THE EDITOR Letter from By Debby Zelman Rapoport Find Your Happy ince Thanksgiving is just around the corner, I dedicate this column to a recent article published by Shannon Kaiser on mindbodygreen.com. While it’s a good idea to be thankful year round, it’s inspirational to bring our thoughts back to the basics to recognize what it really takes to make us happy. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, treat yourself by being thankful for what you have; and if items on this list pertain to messages that your future self may tell you, why wait? Listen to them today. Kaiser is the bestselling author of “Find Your Happy, an Inspirational Guide to Loving Life to its Fullest.” In her private coaching practice, she commonly asks new clients what messages their future selves have for them. Although responses vary, they often pertain to being comfortable on life’s journey. Simplistically, she says your future self might say things will work out, stop worrying so much or have more fun. As a reflection on how to live a more balanced and happy life, Kaiser suggests creating your own list of what your future self wants you to know. She provides this list, saying that maybe these items will be on your list too. Read her list slowly to see the items that strike a chord within you. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Forgive yourself. Experience is the best way to learn. Believe in what you can’t see. Go for more barefoot walks on the grass. Remember difficult roads lead to divine destinations. If it’s meant to be, it will be. Don’t judge people by how they look. Focus on how they make you feel. It’s not what you see that matters. It’s how you see it. Let your heart be your compass. Take more bubble baths. Smile at strangers. Don’t play games, especially with yourself. Don’t ever let anyone tell you what is best for you. 14. Find a partner who can keep up with you and grow with you. 15. Walk your dog longer. It’s good for both of you. 16. Stop making excuses. You know that habit is hurting you. 17. Dance like no one is watching. 18. Ignore the health trends and do what feels right for your own body. 19. Don’t lie to yourself. You know when it’s time to move on. 20. Let yourself laugh so hard that you snort. 21. Eat more vegetables. Seriously, you’ll crave them after a while. 22. Drink more water – a lot more. 23. Stop obsessing over that blemish. 24. People see your greatness. Start seeing it yourself. 25. You are your own worst critic. Don’t believe everything you think. 26. Watch the sunset daily. 27. See your life as a creative adventure. 28. Forgive your friends who have turned into foes. 29. Watch animals in nature. 30. Find a partner who loves your dog as much as you do. 31. Stop feeling bad for eating and drinking things you love. 32. Love will find you. 33. Spend more time listening to your grandparents’ stories. 34. Swim in the ocean at moonlight. 35. Your mom and dad love you. Stop blaming your parents. 36. It’s OK to say no. Honor yourself. 37. Don’t be afraid of insects. There is no need to kill anything, ever. 38. Stay close to everything that makes you feel alive. 39. Travel to the place you keep daydreaming about. 40. Believe nothing unless it resonates with your own heart. 41. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Hope you all make it. 42. Find a way to love the road you are on. 43. The past is not as relevant as you think. Let it go. 44. Travel more. It will stretch your mind. 45. You aren’t what people say you are. 46. This too will pass. 47. Be kind to yourself. 48. Have more fun. Make play time a priority. 49. You really do get better with age. 50. Everything is going to be all right. Now, edit the list to fit your own personal beliefs and goals. With Thanksgiving just a few weeks away, be thankful for what you have; and if items on this list pertain to messages that your future self may tell you, why wait? Listen to them today. S 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. November 2014 n Beachwood Buzz 3