positive psychology

Curiouser And Curiouser

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Curiosity as a child and how it helps our wellbeing.

I don’t know where it came from, I don’t know where I got it but I would say being curious has been my saving grace.

Statistically there would be a high chance that I would have lost the element of being curious. We are all gifted with it from birth, being drawn to new things, then as a toddler it progresses into question after question of “what’s this?” and then the constant “why?”

Dr Bruce Perry of the Child Trauma Academy states; “that if this curiosity isn’t encouraged, it can start to fade”. This can be due to fear, disapproval or the absence of a caring invested adult. I fell into that category, but maybe because there were so many intriguing stories to unfold and secrets withheld from me; I managed to override the norm.

Sadly this loss of wonder is too familiar and it becomes a distant memory along with the busyness of life. Luckily; all is not lost. At any given moment it can be reclaimed and you too can continue your adventure into Wonderland and find the benefits of being curious.

LET THE STORY BEGIN.

If you have ever read the book Alice in Wonderland, you will remember that she falls into a rabbit hole, she then has to work out how to get out again. We become embroiled in her story of challenge, learning and curiosity as she meets many characters, who represent the rules, authorities and conditioning in life.

Confusion and obstacles in life and deciding the right direction.

When she meets Tweedledum and Tweedledee they tell her the tale of the Curious Oysters, instilling a familiar tale to each of us as they describe the consequences of being curious. As the tale unfolds, she continues to encounter all sorts of peculiar characters reconfirming the disastrous effects of curiosity and receives peculiar instructions. This causes confusion as she loses sight of her destination, maybe even feeling ensnared. She has listened to so many stories that she loses sight of herself , which may sound familiar? Fortunately through the story she begins to learn not to listen to others and listen from within and stand up to the obstacles and fears that others have bestowed on her. She finds that by using her curiosity she reclaims her power, identity and choices, to be who she wants to be.

BELIEFS.

As children we are like sponges, believing everything we are told to be the truth, which at times leaves us losing that sense of self and identity, very much like Alice. When we begin to question our beliefs by revisiting our curiosity and standing back and observing ourselves, amazing things can happen and we start to see the benefit of our curiosity. I am amazed every day by what I discover about myself and then I look back and can’t believe I thought the old belief was true.

SO WHAT ARE THE AMAZING BENEFITS?

1. HAPPINESS

Well for me, it is not surprising to learn that curiosity contributes towards happiness. In a survey of more than 10,000 people from 48 countries which was published in ”Perspectives on Psychological Sciences”, happiness was viewed as more important than success, relationships, knowledge, intelligence, relationships, wisdom, maturity, wealth and meaning in life.

So what an outstanding benefit it is, when it is so very much desired. Supporting this benefit is the Dalai Lama who proclaims ”it is the very purpose of our life.” When you begin to encourage a strong desire to know or learn something it cultivates a greater opportunity to experience joy.

In fact, to reiterate this point, Martin Seligman, PhD, and Chris Peterson, PhD, were two pioneers in the field of positive psychology. They created a system undertaken from a result of reading the works of religious texts, contemporary literature and ancient philosophers, and then identified patterns that they subjected to rigorous scientific tests. Through their research they began to recognise 24 basic human strengths, out of the 24, curiosity was one of the five most highly associated with overall life fulfilment and happiness.

2. RELATIONSHIPS

The more we become curious of surrounding people, the more open they in turn become. Our brains require stimulation and connection to survive and thrive. I know when I have had times of darkness in my life and felt anxious about communicating with others, it has had a knock on effect on my confidence, my ability to concentrate and my recall. When I take the plunge and engage, I start to feel the stimulation of positive emotions.

A study in the Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology: Vol. 23, by Todd B. Kashdan, John E. Roberts (2004) found that people were rated as more attractive and warmer if they showed real curiosity when engaging with others regardless of their social anxiety or levels of positive and negative emotion. This is great news so take the plunge like me and reap the benefits.

3. BUILDS OUR EMPATHY

When we start to build on our relationships by being curious, we find that we have more in common with others than we think. We become more understanding and gain greater insights in other people’s points of view. This can alleviate frustration and build on healthier ways to communicate.

4. INTELLECT

Dr. Matthias Gruber, lead author of a study at the University of California linking curiosity with memory and learning says that

“Curiosity may put the brain in a state that allows it to learn and retain any kind of information, like a vortex that sucks in what you are motivated to learn, and also everything around it.”

Wow, that is an incredible statement.

It is no wonder that Albert Einstein said “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious,” he wasn’t kidding. What the great Einstein was stating, I believe, is that we are all given the same rights to uncover, learn and explore, it is down to us to use them.

5. HEALTH

If we take all the benefits above that we have gained from our curiosity, it is highly likely that we would be rewarded by feeling healthier. A study over a period of five years on over a 1000 adults aged 60- 86. Aging found that those who were ranked as being more curious at the beginning of the study were more likely to have longevity of life as its conclusion, even after taking into account age, whether they smoked, the presence of cancer or cardiovascular disease, and so on.

WILL YOU JUMP DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE?

Down the rabbit hole of curiosity and positive psychology.

I hope you have found this article useful, and realised that if you were once burnt, you don’t have to stay that way. Are you willing to take that adventure just like Alice and create a life full of wonder….curiosity….joy….relationships….empathy….intellect…. and live to a ripe old age being curiouser and curiouser.

I would love to read your comments and let me know if you have found the curiosity in you.

Because happiness begins with you – and as we like to say at Little Shop of Happiness – ✨ little moments create big joy.   

With warmth,
Ali 🌸

Our Story

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Hi, I’m Ali — and a very warm welcome to Little Shop of Happiness.

Our Story. Welcome

Rediscovering joy in life’s little things, together.

Let me take you back for a moment — to my childhood. It wasn’t always filled with joy and happiness. Like many of us, I grew up amidst challenges and uncertainty, and there were times when life felt heavy and unpredictable. But looking back, those moments were where my journey of self-discovery quietly began.

Self discovery

As I grew older, I found myself searching for something deeper — a sense of peace and connection that seemed just out of reach. That search led me to explore positive psychology and mindfulness, not just as concepts, but as lifelines. They became my way of understanding what it truly means to live with awareness, gratitude, and presence.

Through this journey, I became certified as an NLP Practitioner, coach, and hypnotherapist. But these aren’t just titles to me — they’re tools that helped me transform my own relationship with happiness and, in turn, guide others to rediscover theirs.

That’s how Little Shop of Happiness was born — from a heartfelt mission to create a welcoming space for those who feel disconnected, helping them reconnect with themselves and rediscover joy in life’s little things.

A Little More About Me

I’m happily married and a proud mum of two wonderful daughters who are now stepping into young adulthood with confidence and grace. Our family also includes two furry bundles of energy, Bailey and Rosie, who fill our home with laughter, cuddles, and just the right amount of chaos.

my interest in nature for little shop of happiness

 

Nature has always been my sanctuary. Whether it’s a quiet walk with the sound of birds, the rhythm of the waves during a sea swim, or simply watching the sun rise and set — those moments remind me that peace and joy often live in the simplest places.

I find happiness in life’s little rituals: a warm cup of tea, shared laughter, or a quiet moment of stillness. These small acts have become anchors — daily reminders that joy doesn’t have to be grand to be meaningful.

The Heart Behind Little Shop of Happiness

At Little Shop of Happiness, my purpose is to support and empower others to reconnect with themselves — especially those who feel overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected — and help them rediscover the joy that’s always been within reach.

calm, reconnecting a step at a time

I believe happiness isn’t about perfection or constant positivity; it’s about presence. It’s about noticing the moments that make your heart exhale — a kind word, a deep breath, a moment of calm amid chaos.

Through mindfulness, positivity, and simple daily practices, we can gently shift from overwhelm to appreciation, from autopilot to awareness, and from “just getting through” to truly living.

Together, we’ll explore ways to bring more meaning, balance, and lightness into your everyday — because joy isn’t something to chase, it’s something to nurture.

A Closing Thought

If you take one thing away from my story, I hope it’s this:
Happiness begins with you — in the small, beautiful, ordinary moments that make up your days.

Here, in this little corner of the world, you’ll always find a warm welcome, a gentle reminder to pause, and a space to reconnect with what truly matters.

✨ At Little Shop of Happiness, we believe: little moments create big joy.

With warmth,
Ali 🌸

Where Is Your Happy Place?

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To inspire images and thoughts of a happy place for wellbeing.

Ever caught yourself daydreaming of a spot where worries just melt away? That’s your mind working on building a ‘happy place.’ This isn’t just a fluffy concept from wellness trends. It’s got some serious psychological backing. A happy place is a mental sanctuary we create to escape stress and chaos, even if just for a moment.

Imagine a place where your shoulders feel less tense and your mind hits pause on its endless streaming of daily concerns. That’s the psychology of a happy place at work, providing a break to recharge your emotional batteries. It’s like a mini-vacation for your mind without booking any flights.

Our brains are fascinating. Did you know they can craft detailed, immersive zones of tranquility? When you’re mentally creating these havens, your brain engages in what’s called “visual imagery”—a nifty trick that involves processing pictures in your mind’s eye to produce a physical feeling of calm.

Visualisation isn’t just about imagining a place. It has real-world effects. Studies have found that when you envision a serene setting, your body might respond by lowering your heart rate or easing muscle tension. That’s because you’re tapping into the mind-body connection, where your thoughts can directly impact your physical state.

Next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, consider tapping into this built-in feature of your brain. Crafting and visiting your own happy place isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a legitimate strategy for enhancing mental well-being and finding peace amidst life’s noise.

The Heart of Serenity: Why You Should Cultivate a Happy Place in Your Mind

Think of a mental happy place as your personal refuge. It’s a spot your mind can retreat to when things go haywire. There’s real power in that. Having a place in your imagination where you can mentally escape stress builds emotional resilience, kind of like a cushion for your brain.

When life hands you lemons, using a happy place can help you feel more rooted and in control. It’s like having an emotional anchor. Guiding your thoughts to this mental hideout can slow the carousel of stress and give you that breathing space we all crave sometimes.

So, how do you make a happy place work for you? Give guided imagery a shot. It’s a technique that’s super effective in helping you create these mental escapes. Spend some time vividly picturing scenes that calm you. It could be the beach, a tranquil forest, or even a cosy reading nook—the specifics don’t matter as long as they bring you peace.

Imagining your happy spot before a stressful meeting or after a particularly rough day can do wonders. It’s about finding grounding in your thoughts when you can’t control what’s around you. Making a habit of this can gradually build up your tank of resilience and calm—handy when you need to maneuver around life’s hurdles.

Next thing you know, your mental happy place becomes this go-to tool that flips your day around. Combine this with mindfulness practices and, pretty soon, you’ve got yourself a go-to method for stress-busting, stress-free.

Finding Personalised Joy: Creative Ideas for Your Mental Happy Place

The beauty of a mental happy place is in its customisation. It’s tailored just for you, reflecting your tastes and comforting memories. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh coffee that kicks off your morning bliss or the echo of waves lapping at a distant shore—whatever stirs joy and calm from your past experiences.

Personal memories are the building blocks for your mental retreat. Did family camping trips spark that warm, fuzzy feeling? Or maybe that solo trip to a foreign city etched in serenity? Use these experiences. Pull favourite elements from them and layer them into the mental space you’re blueprinting.

Culture and background can also shape your happy place. Maybe it’s a temple from childhood holidays or a grandmother’s garden where life’s troubles seemed to melt away. These layers add depth and make your escape room unique. It’s about drawing from the well of your experiences and sculpting a place where every detail brings clarity and peace.

If drawing a blank on ideas, think about what naturally pulls you in. Freshly cut grass, the buzz of a coffee shop, or even the hushed whispers of a library. Everyday places can provide unexpected solace. Even if you can’t visit them physically, your mind remembers and knows how to recreate those sensations.

Transitioning ordinary spaces into sanctuaries calls for a bit of creativity and introspection—focus on what feels right, what sounds, smells, and sights soothe you, and you will find yourself in a beautifully crafted personal sanctuary each time you close your eyes.

These aren’t just locations—they are companions in your mental wellness journey, like old friends in new settings.

Sensing Bliss: Tuning Into Your Senses to Enhance Your Happy Place

The five senses are your secret weapon when building a mental sanctuary. Consider how each sense plays a part in bringing your happy place to life. The sight of sunlight filtering through trees, the gentle sound of rustling leaves, the aroma of blooming flowers, the taste of salty sea air, and even the texture of warm sand between your toes—these are all elements that deepen your experience.

Creating a rich sensory environment in your mind isn’t just more realistic—it’s more soothing. These details make your mental getaway more vivid, immersing you completely in relaxation mode. It’s like going to your favourite holiday spot, minus the packing and the hussle and bustle at the airport.

Wisdom from sensory grounding techniques tells us grounding in senses can offer immediate comfort. When stress threatens to take over, focusing on specific sensory aspects can reel you back into calm. Visualise what you see or hear in your happy place to anchor your mind right back to peace.

Want to practice tuning into sensory experiences? Start with small exercises. Close your eyes and draw on specific memories tied to each sense. What does rain smell like? How does grass feel underfoot? Paint these pictures vividly. As you become more adept, you’ll find it easier to conjure up comforting sensations on demand.

Turning up the sensory volume of your mental space is transforming little nudges into a symphony of sensory detail. With these techniques, your trips to this mental paradise become more immersive, tangible, and ultimately, grounding.

Guided Exploration: Crafting and Practising a Happy Place Visualisation

Building a happy place in your mind is like designing a personal getaway tailored just for you without the stress of trip planning. Crafting this space starts with clear intention and vivid imagination, allowing you to savour peace and comfort whenever you need it.

Start your visualisation by choosing a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed. Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and begin to picture your chosen haven. Imagine every detail, from the colours and shapes to the sounds and smells that fill this place.

To make your happy place truly yours, don’t shy away from injecting personal twists. Maybe your perfect spot includes a soothing soundtrack of nature or holds a cherished memory like the warmth of a campfire. These elements personalise and strengthen your connection to this mental retreat.

Shaping and refining your happy place over time keeps it fresh and effective. Revisit and tweak it as you like, perhaps even weaving in new sensory details inspired by recent experiences. This practice not only enriches your visualisation but also enhances your ability to slip into this calm space whenever life demands.

Merging mindfulness with your happy place visualisation can enhance its benefits. Engaging in daily practices like meditation while visiting your happy place can solidify its role as a stress-relief tool. This integration reinforces peace and resilience, ensuring clarity and calm remain within reach no matter the turbulence outside.

Here’s an example to get you started: Picture a peaceful lakeside with a gentle breeze rustling through the trees. The light dances on the water, and the scent of pine fills the air. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and the soft earth beneath you. Spend a few moments here, letting the calm wash over you before returning to your day.

I hope you found this article useful, be good to yourself and make use of the happy place waiting for you. We are all made up of such wonderful inner resources, we just need to give ourselves permission to tap into our joy. If I can help you in anyway to discover more, please reach out.

Because happiness begins with you – and as we like to say at Little Shop of Happiness,

✨ little moments create big joy.

With warmth,
Ali 🌸

Understanding Positive Psychology: A Roadmap For Happiness

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A roadmap to inner happiness by understanding positive psychology

Understanding Positive Psychology: A Roadmap to Happiness

If you’re like most people, you’ve probably wondered at some point in your life, “What does it really mean to be happy?” I know I did, I spent a long time searching for it, as many of you are probably too. Maybe you have been searching through success, relationships, or something else. But what if happiness isn’t some distant goal we reach after we’ve achieved everything on our to-do list? What if happiness is actually something we can tap into our lives right now? That’s where positive psychology comes in.

Positive psychology is all about looking at what makes life great. It’s not about pretending everything is perfect, but about focusing on what does work, what lifts us up, and what helps us thrive. Think of it as a roadmap to help you live a life that feels full of joy, meaning, and satisfaction—even on the tough days. Your journey within, not just trying to reach your destination.

So, What Exactly is Positive Psychology?

Positive psychology isn’t about denying the hard parts of life, but it’s about intentionally focusing on the things that help us grow, learn, and feel good. It was popularised by a psychologist named Martin Seligman back in the 1990s, who thought psychology should do more than just treat mental illness—it should also help us figure out what makes life worth living. He wanted to explore happiness, human strengths, and what it means to truly flourish. It was a blessing when I discovered this understanding, after witnessing a turbulent upbringing due to mental health. which later impacted my mental health, it was refreshing to realise that I was enough and was never broken.

So, positive psychology looks at things like love, joy, gratitude, and the simple acts that help us feel like we’re living life to the fullest. And the best part? It’s not just about feeling happy in the moment, but about creating a sustainable, lasting sense of well-being. It’s about taking small steps each day that are personal to you, to build a life that feels rich and fulfilling, no matter where you’re starting from.

Let’s Break It Down: The Key Elements of Positive Psychology

  1. Positive Emotions: Happiness isn’t just about the big moments—it’s about the small, everyday joys too. The feeling of a warm cup of coffee in your hands, a kind word from a friend, or just a good laugh. Positive psychology teaches us that the more we savour these small, positive moments, the more we train our minds to focus on the good in life. Have you ever noticed how a feeling of gratitude can instantly lift your spirits? That’s the magic of positive emotions. When you take time to appreciate the good things in your life, even the tiniest ones, it can make a huge difference to your mood and mindset. It helps you stay grounded, even when life gets chaotic.
  2. Engagement: Ever get so absorbed in something that hours just seem to slip away? That’s called flow, and it’s one of the best feelings in the world. Positive psychology teaches us that the more we engage in activities that truly captivate us—whether that’s cooking, reading, painting, or even solving problems—the more fulfilled we feel.The cool part? These activities don’t have to be huge or complex. It’s about being fully immersed in the present moment, doing what you love. When you’re doing something that brings you joy, it helps you forget about worries and creates a deep sense of satisfaction. So, think about what makes you feel alive and try to carve out time for it each day.
  3. Relationships: No surprise here: we’re happier when we have strong relationships with the people around us. Positive psychology says that quality connections—whether with friends, family, or even pets—are one of the most important ingredients in living a happy life. Humans are social creatures, and the love and support we get from others play a huge role in our happiness. Even when life feels difficult, a hug from a loved one or a chat with a friend can make things feel a little better. If you want to boost your happiness, nurture your relationships. It’s not about the number of friends you have, but about the depth of connection you share with the people around you.
  4. Meaning: When life feels meaningful, everything else seems to fall into place. Positive psychology teaches that finding purpose, whether through work, relationships, or hobbies, gives us a sense of fulfilment that goes beyond just feeling good. It’s about having a reason to get up in the morning, something that makes your life feel important. And here’s the thing: meaning doesn’t have to come from big achievements. Sometimes, meaning is found in small acts of kindness, in the way we contribute to others, or in pursuing a passion that makes us feel connected to something bigger than ourselves. When you live in a way that aligns with your values, everything feels more purposeful.
  5. Accomplishment: Accomplishing things—whether it’s personal growth, work-related goals, or even just getting through a challenging week—helps us feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It’s not about seeking perfection or chasing external rewards, but about setting goals that feel good to you and finding joy in the process. Even small wins, like making it through a tough day or completing a task you’ve been putting off, deserve celebration. Positive psychology reminds us that success is about progress, not perfection. So, take pride in your achievements, no matter how small they might seem.

Making Choices, Reframing, and Embracing “Enough”

Now, let’s dive into three powerful concepts that can change the way we look at life: choices, reframing, and the idea of being enough.

  1. Choices: One of the most empowering things about positive psychology is that it reminds us we always have choices. Life isn’t just something that happens to us; we get to choose how we respond to it. Whether it’s choosing to focus on the positives instead of the negatives or deciding to let go of the need for perfection, every day gives us opportunities to make choices that shape our happiness.This doesn’t mean that life is always easy or that challenges won’t arise, but it does mean we have the power to decide how we navigate those challenges. Choosing to be kind to yourself, choosing to see opportunities in struggles, and choosing to surround yourself with positive influences are all decisions that can have a profound impact on your well-being.
  2. Reframing: Sometimes, the way we view a situation can be the difference between feeling stuck or feeling empowered. Reframing is a tool from positive psychology that involves changing your perspective on a situation. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, you can choose to look at it as a chance to learn and grow.For example, instead of viewing a setback as failure, you might reframe it as a learning experience. Or if you’re feeling overwhelmed, you could reframe it as an opportunity to practice patience and build resilience. By reframing, you’re shifting your focus from what’s negative to what’s possible—and that shift can change everything.
  3. Being Enough: Here’s a big one: you are enough, just as you are. In a world that often tells us we need to be more, do more, or achieve more, it’s easy to forget this simple truth. Positive psychology reminds us that we don’t have to chase after constant self-improvement or external validation to be worthy of happiness. You don’t have to be perfect or have everything figured out to be enough.Embracing the idea that you’re enough means accepting yourself with all your strengths and imperfections. It’s about showing yourself compassion and acknowledging the value you bring to the world—without comparing yourself to others. When you accept that you are enough, you free yourself from the pressure of always having to measure up, and you allow yourself to enjoy the present moment more fully.

Practical Ways to Bring Positive Psychology Into Your Life

So, how do we start using positive psychology to live happier lives? Here are some simple, yet powerful strategies that can make a real difference:

  1. Gratitude: Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for. Start a gratitude journal, or simply spend a few minutes before bed thinking about the positive moments in your day. Focusing on what you appreciate can shift your mindset and help you feel more positive.
  2. Mindfulness: Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment, not dwelling on the past or stressing about the future. Taking a few minutes to breathe deeply, practice meditation, or even just notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you can ground you and help reduce stress.
  3. Focus on Your Strengths: Everyone has their own set of strengths—things you’re naturally good at or passionate about. Whether it’s creativity, kindness, or perseverance, positive psychology suggests that we can increase our happiness by identifying and using our strengths in everyday life. So, what are your strengths? Find ways to use them, and you’ll feel more confident and fulfilled.
  4. Set Goals that Matter to You: Happiness is not about chasing someone else’s dreams; it’s about setting goals that align with your own values and interests. Whether it’s learning a new skill, improving your health, or spending more time with loved ones, setting meaningful goals gives your life purpose and direction.
  5. Build Connections: Take the time to nurture your relationships. Send a text to check on a friend, spend quality time with family, or just share a laugh with someone you care about. The more positive connections you have in your life, the happier you’ll feel. Remember, it’s the quality of relationships that matters most, not the quantity.

Wrapping Up:

Positive psychology gives us the tools to connect to ourselves and see a happier, more fulfilling life, that is right within us. It’s not about pretending everything’s perfect—it’s about focusing on the good, building meaningful relationship with yourself and others, and savouring the present moment. Life is always a mix of ups and downs, but by making small changes and nurturing our mental and emotional well-being, we can create more moments of happiness and fulfilment.

So, take a deep breath, and remember: happiness isn’t a destination, but a journey. Every small step you take to allow yourself to be in the moment and live a life from a place that feels good and meaningful is worth celebrating. You are enough, just as you are. Keep going, be kind to yourself, and enjoy the ride!

You’ve got this.

Because happiness begins with you – and as we like to say at Little Shop of Happiness,

✨ little moments create big joy.

With warmth,
Ali 🌸