"...Lock all your heartaches within it, Then sit on the lid and laugh..."

"Build for yourself a strong box,
Fashion each part with care;
When it's strong as your hand can make it,
Put all your troubles there;
Hide all your thoughts of your failures,
And each bitter cup you quaff;
Lock all your heartaches within it,
Then sit on the lid and laugh..."
---Bertha Adams Backus

Thank goodness for Bertha right? Are you laughing yet? Just pause for a moment and place this image into your mind. Your sitting on a huge chest, one that's too big for your feet to touch the ground, your legs are flipped up the air, your head is tilted back and you are releasing the loudest belly laugh of your life.....And in that chest is all that has tried to break you. All the people who have judged you, the illness that has tried to take your body, the sorrow that has tried to consume your heart. All the things that have kept you from living a fulfilled life of joy and purpose. I am telling you these "things" do not define you. They do not make you who you are. Your response to these challenges create your inner resolve and character, but in that process is YOU. It is your choice how you will let these events mold you and that is a place of empowerment. Stay in that place. I urge you as I urge myself to not be victims. The troubles themselves do not encapsulate the intricate and wonderful makings of YOU.

At first glance this poem seems simplistic, maybe even verging on ridiculous. But think with me a little deeper. Life is a process, for the most part if your going to be balanced and at peace, it is a healing process. And on that journey a vital element of healing is possessing the discernment to recognize what was meant to destroy you. Identify those things and then, JUST LAUGH. Go ahead, its alright to laugh at it. And the reason it is ok is because the truth is, nothing can destroy you but you. Your own thoughts of who you are and your worth in this world, at the end of the day is entirely up to you. These thoughts you keep and cherish and play over and over in your mind daily will either strengthen or weaken you. There is no way around this. Your self-image is powerful, it reaches its fingers out into everything you do. My encouragement to you is, be right with your own soul. Look at the person in the mirror with love and compassion.

We all know how beneficial laughter is to us. Aside from increasing our endorphins, antibodies and blood flow, laughter just plain feels good. Don't take yourself or this life so seriously that you miss out on the simple joy's that present themselves daily. And don't allow your "mountains" to hold you down and keep you in a state of oppression. Laugh at them, the truth is you have everything you need for life and happiness. The pain that was meant to ruin you will fade and in it's place will be new strength and resolve...It's all a choice, and the choice is no ones but yours. What a blessing that is...At The Wellness Kitchen there is an atmosphere of love, healing and laughter. Come visit us and let is come alongside you on your journey to wellness. And as always, this is Sarah encouraging you to laugh often and eat peacefully...