Gail Stewart

Think you have happiness all figured out? You might be in for a surprise. From chasing material possessions to obsessing over perfection, many of our go-to strategies for finding joy are actually misguided. If you truly want to feel content in life, you have to get rid of these worn-out ideas and debunk those persistent myths.

Hitting your 50s brings a new level of clarity and self-assurance. You've been around the block, learned some lessons, and you're just not as easily bothered by things you once obsessed over. These things used to keep you up at night, but now, you really couldn't care less (and it feels amazing).

We often prioritize prestigious degrees and high-powered jobs over the simple power of good manners, but saying “please” and “thank you,” treating people with kindness, and conducting ourselves with grace are the true hallmarks of success. Good manners open doors, build bridges, and create opportunities that no degree alone can match. Here's why they're so valuable.

Hitting your 50s is a major milestone. You've gained wisdom, weathered storms, and developed a unique perspective on what truly matters. Here's a reminder of some things easily taken for granted, but that deserve your full appreciation in this new decade.

We all think we know what loneliness is, but a lot of our assumptions about it are actually way off base. Turns out, there's more to this extremely common emotion than meets the eye. Getting a clearer picture of what loneliness really is can help us deal with it better in ourselves and be there for other people who are struggling with it. Here are some of the myths that are long overdue for busting.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: attractiveness isn't about how you look, it's about how you carry yourself.

Great relationships don't just happen; they take effort. However, that effort shouldn't feel like an uphill battle. There are easy ways to turn the required “work” into something that deepens your bonds and makes your relationship a source of strength, not stress.

We've all been there – you're being your friendly self, then BAM! The other person gets that glint in their eye, thinking they're about to score when you were just trying to, you know, be nice . Let's identify the culprits of crossed wires to help avoid those awkward “oh, haha, I wasn't…” moments.

We all make mistakes, but some are more avoidable than others. It's easy to get caught up in the moment and lose sight of the long-term impact of our actions. Consider this a little nudge from the ghost of future regret. Let's explore those seemingly small things that can cast surprisingly long shadows:

Listen, tossing and turning all night sucks. And while some insomnia has deeper medical causes, if your issue is a racing mind and overactive body, their morning habits might hold important clues. People who sleep easily don't just get lucky – they create the ideal conditions for restful sleep way before bedtime!