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I just saw a very interesting piece from CBS News (embedded above) that tells of a project that one very optimistic and enterprising soul named Colette Hiller decided to take on: scattering 30 pianos in random public places around London. Their puropse? To inspire impromptu public sing-alongs among strangers. The goal? To foster goodwill and social bonding among the people in the city, who may need a pick-me-up because of the recession and other real-world stressors.

It may sound like a lot of work and expense to procure 30 pianos, secure them in various locations, and protect them from the weather, all while complying with city ordinances and filing appropriate paperwork. It was. But the effect seems to be a great success: people around the city, people who otherwise tend to keep to themselves, shared music and goodwill, and found their days becoming a little brighter.

I'm sharing this story with you because it makes me smile, and because we can learn something from this project, even if we don't have real-life access to ransom public pianos:

1. Music really can be a pick-me-up, and can brighten your day. (Read more about the benefits of music.)

2. Feeling connected to others can also brighten your day. It's worth going outside of yourself to connect with others, even if they're strangers. (Read more about the reasons to smile at others.)

3. The 'Random Acts of Kindness' movement is still alive, and still bringing happiness to people. It's worth going through some effort to bring extra happiness to someone's day--that can bring happiness to yours as well! (Read more about the benefits of altruism.)

4. Happiness is contagious. (Read about shortcuts to happiness.)

Obviously, scattering a bunch of free pianos around town is a serious undertaking, and is a rare enough act to make international news. However, kind acts are performed every day, by all types of people, and they count, too. What nice things have you done to help others? What nice things have others done to put a smile on your face? Share your 'Acts of Kindness' stories here in the comments--you'll make many people smile!

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I've been trying out more and more iPhone applications lately. This is partly because I have one of the new iPhone 3Gs, and love using it, and partly because I just keep discovering really great iPhone apps.

One that I'd like to bring to your attention is the Live Happy iPhone application. I love it because it brings together several things that I have found to be useful for cultivating optimism, gratitude, resilience and a strong social circle, among other things. And I really love it because it helps you take action in different areas in your life, and create habits that promote these good things. It also supplies some nice research on positive psychology.

Here's a more detailed review of the Live Happy iPhone Application. You'll find more details about the app, as well as an opportunity to add your own review, if you've experienced the application yourself! (What do you like about it? What don't you like? What do other readers think?)

I'd also like to hear about your favorite iPhone applications for stress relief. What are they? How have they helped you? Read what others recommend, and add your best recommendations!

Finally, for those who don't have iPhones, here are some happiness-promoting resources you can use--for free, of course!--from this site. Enjoy, and make today the beginning of the happiest, most satisfying phase of your life yet.

Happiness Resources from Elizabeth Scott:

• Stress Relievers for Happiness

• Shortcuts To Happiness

• Secrets of Happy People

• Positive Psychology: What Is It?
  

• Quiz: How Happy Are You?

• Positive Psychology and Happiness

• Having What You Want

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Some questions come up for many people--they're frequently asked. Below is a link to dozens of commonly-wondered, oft-uttered questions, and answers, along with links to resources.

Stress FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Stress

Sample Stress FAQs:

"I'm Overwhelmed By Stress. How Can I Even Begin To Better Manage It?"
Many people feel overwhelmed by stress and don't know where to begin in leading healthier lives. Too often, stress affects health and leads to unhealthy behaviors and a downward spiral of more and more stress. This article on stress management basics can show you how to feel better right now, and give you a clear path to a healthier lifestyle.

How Can I Deal With A Difficult Co-Worker?
According to a recent job stress poll on this site, about three in four of us deal with at least one difficult co-worker at our jobs. These people can cause weekly--or sometimes even daily--stress. Find out how to handle difficult coworkers to reduce job stress and feel more at peace when you're at work.

How Can I Keep Stress From Interfering With My Sleep?
Attaining quality sleep is very important to your physical and emotional health, as well as your personal productivity, for many reasons. Unfortunately, many people find that stress affects their sleep. This article explains how, and provides useful information and resources to help you reduce stress and get more quality sleep right away.

I'd like to hear your answers, too! Here's a selection of articles that are comprised almost entirely of responses from the other stress experts on this site: you guys, the readers! See what other readers have to say, and add your best words of wisdom!

Reader Response Articles

Is there a question you'd love to see answered, but don't see it in these lists? Something else on your mind? Write it in the comments!

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A few years back, the Law of Attraction was brought into mainstream awareness when Oprah showcased the popular book, The Secret. Suddenly, many people realized, as they had never grasped before, that they had more of a hand in creating their own reality--their stressors, their circumstances, their 'lucky breaks'--by how they habitually focused their attention. (Those who study optimism, practice positive affirmations, or keep gratitude journals knew this already.)

Now that the idea has had a chance to take hold and sink in, I see many people on Twitter who are using the Law of Attraction in their own lives, and discussing its effects. Are you one of them? What do you think of the Law of Attraction? And how has it worked in your life?

Share your thoughts on attraction in the comments section, or share your stories about the effects of the Law Of Attraction in this Reader Response article on attraction.

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