Attachment is the deep, lasting bond between a child and caregiver. The nature of the attachment bond, established from the beginning of life, has far-reaching implications for the developing individual over the whole life span.

Judith Weiser calls snapshots “footprints of the mind,” where the present holds the past and carries the story behind the words. Photos capture a moment that holds the feelings, thoughts, and emotions forever in time.

Self-motivated activities like yoga, gardening, bird watching, photography, etc. are driven from within. You want the locus of control to be in your hands, where it belongs, not at the mercy of others. It can involve others and is often more fun, but it needs to be something that already makes your heart sing. But if all your activities involve others, go back and change a few.

When we regularly cultivate inner grounding, we set ourselves up for greater resiliency. One of the best ways to do this is through ritual. The key to success is simplicity and repetition. Have a variety of ways to slow down and then pick one to practice. It could be something you already do each day. The change is in the intention.

This seemingly intangible quality of authenticity, then, has very tangible outcomes. Authentic people feel better, are more resilient, and less likely to turn to self-destructive habits for comfort. They tend to be purposeful in their choices and more likely to follow through on their goals.

Want to know a secret short cut to creating more joy in your life? Be a light in another’s life. Compliment and give thanks as often as you can. Reflect back the beauty, strength, creativity and wisdom you see in others. Be specific. “You look amazing in that dress and it’s all in the way you own it!” A snap of the fingers is optional, though highly recommended.