What Is Well-Being? Part 4

In my experience, I maintained that a positive emotion is just that- a temporary feeling. We may experience more negative than positive feelings during our lifetime. If that’s true, that doesn’t necessarily mean that we are unhappy or depressed souls. I prefer not to use happiness at all because of its transitory nature and the fact that the world is unpredictable, along with us having very little control within our culture. Lots of opportunity for negative feelings. I prefer to comment on the dynamics and characteristics of developing or harmony between having a positive and healthy mental state along with terrific physical health. Both are needed for effective coping. This would likely accomplish a healthy and satisfying lifespan. The partnership between mind-body is critical and paramount. Let’s return to that half marathon and my friend Tony. I initially met Tony in 1997, at a Ride and Tie event held on Mount Hamilton, in California. I was entered in a limited distance endurance ride. Parked next to me were Ride and Tie partners Tony and Jeff. To make a long story short, Tony and I became neighbors shortly thereafter and have been trail buddies since. We have competed in running and riding events over the last 20 years. Research tells us that my friendship was important. In fact, a recent study found in the New York Times stated that important friendships allow the individual to live longer than those without friendships. Having a good friend like Tony allows me more than just the ability to likely live longer. Free of charge, I received his expertise, feedback and assistance on a variety of important and significant issues of the day and yesterday. Years ago, competition was important to me. I wanted to run faster than him even though he was younger. Over the years, I’ve adjusted to that idea. I now employ a running handicap when we take part in the same event. Emotionally, my life has been enriched by learning about him, his wife, Debbie, his father, his mother and his other family members. To Be Continued