Here’s what happened to me less than an hour ago
that inspired the writing of this post
Can you relate ?

I’m generally a very positive sort of guy, with rare bouts of depression. But for whatever reason, I found myself in a downward, emotional spiral this afternoon. It felt like the sunshine around me had disappeared and I was enveloped in this thick, dark cloud. Not fun at all !!!

I moped around for a while, wallowing in a kind of “self-pity”, until my obviously-dimmed state attracted a questioning comment from Karen. So I relayed an account of what I was feeling to her.

As I did so, I sensed a part of me sitting back “watching” all of this and saying to himself, “Wow, isn’t THIS interesting !”

I said a couple of half-hearted sort of positive comments about how this was “just a passing cloud”, but really, in that moment it didn’t seem like it was ever going to end.

……

Interestingly, earlier in the day, I had made a note of a few real-life accounts of funny experiences submitted by medical staff. I decided to read these out loud to Karen, more for something to do than any conscious effort at therapy.

As she genuinely, roared with laughter, I found myself soon laughing too and you know what?

Within moments,
that “dark cloud” of depression
around me was gone !
My sunshine had returned !!

As I think back, I am still quite amazed at what took place during that experience.

What strikes me even more is the fact that it was only a couple of days ago that I posted an article about the the inspiring story of Nick Vujicic (the guy with no limbs) and how inspirational he was.

I was really uplifted by that and yet, here I was, LOST for a time, in this feeling of depression. While I was IN the experience, it FELT like I was very much, alone; but I know that that just comes with the territory. It is just part of the nature of that particular self-centered state.

It seemed important to share my story with you because I know that it is very likely that there are times when you go through similar experiences yourself (maybe you’re even in one right now?). If so, may this post empower you with some tools for moving through the process.

Perhaps I’ll even come back and read this myself as a reminder. In that case, my prescription for myself would be the following:

• 1. Remember that it IS possible for the “sunshine” to come back in an INSTANT and be willing for that to be the case.
• 2. Give yourself an opportunity to REALLY feel how bad you feel and let it be OK, (without being over indulgent about it)
• 3. Get into a “lighter” environment (physically) and read a few jokes to someone else. Then see what happens.

Just to give you an idea of what all the laughter was about, here are the three, real life, funny encounters that helped turn my lights back on. I’d like to acknowledge www.mercola.com as the source of these contributions.

Story #1: I was caring for a woman and asked, “So how’s your breakfast this morning?” “It’s very good, except for the Kentucky Jelly. I can’t seem to get used to the taste,” the patient replied. I then asked to see the jelly and the woman produced a foil packet labeled “KY Jelly.” Submitted by Dr. Leonard Kransdorf

Story #2: At the beginning of my shift I placed a stethoscope on an elderly and slightly deaf female patient’s anterior chest wall. “Big breaths,” I instructed. “Yes, they used to be,” replied the patient. Submitted by Dr. Richard Byrnes

Story #3: A nurse was on duty in the Emergency Room, when a young woman with purple hair styled into a punk rocker Mohawk, sporting a variety of tattoos, and wearing strange clothing, entered.

It was quickly determined that the patient had acute appendicitis, so she was scheduled for immediate surgery. When she was completely disrobed on the operating table, the staff noticed that her pubic hair had been dyed green, and above it there was a tattoo that read, “Keep off the grass.”

Once the surgery was completed, the surgeon wrote a short note on the patient’s dressing, which said, “Sorry, had to mow the lawn.” Submitted by RN no name.

Continuing with the medical theme, I was reminded of another humorous “take” on our life experience. “Life is a sexually transmitted disease with a 100% mortality rate.”

Click on this LINK to some interesting scientific studies on the Benefits of Humor and Laughter.  

May your laughter bring tears to your eyes and wiggle your belly button forth and back.

Cheers, Sven

I know that for those of you who are not living in North America, this celebration may not hold much significance in and of itself. However, the idea of consciously placing emphasis on true remembrance of those things that we’re thankful for, is a great orientation point for anyone wanting to move in a positive direction (towards sustainable, empowered, wholesome living).

Realizing the power of this idea is one major step, but actually remembering it and applying it consistently, is the beginning of a whole other journey. This is as applicable to health and healing as it is for anything else.

Just recently I became aware of 24 year old Australian who has provided one of the most inspiring stories that I have ever heard. (I have included a few video segments of one of his talks towards the end of this post)

To me, this man is an embodiment of the power of  “Thankfulness” …an inspiration of one who has looked for, and found, those unique gifts within himself, despite his circumstances. He has since risen up to be an increasingly powerful voice in the world. His example demonstrates the same potential that lies within each of us.

……

Applying his message to our daily living, it is easy to see that enjoying a  healthy, happy life is more than just eating the right foods, being free of  disease and having plenty of money in the bank.

It’s about equipping oneself with the tools that will carry you through those unexpected events in ones life journey that can leave you stunned to the core.

Nick is providing inspiration to millions

Just by telling his own story, holding his highest vision of himself and letting his own true nature shine, Nick is providing inspiration to millions. He says that one of the biggest gifts to arise out of his circumstances is that he gets so much joy from just being in a position to give hope to those who have lost it.

His message, brings a strong reminder that, yes, each of us too, has a unique story to tell, a unique contribution to make. It involves a process of moving beyond self judgment or external criticism and of focusing intently on the blessings that one DOES have in ones life, rather than on what one is lacking.

That being said, if you want a bit of support in getting things into perspective, I invite you to listen to Nick Vujicic share his unique story and insights. In the following short segments, Nick addresses the three key areas that he feels are at the core of helping to overcome any challenge we may be confronted with. They are:

PERSPECTIVE, VISION and CHOICES

(The 3 video screens below, each represent Part I, II and III respectively (15 min in total) of portions of Nick’s talk. The link following the three screens connects to part of another interview (10 min) given at a church gathering.

Part I: (5:06 min)

Part II: (9:57 min)

Part III: (7:02 min)

CLICK HERE For Mini Documentary Plus Testimonial – 10 min

More Coming:
As this site continues to evolve, we’ll look for every opportunity to air inspirational and uplifting videos. We’ll gradually build a page devoted especially to inspirational and uplifting videos of this kind, so it will be easier to tune in to a higher perspective when you need a boost.

In addition we’ll have useful and practical videos, tutorials, articles, notices and other information that we feel are useful Support for Healthy Living. I suggest subscribing to our special list (form top right of page) to be notified of further additions or special gifts.

QUOTE: Here’s  a special quote in line with the subject of today.

“The question for each man to settle is not what he would do if he had means, time, influence and educational advantages; the question is what he will do with the things he has. The moment a young man ceases to dream or to bemoan his lack of opportunities and resolutely looks his conditions in the face, and resolves to change them, he lays the corner-stone of a solid and honorable success.”
Hamilton Wright Mabie

Wishing you Good health and Prosperity,
Sven