Solitude simply means seclusion, quiet, and privacy. Some find solitude undesirable and even depressing. Others view it as an opportunity to reflect and discover spiritual enlightenment. Putting a positive spin on solitude creates an invitation for us to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of our daily lives. Solitude is a call to action to simply spend quiet time away from the commotion of places and people abuzz. It is an opportunity for deep reflection about your self, happiness, purpose and contribution in this world.

Did you see the film A Beautiful Mind starring Russell Crow? I did. If you didn’t, you should check it out. It is a splendid biographical drama film based on the life of Nobel Prize winner John Forbes Nash Jr.; Crow stars as Nash and Jennifer Connelly his wife. It’s a story of man whose mind, on one hand, yielded huge benefits to society while, on the other, let him down with troublesome schizophrenia.

What greater thing is there for two human souls, than to feel that they are joined for life--to strengthen each other in all labor, to rest on each other in all sorrow, to minister to each other in all pain, to be one with each other in silent unspeakable memories at the moment of the last parting? ~ George Eliot, Adam Bede Happiest Places On the backdrop of the beautiful Caribbean ocean, I want to share a reflection on relationships. The popularized tagline of Disneyland is "The Happiest Place On Earth." For many Disneyland may very well be, but, consider something much deeper like the space between you and another, especially close relationships. Eric Weiner, the author of the book The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, observed, “the happiest places on earth are not internal ones. They are not geographical ones. It’s the places between us and the closer they are the more at ease we are the happier they tend to be.”

A relationship is, in essence, a connection with another individual and in our daily lives, it can come in many forms. A relationship may be described as familial, romantic, a friendship, an acquaintance, collegiate, or professional. Let’s face it, relationships have a colossal impact on our lives. Some can be uplifting and others can be discouraging. Can you think of any of your existing relationships that zap your energy and wear you down?

We only live once, but once is enough if we do it right. Live your life with class, dignity, and style so that an exclamation, rather than a question mark signifies it!~ Gary Ryan Blair

Nothing is more important than reconnecting with your bliss. Nothing is as rich. Nothing is more real.~Deepak Chopra Do you want bliss? Do you ever feel outside yourself? Are there times when you feel life is larger than you? When was the last time you felt more beautiful and more powerful than ever?

Look, it’s not uncommon for you to feel melancholy, energy drained and gloomy during the winter season. The winter blues can become seasonal affective disorder (SAD), so if your winter blues includes SAD symptoms, see your doctor. But, if SAD isn't involved, you can lose the winter blues with a few self-help tips. Here are my favorite ways to lose the winter blues.

Life is a pilgrimage. The wise man does not rest by the roadside inns. He marches direct to the illimitable domain of eternal bliss, his ultimate destination.~ Swami Sivananda Think About a Time You Experienced Bliss Think about a time when you felt a heightened emotional state of joy, fulfillment and happiness. Now, reflect on it and describe it aloud. Just imagine living each day in such an amazing state. There is no textbook answer for creating bliss. Our lived experiences are different. Therefore, each of us has to discover it for ourselves.