Happy=Healthy

Ever notice that when you're happy nothing seems to hurt? You can do anything. You feel invincible.

Then all of a sudden life gets complicated. Too many people want a little piece of you. You have too many deadlines. Even worse - no deadlines, yet you feel overwhelmed with simple daily tasks. You feel inadequate. 

Now health-wise, you don't feel so good. You have digestive issues. For the first time, you experience a panic attack. Or, your joints hurt. So you see a doctor. But lab tests reveal nothing yet. You see another healthcare practitioner. Then another. You suspect gluten, or dairy, whatever the latest problem food is. Or maybe you suspect Lyme, or Lupus, whatever the prevalent affliction is. You want to address the underlying cause. No stone is left unturned.

This week I had the privilege to listen to a few of the speakers featured in yet another on-line health summit. There were several profound statements but the following struck a chord:

"The intake form of the future will have one question: Are you happy?"

~ Sachin Patel 

Brilliant! This question allows a practitioner to treat the person, not the symptom or disease.

When our basic needs (safety, shelter, food, clothing, affection, self-sufficiency) are unmet long-term, we experience dis-ease. The molecules produced by our emotions actually alter our physical body. It's not all in our head. We are vulnerable.

Sometimes we simply need to alleviate the symptoms, to move on. But identifying the actual underlying cause will sustain health long-term. Else, we alleviate one symptom and another will pop up.

I recognize that our medical doctors do not have the time or resources to truly get to know their patient - to empower the person, not just treat the symptom or disease. Wouldn't it be nice if health coaches worked alongside general practitioners? 

Perhaps, shameless self-promotion ;)

Smile. It becomes you.

Originally published March 31st, 2017