My version of self-injury: watching the stock market. What's yours?

You know what's really weird? This is the second post in a row in which I've mentioned Madonna, and yet it's only the second time I've mentioned Madonna on this blog EVER! So before you newcomers draw the conclusion that I'm either her biggest fan or her most ardent stalker, please read on.

I dare you to tell Madonna she's too old to wear mini-skirts!

Yesterday, I read a great article by Leo over at Zen Habits called “Success Isn’t a Competition: Boosting Others Helps You in the Long Run.” Though the article is tailored a bit toward bloggers, the basic premise can be applied to anybody and is definitely part of the Cool Broad philosophy. [...]

“I feel like I’ve gained 10 lbs.” my friend confided. “I know how you feel," I responded, “my backside hasn’t seen the inside of the gym for over a week.” My friend gasped and threw her hand over her mouth as if I’d just told her that I’d killed her cat.

Well, I can see someone was hungry! Waitors who make this kind of comment should be taken out back and pelted with eggs. Pointing out the fact that someone cleaned their plate will get you nothing but a tiny, little tip.

Isn’t it amazing how a beautiful child can stop us in your tracks? Last spring, I volunteered at my son’s school and while I was surrounded by twenty-five 3rd graders, my eyes were drawn to one gorgeous 8-year-old girl. Admittedly, my eyes weren’t drawn to the awkward little girl with tangled hair and glasses. No, they were drawn to her tall, slender friend with great coloring and perfect bone structure. What's up with that?

Apparently, gossip makes us happy. According to research out of the University of Ghent in Belgium, our brain cells light up in positive ways when we gossip, or tune into tabloids. Gossip is an instant stimulator of endorphins, so when the dirt gets dished, we’re happy campers. But does that make gossiping okay?

“We go to an upscale beach community in our free time, just in case you wanted to how fortunate we are and how much disposable income we have.” Is this you?

Read this for a list of the best personal development blogs on the internet!