THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK OF FEBRUARY 28, 2010

"Just living isn't enough," said the butterfly, "one must also have freedom, sunshine, and a little flower."

-Hans Christian Anderson

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Global State of Mind hosts blogging for our members in recovery. You may click on their names to the right for their perspectives on the journey to serenity. If you wish to blog here, please email your bio to barbn@globalstateofmind.com .

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NEWS OF INTEREST

by Jane Thurnell-Read

Most people have great lives, even when they don't appreciate them. You're not starving, you have access to clean water, you are not persecuted or a refugee, but still you don't feel that happy with your life. Here are some tips to help:

Feeling Depressed?
Feeling low and depressed can be a sign of unresolved anger. If this is the case, you may need to get some help to resolve these feelings. Researchers at the University of Essex (UK) found that 71% of people said a 30-minute walk in the countryside lifted the symptoms of their depression. 90% also said a walk in the park boosted their sense of self-esteem.

Stress In Your Life?
"Identify and list the unnecessary stress in your life. Think carefully about each stressor. How can you let go of it, change it or accept it?"  Lynda Field in 60 Ways To Feel Amazing.

Worrying?
Think in detail about what the worst case scenario is, and then look at that objectively. It's often not as bad as you think. Or try distancing it: If you're worrying about something, imagine how important it will be to you in 5, 10 or 20 years.

Take Vitamin B
Vitamin B complex can help reduce stress and anxiety, so that you feel calmer and happier.

Ease That Stress
Meditation, yoga, flower remedies, prayer and complementary therapies have all been found to help people feel less stressed and wound up. Find what works for you.

Getting Your Life Organised
If you want to make real change, ask yourself this tough question: What am I willing to change now? Not 'in a few months.' Not 'when I get caught up.' Now. (Marshall Goldsmith)

Making Mistakes
I've done a lot of stupid things, but at least they were my stupid things. (Cher)

Optimism
Optimism seems actually to change the nervous system and boost the immune response, just as being gloomy depresses it. Dr Shelley Taylor, psychologist, University of California

Be Happy!
Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihaly says that many people assume that popular activities like watching TV are enjoyable, but his research shows that people are happier when they do things where they feel involved and active. Dr. Nansook Park and colleagues  found that gratitude, optimism, zest, curiosity, and the ability to love and be loved are the characteristics that most closely relate to life satisfaction. Take one characteristic and work on it.

Aggressive Or Assertive
Be assertive, not aggressive. Being assertive can leave everyone feeling OK. Being aggressive means someone has to lose.

Abundance
" research supports the notion that rediscovering a sense of abundance by thinking about those people and things we love lowers the risks of coronary events,"  says Blair Justice, professor-emeritus of psychology in Houston. He's also said: "Think about someone, something in your life you loved and freeze-frame the picture. The physical effect on the heart is what's called cardiac-coherence."

The Power Of Forgiveness
A Duke University Medical Center study found that people who have forgiven others experience lower levels of physical pain, anger, and depression.

The Art of Listening
Close your mouth, open your heart and find out what that other astonishing human being has to share with you. It may surprise you. (Eli Davidson)

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