November 2023
Hi, I’m Cate, and here’s a little info about me.
I am a retired RN (a stay-at-home mom of three–grown now) in my 60’s. I have always been one of those people that see the glass as half full vs half empty.
In 2008, I realized (or it seemed to me) that all the news and input I got from “out there” was negative or focused on the negative side of things. That prompted me to create this site to try to spread a bit of light and cheer and to encourage a positive world view or life perspective. I first published the site in 2009 (see more below).
I love to read, although ever since getting my BS in nursing, my main reading has been “God” books, as I call them. Philosophical perspectives and ideas have intrigued me ever since I can remember, and I began reading such books in high school. It’s only been in the last maybe 20 years that I have settled into a philosophical outlook (New Thought), though even within that, I am still seeking what works for me!
My days are much like anyone who manages a household, revolving around my family and things that need to get done. As my children got older, I began to delve into some creative outlets involving my interests…which lead to the creation of this site (among other things)!
Enough about me! I hope that those who visit this site will be inspired to notice all the good and funny and encouraging things in the world around them. I also hope it will prompt them to take a look at their personal practices and perspectives. And to perhaps implement some of the many things we can each do they can contribute to improve our own lives, the lives of those around us, and the world in general!
And So it Begins…
Below is the fuller explanation of what prompted me to create this website (in 2009) as well as what all is discussed. Ok–here’s the story:
Where is the Good News?!
I have a challenge for you: Turn on the television for the news, grab a newspaper or news magazine from the newsstand. Or look online and tally up the good news and bad news stories. I can almost guarantee that the bulk of information we are presented with as news is what most of us would consider bad. If you do this every day, you are quite likely to see the world as a scary place. And to see the future of mankind and the planet as bleak. I know I did.
Hmm…Let’s Rethink This!
So, in 2009, I decided to create a website to share good news. Not so much news stories, per se, but more ideas that enhance our lives–individually and collectively.
Ideas that inspire rather than deflate. Ideas that demonstrate the power each and every one of us has to impact our individual lives and the world–in a positive way.
What You’ll Find at A Cupful Of Happy
It’s All About Perspective
One topic of discussion will be spirituality and mindset or perspective related ideas–-ways to look at life that really enhance your experience! I realize that these topics are personal and that each individual has to choose his/her own path. Again, I am sharing because these ideas are a large part of what feeds my conviction that the bright side exists despite some appearances Moreover, I believe that these “New Thought” ideas can actually affect the world at large.
Do what?!
Other posts of this site discuss actions—good habits to consider: Health and wellness and personal growth topics. You know, hings you can do to improve your own experience, or bring you personal enjoyment. Again, I recognize that not everyone will share my personal ideas of what adds to our life experience or is fun to pursue, and that’s as it should be!
Good News
There are also posts of inspiration and motivation. Little tidbits I think about as well as stories of good happening in the world. Additionally there are a number of interviews I have conducted with people that I have connected with.
My hope is that you will see that, despite the picture that is often painted, there is much that is right with the world and good reason to be hopeful about mankind’s future!
Throughout the site you will see recommendations for or links to products that I have tried or heard about. These are things that meet my criteria for what makes a good product. I hope these recommendations are useful to you. But mostly I hope that when you leave this site, you will be left with the conviction that life is good!
Full Disclosure
Please note–in addition to wanting to spread positivity, I also had hopes of earning money with the creation of this site. To that end, I do have a lot of affiliate links to products and books I mention–many of which I own.
I also review and suggest other products for which I am an affiliate. Some I have tried, some I have not. I only suggest things that at least make sense to me as something to try…and things that you can be refunded for if you don’t like them. I look at these suggestions as something a friend might offer–“I heard of this program for fill_in_the_blank. It sounds interesting!”
I fully believe there are many solutions to every problem–the primary solution is spiritual, in my opinion. But while we seek that level of understanding, there are programs and methods that can help.
Giving Back
I have a practice of giving 10% of profits I make from my etsy shop to charity. Granted I am not a big seller, but I think it’s a nice perk when the gift or thing you buy contributes money to charity. Details can be found at the shop, but I share numbers here:
A Cupful of Happy Charitable Donations
Running Total:
$689
2022 donations:
$150
Paying it forward!