“You’re never fully dressed without a smile.” ~ Martin Charnin
I pride myself on taking pretty good care of me. I swim regularly, I’m careful what I eat and I take my vitamins daily. I maintain a strong support network. I stay intellectually engaged and connected to my community by not shutting myself away.
Each day I wake up happy to be alive.
This philosophy didn’t happen overnight. I have always been a naturally optimistic person. That’s probably the influence of my Aunt Della who helped raise me. She was a strong believer in pushing away the negativity and focusing on what you can do in life.
One of the things I can do is to be mindful of my health, both above and below my neck. I try to pay attention to how I treat others as well as how others treat me. I’m not perfect, but I try to be kind while still being responsible. If I let someone take advantage of me, that doesn’t make me feel good about myself. I can’t take the best care of my business or my loved ones if I don’t feel good, both inside and out.
So I air my feelings, rather than keeping them bottled up inside. But I do so in a way that is positive and non-judgmental. I make room for the possibility that someone else might have a better idea.
I take time every day to relax. Relaxation improves the mind, helps the body heal, and is so much healthier than stress and tension.
I read to children.
And, finally, I never forget to laugh, especially at myself. After all, laughter really is the best medicine, don’t you think?
What do you do to keep yourself healthy?
Written by Wally Amos
