Positive Thinking Improves Health

"Whenever I start feeling as if it's unfair that I have to take so many shots and test my blood so many times a day, I think of people who have it worse. At least my disease is one I can fight by trying to eat right and manage well. Looking on the bright side helps." This quote is from Thad Novak a thirteen year old diabetic who spoke out on Save the Child Blog last week. His mother New York Times Best Selling Author Brenda Novak gives a great example of doing something positive about a health problem to effect change. She is hosting the sixth annual on-line auction for Diabetes Research.

Dr. Martin Seligman says that “quietly reminding yourself that you do have the skills and resources to handle most of what you will have to handle today is a good way to cultivate an optimistic attitude.” I think when Thad is focusing on the positive facts that with advances in medicine, a supportive family, and improved technology he has the chance to live a good life, compared to some other individuals, he gives himself the opportunity to save the energy that could be wasted if he moped and complained about his lot. It is like looking at the silver lining around the clouds or to survive the storm you dance in the rain.

Research suggests that maintaining a positive outlook during distressing times can optimize not only your emotional wellbeing, but also your cardiovascular health. The University of California researchers found that actors could influence their immune system by the emotions they portrayed. There are studies upon studies done at well respected institutions such as Harvard, Duke University, the University of Chicago and more showing a direct relationship between improved health, extended live, and overall sense of well being and having a positive attitude.

Fun Way to Help Fight Diabetes

The 6^th Annual Online Auction for Diabetes Research begins today May 1^st. There are 2,000 fabulous items, many of which you can’t get anywhere else, it’s going to be a blast.
I started this fundraiser in 2005 and have made it an annual event in an attempt to help my thirteen-year-old son (diagnosed at 5) and the many, many others who struggle with diabetes. The need is there. Anyone who lives with a diabetic will tell you about the constant fingertip pricks, the shots, the pump insertions, the danger that comes with blood sugars that are too high or too low or swinging wildly from one side to the other. It’s almost impossible to avoid the fluctuations, no matter how hard you try. But you rarely hear about that, or about the tragic side affects. Diabetes affects every part of the body—the heart, the liver, the kidneys, the skin, the nerves, the eyes, everything. But thanks to my many, many generous donors–and shoppers–we’re doing what we can to help!
It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak’s bestselling author career.
“I caught my day-care provider drugging my children with cough syrup and Tylenol to get them to sleep while I was away,” Brenda says. “It was then that I decided that I needed to do something from home.”
However, writing was the last profession she expected to undertake. In fact, Brenda swears she didn’t have a creative bone in her body. In school, math and science were her best subjects, and when it came time to pick a major in college, she chose business.
Abandoning her academic scholarship to Brigham Young University at the age of 20 in order to get married and start a family, Brenda dabbled in commercial real estate, then became a loan officer.
“When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book,” Brenda admits. “I learned how to write by reading what others have written. The best advice for any would-be author: read, read, read….”
Last year we managed to raise over $280,000, which brings us to over three-quarters of a million so far. In 2010, we should break the $1 million mark! Judging by the increase in donations and web traffic, I think we’ll get there. Not only do I offer fabulous items like original paintings, handmade quilts, trips and stays and autographed books and baskets from Big Name authors, I offer fabulous opportunities for readers and writers. How would you like to have lunch with one of your favorite authors—authors like Barry Eisler, Diana Gabaldon, Linda Howard, Beverly Barton or Catherine Coulter? John Lescroart and Christine Feehan are offering you an opportunity to name a character in one of their novels. Jane Porter is offering a fabulous trip to Hawaii. Heather Graham has donated a trip to New Orleans, which includes her Writers For New Orleans Conference. Nora Roberts is offering a stay at her inn. Goodfellow Publishing has donated several books. And Anna DeStefano has put up a whole category of Coach purses. For aspiring writers, we have more agent and editor evaluations and author critiques than ever before. There are too many items to list here, so hop over and check it out.
For those of you who have never participated in an online auction, don’t worry–it’s easy. This auction runs just like E-Bay. You shop the entire month of May (there are also one-day auctions so be sure to check the schedule), bid on whatever you like and pay for what you win via credit card or Paypal when it’s all over, at which point it will be shipped to you (in most cases, the shipping is free).
The person who places the highest number of bids each week will be awarded a fabulous prize (the first week it’s an iPad as well as an Advanced Reading Copy of my new book, WHITE HEAT, due out July 27^th). There will also be lots of other prizes given away via random drawings.
And we have something new this year for aspiring writers. It’s a writing contest that will be judged by New York Times Bestselling Authors. The winner will receive a 6-month mentoring package from me and guaranteed reads from my agent and editor. One other thing I should mention. To help promote the auction, I’m currently holding a drawing for a fabulous Trip for 2 to Curacao. This trip includes airfare and hotel stay at the Hyatt Regency. To enter, click on the Contest link.
Here’s hoping I see you at the auction!
Brenda Novak