A GOOD DEED GOES A LONG WAY

Good deeds go a long way, much further than most may realize. University researchers have determined that simple acts of kindness to others will bring better health and longevity. Mental and physical health is strengthened as anxieties are calmed, and blood pressures are lowered by the mere act of going out of your way to do something nice for someone else in need. Stress jeopardizes healthy immunities, raises heart rates and blood pressures, causes weight gain, and more. As a result, the risk of heart disease, stroke, and anxiety is highly elevated. A kind act such as holding a door open for someone, running an errand for a carless neighbor, or pleasantly greeting the cashier at the fast food drive-thru with a smile are all examples of thoughtfulness which will in turn, boost your own mood and reduce anxiety.

The following are a few simple acts of kindness which can mean the world to someone you may or may not know:

• When stopping for your morning coffee on the way to work, pick up one for a co-worker.

• Let someone who has fewer groceries than you go ahead in line.

• When making dinner, add a little extra to share with an ill or elderly neighbor.

• If you’re making a trip to the grocery store, ask a neighbor or friend if you can pick something up for them.

• Visit family members you don’t often see.

• Be considerate to other drivers on the road by letting them merge or turn in front of you.

• Give a good tip to the waitress who looks like she’s been on her feet for way too many hours.

• Offer to babysit for the new mom who needs a nap.

The ideas are endless and a good deed shouldn’t take too much thought. When the opportunity presents itself, you will know the right thing to do. Make someone happy. Put a smile on their face. You will feel better about yourself in the process.

DAILY THOUGHTS OF GRATITUDE FOR BETTER HEALTH

On Thanksgiving Day, so many of us reflect on what and whom we are thankful for. Reflecting on such thoughts for the remainder of the year will tremendously benefit ones mindset, as well as overall health. Researchers claim that a daily acknowledgement of gratitude for whatever is positive in your life will keep an otherwise elevated blood pressure at a normal level. Psychologically, there will be less hostility and anger when counting blessings on a regular basis. This will lessen the chance of depression, the basis for alcoholism, various phobias, and more. According to scientific studies, a daily gratitude check will also support a better immune system. So, why not take a few moments every morning, not only Thanksgiving Day, and be sincerely grateful for something. And, no need to keep all your counted blessings to yourself. Express your gratitude to others, even for what seems to be insignificant. Radiate your appreciation for all good things. You will be healthier in mind, body, and spirit while doing so.

Girlfriend Therapy

Just recently, my girlfriend Donna passed away when she lost her fight with breast cancer. This loss has left an indescribable void in my life, and my heart, a feeling no different with the loss of a family member. Not only did we work together and share the same name, first and middle, we enjoyed endless conversations about our kids, our jobs, other friends and more. When Donna came to work at the same office as I, our friendship was immediate. Morning conversations were about the last night’s television show we mutually enjoyed, our kids’ comings and goings, or what we were cooking in the crock pot for that evening’s dinner. Whether we were exchanging recipes or workplace frustrations, drinks and dinner with the girls or our kids’ basketball tournaments, we continued an amazing connection for seven years both in and outside of work. When the dreadful call came from her doctor of her disease, I held her in my arms as we cried together. From that point on, I watched Donna fight her battle with strength, positivity, and determination, as she so wanted to survive for her husband and children whom she loved so very much.

Continuous thoughts of Donna have initiated my curiosity about girlfriends and the social importance of such relationships which go back to the beginning of time. One of the reasons for this, I believe, is the honesty and vulnerability women allow themselves to communicate to other women known as girlfriends. Although we may love our male partners, women share with each other an exclusive understanding which encapsulates a level of trust, freedom of expression, and mutual respect for our role as women in society. It has been found through research at UCLA that regular girlfriend get-togethers, or as I call it...Girlfriend Therapy, will actually reduce stress. Women will share with each other good things and bad, overwhelming thoughts of parenting, financial burdens, workforce woes, marriage issues, and more. We will laugh or cry together, and never with shame. Girlfriend Therapy has proven to nurture and promote more confidence as well as self respect.

Friends are an important part of my life. And, I am fortunate to have several who are wonderful and dear to me. Even so, I will truly miss my Girlfriend Therapy with Donna. 

My Mother's Day gift...my Mom

Mother's Day is a special time to acknowledge the special gift of loving compassion we encompass by having had that special woman in or life who has given us continuous and unconditional love. She has laughed with us, cried with us, and spent sleepless nights worrying about our well being through all phases of our lives.

A mother’s concern for her children begins before birth, and continues through endless years, even when we ourselves are parents as well. She will shed a tear on her child’s first day of preschool, as well as the day she leaves her son or daughter in their dorm room at college for the very first time. From teething babies to teenagers out with the car past curfew, mothers somehow effectively function on little or no sleep. She guides her children through life until it’s time to let go. But, in her heart, letting go never really happens as she is there to catch her children through life’s unexpected tumbles, no matter what their age.

On this Mother’s Day, as on all of the others, I will take this time to reflect on the amazing mother I am fortunate to still have with me. She is a mom who will laugh when I laugh, cry when I cry, and catch me from life’s unexpected tumbles. Mom has so much to do with the kind of woman I am, and the wife and mother I try to be for my husband and four boys. Thank you, God, for my wonderful gift…my mom.

OUR 4-LEGGED ANGELS AT WORK

We all love our dogs like they are another member of the family. Our furry darlings are the family member that never complain, they greets us with a wagging tail whenever we walk through the door, love us unconditionally, and act as our constant companion at all times. We love our 4-legged pets for all that and so much more. Dogs have an abundance to offer those outside the family circle, as well. The health benefits deriving from a dog to human interaction are endless. Not only does this animal lift the spirit of a lonely or grieving elderly individual, the company of a dog will provide physical advantages such as calming anxiety, lowering blood pressure, and maintaining a better heart rate. The bond of a dog to a human is like no other medicine found in a bottle.

Well before studies confirmed that dog therapy is a true remedial measure to benefit people in need, certain dogs were trained to safely guide the blind. With endless studies and research, we now know the magnitude of benefits provided by a dog-to-human relationship. Beginning with children, not only does a child learn responsibility when owning a dog or other pets, he or she will be more apt to share with others, and will also be more sociable and independent than children without pets. Elderly individuals will have better coping skills when they have a dog at their side through their daily lives. For young and old, having a dog will do its part in preventing loneliness and depression. Just the mere act of stroking the animal will lower a heart rate and control blood pressure. Cholesterol and triglyceride levels are better controlled. The threat of asthma is lessened. It has even been said that owners of dogs are more likely to survive a heart attack. Those suffering from Alzheimer’s disease will function more appropriately when a dog is part of the family.

As the dog is the perfect pet for so many families, the proven benefits these animals provide are now recognized outside of the home in many other settings. Dogs can now be trained and certified as therapy dogs. They are professionally prepared to offer comfort and affection to sick and elderly people in nursing homes, to people of all ages in hospitals, for lonely folks in retirement homes, and for special needs children in schools. Therapy dogs are often used in home hospice care to visit critically ill patients nearing the end of their life. For whatever reason, the common denominator of dog therapy settings is people in need of company and comfort. A therapy dog will more than provide such services when placed with a client in need.

Before a therapy dog is put to the task, there are certain expectations of this pet. These dogs of all shapes and sizes are generally patient, gentle, and have the confidence to be included in different situations. Of course, these animals do not mind being handled and petted. Patients of all ages may want to hug the dog as a way of finding comfort. A therapy dog will never mind this. They will not be bothered by crowds or loud noises. These 4-legged angels will be accepting of strangers, sit when expected, walk on a loosened leash, move about amidst wheelchairs, sit and stay in place when demanded, and get along with other dogs, as well. A therapy dog will always be well behaved. Some will be ready to perform tricks, while others are there to provide love and affection. For everything a therapy dog will do to provide comfort to those in need, their owners will be forever proud.

STRIVE FOR YOUR PERSONAL BEST

Strive for Excellence is a phrase we often hear in the workplace, school, church, and home. Many confuse the fact that striving for excellence is not necessarily seeking perfection. To me, perfection is a word which should not be part of our English dictionary. It is a difficult word to live up to when doing a homework assignment, an important job at work, or something as simple as playing a basketball game. I truly believe that God did not put any one of us on this earth to be perfect. However, the main intention of our beings is to strive for excellence in everything we do, and be the best that we can possibly be to each other.

As we strive for excellence, goals are more easily attainable, careers are more successful, and our inner satisfaction with ourselves is more at peace. When the idea of being perfect comes into play, often times we refrain from setting new goals, trying new things, or initiating a new project. No matter how small or large the task, your performance at your personal best is excellent for you. Not everything may be perfect, but knowing your attempt at excellence will bless you with a higher self esteem and deserving pride.

WHAT IS ~THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS~ TO YOU?

Just before Christmas, there is that moment when we breathe in a sigh of relief knowing we have just the right gift for everyone on our list. They are beautifully wrapped and safely tucked under the tree. The cookies are baked and stored in their tins. And, the meal preparation is underway for the festive holiday weekend to welcome friends and family nearest and dearest to us.

For me, getting ready to share a perfect Christmas with my family and friends does not go without many thoughts and prayers for those who are less fortunate than others, the many who are struggling with their own illness or the sickness of a loved one, others who have lost someone near to them, and those who are overseas and missing home while fighting for our country. For too many folks, the spirit of Christmas has somehow slipped away due to one circumstance or another. However, even one thought of someone less fortunate or dealing with life struggles will bring the Christian out of anyone. Offering a helping hand to someone in need, or even acknowledging the man or woman ringing the bell next to the red metal container in front of Wal-mart is an emerging holiday spirit.

As for myself, I do get caught up in the shopping and gift giving of it all, but only because I love to give. Whether I receive is clearly not a matter to me. My kids will ask me what I want for Christmas and become angry when all I can answer is “a clean house”. We are hustling and bustling around at this time of year for a reason…and that is because our thoughts are of giving to someone else, whether we know our recipient or not. Isn’t that what God really wants? To have us share with others and help, think of, and pray for those who are more needy than ourselves? I would say, that is the Spirit of Christmas in my dictionary.