Happy Friday and Happy Memorial Day,
Memorial Day is an important holiday dedicated to honoring and remembering the men and women who died while serving in the armed forces. Regardless of how we feel about politics, one truth remains: the willingness of some to lay down their lives for others is extraordinary. It’s a powerful expression of the best parts of human nature—the things we do for each other.
On this day, I always think fondly of my stepfather, Al, who devoted his life to service. He was a career Marine who served seven tours in Vietnam. Tragically, he later died from exposure to asbestos—something he encountered while building barracks during the war.
Al was descended from a Native American, and his intuition in the field was legendary. Though only a sergeant, he always led his platoons as the point man because of what his men called a “sixth sense”—an uncanny ability to detect where landmines were buried. In the course of his tours, not a single man under his watch was harmed.
That changed when a new captain took command and was shocked to learn that a sergeant was taking point. He ordered Al to stay behind and sent a young soldier in his place. The result was devastating: the entire platoon was killed—except for Al.
When Al told me that story, he cried. Through his tears, he looked at me and said words I will never forget: “Real men take it hard.”
That moment has always stayed with me—not just because of what it meant to him, but because of what it taught me. True commitment makes tragedy hit deeper. And I think that’s not just true for men, but for anyone who gives their whole heart to something.
If I had been practicing the Word of the Day journaling method back then, I would’ve shared it with him. I think it might have helped. Today, I honor his memory, his service, and his sacrifice—along with the many others who have given us the freedom to speak, live, and believe as we choose.
Wishing you a meaningful Memorial Day. And if you’re feeling moved, consider doing something kind for a veteran in your life. A small gesture can mean more than you know.
Let Go of Expectations that Feed Your Worry
Wednesday’s webinar focused on using the Beyond Happiness Method to help overcome insomnia. In the first part of the session, we explored practical strategies, including one particularly helpful exercise:
Set a timer for two or three minutes. Give yourself a self-acknowledgment hug, and then use the clustering technique to write down everything that’s worrying you. If space allows, divide your page and list your worries on one side. Then go through each item and ask yourself: Is there something I can do about this?
This process helps you step back from the mental noise and begin to see what’s really going on. Often, what surfaces isn’t just anxiety—it’s comparison. We find ourselves measuring our lives against societal standards or specific individuals and feeling like we’re not doing what we “should” be doing.
This awareness—recognizing the weight of expectations we’ve adopted—led to a deeper conversation. One participant struggled with guilt about not liking someone she felt indebted to—her mother. When I asked, “Who said you have to like your mother?” the group fell silent. And then something clicked for her. She realized she had a choice in how she felt.
That, at its core, is what I teach. As a storyteller, I understand the incredible power of narrative. We are often handed stories and told they are true—and we believe them. The Beyond Happiness Method enables us to unpack those stories and recognize the difference between our own thoughts and the ones inherited from our families, culture, or society.
So, the next time you’re feeling off, ask yourself: What am I thinking about? What’s my opinion of that thought? Who told me I needed to think that way?
Remember—you are always free to choose your perspective, at any moment.
I’m really looking forward to the next webinar, where we’ll focus on clearing mental clutter to make room for happiness. Here’s something to consider: we have between 50,000 and 70,000 thoughts every day. While we can’t make all of them positive, we can begin to notice how many are negative—and choose to let those go.
Here’s to your success and peace of mind,
Professor Marilyn Horowitz
Clear Mental Clutter: Make Space for Happiness
Feeling Stuck, Stressed, or Scattered?
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Don’t miss this chance to lighten your mental load and rediscover your joy.
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