About the Author
Linda Hoogeveen App strives to be a catalyst for positive change and empowerment effecting the individuals, communities, and organizations she encounters in her journey through life. Her experiences and roles include: community leader, political activist, accountant, bank vice president, matchmaker, government bureaucrat, wife, and friend. She has been listed in Who's Who in Finance and Outstanding Young Women of America. A recovering "shopaholic" and a vegetarian-in-training, she is a member of the International Women's Writing Guild, the Center for Mind-Body Medicine, EarthSave International, the National Association of Female Executives, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. She has served on the boards of several non-profit organizations. She received her Masters of Business Administration degree from the University of North Florida.
Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.
This book is titled Nurturing Happiness for a reason. It is not called Instant Happiness, because there is no way to instantly become happy for a lifetime. Happiness can be deliberately nurtured in your life, much like a rose bush is nurtured in order to blossom and thrive. With proper care, sunshine, water, nutrients, protection from parasites and toxins, and given sufficient time, a rose bush can reach its full potential and provide gifts of happiness to those who appreciate its beautiful flowers. The same is true for people. With commitment, time, and effort, happiness can thrive in your life.
If you are seeing a doctor for your depression, ... ask ... how he or she is helping you. Is your doctor giving you an antidepressant drug and sending you blissfully on your way -- not mentioning any potentially damaging side effects? Is he or she telling you of the important role that nutrition and your environment can play in winning your battle with depression? Does [your doctor] encourage you to face the problems, stresses, or fears that may be the unaddressed root cause of your depression? Does [your doctor] have a plan to help you get over the depression, or plan to keep you on drugs forever? EXCERPT. [T]he natural state of health and happiness [is] equilibrium, and it exists when your body, mind, and spirit are in a state of balance. ...Depression can be described as the loss of ... equilibrium.
There are five basic steps to regaining balance of mind, body, and spirit. You are in control at each step of the process, and your actions will determine your degree of success.
1. Acknowledge your state of imbalance.
2. Seek out help from friends, books, and professionals.
3. Make plans to nurture your spirit, body, and mind.
4. Stay committed to your plans.
5. Understand that achieving balance (happiness) will take time and effort.
