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Zeal and Zest

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What ever happened to the words zeal and zest? I know they are still around and probably some people use them and even experience these exciting feelings. As I focus on helping people in a different way, these words and experiences have not been my partners. Enthusiasm, passion, joy, fun as well as zest and zeal are usually diminished in people with chronic and stress-related illness. This IS the problem (not just the condition). Physical and emotional woes zap the positive emotions that live in each and every one of us. We had these great feelings at some point in our life but they get smaller and less frequent when we don't feel well or are overwhelmed by negative emotions or painful and uncomfortable physical sensations.

What to do? How to break the negative cycle and get back to the positive chemicals and feelings that are intimately tied. I have been delving into the negative feelings and emotions as a way to work through them rather than stuffing them. While I still believe this is important; I also believe we absolutely must dive into activities that transport and transform us to higher places.

It is possible. It does happen. It just doesn't happen with pharmaceuticals or quick fixes. We have a very powerful and potent chemical arsenal in our bodies as described by Candace Pert in Molecules of Emotion. Endorphins, serotonin, adrenaline are just a few. We don't even have names for all the neuropeptides that make us feel good -- happy, alive, energetic, passionate. But, rest assured they exist; and they can come back after long dormancies!

How?

Exercise. Music. Dance. Singing. Playing. Going in the ocean or a cool lake. Laughing. Watching puppies wrestle and play. Standing on our heads. Being silly. Being crazy. Going into nature. Getting a massage. Kissing. Getting dirty or muddy. Frisbee.

Make a commitment to recovering, remembering and re-finding zeal, zest and joy. It is a habit just like everything else. Let's bring it back. We deserve it!

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