Rose of Sharon Jewelry

Emotional health is the foundation of personal wealth. We seek it out but often it eludes us. Here are the 5 things I know for certain that are critical to good emotional health.

1. A way to keep your mind busy. This can be a hobby or perhaps a stimulating job. Don’t spent money on puzzles and other solitary pursuits – get out in the world and immerse yourself. Helping others is a great way to keep your own problems in perspective.
2. A way to keep your hands busy. You know the saying about “idle hands”. Studies have proven that manual labor increases our feelings of well-being and satisfaction. Plant a garden, volunteer at a food bank or take up knitting.
3. A sense of value. Build a life of value – it’s not too hard just be honest, work hard, share often and help others.
4. A spiritual or religious belief. The exploration of a spiritual path or being active in your church or mosque helps us develop a moral compass and keeps us humble.
5. People you love and who love you. We are not solitary creatures. Science has proven that family and friends add years to our life – and they add life to our years! Hate your relatives – start your own family by gathering people around you who you can love!

Best wishes as you increase your emotional health and personal wealth.

Women are bombarded with messages telling us we are too old, too fat, too something… This great video from Anita Renfroe is not only funny but a powerful way to teach girls and women that they are beautiful no matter what!

Watch, sing along, laugh and love yourself today!

Share your Feel Good motivational ideas, songs, etc. To leave a comment – click the left column link.

Love books? Collect book reviews? Here are a few favorites from my library to inspire you, educate you, feed you or make you laugh. Enjoy!

Food for Thought

Here are a few great books to inspire you to start a new career, create a family meal, lose some weight, kick a bad habit or make a difference in the world!

A classic on figuring out what you should do when you grow up or tomorrow. Not a boring career guide. Filled with great self-discovery thought-provokers.

Easy to read guide to help you succeed in your weight loss efforts.

Oprah introduced us to Dr. Oz, who along with Dr. Roizen, writes top-notch guides to get you healthy, look better and live longer. This book from their You series is for us old folks (that’s most of us now days!)

Food for Your Soul

Oprah really knows how to pick them and Tolle is brilliant.

Okay so this is from the hippy-dippy era but it still speaks to many of us who are searching for whatever.

Buckaroo Banzai was right – wherever you go there you are!

Food for Nourishment

My favorite thing to do with best friend Cherry is to read cookbooks at breakfast!

For those who believe life is too short so eat dessert first.

New Orleans is one of the greatest food cities in the world. Our last trip was 4 days of food and great Southern hospitality that would knock your socks off. From the legendary Commander’s Palace to Emeril Lagasse’s namesake restaurant, we tasted everything imaginable. This cookbook from John Besh is the next best thing to being there.

Any book from America’s Test Kitchen is a winner. They aren’t food snobs but they do know how to test a recipe so that you’ll know the “best way” to cook anything! Great advice on cooking equipment and food purchases, too!

For a Wet Your Pants Laugh

I read this book on a plane trip and couldn’t keep from laughing out loud. I had dozens of people ask me what I was reading. You may even become a Sweet Potato Queen yourself. There are fan clubs all around the U.S.  This is Jill Conner Browne’s first book – if you don’t wet your pants laughing ask for your money back!

The Greatest Novel Every Written

If you are only going to write one book in your life as Harper Lee did – you should be lucky enough to write a novel of this caliber.

A Brilliant Team

I love reading about Franklin D. and Eleanor Roosevelt. This Pulitzer Prize winning biography should be your first read on these two important Americans.

For Some Giggles

A man named Theodor Geisel still makes kids of all ages laugh even while learning. Dr. Seuss (to you and me) was brilliant!

Wishing you a nice place to curl up, a soothing beverage of your choice and plenty of time to read!