Princple #4 "Be of good Cheer" I have recently not been feeling "of good cheer" and found that it has been affecting my health. I've been getting more tension headaches than I have ever in my life. My life is currently a bit stressful, as I'm sure most people would say about their own lives. But if we look at it from a positive point of view then really our lives are not stressful. Rather, our reactions to the events in our life are what make us unhappy. We can choose to be happy. Easier said than done, I'll be the first to admit it. When I get down in the dumps, because that's where unhappy thoughts lead us, I try to think of situations going on in the world and truly see how lucky I am. For example, my home has not been destroyed by a tsunomi or earthquake and my heart goes out to those who have lost their homes. I do not live in a war zone where I have to worry about getting shot at. I have plenty of food to eat, I live in a warm house, and plenty of clothes to wear. Every night I get to go to bed on a soft, warm bed and lie next to a man who treats me so good. I have four healthy children. The list can go on. But listing them is a great way to climb out of the dump where bad thoughts can lead us. So I challenge you to list as many good things about your life that you can list, reply back to this post with your number. I'm curious to find out how many you can come up with. Now for some exercise to get those happy endorphines flowing. Lie on your belly with your legs and arms stretched out flat on the floor, lift your legs and your arms off the floor hold for 3 seconds and then rest them back on the floor. Repeat 10-15 times. This move will strengthen your back muscles which also strengthens your ab muscles. Today's recipe: Taco Soup (Because anything "taco" makes me happy) Brown 1 lb of Hamburger with one chopped onion and two pressed garlic cloves. Add: 1 pkg of Taco Seasoning 1 undrained can of black beans 1 undrained can of kidney beans 2 cans diced Tomatoes (or one jar canned tomatoes) 1 can tomato soup or tomato sauce (the larger can, not the small one) 1/2 C salsa (whatever "heat" you want) frozen corn (however much you like) Cook on low until heated through or put it all in a crockpot and let it "stew" for a couple of hours. Serve with Frito Lay Corn chips, cheese, sour cream, taco sauce or hot sauce, to taste. And smile because this taste so yummy! :)