“It’s difficult to think anything but pleasant thoughts
while eating a homegrown tomato.”
–Lewis Grizzard
Do you laugh every day?
How often do you perform a random act of kindness? Do you eat several small meals every day? Do you say "please" and "thank you"? Do you eat dinner with your children most nights? What makes you smile? Do you get at least 6 hugs every day? Who is your favorite comedian? Is your bedroom a sanctuary where you sleep well every night? Do you wake up
every day excited about what might happen?
There is a strong correlation between how healthy you are
and how happy you are. Happiness is an
attitude, a verb, a noun, a state of mind.
A passing thought, a favorite song, or watching a child play in the
rain. A memory from a family wedding,
the smell of your favorite pizza, the anticipation of a summer vacation. Being happy often means conscious action to
create desired results. Health is more than the absence of disease; it is the state of well-being.
Happiness is the dependent variable in the equation of
lifestyle, nutrition, and fitness. If
you never get enough sleep, you will be too tired to see the beauty of
life. If you eat too much sugar, your
body and mind will suffer like being on a bad roller coaster ride. If you do not exercise daily, your body will be sad and your mind will be depressed.
As parents, we sometimes get too wrapped up in our work. This habit can have disastrous consequences for our families. This week, make it a priority to focus on
what makes you happy. Laugh, smile, and
play. Share good times with your
children. Cook together. Being happy is key to being healthy.
Smile. Laugh. Repeat. It might be the difference between health and disease for you and your children. Because your health may depend on your happiness.
In gratitude,
Nancy Heinrich
Founder, Growing Healthy Kids, Inc.
