Outreach and interactions hold immense value - I'm genuinely grateful for your ongoing support and active engagement. The authenticity of our conversations and personal connections, including those over the phone, has been deeply inspiration. As I mentioned in the last newsletter, the straightforward act of reaching out has remarkably eased the once-daunting task of starting a newsletter.

Interestingly, research confirms what we've intuitively sensed – the presence of friends can alter our perception of challenges, making even the steepest hills appear less daunting. This phenomenon holds true for both physical and imaginative experiences.

It turns out that mood can be positively influenced merely by the company we keep. This insight sheds light on a fundamental truth about well-being and happiness: prosocial behaviors, such as being caring, helpful, and comforting, lie at the core. Expressing generosity and kindness through connections has a profound impact. Decades of rigorously reviewed scientific research underscore the fact that a sense of community contributes to a longer, more fulfilling life.

Dr. Laurie Santos works these concepts, as well as the value of self-assessment, in the inaugural episode of her podcast.

As we explore the idea of a "health contender" – someone committed to personal growth through adapting and improving – let's take a look at it in action:

Take a moment to observe your mood before engaging with a community, whether it's a friend, a group, or an online network. Rate your mood on a scale of 1 to 10. Then, immerse yourself in the experience by paying attention to the dynamics of the community:

Is it one person or a gathering?

Are they strangers or peers?

Is it a virtual connection or an in-person interaction?

What behaviors define the connection – prosocial acts or a drama-filled scenario?

As you engage, note how your mood evolves.

Did it change? Did you start achieving a desired practice or goal spurred by the sense of community?

Reflect on the atmosphere of the interaction – did it lean toward prosocial behavior or another dynamic? Did your self-rating improve after the interaction?

This simple yet profound experiment can become a situational experience of just how powerful connections - your environment is on your emotional state and actions. As we explore this notion of being a health contender, remember that our connections and interactions are one key to shaping our perceptions, fostering well-being, and propelling us toward routine action.