This sounds a lot like religion.
Is this a religious training program?
No, it is not a religious training program. It started as an effort to reduce turnover in a hospital. As the training programs were being developed, it began to become apparent that there was quite a striking relationship between this training and spirituality (not necessarily religion). What was found is that science is beginning to provide an intriguing foundation for religious teachings—and that applies regardless of the religion. That is, what is taught in the Wonderful Life project does not appear to contradict religious instruction. Rather, it appears to support most of what is taught.
This has led several religious leaders to endorse in the project training. The following leaders actually participated in the training:
This has led several religious leaders to endorse in the project training. The following leaders actually participated in the training:
The Wonderful Life Project that I attended, presented by Lee Elliott, helped me deepen my understanding of happiness and fulfullment. When I enrolled in the Wonderful Life Project I believed that it was ok to just be a "good person". I have changed. Now, my goal in life is to be an "EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD PERSON". Lee presented many tools for ways of enhancing people's ability to be more trustworthy, more forgiving, more positive thinkers, more grateful and more resilient. His professional presentations were clear, concise, and easy to follow. Yes, very very helpful.
As a religious, a Catholic Sister, I whole heartedly support the Wonderful Life Project. This project is a treasure for all of us in the Grand Island area. Lee's presentations were professionally documented and accompanied with lots of interesting stories. Many hour/years of effort, study and research went into preparing each topic. In each session we were presented detailed handouts. The handouts included practical, step by step, instructions about ways to apply the information.
Thanks to every person and organization that generously contributed to help finance the Wonderful Life Project. Also, the Grand Island Public Library provided a very pleasant and welcoming space for these sessions.
I have attended each of Lee Elliott's sessions. My life has been enriched. Never become too old to continue to see and learn new things. Be a part of it.
Sister Rita Kolbet, OSM
Servant of Mary
St. Mary Cathedral Catholic Church
Grand Island NE
As a religious, a Catholic Sister, I whole heartedly support the Wonderful Life Project. This project is a treasure for all of us in the Grand Island area. Lee's presentations were professionally documented and accompanied with lots of interesting stories. Many hour/years of effort, study and research went into preparing each topic. In each session we were presented detailed handouts. The handouts included practical, step by step, instructions about ways to apply the information.
Thanks to every person and organization that generously contributed to help finance the Wonderful Life Project. Also, the Grand Island Public Library provided a very pleasant and welcoming space for these sessions.
I have attended each of Lee Elliott's sessions. My life has been enriched. Never become too old to continue to see and learn new things. Be a part of it.
Sister Rita Kolbet, OSM
Servant of Mary
St. Mary Cathedral Catholic Church
Grand Island NE
The lessons learned from the Wonderful Life Project have helped me immensely as a pastor, a husband, a father, and in other relationships and tasks. It has taught me lessons about good communication, problem solving, negotiating, resiliency, and the correlation of thoughts and feelings that have helped me to reduce my anxiety, adapt to big changes, plan with a sharper attention to details, and respond to disappointments and challenges with a deeper sense of understanding and patience.
The science and research that the sessions present about who we are as humans, how we’re wired, and what can allow us to be at our very best is really exciting and remarkable. As a follower of Christ, it’s been gratifying
that while it’s all grounded in science, it totally reinforces a lot of things I’ve been hearing as truth my whole life as a Christian.
How many of us could have imagined that there would one day be a formula or process for increasing our potential
for happiness and fulfillment — without drugs or other external manipulation? And now we are not only seeing this play out in people’s lives, but we’ve got it available to us here in Grand Island, Neb.
If you want to build better trust and communication in your marriage or at work or in friendships, if you are feeling sometimes overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, if you have felt a little bit “stuck” in life and wanting to push past where things have been going, if you struggle with conflict and want to be able to face it without your stomach getting tied in knots, if you have a hard time with forgiveness for yourself or for others — please participate.
It is a spectacular opportunity; the sort of insight and instruction that some would pay thousands of dollars for, and thanks to the generosity of many in Grand Island we have access to it for a small fraction of that. Be a part of it.
Pastor Bill Pavuk
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Grand Island, NE
The science and research that the sessions present about who we are as humans, how we’re wired, and what can allow us to be at our very best is really exciting and remarkable. As a follower of Christ, it’s been gratifying
that while it’s all grounded in science, it totally reinforces a lot of things I’ve been hearing as truth my whole life as a Christian.
How many of us could have imagined that there would one day be a formula or process for increasing our potential
for happiness and fulfillment — without drugs or other external manipulation? And now we are not only seeing this play out in people’s lives, but we’ve got it available to us here in Grand Island, Neb.
If you want to build better trust and communication in your marriage or at work or in friendships, if you are feeling sometimes overwhelmed with anxiety and stress, if you have felt a little bit “stuck” in life and wanting to push past where things have been going, if you struggle with conflict and want to be able to face it without your stomach getting tied in knots, if you have a hard time with forgiveness for yourself or for others — please participate.
It is a spectacular opportunity; the sort of insight and instruction that some would pay thousands of dollars for, and thanks to the generosity of many in Grand Island we have access to it for a small fraction of that. Be a part of it.
Pastor Bill Pavuk
St. Paul's Lutheran Church
Grand Island, NE
The Wonderful Life Project is built on years of research and personal experience that Lee Elliott generously shares with people from very diverse backgrounds. I find him to be most interesting, knowledgeable, and practical in enhancing people's level of happiness. The Wonderful Life Project offers personal tools for generating happiness amid the concrete issues of the workplace.
Workers at Saint Francis Medical Center readily testify to his impact on the work force during his years there as vice president of human resources. His ability to help people understand conflict resolution, forgiveness, stress management, trust, and emotional reactions has led many to a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness.
From a pastor's point of view, Lee has constructed an approach to life that integrates human qualities and religious values as a foundation to happiness and fulfillment. People who are happy and content are more productive; they value a work environment that is pleasant and conducive to a meaningful life.
The Wonderful Life Project is more than abstract principles and concepts. Lee uses concrete examples and testimonies that flesh out qualities of life that are both traditional yet contemporary.
I can fully endorse the Wonderful Life Project because it addresses the spiritual dimensions of human relationships. Rather than seeking to achieve material acquisition or pedestals of honor, it is a deep appreciation for spiritual values that lead to happiness.
Bishop William Dendinger
Grand Island Diocese
Catholic Church
Workers at Saint Francis Medical Center readily testify to his impact on the work force during his years there as vice president of human resources. His ability to help people understand conflict resolution, forgiveness, stress management, trust, and emotional reactions has led many to a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness.
From a pastor's point of view, Lee has constructed an approach to life that integrates human qualities and religious values as a foundation to happiness and fulfillment. People who are happy and content are more productive; they value a work environment that is pleasant and conducive to a meaningful life.
The Wonderful Life Project is more than abstract principles and concepts. Lee uses concrete examples and testimonies that flesh out qualities of life that are both traditional yet contemporary.
I can fully endorse the Wonderful Life Project because it addresses the spiritual dimensions of human relationships. Rather than seeking to achieve material acquisition or pedestals of honor, it is a deep appreciation for spiritual values that lead to happiness.
Bishop William Dendinger
Grand Island Diocese
Catholic Church
For the past several years I have worked in consultation with Lee to develop a workshop and home study guide to help churches apply the teachings of positive psychology to issues of depression and difficulty of communication in the local church. We called the workshop and related materials “The Happiness Project.”
Lee was a significant help as we put the workshop together. He is a walking storehouse of information on the practical application of the findings of positive psychology to everyday life. I have attended several workshops that Lee led. I learned of things like “unenforceable rules,” “grievance stories” and the importance of forgiveness. At these workshops I heard story after story of difficult workplace situations resolved, and relationships restored by the application of the techniques taught.
On a personal level, my wife, before she retired, was an employee of St. Francis Medical Hospital and she has seen firsthand how the application of the techniques and attitudes of the Wonderful Life Project improves the quality of life of the workers. She is fully sold on the practicality and validity of the
teachings.
For me the most exciting thing about the project is the way the teachings of positive psychology line up well with the teachings of the Bible. We have been told to offer grace, to forgive, to think about the positive stuff, to be thankful for years. In the Wonderful Life Project we now learn the techniques to accomplish these things.
I fully endorse the Wonderful Life Project. I look forward with wonder at what Grand Island could become when a large number of our businesses and our people begin to relate to each other in this new more positive way.
Rev. Dave Lundholm
American Baptist Church, retired
Lee was a significant help as we put the workshop together. He is a walking storehouse of information on the practical application of the findings of positive psychology to everyday life. I have attended several workshops that Lee led. I learned of things like “unenforceable rules,” “grievance stories” and the importance of forgiveness. At these workshops I heard story after story of difficult workplace situations resolved, and relationships restored by the application of the techniques taught.
On a personal level, my wife, before she retired, was an employee of St. Francis Medical Hospital and she has seen firsthand how the application of the techniques and attitudes of the Wonderful Life Project improves the quality of life of the workers. She is fully sold on the practicality and validity of the
teachings.
For me the most exciting thing about the project is the way the teachings of positive psychology line up well with the teachings of the Bible. We have been told to offer grace, to forgive, to think about the positive stuff, to be thankful for years. In the Wonderful Life Project we now learn the techniques to accomplish these things.
I fully endorse the Wonderful Life Project. I look forward with wonder at what Grand Island could become when a large number of our businesses and our people begin to relate to each other in this new more positive way.
Rev. Dave Lundholm
American Baptist Church, retired
"Life-changing” may a bit strong, but not by much. That is how I describe the positive impact, deepened understanding, practical tools and helpful resources my wife and I have gained through attending the Wonderful Life Project being offered each month at the GI Public Library.
We have attended the sessions on “High Quality Conflict”, “Grudge-Busting” (ie - Forgiveness), “Happiness”, “Building Trust”, and “Resilience”. Even after serving 25 years as a Lutheran pastor, I have still learned a host of new information, helpful both personally and professionally. Conversations, sermons and Bible classes offer ample opportunities for sharing insights picked up through WLP. It has been a good reminder that we are never too old to learn something new and useful!
The developer and presenter, Mr. Lee Elliott, summarizes results from current scientific studies on human beings, bodies and brains as well as our relationships and interactions with each other. He pulls together current data from a wide variety of books, papers, and researchers and then presents it in a way that is easy to understand and absorb. His handouts help us remember what we learned and always include practical, step by step instructions to apply this newly gained wisdom to improve our lives and relationships with others.
This material is presented from a completely non-religious point of view. Yet, a fascinating feature for me as a pastor is how some of the things we've learned simply echo the timeless wisdom of Holy Scriptures. For example, many of us know from personal experience the joy and fulfillment of “giving” to others. Now secular research has uncovered WHY giving to others brings us such joy and fulfillment, providing objective validation of Jesus’ statement in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
Rev. Michael Reiners
Peace Lutheran Church
We have attended the sessions on “High Quality Conflict”, “Grudge-Busting” (ie - Forgiveness), “Happiness”, “Building Trust”, and “Resilience”. Even after serving 25 years as a Lutheran pastor, I have still learned a host of new information, helpful both personally and professionally. Conversations, sermons and Bible classes offer ample opportunities for sharing insights picked up through WLP. It has been a good reminder that we are never too old to learn something new and useful!
The developer and presenter, Mr. Lee Elliott, summarizes results from current scientific studies on human beings, bodies and brains as well as our relationships and interactions with each other. He pulls together current data from a wide variety of books, papers, and researchers and then presents it in a way that is easy to understand and absorb. His handouts help us remember what we learned and always include practical, step by step instructions to apply this newly gained wisdom to improve our lives and relationships with others.
This material is presented from a completely non-religious point of view. Yet, a fascinating feature for me as a pastor is how some of the things we've learned simply echo the timeless wisdom of Holy Scriptures. For example, many of us know from personal experience the joy and fulfillment of “giving” to others. Now secular research has uncovered WHY giving to others brings us such joy and fulfillment, providing objective validation of Jesus’ statement in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive”.
Rev. Michael Reiners
Peace Lutheran Church
We live in an exciting time when the convergence of science and religion happen in a place that can help people cultivate a happy, healthy life. While completely rooted in scientific study, The Wonderful Life Project is a place that complements the teachings of many world religions through forgiveness, gratitude, benevolence, and a meaningful life. These core teachings not only offer us a glimpse into happiness, but also provide stepping stones into what it means to be fully human.
Elliott, through the process of discovering how to create a healthy business environment, has scoured the most current psychological data and stumbled upon something greater. He found the path to a fulfilling life. The Wonderful Life Project is a collection of this data organized in a very accessible way to offer tools, research, and language for any person looking to improve their life. As a pastor, I too, have searched for ways to communicate this idea of creating peace in our lives and our world. This project gives tangible ways that have helped me, my family, and my congregation. It is my hope that there are a few gems that everyone might find useful in their day to day lives within this program.
Rev. Chad Boling
United Methodist
Elliott, through the process of discovering how to create a healthy business environment, has scoured the most current psychological data and stumbled upon something greater. He found the path to a fulfilling life. The Wonderful Life Project is a collection of this data organized in a very accessible way to offer tools, research, and language for any person looking to improve their life. As a pastor, I too, have searched for ways to communicate this idea of creating peace in our lives and our world. This project gives tangible ways that have helped me, my family, and my congregation. It is my hope that there are a few gems that everyone might find useful in their day to day lives within this program.
Rev. Chad Boling
United Methodist
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