Inspired Watching the Morning News: Adam Grant

How often can you say that you felt inspired by something you saw on the news? It seems that happens less and less often these days. In fact, that’s part of the reason I started writing this blog. I wanted to create content that was positive, helpful, and inspiring. But earlier this week, I was inspired by the morning news. Actually, it was the Today Show, which you could argue is not strictly a news program. But it does cover its share of sadness, contentions, and destruction. My posts are often inspired by something I read or hear in passing Read More

Making Choices Out of Hope Instead of Fear

I don’t know about you, but it seems everywhere I turn lately, I see a news story or read a Facebook comment or overhear someone talking about something that we all need to be worried about. Maybe even afraid of and probably angry about too. One thing I know for sure, making choices and taking action out of fear, anger, and other negative feelings is a mistake. It is much better to make decisions from a place of optimism, kindness, and love. Making choices out of hope instead of fear can make a big difference in our lives and in Read More

Laughter is Good Medicine and There’s Proof

We’ve all heard the phrase “laughter is good medicine.,” but did you know that there is scientific proof that it’s true? I’ve been reading several different studies about laughter and am impressed by how much good giggles, guffaws, chuckles and chortles can do to our health and well-being.       Laughter is Good Medicine For Our Hearts   A  study at the University of Maryland’s American College of Cardiology found that laughter can reduce your blood pressure and help your blood vessels work better. This, in turn, reduces your risks of cardiovascular disease. Apparently, laughter has an anti-inflammatory effect Read More

You’re Looking at a Sunshine Blogger Award Recipient

When I started My Cup of Cocoa almost a year ago, I did so without any thought to other blogs, blog culture, or my place in the world of blogs. That’s probably because I knew next to nothing about all that. I started because I wanted to put a little more positivity into the world. I was tired of all the negativity, anger, and hate I was seeing online. And so My Cup of Cocoa was born. A few weeks ago, it was nominated for the Sunshine Blogger Award. I am so honored! Thanks to No Happy Accidents for the Read More