People are looking to make meaning after the global pandemic. And one way that some of us do this is to credit coincidences—the unexpected concurrence (同时发生) of events—with helping to find jobs, friends and spouses, make significant career decisions and relieve pains. Scholars disagree on the cause of coincidences. Some say they are random and due to probability. Others see God or spiritual forces at work. Still others say it’s our subconscious making connections. No matter the cause, people who study coincidences say that paying attention to these moments may help us, especially in times of stress.

Studies show that noticing coincidences may help boost both the effectiveness of psychotherapy and mental well-being. Michael Schauch, 42, an investment-portfolio manager in Squamish, British Columbia, who is an avid mountaineer, lost his best friend Brent last year. A few months later, Mr. Schauch climbed a mountain he and Brent often scaled together. At the summit, Mr. Schauch found hundreds of ladybugs. When he climbed a different mountain on the anniversary of Brent’s death, he saw a ladybug as he started up each new section of the rock face. “I knew at once that it was Brent, and that he was still there with me, as if to say: ‘You’ve got this, Mike. Keep going!’” he says.

Coincidences can make the world feel like it makes good sense, says David B. Yaden, an assistant professor at the Johns Hopkins University School. Varieties of spiritual experiences show a correlation (关联) between coincidences and an increase in positive emotions，better personal relationships and a greater sense of meaning in life.

Coincidences are more likely to happen to certain people. “People who are troubled by distress and searching for signs are more likely to experience coincidences,” says Bemard Beitman, a psychiatrist and a coincidence researcher. If you’d like to enhance your ability to notice coincidences, there are several strategies, says Lisa Miller, a clinical psychologist: Be open to them. Write them down. Talk about them with others. “We really need this deep inner wisdom.” she says.

Parents annoyed by their children’s picky eating habits have taken to social media to share a host of creative ways to deal with them in a new thread gaining popularity online. In these lunch box notes posted onto sites, mothers and fathers have used threats, persuasion and even little white lies to talk their youngsters into finishing their sandwiches.

One talented father created the tag “Dadfact” in an effort to persuade his child into eating their sandwiches using information that might not be completely reliable. He scribbled on a napkin, “Every time you don’t eat your sandwich a unicorn(独角兽) dies Dadfact Love, Dad”. A further technique from a separate note was a drawing of a scary monster, ordering the little one to, “Eat your food!”

Everyone knows coming to terms with bread crusts is a difficult job. One parent’s inspiring note encouraged their child to leave the world of crustless sandwiches behind. They wrote, “I left the crusts on. Today is the first day of the rest of your life.”

Another cheered on their child with a note which read, “You can do it! Love yourself.” A father appeared to be laying down the law when he wrote, “New rule: I will keep packing this sandwich until you eat it. Good luck. Love, Dad.”

One youngster Julian retorted (反驳) with a handwritten moan of his own. When his mother wrote to him, saying, “Dear Julian, have a great day, love Mom”, he replied simply on the same piece of paper, in big letter, “I will not.”

But cheery parents shared more positive feelings on post— it’s attached to their children’s lunch. A mother wrote, “Have a great day! I love you.” Another simply put, “You are my sunshine.”

Other parents shared jokes in their children’s lunchbox to perk them up during the day. One included, “When do astronauts eat? At launch time.” And another shared, “Why did the student eat his homework? Because the teacher said it’s a piece of cake.”

Searching for a way to be happier? Seeking deeper connections with friends or looking for more friends? Want to relate better to other people? 【小题1】

Compassion, as one scholar describes it, is “experiencing feelings of loving kindness toward another person’s suffering”. The compassionate often have deeper connections with others and more friends. They are more forgiving and have stronger sense of life purpose. 【小题2】 The compassionate are usually happier, healthier, more self-confident, and less self-critical.

【小题3】 All you need is a quiet place. In that quiet space, sit in a comfortable position. Focus on your breath and try to clear your mind. Then mentally focus on your heart area and think about someone you feel tenderness (亲切) toward. This could be your friend or your family. Then expand that feeling to yourself and to others. As time goes by, add more people to that circle. This may sound a little strange. 【小题4】

Even short-term exercises like this broaden your attention, your thinking and your overall sense of well-being in a way that lasts. 【小题5】 Compassion helps your brain become more flexible, and lets your brain have a wider sense of what's going on, and it gives you access to more ideas on how to act.

This practice is beneficial to physical health and can help reduce physical signs of stress. And the happiness that can come from compassion training is the kind that lasts.