by BJ Armstrong

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything."
..Ancient Proverb

Imagine your life the way it could be. Full of joy, overflowing with energy, infused with health. Just imagine life as a journey. It's a journey of discovery that can create a healthy, energetic life if we will develop some habits to get the most out of life.

When you think about health, do you envision a life of emotional, physical and spiritual balance? Complete health is much more than muscle tone and endurance. True health can only be achieved by living a life emotionally,  physically and spiritually in balance with ourselves and others.

"Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year." .... Franklin P. Adams

Emotional Health:

February is the love month. It's the month to give and receive love. As you give

and receive love, you will be blessed with meaningful relationships and cherished memories. Pick out a "Person of the Week," or it might be just a "Person for the Day." Express your love for them in different ways. Let them know why you love them. Be specific.

* Give them an unexpected call
* Write them a short note

* Send them one rose with this note "You are Special"
* Take them out to lunch
* Give a sincere compliment.

For each day of February before going to bed, make a point to forgive anyone who has offended you that day. Create a

Gratitude Journal and make an entry in it every day of this month about blessings you are grateful for. Set a goal for yourself to focus on positive changes in yourself and others.

February 14th is Valentine's Day. Old and young alike exchange Valentine cards with friends and loved ones. Make this Valentine's Day special for that special someone with candy, flowers, or

card, to express your love for them.

Physical Health:

Activities to get you started in making changes in your health are many.

Air is the "must have" for life. A supply of oxygen can make the difference between feeling tired and stressed and youthful and focused. Take at lease five deep breaths from your abdomen several times a day.

Drink water. It's essential for everything your body does. In fact, your body is more than 70% water. Nutrient absorption, blood flow, respiration and elimination require adequate consumption of water.

Get a good night's sleep. Sleep is the only time that your body has to repair each and every organ and system in your body. The deprivation of sleep causes cell damage. The right amount of sleep eases stress and helps you cope with the ups and downs of the day.

Walk some every day. Walking for just 10 minutes at a time is better than not walking at all.

* Take the stairs instead of the elevator
* Park a long way from the door
* Take a walking break instead of a coffee break

Any activity increases your circulation. It will also give you the energy you need today, and disease-fighting strength you need to build a healthy future.

Food has  a powerful impact on your body because it determines how you feel and how you function. So eat nutritiously. A balanced diet combined with nutritional supplements will give you the energy you need for the days to come.

Spiritual Health:

Take time each day to spend in prayer, meditation and inspirational reading. Make this a time to concentrate on the areas in your life where you need the most Divine help.

Dear Readers:

Getting healthy this year opens the door to a whole new you. May it bring you joy, adventure and happiness and all that you want your life to be. Happy Valentine's Day and hoping that life will always be especially good to you.

"Love is the river of life in the world."  ......  Henry Ward Beecher