LIVING LIFE WITH A BANG

As family members and friends participate in a game of horseshoes, the aroma of grilled hamburgers and hot dogs wafts through the backyard. Later that evening, everyone sits in lawn chairs and ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as fireworks illuminate the night sky.

Gratitude allows you to enjoy and savor your present experience.

I strongly encourage everyone to take a few minutes each day and write down the things in life they appreciate most. Savor each thing as you write, and you might see some miraculous changes, as well. Imagine if everyone did this on a daily basis. It would shift their lives from disappointment and sadness to fulfillment and joy.

The spirit of national pride is alive and well on Independence Day, and it’s a wonderful feeling, indeed. But what if we maintained a sense of pride throughout the entire year? How wonderful would that be?

Feeling pride and happiness brings about numerous benefits:

IT ELIMINATES FEAR, ANXIETY AND STRESS.

BEING POSITIVE HELPS TO BE MORE PRODUCTIVE.

IT HELPS US MAINTAIN A STRONGER SOCIAL LIFE.

IT HELPS US ACHIEVE SUCCESS IN THE WORKPLACE.

IT HELPS YOU MAINTAIN A STRONGER FAMILY LIFE.

IT HELPS US LOOK YOUNG AND FEEL YOUNGER.

IT BRINGS ABOUT A FEELING OF CALM AND COMPOSURE, MAKING OTHERS WANT TO BE AROUND US.

At one time or another, every individual experiences grief. Death, broken or strained relationships, and pain obviously cause grief. Grieving is very important and it should not be rushed; however, if it becomes overwhelming it can affect all areas of life, ultimately leading to even greater suffering and distress. Finding the best technique for handling your personal grief can be a great help.

• Share your feelings with a friend or mentor. Talking about your grief can help you recognize your own emotions and accept them, while at the same time receiving consolation and understanding from a confidant.

• Listen to soothing music. Turn on classical music, or any form of music that is peaceful, gentle and harmonious. If you have thousands of thoughts and feelings rushing through your head, soothing music can help restore order in your mind, which can help you think things through more clearly.

• Turn to faith. If you believe in God, pray.

MANHOOD 101

Ask God to strengthen and console you. Draw peace, courage and fortitude from your confidence in God’s presence in your life.