Are you living each day with joy and expectation, or are you dreading the day before you even roll out of bed? Is your daily to-do list so overwhelming that all you want to do is pull the covers back over your head and go back to sleep?

It is possible to enjoy life every day, even when faced with challenging circumstances. Living a healthy, happy and productive life requires civility to reign in your home, your workplace, and the marketplace. When the environment you are in displays respect for all, daily tasks are more pleasant and fulfilling. Civility acts as a healing balm for every social interaction.

When relationships are healthy, life is viewed as good and those involved are happy. Frustration, anger, sorrow and depression spring from relationships that are stressed. Ongoing negative relationships will result in sadness, a loss of motivation, and eventual loss of health. Words spoke in a moment of haste, that were harsh or self serving, can wound others as well as yourself. Civility is a matter of health for you and those you come in contact with each day.

Dozens of studies have shown that those with a hostile personality are at a major risk of developing coronary heart disease. People who live in isolation die at a higher rate than those who are well connected with others. Married men are healthier than those who are divorced or single. Social skills are directly linked to your health and the health of those you love.

Start with Yourself  -  Are you so busy doing for others that you neglect time for yourself? What do you really enjoy doing? Do you make time to do it?  Do you care for your body with regular exercise and healthy foods? Do you get enough sleep each night? Do you fill your mind with positive thoughts? What ways do you support you? The truth is, others will only respect you as much as you respect yourself.

Your  Family  -   You powerfully influence those in your home. You set the tone for each day. The words you speak, the meals you provide, the joy and confidence you display, will directly impact your spouse and your children. 

At Work  -   Whatever work you do, it should be challenging and rewarding. Your work should allow you to use your gifts and talents. If you are in a job that is not fulfilling, consider exploring other options that would utilize your skills more fully. People who hate to go to work every day are not happy and spread discontent to all.

In Friendships -  It has been said that you are who you hang with. Do your friends reflect the type of person you want to be? Or, have you settled into relationships that are negative or unfulfilling? Friends should inspire, support, and nurture you. They should be a source of joy.

True happiness does not exist in our lives because of some event, but rather in how we view those events. True happiness must embrace civility. For when civility reigns, people rejoice!

“When civility reigns, people rejoice.”  Deborah King