There are a number of other ways to feed our souls. Examples include nature, music, art, great literature, and service. I find that being actively involved with a faith community (my local church at Milwaukie GracePointe) is valuable to my spiritual development as I worship, love, serve, learn, encourage, and grow alongside others on the same pathway.

We develop and grow our social and emotional dimensions primarily by developing meaningful relationships with others. Harvard has been conducting a nearly year monumental study on the keys to happiness and health. They have identified the primary key to our long-term happiness and health. Is it Fame No. Is it Wealth No. Is it High Achievement No. What is the key The key to long-term happiness and health is having

           By taking time to renew ourselves in these four dimensions, we will be much more effective and successful when engaging in life’s tasks and pursuits—including leading our teams to greater results. Abraham Lincoln illustrated this truth by saying, “If I had only six hours to chop down a tree, I would spend the first hour sharpening my axe.”

There are times when I require a bit more than the smell of the roses. I have recently started an exercise program. I have noticed many self-renewing benefits from doing so. I feel better in general. I don’t need as much caffeine to get through my day and I am sleeping much better. Bam! That’s a whole slew of benefits from one simple change. What is self-renewing to you will be different for me, it is a very personal activity.

My day would involve riding my bike to get shave ice, then meeting up with friends at the park to spin on the merry-go-round. I would take off my shoes and play in the little brook that ran through the park. When it started to get dark, I would ride home to eat a home-cooked dinner made by my mom. Then, it would be off to play night games like “Ghost in the Graveyard” and “Capture the Flag.”