It's True: Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

Those simple words from the wonderful book Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff are so true. As I saw my father lying in bed, too weak to move after battling his hardest to live, I finally realized what really should matter in this life. I did a lot of self-help reading in those days, and here are some of the recurring themes:

• Appreciate what you have instead of focusing on what you don't. So your neighbor has a pool — you have the ability to make the best chocolate chip cookies in the world. Now that is something special!
• Love yourself for who you are.
• Forgive and let go of grudges and hate. Anger and hatred take time away from your life.
• Connect with your spiritual side. Some people pray, others find solace in different ways.
• Enjoy the simple pleasures, just as my dad did. Whether it's a scoop of ice cream or a walk in a park, treat your senses of hearing, touch, sight, smell and taste to the pleasures of the world around you.
• Take time to laugh. Remember how as a child you could have the fanciest toys around, but that sound your parent made after eating too much cracked you up? Now that was real laughter!
• Spend time with loved ones, friends or pets. Being connected to others warms the spirit, strengthens the immune system and helps maintain our zest for life.