Halloween has past and Thanksgiving is quickly approaching.  In fact, two days after Halloween I saw an outdoor Christmas decoration while walking my dog!  That’s a bit early for me but it did make me smile.

     Smiling or just being happy is important to our overall health and well being. It gives us a greater sense of everyday satisfaction. Constant stress and negativity can release certain stress hormones that can have an adverse affect on our health. It can aggravate high blood pressure, cause ulcers, headaches and cause us to gain extra fat and no one needs that.  The increased weight can also contribute to high blood pressure, diabetes and put more weight on our joints. The list goes on.

      Many people are hindering their happiness and their health by being angry and/or offended about anything and everything.  I sometimes think some people are addicted to anger. It sounds a little crazy to think that there are people who like to feel angry but as long as they are aggrieved by something they feel their anger is justified and in some way that might make them happy.

     Not everything in our lives is smooth sailing. Things go wrong sometimes but it does not always mean that someone did something purposefully to upset or anger you.  When these things happen a conversation can usually clear things up rather quickly resulting in a mutually satisfactory solution for all. Communication is a 50-50 process.  Both parties need to listen carefully to what is being said to be sure they understand what they are being told.  Then both need to take some level of responsibility for any miscommunication or misunderstanding.

     The holiday season is typically a time for reflection.  We all need to remember that each of us comes from different places, backgrounds and sets of experiences.  Acceptance, patience and understanding are paramount to our health and that of others.