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Updated: 10:07 AM Jan 14, 2010
Something Old...Something New
It's a fact -- a balanced life is key to our well-being. It impacts our physical and emotional health. We know that exercise is essential. So too, stress management. Another key? Get happy! How? Start with positive thinking.
Posted: 10:07 AM Jan 14, 2010Reporter: Pat Persaud Email Address: pat.persaud@wowt.com |
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Perfect Your Balancing Act
Positive thinking is an old concept that's making a resurgence. Another old concept? Gratitude. Forgiveness is also making a comeback. All of these are key to leading a more balanced and healthy life.
Now, science is backing-up these old concepts. Scientists call gratitude the forgotten factor in happiness research. How do we begin to make this a part of our lives? Consider this simple idea: wake up each day with gratitude. Think of six things you're thankful for. Start a gratitude journal.
Forgiveness is also being given new attention as an integral part of our well-being. A recent study found that forgiveness can be positively associated with our overall health. It can impact physical symptoms, medications used, sleep quality, fatigue and somatic complaints (real symptoms with no medical explanation).
Ann Pellegrino, spiritual director of Knowles Mercy Spirituality Center, says, "To forgive means to be able to let go, and at some point, in a compassionate way, to be able to say, 'I don't want this hurt to keep harming me or the other person.' Perhaps the most challenging person we often need to forgive is ourselves for not being perfect, for not always being the person we would like to be, for making mistakes."
A balanced life not only depends on our lifestyle but the choices we make. Happiness is a choice. Gratitude and forgiveness are essential steps on the road to happiness.
Happy New Year!
