Studies show that, over recent decades, people haven't got any happier, despite generally getting richer. We live in a world that is focussed on speed, consumption and the idea that having new things will make us happy. In this environment it is easy to forget the things that really matter to us in our lives - from relationships with people to having time to truly relax - and to make time for them. One of the aims of the Life Shop is to encourage people to rethink their priorities in life, and then make time for the things that really give us happiness and meaning.
For a lot of people, the first step will be about 'giving yourself permission' to do things that seem to be out of step with modern life - like going for a good walk on a Saturday rather than spending the day at the shops. And that's the point of these gifts - they are simply a way for you to give yourself (or someone else) permission to do these things.
They can not only be a good way of getting back into these habits, but also can be quite touching gifts to receive, as they show that someone else has been thinking of you kindly and wants you to do things that will make you happy. So go ahead, and do more of these activities if you enjoy them, as they are completely free!
All the income raised from the Life Shop goes to funding Life Squared - the not-for-profit organisation behind the scheme.
These gifts from our Life Shop are a great way to show you are thinking of someone else and make wonderful and unusual gifts - so why not buy them as a Christmas present for your friends? Visit our site now to buy gifts that will be appreciated and won't be forgotten!
Life Squared is a not-for-profit organisation helping people to live happier, wiser and more meaningful lives within the pressures and complexity of the modern world. We provide people with accessible ideas, information and tools to help them see their world more clearly and live well. We do this by offering publications, courses, ideas and other resources. Check out our website for lots of free and useful things!
We can help you find ways of understanding the world better, seeing more clearly or just living a happier and more meaningful life. Check out our site and register as a user now – it's completely free and takes less than a minute.