NickVenturella.com 6-3-22 - Hardwire your happiness

Hardwire your happiness

June 03, 2022

First off, today is my youngest son’s 7th birthday! Happy birthday, big guy!

Today, I need to talk about gratitude. 

It might be because the summer sun is finally shining here in Wisconsin, and I’m starting to do more live music performances. Really though, I want to take a moment to simply reflect on the fact that I’m lucky to be in the position I am in life. 

The opportunities I’ve had are not lost on me, nor do I feel entitled to anything. I’m just grateful because there are a lot of things currently in my life that energize me and keep me motivated to continue to work hard and be kind to others. It wasn't always this way.

This has happened as a result of recognizing and seizing opportunities that present themselves -- even in those times when whatever is going on doesn’t especially feel much like an opportunity (hint: it always is, though). I’ve also been blessed to be around supportive people (my wife and kids especially), but good friends and work colleagues as well. You often get what you give, and I understand that more now than ever.

What’s interesting is that I’m learning there is a science behind the effects of reflecting on positive moments to invest in one's future self and mental state.  I’m currently reading the book, Hardwiring Happiness, by Rick Hanson, Ph.D, and it explains that when you dwell on positive, or happy moments (even just little things) in your day-to-day life for a bit longer than a fleeting instance, over time those extra 20 seconds of reflection accumulate to build stronger, positive synapse connections in your brain. The result is that over time you’re happier in just about any given situation because your brain is now wired that way. 

Some people naturally do this, but if that’s not you, the good news is that it can be learned. Plus, the more positivity you hard wire into your brain the more neural connections you’ll have to combat negative thoughts and self-talk. I’m certainly no doctor, so if you take medicine for anxiety, depression, or something similar, you probably should continue doing so, but this can be a natural supplemental effort to increase your overall and long-term ability to deal with life. 

----------UPDATES:

My new Root Cause Records EP album, “Midwest Heartache,” is now available on all major streaming platforms (Spotify, Amazon Music, Apple Music, etc.).Thank you to those who have purchased the album already. Your monetary contribution helps me afford the ability to keep creating for you!

If interested, and you would like to, you can purchase the accompanying illustrated story and lyric book of "Midwest Heartache," it's available here.

"Midwest Heartache" book image----------Just thought I'd share, I'll be performing live on the radio this Sat. June 4, 2022 between 9 and 10pm on MaxInk Radio's Devil Radio show, 92.7 FM in Madison, WI. I'll likely play a few songs from my new album, "Midwest Heartache," and perhaps some "classic" Nick V. tunes.----------

Latest music-inspired digital illustration artwork now available for sale (24" x 18" canvas print) - nickVguitars.com:Strat Strut----------Upcoming music performances:

The Lone Girl Brewing Co.Waunakee, WI​Sun. June 5, 2022​3 - 5pmSchuster's FarmDeerfield, WI​Fri. July 22, 2022​6 - 8:30pmThe Cider FarmMadison, WI​Sat. July 23, 2022​6 - 8:30pmThe Lone Girl Brewing Co.Waunakee, WI​Sun. August 7, 2022​3 - 5pmDeerfield Church FestivalFiremen’s Park5 Park Dr. Deerfield, WI.(One block off of Main Street in the middle of town)Sat. August 20, 202212pm - 1:30pm

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Stay positive. Stay healthy. Be kind.Sincerely,Nick VenturellaCreative Professional, andco-founder of Eleven Music Career CenterNickVenturella.comnickVmusic.netnickVguitars.comFacebookYouTube