Translating wellbeing science into positive community experiences.
Main elements of Positivity Matters:
- Hope to Flourish Circles – a small-group conversation format designed to strengthen positive mental wellbeing.
- Annual community celebrations (Lincoln | Omaha) on or around March 20th – the International Day of Happiness.
- Seeds of Kindness – Seeds of Happiness: five acts of kindness between January 20th, MLK Jr. Day, and March 20th, the International Day of Happiness.
- The Positivity Matters podcast (Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Amazon Music) (archive)
Upcoming International Day of Happiness celebrations:
Omaha Celebrates the International Day of Happiness!
Thursday, March 20, 2025
8:30am-8:00pm
UNO Thompson Alumni Center
Lincoln Celebrates the International Day of Happiness!
Saturday, March 22, 2025
10:30am-5:30pm
Charles H. Gere Branch Library
2400 S 56th St, Lincoln, NE 68506
Ongoing Events:
Hope to Flourish Circles: www.positivitymatters.org/HopeToFlourish
An open source small-group conversation format designed to strengthen the positive mental wellbeing of members.
Video clips of past Positivity Matters events and media coverage.
Our wellbeing model can be summarized with the acronym H.A.P.P.Y. L.I.F.E.:
- Health – physical and mental wellbeing.
- Aesthetic experience – natural and created beauty.
- Play – creativity, games, the arts, sport, humor, good conversation…
- Pleasure – the thing that makes positive emotions positive.
- Yes-saying – What values do we say yes to?
- Life – the web of life.
- Information – the goodness of knowledge.
- Friendship – the pinnacle of positive social interaction.
- Engagement – absorption, flow, being in the zone.
Advisors:
- Richard Dienstbier, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Dr. Dienstbier on physiological toughness: article | book) (video of Dr. Dienstbier speaking on love and physiological toughness | podcast with Dr. Dienstbier speaking on nutrition, toughness, and human flourishing)
- Shane George, Visiting Assistant Professor, University of North Florida (Dr. George on autonomy and authenticity) (Dr George co-presenting on humor, a prime form of playfulness, at an event we organized to celebrate the 2018 International Day of Happiness)
Contact:
Nick Hernandez, Community Builder
Call/text: 402-909-5203