8 Traits of Healthy Relationships.

Nothing can bring more joy to life than beautifully fulfilling relationships. The depth of meaning, understanding and appreciation that these kinds of relationships bring is almost unfathomable. And, of course, as many people find out, nothing can bring so much pain as a broken relationship with someone dear to you.

Here are "8 Traits of Healthy Relationships" by one of my mentors, Jim Rohn.

https://www.success.com/rohn-8-traits-of-healthy-relationships/

Fasting.

 

Fasting means to go without. Therefore, fasting doesn't only apply to food, but to anything in your life that you may be using or consuming unnecessarily. It's also not about giving things up completely, but rather gaining control over the things in your life that seem to control you (like cravings or addictions).

Most importantly, it's not about suffering. In fact, fasting is the key to freedom. Once you gain control over the things that once controlled you, going without becomes an empowering and joyful experience.

You can fast from common addictions like alcohol, tobacco, or any other lifestyle patterns you want to change. Doing a dopamine fast by avoiding social media can give your mind a break from processing junk culture and devote more resources to creativity and original thinking. Less distractions = more power.

Remember to take time to be still. Get out and spend time in nature, we need that sunshine and vitamin D. Why not do a social media fast at the same time? Bring your phone for an emergency, but turn it off. It's great time to reflect on what we want more in our lives and what you want less of in our lives.

Resolutions versus Intentions for the New Year.

 

It's true that success is the combination of belief and time. The more belief you have, the less time it takes.

It's true that success is the combination of belief and time. The more belief you have, the less time it takes.

Missionary Reassignments Due to Pandemic and War with Ammon Hasson.

Our son Ammon Ammon recently had the opportunity to join Caralee Clark Bailey & Anjuli Nielsen Plouzek on their podcast where he was interviewed about the details of his mission serving in Washington D.C., Kyiv, Ukraine, and Berlin, Germany for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/arise-with-christ/id1661178504

It was an inspiring conversation for me personally, and as we wrap up the Christmas season I highly recommend listening in an effort to carry that Christmas spirit into 2023.

Study On Kindness.

When you are kind, your brain’s reward center lights up as if you were the recipient rather than the giver!

Read these facts from a study on kindness to learn more.

Kindness Increases…

Energy.
“About half of participants in one study reported that they feel stronger and more energetic after helping others; many also reported feeling calmer and less depressed, with increased feelings of self-worth” (Christine Carter, UC Berkeley, Greater Good Science Center).

Happiness.
A 2010 Harvard Business School survey of happiness in 136 countries found that people who are altruistic—in this case, people who were generous financially, such as with charitable donations—were happiest overall.

Serotonin.
Like most medical antidepressants, kindness stimulates the production of serotonin. This feel-good chemical heals your wounds, calms you down, and makes you happy!

Kindness Decreases…

Pain
Engaging in acts of kindness produces endorphins, the brain’s natural painkiller!

Stress
Perpetually kind people have 23% less cortisol (the stress hormone) and age slower than the average population!

Anxiety
A group of highly anxious individuals performed at least six acts of kindness a week. After one month, there was a significant increase in positive moods and relationship satisfaction and a decrease in social avoidance in socially anxious individuals (University of British Columbia study).

("Kindness Health Facts," https://www.dartmouth.edu/.../emotional/rakhealthfacts.pdf).

Panama 2022 - Recap of Amare Global Leadership Retreat

We had an unforgettable experience last week in Panama at our annual Amare Global leadership retreat. One of the highlights was a service project we participated in that was arranged by the company. I know there are MANY companies that do these types of events, and I hope more occur in the future.

We visited a school on the outskirts of the big city and painted classrooms, exterior walls & playground equipment, made improvements to the landscape with new plants and more. We even had the opportunity to sit and do crafts and other learning activities with the children. Afterwards the school children performed several dances with local music and clothing.

The beaches, visiting the Panama Canal, and all the other activities were amazing too, but the time at that school will not be forgotten by any of those who participated.