by Dena Patton

 

Ladies did you know that the happiest people in the world have vibrant social networks? In several studies of individuals with self-reported high well-being, the #1 strategy used to raise moods and combat depression was social affiliation! (Reported by Michael B. Frisch PHD from the book Creating Your Best Life).

What is the barrier that holds you back from spending time with friends? As women we are wired to gather with other women and gain emotional support from friends. But life gets in the way! I know! But I hope that in 2009 you make an effort to create some kind of boundary (i.e. setting up once a month coffee date with a friend, or going to a CCC event) and don't let it go. When you create something like this you must protect it or it will 'fizzle away' as my friend put it. So if you have to cancel a girlfriend date, instead MOVE it, but never cancel it. Just this one little shift will bring a little more happiness and balance to your life.


Be unstoppable.

Dena Patton is a Life/Business Coach, retreat facilitator and Speaker. She is also the founder of Chat, Chew and Chocolate. She is writing her first book: Powerfully Living, Gracefully Dying which will be out in 2011. There are free downloads for you: a boundaries checklist, a great to-do list organizer, a Gratefulness Journal and a Me Time Study all on Dena's bio page (bottom/right side of bio page). Info on her programs, retreats and coaching visit, www.TheBoundariesCoach.com. Find her on Twitter @chatchew.