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New Start +2"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." —King Solomon. There are two more principles of health beyond the eight NEW START laws that deserve special mention. They are gratitude and serving others. GratitudeGratitude is a choice to be thankful and count life's blessings rather than to dwell on troubles and hardships. Choosing to be thankful for the good things in life promotes a happier frame of mind. To practice this, make a list every night of at least ten things for which you are thankful. Gratitude will do wonders for any relationship. Expressing thanks to God fosters trust and love for Him. While there are many studies that show the health benefits of various positive mental attitudes, one of the most interesting pieces of evidence is the placebo effect. Placebos are commonly used to test new medicines. One group is given the new drug while the other is given a useless look-alike. Placebo subjects often report results as good or better than those receiving the real medicine. Mental outlook has a powerful influence on physical health. Attitude can make the difference in recovery from a major illness. Grief, anxiety, discontent, remorse, guilt, distrust, anger, fear, and resentment cause stress and wear down the body, resulting in a weakened immune system and poor health. Courage, hope, faith, sympathy, love, contentment, forgiveness, joy, and gratitude promote health and prolong life. Serving OthersThe great law of life in the universe is a law of service. God provides for every living thing; Christ came to the earth to serve and give His life for mankind; the angels are occupied in caring for the needs of humanity. The same law of service is seen throughout nature. The birds and animals, the trees, grass, and flowers, the sun, moon, and stars—all provide something of benefit to others. Is the world a better place because you are here? Strive to live a life of service; go out of your way to be kind to someone today. Kindness is rewarding; giving is a condition of healthy living, a law of mental wellbeing. Most of us find that when we're not in good health it's easy to focus our attention on our own needs and difficulties. Yet often getting our minds off ourselves and working for the good of others is just what we need to give us the strength to get well. It also reminds us that we are not the only ones with problems. Implement these changes one step at a time. As each one becomes a habit take the next step towards improving your health. Finally, don't force the changes you make on others; just enjoy your new way of life until your friends and family desire the improved health which you now have.
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Created: 12/19/01 Updated: 5/13/04>