Life can get pretty serious sometimes. The struggles and challenges we all carry are difficult enough. Add to that the world of grief and strife around us – locally or globally – and it is no surprised that we are stressed and overwhelmed. Our own attitude is all that we may be able to control in any given situation, but that is quite a bit.

I believe that humor is an important element to ease us through some of the rough parts of life. My husband David has always been able to make me laugh, especially when I am taking myself just a little too seriously. For example, about six months after we were first married, we fell into an argument. The longer it continued, the more I realized that it was a pretty stupid argument. But I just couldn’t let it go. Later, we were doing our best to avoid each other while walking around the house. When he passed me in the hallway he said something to frustrate me again and I asked him in anger, “Why can’t you just submit to my will?” It only took a moment before we both burst into laughter. I think it was at that moment that I felt like we could tackle just about anything that came our way. Maybe one of the strongest ways to bring laughter into your life is to go ahead and laugh at yourself once in awhile.

This month, we’re excited to partner with the Northville Senior Center in presenting the annual Alternative Health Fair Saturday, February 13. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet some of the local practitioners of healthy living, and learn more about how to take charge of your health. Local raw food chef Michael Dwyer will discuss some of the health benefits of incorporating more raw foods into your diet, and Dr. Carol Ann Fischer, D.C., N.D., will talk about how gentle chiropractic can benefit your body. Linda Amick of Healthy Jones will share some of the healing properties of herbal tea and Kathy Henning of Present Moment Meditation will teach us about the healing benefits of that calming practice. Carolyn Simon and the crew from The Red Pepper Deli will be on hand with tasty raw food options for lunch. Here’s your chance to discover just how good raw food can taste.

Later that day, keep up the healthy vibe at House of Yoga in Berkley. The studio hosts a Kirtan concert with Mike Cohen and Joni Allen. The studio will be filled with heart opening chanting, music and energy. If you have not yet experienced this type of concert you really owe it to yourself to check it out. The energy is truly amazing. Watch Mike’s latest video at: youtube.com/user/MikeCohenKirtan

If you or anyone that you know is diabetic be sure to read the article “Diabetes, A Fresh Raw Approach” on page [???] by Erin Eagan. This is potentially life altering information that needs to be shared and I encourage you to share it with those that you care about. Pass along your own copy of Natural Awakenings or email the article from our online issue at naturalawakeningsdetroit.com.

My heart is full of love and gratitude for all the wonderful opportunities we have to share healthy living and healthy planet information throughout Wayne County. Sincere thanks to each and every one that has helped along this journey of Natural Awakening. It is truly a gift to be able to reach so many people in a powerful way. I look forward to the months ahead as we continue to help and support one another.

Feel good, live simply and laugh more!