Energy is the engine that drives you to do whatever it is you do, personally or professionally. Without it, any purpose to living goes unfulfilled and nothing gets done. The engine requires quality fuel to power it, such as positive motivation, pure water, healthy foods, and regular exercise. The forgotten factor is often ignored because we do it automatically, without planning or any thought whatsoever. Yet, it is the ultimate life force…breathing.

“…but a broken spirit drieth the bone.” – Proverb 17:22 “WIPE THAT STUPID GRIN OFF YOUR FACE!” How many of us ever heard that during our formative years? The message from our families comes through like a somber TV commercial: “And now, a word from our sponsors. Having fun is a serious offense, punishable by solitary confinement. Don’t think and jive!”

As a child I always felt that adulthood was an unappealing destination, and fiercely resisted attempts by my elders to convert me to solemnity. I felt like I had to put my inner child up for adoption to become an adult. To some extent, we all bought into it. I trust this may serve as a debriefing and help us realize the value of lightening up to improve ourselves on all levels.

Patterns of behavior can be interrupted and changed instantaneously. When people lock into recurring patterns of negative behavior, it may serve them better to have someone interrupt the pattern rather than sympathize with them, which reinforces the attention they inherit for acting out that pattern. Program interrupts (or pattern breakers, as I sometimes call them) can short circuit the pattern and inspire a more resourceful, positive state. An outrageous act, like sticking a clown nose on their face and having them look in a mirror, can transform the mood and circumstance.