Lifestyle Coaching

EAT a whole food, plant-based diet

The problem with the SAD – Standard American Diet is that it is lacking in fiber, the main food for our important microbiome, and fiber is in the bran and germ of grains and legumes, where most vitamins, minerals, and good oils are, and in the peel of fruits and vegetables, which we discard because almost everything is sprayed with insecticides and fungicides which also reduce our microbiome population.

The epidemic of chronic disease comes from too little fiber, too much sugar, too little movement, stress, and lack of nutrition education in both our doctors and us. Life is fast: fast food was created for fast lives. Avoid fast food and slow down if you want to live longer! Get educated on the most important thing: Food as medicine. We do not learn nutrition in school. We learn little to nothing about how our bodies function.
Science promotes a whole-food, plant-based diet, similar to the Mediterranean diet, which is rich in fiber, nutrients, antioxidants, good fats, and clean protein.
Cook your own food to avoid additives, bad oils, flours, and flavorings that can cause inflammation and cancer.
Before you go shopping, eat first. If you are hungry, you will be tempted to buy high-carb and sugar products.
When in the store, start shopping around the perimeter, where you’ll find all the vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and other essentials. Then, move to the center for high-quality oils, vinegars, and other premium items, such as fermented foods, nuts, and seeds.

Avoid Sodas!
A can of soda can have up to 60% Sugar – talking about eating sugar by the spoon! Make your own sodas at home. you can make flour wines, ginger beer or water infused with fruits or vegetables. Teas are great, from green to any herbal tea that agrees with you and contains antioxidants, such as hibiscus tea, rooibos, nettle, mint, chamomile, etc. Coffee and cocoa are excellent antioxidant-rich drinks, best consumed without milk and in moderation. There are so many recipes out there!
Avoid Processed Foods (packaged foods with labels)
Remove from your home any processed foods – man-made, refined concoctions or mixes of empty carbohydrates, highly refined or lab-made sugar, pro-inflammatory seed or vegetable oils, refined flours, and any man made product that contain additives, colorants, and chemicals (see cereal boxes) that the human body cannot understand is a must for anyone who hopes to live a long life with no chronic disease.
Read the labels! If you see sugar on the label, from the obesiogenic high corn fructose syrup and corn syrup to glucose, maltose, fructose, dextrose, maltodextrin, or sugar, put the product back on the shelf. Sugar comes under many names, and processed products contain more than one type hidden under funny names, usually ending in -ose
If a product contains ingredients you have a hard time reading, return it to the shelf.

A healthy product should contain 4-5 ingredients.
For example, a good quality healthy bread is made out of:

1. Whole grains- flour
2. water
3. yeast
4. honey (yeast needs a bit of sugar to start), and
5. salt
Sometimes breads contain sourdough starter, eggs, oil, or nuts and seeds. Read the label and be aware of what you put in your beautiful body.
A bread made with enriched flour contains a processed ingredient – sugar- and insulin-spiking white flour, devoid of the germ and bran that provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the body. The flour is enriched with B vitamins, etc – vitamins that are synthetically made and that the body can hardly absorb. Vital gluten addition can cause gluten intolerance since it is added to replace yeast and get the consistency right.

The modern industrial methods companies started using after WW II are made to sell food that has a long shelf life, is cheaply made, and is made fast. It’s about enrichment, not feeding you! If they are in stores, it does not mean they are safe for you.

Some flours are bromated, a cancer-producing substance, or bleached, which is very bad for the body. Most bread is produced without yeast, using emulsifiers such as L-cysteine, a toxic substance obtained from human hair. 
“This additive that may be sourced from human hair (along with duck feathers and hog hair) is used to improve the texture and shelf life of bread, acting as a dough conditioner. However, L-cysteine is also available from synthetic sources, and some vegan versions of bread use alternative dough conditioners like bromelain. Consumers concerned about the source can look for vegan labels or make their own bread.” Source: Google AI
Yes! Make your own bread. There are numerous recipes, and bread machines are relatively inexpensive.
Check out other nasty ingredients so you can be motivated to make your bread and food at home:

What is azodicarbonamide (ADA)?

“Azodicarbonamide (ADA) is a chemical substance approved for use as a whitening agent in cereal flour and as a dough conditioner in bread baking.

Are there studies that show breakdown products of ADA, specifically semicarbazide, to be a carcinogen?

“During bread making, ADA completely breaks down to form other chemicals, one of which is SEM. At high levels, SEM has been shown to increase the incidence of tumors when fed to female mice, but not to male mice or either sex of rat. These studies were conducted in rodents at levels of SEM that far exceed estimates of human exposure from the consumption of ADA-treated flour or bread products.” Read more

Know that: “ azodicarbonamide (ADA) is banned as a food additive in the European Union and Australia, adn the UK due to concerns about potential carcinogens formed during baking and worker sensitization. In the United States, the FDA currently permits its use in flour, though the additive is also approved for producing foamed plastics like yoga mats and is listed on the ingredients of many mass-produced baked goods.” 

OILS: Look for the good versus the bad proinflammatory oils – olive oil and cold-pressed seed oils are good. The butter, ghee, and saturated fats so condemned since the 50’s as causing heart disease are much more stable than seed oils. Consume saturated fats in moderation.
The best oil is olive oil from a single source, not from multiple countries, and it is mixed together, specifically extra virgin and cold-pressed.

SUGARS: Sugars are used in high quantities in all foods to preserve and improve the taste of poor-nutrient foods. Sugar is the worst offender, causing inflammation and chronic disease. It is the leading cause of diabetes and heart disease, as well as most chronic diseases caused by inflammation, including cancers! Avoid foods that list sugar as one of the first ingredients.
Raw sugar contains vitamins and minerals. Stevia, if it is 100% pure, is a suitable sugar replacement for individuals with metabolic diseases. Use blackstrap molasses, real honey, dried dates, figs, prunes, and apricots as sweeteners, as well as whole fruits that are rich in fiber, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

Get your vitamins and minerals from food. A new study shows that people who take multivitamins and minerals as pills have a shorter life expectancy than those who do not take these. The explanation could be that they eat a less varied diet and lack the antioxidant power of real foods. Some pills have too much of certain minerals or vitamins that can cause more damage if taken for a long time. I heard somewhere that the American urine is the most expensive urine in the world. A lot of medication, including vitamins and minerals, is found in urine because the body does not absorb well synthetically made drugs, including vitamins and minerals.

Stay away from plastic – water bottles, food containers, and Starbucks coffee – as the containers leach nanoplastic particles into our bodies. We consume the equivalent of a credit card’s worth of plastic every month. No one knows the effect of this. However, scientists say that nanoplastic particles are found in organs and even pass through the blood-brain barrier – no wonder there is an epidemic of neurocognitive diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
Use glass. Do not microwave plastic, and discard Teflon and other scratched pots and pans. Avoid aluminum foil and trays. To keep your body free from toxins, opt for glass and stainless steel.
Nutrition is everything you ingest – eat or drink.
The skin absorbs everything you put on, so be careful to only put on creams and oils that contain non-toxic ingredients.

Nourish your body with clean water, air, and sun. Spend at least 15-30 minutes in the sun, especially in the morning. Leave a large portion of skin exposed so your body can produce vitamin D, an extraordinary substance that keeps us healthy.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Can you nourish your mind? Yes! High-quality nutrients, such as good fats, protein, and complex carbohydrates that contain fiber, nourish both the body and the mind. Eat clean. What the animal ate goes into your body chemistry. Hormones, antibiotics, and inadequate nutrition can impact your body’s chemistry.
WHAT WE EAT IS SO IMPORTANT BECAUSE IT IS CHEMISTRY. WE FEED OUR CELLS AND THE MICROBIOME!
Check your mood after you eat. If in a good mood, the food was good. If not, consider what you ate and avoid repeating it.
Think positive thoughts and maintain a positive attitude!
To health through nutrition!

People have walked and lifted weights for thousands of years. Can we walk at least 10000 steps a day? Yes, if we understand the benefits of movement and if we are consistent in establishing a habit.

Movement is crucial for blood and lymph circulation, as well as for the development of bone and muscle mass. It also has a connection to telomere length and DNA health, offering anti-aging benefits.
It stimulates the health of our cells and microbiome through oxygenation, and it also contributes to relaxation and good mood.
Weight lifting or resistance training tells the bone to make more bone mass to sustain the muscle. As we age, we start losing bone and muscle mass so, any moderate movement that includes resistence is a gift to ourselves, to aging well and being strong, always.
Make a habit of walking daily – 10,000 steps+
get some dumbells and some resistence bands and checkout programs, books or even Facebook and X posts with videos that show you how to do it, safely. Yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi, Qui Gong are also great exercises that contribute to strength, flexibility and longevity.

Sleep is crucial for our overall health. Harvard Medical School recommends 6-9 hours a night, starting before 11.00 pm, as a good schedule. Besides the fact that, as a proverb says, “Night is a good adviser,” meaning that during the quiet of the night, one can receive wise ideas, the phrase “The night brings counsel, but it is not said” conveys a similar sentiment of wisdom.
Establishing healthy sleep habits is essential for maintaining our physical and mental well-being. Quality sleep is very important for longevity. Some centenarians pride themselves on taking noon naps, which science shows stimulates our growth hormone, a critical antiaging factor.

During sleep, digestion, which consumes most of the body’s energy during the day, slows down, allowing energy resources to be utilized for coordinated processes such as brain activity, hormonal regulation, immune function, and tissue repair.
Find out more about Sleep and Your Body in my blog.

How Stress Affects Your Body and Mind
Body: Stress triggers the release of cortisol and adrenaline, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle tension. Chronic stress can weaken the immune system, disrupt sleep, cause digestive issues, and increase risks of heart disease and fatigue.
Mind: It can lead to anxiety, irritability, difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and low mood. Prolonged stress may contribute to depression or burnout.

Main Actions for Stress Management

Exercise: Regular physical activity (e.g., walking, yoga) reduces cortisol and boosts mood.
Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation calm the mind.
Healthy Lifestyle: Prioritize sleep, balanced nutrition, and hydration to support resilience.
Time Management: Organize tasks, set priorities, and take breaks to reduce overwhelm.
Social Support: Connect with friends, family, or professionals for emotional support.
Limit Stimulants: Reduce caffeine and alcohol, which can worsen stress responses.
Hobbies and Leisure: Engage in activities you enjoy to distract from stress and recharge.

Positive social relationships and connections have been linked to improved microbiome health, particularly in the gut, through increased microbial diversity and richness, as well as the presence of beneficial bacteria. Studies show that individuals with stronger social ties tend to have microbiomes that are more diverse and more similar to those in their networks, which is associated with better overall health outcomes, such as reduced inflammation and enhanced immune function.

Key Findings from Research
Microbial Similarity and Sharing in Social Networks: Close relationships, such as those with spouses, household members, friends, and even second-degree connections (e.g., friends of friends), result in greater microbial similarity in gut microbiomes. For instance, a large-scale study of over 1,700 adults in isolated Honduran villages found that social connections were the strongest predictor of microbiome composition, with microbial sharing occurring across various relationship types, including those beyond household or family ties. Over time (e.g., two years), socially connected individuals became even more microbially similar, suggesting that social networks create “niches” for microbiome convergence.

Diversity and Sociability: Sociable people exhibit higher gut microbiome diversity and abundance of beneficial bacteria, which correlates with larger social networks and better health. Research on humans and primates suggests that extroverted or highly social individuals have microbiomes richer in “good” bacteria. In contrast, those with stress, anxiety, or smaller social circles exhibit lower diversity.

Long-Term Relationship Effects: In marital or cohabiting partnerships, longer durations are associated with increased microbiome similarity and diversity, often exceeding that seen in siblings. This effect is particularly pronounced in very close relationships and cannot be fully explained by shared diets alone.

Social Connections and Microbiome Health- a bidirectional connection: positive social interactions can enhance microbiome health, while a healthy microbiome may promote more sociable behavior.

Direct Microbial Transmission: Social contact facilitates the sharing of microbes through physical touch (e.g., hugs, handshakes, kisses), shared meals, or close proximity. This “social microbiome” transmission increases diversity by introducing new strains, particularly from beneficial phyla such as Firmicutes, and can harmonize microbiomes within groups, potentially enhancing health by spreading protective bacteria.

Stress Reduction and Lifestyle: Strong social bonds reduce chronic stress, which otherwise disrupts the microbiome by promoting inflammation and reducing diversity. Social individuals may also adopt healthier habits, such as diverse diets rich in prebiotics and probiotics (e.g., fermented foods), or engage in more travel, which exposes them to new microbes. Conversely, isolation or high stress is linked to poorer microbiome health.

Brain-Gut Axis Influence: The microbiome influences brain function, mood, and social behavior through the gut-brain axis, potentially creating a feedback loop in which a diverse microbiome reduces anxiety and encourages more social engagement, further improving microbiome health.

Health Implications: A healthier, more diverse microbiome resulting from social connections is associated with lower risks of conditions such as obesity, autoimmune diseases, and mental health issues. However, this sharing could also spread harmful microbes or increase susceptibility to microbiome-related diseases in close networks.

Modern lifestyles, characterized by limited social interaction, high stress, and diets rich in processed foods, may undermine these benefits, underscoring the importance of fostering relationships for optimal gut health.

Source: Grok-XAI

The Role of Spirituality in Health
Spirituality, often encompassing a sense of connection to something greater than oneself, purpose, or transcendence, plays a multifaceted role in health. It can influence mental, emotional, and physical well-being by providing coping mechanisms, fostering resilience, and promoting healthier behaviors.
For instance, spiritual practices like prayer, meditation, or community involvement may reduce stress, enhance psychological well-being, and support recovery from illness. However, the impact isn’t universally positive; it can vary based on individual beliefs, cultural context, and how spirituality is practiced, sometimes leading to negative outcomes like guilt or scrupulosity that harm mental health.

Research indicates that spirituality can serve as a social determinant of health, contributing to better outcomes in areas such as patient care, quality of life, and overall well-being, particularly for individuals facing serious illnesses.
Integrating spirituality into healthcare—such as through chaplaincy or value-sensitive care—has been suggested as a means to improve population health, although this remains an emerging area in public health policy. On the other hand, some analyses find no strong link between active religious involvement and self-reported physical health, suggesting that benefits are not guaranteed and may depend on other factors, such as socioeconomic status.

Scientific Studies on the Benefits of Believing in a Higher Being
Numerous studies explore the potential benefits of believing in a higher power (e.g., God or a transcendent entity), often within the broader contexts of religion and spirituality. While science typically identifies correlations rather than definitive proof of causation, evidence suggests several positive associations:
Mental Health Benefits: Belief in a higher power is linked to lower rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, as well as greater life satisfaction and resilience. For example, deep faith has been associated with improved emotional health and better coping with stress or trauma. Spirituality and religious involvement can also enhance psychological well-being through mechanisms such as forgiveness and a sense of purpose.
Physical Health Outcomes: Research reviews indicate that religious or spiritual beliefs are associated with greater longevity, better cardiovascular health (e.g., lower blood pressure), and improved recovery from illnesses. A comprehensive analysis found positive correlations with physical health metrics, although it emphasized that these findings are observational rather than experimental. Interventions incorporating spiritual elements, such as in nursing care for end-of-life patients, have been shown to alleviate suffering and boost quality of life.
Overall Well-being: Data from various studies suggest that spirituality —belief in a higher power —is positively associated with both mental and physical health, potentially through healthier behaviors and stronger social support networks. However, not all findings are supportive; some research highlights neutral or negative effects, such as rigid beliefs leading to distress or no health improvements despite religious activity.

In summary, while many peer-reviewed studies provide evidence for health benefits from spirituality and belief in a higher being—particularly in mental resilience and longevity—these are not universal, and some individuals may experience no change or even drawbacks. Factors like personal interpretation and cultural fit play key roles, and more rigorous, longitudinal research is needed to clarify causation. Holistic healthcare professionals incorporate holistic approaches, including Spirituality.

My Dream Building Coaching and Mindfulness Meditation Programs have a spiritual component. Check these out.

Sources
1. VanderWeele, T. J. (2017). Religion and health: A synthesis. In Spirituality and Health Research: Methods, Measurements, Statistics, and Resources. Templeton Press.
2. Koenig, H. G. (2012). Religion, spirituality, and health: The research and clinical implications. ISRN Psychiatry, 2012, 278730. https://doi.org/10.5402/2012/278730
3. Puchalski, C. M., et al. (2014). Improving the spiritual dimension of whole person care: Reaching national and international consensus. Journal of Palliative Medicine, 17(6), 642–656. https://doi.org/10.1089/jpm.2014.9427
4. Balboni, T. A., et al. (2017). Spirituality in serious illness and health. JAMA, 318(2), 110–111. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2017.6805
5. Karekla, M., et al. (2020). Spirituality in end-of-life and palliative care: What nurses need to know. Journal of Clinical Nursing, 29(15-16), 2827–2838. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocn.15321
6. Koenig, H. G., et al. (2015). Religious involvement and physical health outcomes: A systematic review. Social Science & Medicine, 145, 68–78. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.socscimed.2015.09.022
7. Ellison, C. G., & Levin, J. S. (1998). The religion-health connection: Evidence, theory, and future directions. Health Education & Behavior, 25(6), 700–720. https://doi.org/10.1177/109019819802500603
8. Pargament, K. I., et al. (2011). Religion and coping with stress: A meta-analytic review. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 67(4), 385–400. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20781
9. McCullough, M. E., et al. (2000). Religious involvement and mortality: A meta-analytic review. Health Psychology, 19(3), 211–222. https://doi.org/10.1037/0278-6133.19.3.211
10. Chida, Y., et al. (2009). Religiosity/spirituality and mortality: A systematic quantitative review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(2), 81–90. https://doi.org/10.1159/000190791
11. Hill, P. C., & Pargament, K. I. (2003). Advances in the conceptualization and measurement of religion and spirituality: Implications for physical and mental health research. American Psychologist, 58(1), 64–74. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.58.1.64
12. Smith, T. B., et al. (2003). Religiousness and depression: Evidence for a main effect and the moderating influence of stressful life events. Psychological Bulletin, 129(4), 614–636. https://doi.org/10.1037/0033-2909.129.4.614
13. Exline, J. J., & Rose, E. (2013). Religious and spiritual struggles. In Handbook of the Psychology of Religion and Spirituality (2nd ed., pp. 380–398). Guilford Press.
14. Idler, E. L., et al. (2009). Religion, health, and aging: Findings from the National Survey of American Life. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, 64B(2), 247–257. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbn028
15. Koenig, H. G. (2018). Negative effects of religion and spirituality on health. In Religion and Mental Health (pp. 123–140). Academic Press. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-811282-3.00007-6
16. Sloan, R. P., et al. (2000). Should physicians prescribe religious activities? New England Journal of Medicine, 342(25), 1913–1916. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM200006223422511
17. Powell, L. H., et al. (2003). Religion and spirituality: Linkages to physical health. American Psychologist, 58(1), 36–52. https://doi.org/10.1037/0003-066X.58.1.36

Note: The sources listed above comprise peer-reviewed articles, books, and meta-analyses from reputable journals and publishers, with a focus on the intersection of spirituality, religion, and health outcomes. For further details, you may access these studies through academic databases or libraries.

Source: Grok X AI

Avoidance of risky substances is a no-brainer if we want to live with clarity and purpose, a long and healthy life!

It starts with: Smoking is bad for you
Quit smoking: any smoking: vapors or smoke of any kind can damage your lungs – the place where oxygen and CO2 exchange takes place. Our breath is our life. Why sacrifice it?
Tobacco is treated with pesticides, insecticides, and fungicides, then flavored with synthetic chemicals and packaged nicely to give you a wink: say NO!
Smoking is not about prestige; it is an addiction that causes disease and death. Stopping it can take some time, but consider doing it as soon as possible.
Vaping with fancy recipients does nothing but bring into your lungs vapor that contains toxic chemicals such as the emulsifier polyethelene glycol, known as a carcinogen

Use alcohol in moderation: 1 glass a day for women and 2 glasses a day for men.
Avoid addictive foods: carb addictions are real: “carb junkie” is a well-known name for someone who snacks on empty carbs all the time.

Avoid drugs: mind-altering chemical substances, street drugs. Avoid Big Pharma drugs, if you can. All drugs have side effects.
Utilize nutrition, movement, sleep, stress management, social connections, spirituality, and dream-building to achieve a life transformation that promotes overall well-being in both body and mind.

“A pill for an ill” (Rockefeller) was a bad idea because it does not go to the root cause of an illness or a dis-ease; it patches it!

The concept of developing medication and destroying any eclectic medical school in America that was not in agreement to give up on any methods such as herbalism and other holistic methods, and adopt only pharma-produced, FDA-approved drugs, was not perfect.
We see today an America plagued with cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune diseases, obesity, depression, etc, despite the billions poured into research and the fact that our medical system is the most expensive in the world. What’s missing?

Our doctors were never trained in nutrition. Their specialties impede collaboration, and we are all treated as parts when, in fact, all our organs and cells in the body work together, despite each of us being unique.
The cookie-cutter approach is clearly not working.

We are fed low-nutrient, dense foods, and our environment is toxic.

Someone needs to fill the gap.
Functional nutrition, lifestyle, and wellness coaching can do just that.
We can schedule a Strategy Call after you submit this Survey

Who are we? Why are we here? What is the purpose of our lives?

How many people are self-aware?

What does being self-aware translate to?
I see two paths:  Metacognition – being aware of our thoughts and feelings, and learning to understand our body signals, listening actively, and working together in collaboration with our bodies for good health.

“Know thyself” is a Socratic exhortation that has been forgotten. We are bombarded with the outside world stimulants, videos, reels, TV shows, ads, social media posts, etc, that we can hardly pay attention to how we feel, what thoughts we entertain, if we are hungry or thirsty or need to go to the bathroom, pay atention to our intuitive thoughts, etc… We put our own inner show on stand by to watch other people’s. It’s not fair, and it’s not healthy.
We have a body-mind relationship that we should nourish.
We need to think of what we would love to do in life.
Reflect on our love and relationships, and identify areas where there is room for improvement. About our vocation – if we are doing what we love or just dragging our feet in a job where we leave our soul at the door before entering.
Consider our health and wellness, how we can improve it, and ultimately, achieve financial freedom.

If you would like to build your dream life, I offer a DreamBuilding® Life Coaching 12 Week program that covers all these quadrants and helps you change your life and live your best dreams!

• A lifelong journey: Socrates viewed self-knowledge not as a destination but as an ongoing process of self-examination. In Plato’s Phaedrus, he states that he has no time to contemplate mythological tales because he is “not yet able…to know myself”.
• The examined life: For Socrates, self-knowledge was essential for living a good and virtuous life. He famously declared that “the unexamined life is not worth living,” because ignorance of oneself prevents rational and moral action.
• Recognition of ignorance: One of the key aspects of Socratic self-knowledge is recognizing the limits of one’s own wisdom. His famous assertion, “I know that I know nothing,” is a direct result of this deep introspection.
• Dialectical and social: The Socratic method is based on the idea that self-knowledge is a dialectical, conversational process, not just internal introspection. Through dialogue, individuals could uncover and challenge false beliefs about themselves and the world. 

• Ancient reinterpretation: Plato interpreted the maxim as an injunction to “know your soul,” a deeper, more spiritual meaning than its original Delphic warning.
• Christianity and mysticism: During the Middle Ages, Christian thinkers understood self-knowledge in relation to one’s sinful nature, seeing it as a path to knowing God. Similarly, Islamic scholars linked the concept to knowing one’s relationship with Allah.
• Modern introspection: In the 17th century, philosophers like Descartes shifted the focus to internal consciousness. Later, Sigmund Freud and psychoanalysis adopted “know thyself” as a guiding principle for understanding the unconscious mind and its effect on a person’s life.
• Contemporary relevance: The pursuit of self-knowledge remains highly relevant today in fields such as psychology, self-help, and personal development. Modern versions focus on understanding one’s motivations, biases, emotional patterns, and purpose in a complex and distracting world. 

Reiki, a Japanese healing practice revealed to a monk on the top of the mountain, incorporates a commitment for the day that can help anyone
Here is a breakdown of each principle:

1. Just for today, I will not anger

This principle encourages releasing angry thoughts and feelings for the day, recognizing that anger is often a temporary reaction.

In Christianity: Ephesians 4:26, “In your anger do not sin,” which acknowledges the emotion of anger but prohibits its sinful expression.
Ephesians 4:26 Jesus instructs believers not to “let the sun go down on your anger”.

2. Just for today, I will not worry

This involves releasing fear and anxiety by focusing on the present moment and recognizing that worrying is a drain on one’s energy and does not solve problems.

In Christianity: “Do not worry and do not be afraid”

3. Just for today, I will be grateful

By counting blessings and cultivating a positive attitude, this principle shifts focus from lack to abundance, opening the heart to joy and contentment.

In Christianity: Give thanks

4. Just for today, I will do my work honestly

This principle promotes integrity and focus in all endeavors, reminding us to approach our tasks with pure intent and without compromising our standards.

In Christianity:  “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters” (Colossians 3:23)

5. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing

This involves practicing kindness, compassion, and forgiveness towards all beings, including ourselves, fostering improved relationships and enhanced mental well-being.

In Christianity: “Love your neighbor like yourself”

On top of a mountain, Moses received God’s 10 commandments that are part of the Jewish and Christian religions:

“20 And God spoke all these words:

Source NIV Exodus 20: Biblegateway

The first five commandments pertain to loving and obeying God:
The second part of the group of five commandments requires us to love and respect ourselves and our neighbors (whoever we come into contact with is considered our neighbor).

Jesus reiterates the Old Testament exhortation:

“Love your neighbor like yourself “

“Do not do unto others what you would not want done to you” is the negative form of the Golden Rule, which encourages empathy and consideration by advising you to avoid actions toward others that you would not like to have done to you. This principle is found in many ancient religious and philosophical traditions, including Confucianism and Christianity. It serves as a foundation for ethical conduct, promoting kindness, respect, and fairness in social interactions.

Key Aspects:

• Negative Command: This version is a prohibition—it tells you what not to do.
• Empathy: It requires putting yourself in another person’s shoes to understand how they might feel.
• Universal Principle: Variations of this rule exist across many cultures and religions.
• Ethical Foundation: It serves as a guiding principle for how to behave in society.

Examples of Its Presence in Different Cultures:

• Confucianism: Confucius taught, “Do not do to others what you don’t want to be done to you”.
• Judaism: The sage Hillel also stated the negative version of the Golden Rule.
• Christianity: The negative form is also expressed by Jesus in the Gospels, as seen in Matthew 7:12, which states the positive form: “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.”

By following this principle, individuals strive to foster stronger relationships and a more harmonious society.

Aristotle wrote much about The Good Life, calling it excellence or flourishing by learning virtues and making them a habit.

In Aristotle’s view, a well-lived life, known as eudaimonia or flourishing, is achieved through virtuous activity, particularly the rational activity of the soul, combined with the presence of external goods, such as friends and resources. It’s a life of consistent, excellent action in accordance with virtues, both intellectual and moral, rather than a mere state of happiness or pleasure. Cultivating these virtues through habituation and practicing moderation—finding the “golden mean” between extremes—is central to living a fulfilling and truly human life.

Eudaimonia: Flourishing, not Just Happiness

Aristotle’s concept of a well-lived life isn’t about fleeting pleasure or a final destination, but about the ongoing process of achieving eudaimonia, or human flourishing.
Read more about Living the Good Life

Source: Google AI