A friend like you doesn't come along very
often. You make me laugh, and you're there for me when I cry. That's why
your birthdays are so special. It's one more time to tell you how happy
I am to have you for a friend.
Much human misery and disease derives from self-centeredness,
or the inability to transcend the confining limits of the ego world.
Depression, anger, loneliness and other immunity-suppressing emotions
are rooted in self-centeredness. To reduce any self-centeredness you may
have in your life, try making the following connections. Each will help
you get closer to achieving optimum health.
1) Connect
with nature and earth. Slow down and observe and appreciate nature
through walks, gardening, picnics or outdoor activities.
2)
Connect with animals. People with pets tend to be healthier, both
mentally and physically. The responsibility of owning a pet can put your
priorities in focus. Plus, animals provide unconditional love, which is
always rewarding.
3) Connect with family. Instead of
thinking of family as "immediate" and "extended," try to consider your
family as just that: family. Near or far, family is what keeps us real.
4)
Connect with community. Interacting with those around you, and the area
in which you reside, is a good way to create a sense of strength and
comfort for yourself and others.
5) Connect with a
higher power. Regardless of what you perceive a higher power to be,
sensing a connection with a power greater than yourself is a way to be
part of something larger, and to become more connected with it.
Always remember: don't miss out on a single moment... it may never come again.
