Author: Stephanie Hills

  • Acts of kindness through the work we do

    People who work in the helping professions often go above and beyond their job descriptions to help the people they support. One example is Rosa*, whose job involves helping refugee families to settle in New Zealand. Rosa’s compassion for those who have experienced terrible conditions in their home countries and in crowded refugee camps, prompts […]

  • Maximise Your Chances in Life

    Some people constantly experience good fortune; others don’t. Research shows that much of it comes down to the things people do that attract opportunities. In this workshop, learn and practise the 12 habits that invite good fortune into your life. Contact steph@happynation.co.nz to hold this workshop in your workplace

  • Playing on words

  • Tips to help with low mood

    Tips to help with low mood: Sometimes it’s hard to shake off a low mood. Things we normally enjoy seem suddenly boring or pointless and we find ourselves filling our time with distracting, yet unfulfilling activities. When we finally face the fact that we are not okay, our first response is often, “What’s wrong with […]

  • The Biology of Kindness

    The Biology of Kindness: Six Daily Choices for Health, Well-Being, and Longevity by Immaculata De Vivo and Daniel Lumera If you follow positive psychology, you’ll know that happiness is good for your health and leads to a longer life. You may also know that people who are compassionate and serve others tend to be happier […]

  • Lighthearted stories

    A man goes into a pet shop and asks, “Do you have any dogs going cheap?” The salesman says, “No, only our birds go cheep. Our dogs go WOOF!” * * * * I went to the cemetery yesterday and there were 4 pall bearers walking around with a coffin. An hour later they were […]

  • Be the Change or Take Action

    Paulo Coelho said, “The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.” Not surprising, since most of our opinions relate to what other people should do – people who are largely unaffected by what we think. Also, we’re usually far more comfortable expressing our opinions to people who agree with us, or people […]

  • Help not needed

    If we see a stranger in trouble, it’s good to stop and help – but sometimes we can get it wrong.  The other day as I pulled into my street, I saw a motorcycle on its side and its rider sprawled out on a grassy bank by the side of the road. Immediately I pulled […]

  • Upbeat, No Matter What

    Happiness is good for your health and your social life, but how do you stay cheerful when life gets difficult?  Luckily, there are ways of keeping yourself in good mental and emotional shape. This workshop covers practical ways to maintain wellbeing as well as ways of thinking about your challenges that can ensure you don’t […]

  • Thanks for your service

    An older gentleman works for a Bunnings store, helping direct customers at the entrance. He’s a great success with customers and staff. He has an easy way with people and everyone loves him. He has just one fault: he is late for work nearly every morning. When it’s time for the manager to call him […]