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June 2011 Happiness Hotline

Happy June I hope I find you happy and healthy and that your winter, or summer depending on where you are, is off to a brilliant start.I’ve had the most amazing few weeks. On May 16 I had the pleasure of heading up to Broken Hill for the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS)  ‘Feed the Dog Mental Health Road Show’.  Over 6 amazing days our team of 4 shared laughter and fun with communities in remote outback NSW.  The RFDS ‘Feed the Dog Mental Health Road Show’ is a part of the ‘Feed the Dog Program’.  The program gets its name from an inspiration short story of two dogs.  With the permission of the RFDS I thought I would make it our happiness story for this month.  The following is an extract from the RFDS Feed the Dog website which can be found at www.rfdsfeedthedog.org.au:

One evening a grandfather told his grandson about a great battle that goes on inside all people. He said, “Mate, the battle is between two ‘dogs’ inside us. One is negative. It is fear, guilt, shame, self-doubt, pessimism, blame and anger. The other is positive. It is love, hope, compassion, encouragement, truth, community and mateship” The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, “Which dog wins?” The grandfather simply replied, “The one you feed.”

It is well known that how we think influences how we feel – we talk about the glass being half full or half empty. We also know that what we do affects our state of mind. If we get out, talk with friends, solve a problem or finish a job on the “to do” list, we feel good in ourselves. For some people this positive attitude seems to come naturally, for others it is more of a struggle.   The message of the two dogs is that we can choose how we think about things.

“Feeding the dog” is not about ‘looking on the bright side’ whatever the situation. It is about a strategy to think more realistically about life and to manage tough times in a more positive way. If we train ourselves to feed the positive thoughts and actions, we are much more likely to stay mentally healthy.This month you might like to take some time to think about the way you think, the way you react or respond to daily events, the way you speak to yourself; which dog you are feeding.  If you notice you are in ‘negative mode’ make a conscious effort to try a little positivity.  I accept that that isn’t always possible to be positive but with a little practice you might be surprised how easily a more positive outlook can become a healthy habit.A big heartfelt thank you goes out to all the members of the RFDS laughter team;  the amazing Rusty Stoddart of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) who put together our laughter tour and tolerated 6 days in the car with me!  The fantastic Ellen Day, Rural Community Support Worker with CentaCare – Wilcannia Forbes, who recommended the program to Rusty, was our tour photographer and seemed to know everyone, and the amazing Danny from the DPI, who created the most fantastic meals and shared some unique and inspiring insights along the way.  And of course, a big big thank you to everyone who joined in the laughter with us.  Thank you also to Bessie Blore from Accidently Outback for sharing our session in White Cliffs and putting together this wonderful article on the Accidently Outback web site.  http://www.accidentallyoutback.com.au/news/704-laughter-a-good-dose-of-wellbeingSometimes a few positive thoughts or quotes can be just what’s needed and one of the best places to find positive thoughts and stories to make you smile is the face book page: SMILE PROJECT.  As the major supporters of the Smile Project we might be a little bias, but with over 900 fans they are sharing quite a few smiles around the world.   And while you’re on facebook you might like to check our new LET'S LAUGH page.  Thank you Ben for setting us up and also for reminding me about our twitter page at letslaughbron.  So much technology!!I hope the rest of your June is amazing.  Remember, at least one thing every day should either surprise or delight you – preferably both!Keep healthy, keep smiling, keep laughing.
Bronwyn Roberts
The Laughter Lady
Chief Happiness Officer
Let's Laugh
bronwyn@letslaugh.com.au
www.letslaugh.com.au0421 335 197

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