It's Monday morning, July 12th... today is my sister's birthday, so a Very Happy Birthday to her first and foremost.

Wrapping gifts for her got me thinking about different ways of Living Well. All too often, we think Living Well has to do with spending money and going out to celebrate. Truth be told, Living Well has less to do with the amount of money spent, and more to do with the joy we put into our lives and the joy that we share with one another.

I take great pride in wrapping gifts! Anyone who knows me knows that the presentation is as important to me as the content! I constantly hear, " It's too pretty to unwrap!" and for me that is part of the joy of giving. It's not just about what's inside the box! I love the thinking about, what to get! I love finding the perfect gift! I love finding beautiful wrapping and ribbon! I love making the handmade bow! It's all part of the process, part of the presentation, part of the JOY that goes into Living Well. The joy i get from the thrill I give my family& freinds when I make an effort is, actually a selfish pleasure, because that good feeling comes back to me but, it is also shared with those around me.

The gift doesn't have to be expensive. The wrappings don't have to be pricey. Heck, I recycle great paper and ribbon and bows! What it comes down to is this..... Did you make an effort? Did you find the joy in the process? Did you have fun? If you answer yes to these questions then chances are you also brought joy to someone else's life!

Make a difference today in someone's life and it will make a difference in yours! Living Well can be that easy!!

Happy Birthday Mary!

Live Well.

Dann