Journey can make you happier, more resilient, and more fulfilled. But these same principles can also transform your digital products, helping you create more motivating and meaningful user experiences. In this article, I'll share insights from a recent paper on the psychology of the Hero's Journey. I'll explain what it is, guide you through a simple exercise to help you experience its psychological effects, and explore how you might heroify your own digital products.
Finding genuine social opportunities as an adult isn't easy-especially when you are a single mom. Another article could cover my to-do list! Workplaces don't always provide deep bonds, and busy schedules leave little room for forging new connections. Apps like Timeleft create structured openings for socializing-essentially giving adults permission to show up, sit down, and connect in a low-pressure situation.
There may not be a recipe for happiness, but there is definitely a meal plan. The 2025 World Happiness Report shares a special ingredient for happiness that transcends age, gender, country, culture, and location. The secret? Sharing a meal with another person. Sharing meals is a universal social ritual practiced daily by millions of people. It is uniquely comparable across countries and cultures, between individuals, and over time.
The paper advances the concept that assertiveness can provide even more benefit to personal well-being by expanding the definition, strategies, and tools associated with assertiveness. Assertiveness has traditionally been defined as directly expressing what we want and how we feel while being respectful of the right of others to do the same (social assertiveness). This form of assertiveness is rooted in behavioral psychology and has been widely adopted in clinical and educational settings.
Participants who started out with higher levels of well-being also tended to have higher levels of cognitive function. When participants experienced declines in well-being, they showed similarly-sized declines in cognition.
Maintaining positivity during challenging times is both essential and difficult. The benefits of positivity extend beyond mood improvement. Positive thinking enhances resilience, strengthens relationships, and contributes to a more meaningful life.
We've seen this firsthand. At a small program we run, daily routines often include time in nature. Sometimes a brisk walk in the woods, sometimes just sitting outside for some morning sunlight. The shift in our students is visible. They return from even a 15-minute walk more regulated, more connected, and better prepared to learn.
Through our partnership with Max Matthiessen, we see significant potential to accelerate our technological and evidence-based development, as well as our ability to deliver tailored customer solutions.