There is one thin I know will calm your soul and body at the same time while helping your body to become healthier and very possibly live a longer life. That is exercise.

Whether it’s full-hour workout with weights, a 2 mile run or even a vigorous walk around the block. Get out. Exercise. Breath. Elevate your heart rate and work up a sweat. Get a little stinky. Heck, get really stinky. The key is to not overwhelm yourself on day one and commit to the long haul. 3 months. 6 months. A year. Commit to doing it everyday or every other day or 3 times a week or whatever makes sense with your schedule. But, do it! Don’t talk about it. Don’t tell anyone what you’re doing. Just do it! And give yourself some time to struggle. It’s probably going to be a bit uncomfortable. That’s good. Being comfortable is over-rated.

The key is to keep doing it. Form a habit (30 days in a row). And then keep doing it. Don’t judge until after you have gone through your commitment (3 months, 6 months, a year). And ask yourself, “Do I feel better because of this?” Be honest with yourself.

You’ll be tired. Sore. You may have some minor aches and pains. If it’s too painful – see a doctor. But, be smart and try to work through it. There is a difference between aches and pains and an injury. Don’t work through an injury. Seek professional help.

We all have to start somewhere. So, start.

Remember: “and the secret is . . . merely begin.”

If you’re wrong, you’re wrong. If you’re right, you’re right. It’s not complicated and more importantly it’s not about that. It’s about connecting with others. It’s about showing the world the best part of who you are on a daily basis and striving to reach that consistently. It’s about Love. It’s about acceptance. Empathy. Patience. Kindness and understanding. Unity. Especially in today’s world where anonymously and blatantly we are much too eager to point out others’ flaws, mistakes and sheer stupidity while sitting in the comfort of our secretly located “home office.”

Ego is necessary for your safety and overall perspective in life, however it is absolutely self-serving. We need to be able to understand when the ego is not benefiting you and your evolvement as a human being.

Some sound advice would be: Drop it. You’re going to be okay. Instead of asking the question, “What’s in it for me?” maybe you can ask, “How may I serve?” This will change your approach immediately.

We live in a culture of instant gratification where being “on camera” is a daily activity, putting our “perfect” lives on display to show everyone how “lucky” we are.

Maybe we can take that energy we put into the next post of ourselves in the perfect location, vacation, night out with friends, etc. and put the device down to look a person in the eyes and ask, “how are you doing?”

If it’s funny, it’s funny. There is no such thing as high-brow or low-brow comedy. If it makes you laugh, then the joke worked.

Obviously, not at the expense of other people, because I certainly don’t believe in that. That’s low hanging fruit that doesn’t interest me. As well as heavy cursing – not my style. But, there is no such thing as class when it comes to comedy.

Sure everyone has a favorite style – I personally am a big fan of physical comedy. Charlie Chaplin was a master. Buster Keaton, John Ritter was a big influence on me in “Threes Company” and many more. There was something about Jonathon Winters I always liked.

Find out what tickles your fancy – literally and give yourself a dose or two of that magic. It’s a good time and great for your soul.

Several studies have been conducted that test the effects of good deeds, love and kindness towards other people. Strangers even. The results are more than just “feel good” endorphins being released in the brain to make you feel better for brief periods of time.

There long-term beneficial results as well such as: strengthening your immune system, mental health (less depression), feelings of wholeness, happier, living longer lives and more.

Is it just me, or does this seem like an extremely undiscovered world that needs some attention. What are the possibilities? Where could we go from here? I don’ t think we have even scratched the surface.

But, I would be willing to find out.

What’s the alternative? Often times I ask myself this question when I’m faced with a decision of importance. For example, if I have misplaced an important document which must be found in order to move forward, I remain steadfast in the mindset that it will be found. What’s the alternative? Stress about it. Worry. Get worked up because it could be lost forever. And to what end? It doesn’t help. It only brings you to a place you don’t want to be.

Or if there is a problem at work that needs to be resolved, as the client isn’t happy. I have to face it, engage and know the best solution will present itself. Not by magic, or wishing and hoping. But, by rising above the problem to find solution.

This can be quite difficult for me as that is the more challenging path, but I have found that facing the problem head on with full commitment is the best way to approach it. Otherwise, what’s the alternative? I don’t even want to go there.