Translating wellbeing science into generative community experiences.
www.PositivityMatters.org
Elements of Positivity Matters:
- Organizing community events around the H.A.P.P.Y. L.I.F.E. themes of wellbeing science:
- On Saturday, July 12, 2025, Nebraska celebrates the International Day of Hope (Facebook)!
- 2025 International Day of Happiness celebrations: Lincoln, NE | Omaha, NE
- Seeds of Kindness: acts of kindness sow seeds of happiness and hope!
- The Hope Accelerator: a hope building peer-discussion format.
- The Positivity Matters podcast (Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Amazon) (archive | formerly Community Matters)
Wellbeing science can be summarized with the acronym H.A.P.P.Y. L.I.F.E.:
- Health: physical and mental.
- Aesthetic experience: natural and created beauty.
- Play: pursuing, doing, and/or creating that which is interesting.
- Pleasure: liking
- Yes-saying: What values do we say yes to?
- Life: the web of life.
- Information: knowledge/know-how.
- Friendship: good social health.
- Engagement: absorption in flow.
H.A.P.P.Y. L.I.F.E. Advisory Council:
- Health: 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)
- Aesthetic experience: Karen Kunc, Constellation Studios
- Yes-saying: 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 Lincoln’s 2018 International Day of Happiness celebration)
History of Positivity Matters:
- Happiness Lincoln: celebrating the 15th anniversary of the founding of positive psychology when many threads of wellbeing research were brought together at an event that took place in Lincoln, NE in 1999.
- Video clips of past Positivity Matters events and media coverage.
Nick Hernandez, Community Builder
[email protected]
Call/Text: 402-909-5203
Nick’s strength profiles:
CliftonStrengths: Connectedness | Maximizer | Futuristic | Strategic | Positivity
VIA strengths: Curiosity | Zest | Humor (Playfulness) | Appreciation of Beauty & Excellence | Hope
Free VIA Survey of Character Strengths: Registration | Take Test | Handbook