Laboring Under A Label

We live in a culture that uses labels as a means of understanding the world and the people living in it. As a result, many of us find ourselves laboring under a label that has a negative connotation. Unless we can find a way to see the good in such a label, we may feel burdened by an idea of ourselves that is not accurate. It is important to remember that almost nothing in this world is all good or all bad, and most everything is a complex mixture of gifts and challenges. In addition, different cultures revere certain qualities over others, but this does not mean that these qualities are inherently good or bad. For example, a culture that elevates outgoing behavior will label an introvert in a negative way, calling them antisocial. In truth, the ability to spend time alone is one that most great artists, mystics, and visionaries share. Owning the positive side of this label can lead us deeper into our gifted visions and fertile imaginations.

When we look into the lives of any of the great people in history, we always find that they had quirks and eccentricities that earned them less than ideal labels from the societies in which they lived. Many famous artists and musicians were considered to be isolated loners or disruptive troublemakers, or sometimes both, yet these people altered history and contributed to the world an original vision or advances in our understanding of the universe. If we can remember this as we examine our own selves and the labels people use to describe us, we find that there is a bright side to any characterization.

If you have been labeled, remember that all you have to do to see the positive side is to turn the label around. For example, you may be considered to be overly emotional, and the fact that you are perceived this way may make you feel out of control. But notice, too, the gifts of being able to feel and express your emotions, even in a world that doesn't always encourage that. You might begin to see yourself as brave and open-hearted enough to stay alive to your feelings. You may also see that there are certain paths and professions in which this is a necessary ability. As you turn your label around, the light of your true nature shines to guide you on your way.

What do you think?

Darlene. As always, you are right there to lend a helping hand!  Bless you. Hugs, Terri

GOOD MORNING MARGO. I WAS GOING TO PUT OUT THE FEEL BETTER POST ALSO. BOY SO FAR AWAY BUT STILL 2 GREAT MINDS THINK A LIKE.   MARGO HAVE AN AWESOME DAY AND AN EVEN BETTER TOMORROW! DARLENE, I SURE HOPE YOUR FEELING BETTER TODAY  MY FRIEND. GET LOTS OF REST AND DRINK DRINK DRINK THA****ER TO FLUSH THAT BUG OUT OF YOU. LOTS OF LOVE AND GINORMOUS HUGS TO YOU DARLENE. JODI

The Dieter's Prayer

My appetite is my shepherd, I always want. It maketh me to sit down and stuff myself. It leadeth me to my refrigerator repeatedly, Sometimes during the night. It leadeth me in the path of Burger King for a Whopper. It destroyeth my shape. Yea, though I knoweth I gain I will not stop eating, For the food tasteth so good. The ice cream and the cookies, they comfort me. When the table is spread before me, it exciteth me. For I knoweth that I soon shall dig in. As I filleth my plate continuously, My clothes runneth smaller. Surely bulges and flabbiness shall follow me All the days of my life. And I shall be "pleasingly plump" forever. Let's eat!

Laughter is the best medicine; along with your consistent exercise routine.

The benefits of a belly laugh
No matter why you are giggling, studies have shown that a laugh will do you good. Laughter helps you deal with a variety of maladies including the stress of daily life. The benefit of laughter on your health is no joke. A sense of humor can't cure all ailments, but data is mounting about the things that laughter can do.

Short-term benefits
A good laugh has great short-term effects. When you start to laugh, it doesn't just lighten your load mentally, it actually induces physical changes in your body, beginning with your face.

Laughter can:
Stimulate your organs. Laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart, lungs and muscles, and increases the endorphins that are released by your brain.
Activate your stress response. A rollicking laugh fires up and then cools down your stress response, and increases your heart rate and blood pressure. The result? A good, relaxed feeling.
Soothe tension and tummy aches. Laughter can ease digestion and stimulate circulation which helps reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress.

Long-term effects
Laughter isn't only good for a quick pick-me-up, it's also good for you over the long haul.

Laughter may:
Improve your immune system. Negative thoughts manifest into chemical reactions that can affect your body by bringing more stress into your system and by decreasing your immunity. In contrast, positive thoughts actually release neuropeptides that help fight stress and potentially more serious illnesses.
Relieve pain. Resear*****reasingly shows that laughter may ease pain by causing the body to produce its own natural pain killers.
Increase personal satisfaction. Laughter can also make difficult situations a little bit easier.

How to have or gain a sense of humor
Are you afraid you have an underdeveloped or nonexistent funny bone? Developing or refining your own particular sense of humor may be easier than you think.
Put humor on your horizon. Find a few simple items, such as photos or comic strips that elicit a chuckle from you or others. Then hang them at home, in your office or even on the visor of your car.
Laugh and the world laughs with you. Develop a sense of humor about your own situation, and watch your stress begin to fade away.
Think positive. Look for the positive or the humorous in every situation, and surround yourself with others who do the same.
Knock-knock. Browse through your local bookstore or library's selection of joke books to get a few rib-ticklers in your repertoire that you can share with friends.

Laughter is the best medicine
Go ahead and try it. Turn the corners of your mouth up into a smile and then give a laugh, even if it feels a little forced. Once you've had your hearty chuckle, take stock of how you feel. Are your muscles a little less tense? Do you feel more relaxed or buoyant? That's the natural wonder of laughter at work.
Source: mayoclinic.com