Increased Vitality

Aliveness is energy. It’s the juice, the vitality, and the passion that wakes up our cells every morning. It’s what makes us want to dance. It’s the energy that moves a relationship from the status quo to something grander and much more expansive, something that makes our hearts beat faster, our minds, and our eyes open wider than ever before. Everything is of interest to a person who is truly alive, whether it’s a challenge, a loving moment, a bucket of grief, or a glimpse of beauty.
— Daphne Rose Kingma

Action Item:
Surround yourself with friendships and fun and let the joy of the season lift your spirit and life!

by Neissa Springmann

This weekend we celebrated my brother-in-law’s 40th birthday with a surprise 80’s party. You got it, a party to recognize the greatest generation or at least the best era that I grew up in that was rich with sequins, bows, big hair, oversized shirts, lace and rubix cubes. Tim, my brother-in-law, was pleasantly surprised and humored by the various “80’s looks” that ranged from Bon Jovi, Madonna, two Tom Cruise ‘look-alikes’ from the movie Risky Business along with plenty of glitter, blue eye shadow and men wearing mullet wigs. It was obvious by the festive party-goers that everyone, including myself, had anticipated the opportunity to relish our youth. With 80’s music playing and a strobe light flashing on the living-room dance floor, the celebration was a hit!

As I chatted with friends throughout the party and mentally revisited the fun experience afterwards, I continue to conclude the same results, which is that friendships and fun create increased vitality. The definition of vitality is “the capacity to live/grow and physical or intellectual vigor,” and while I realize that unfortunately every day can’t be an 80’s party (even though I purchased ALL of my costume from Target so the 80’s styles are apparently coming back in style), we DO have the ability to have fun and enjoy friendships everyday. And, experiencing increased vitality produces physical, mental and spiritual energy which leads to an enthusiastic life!

iGnite leader Sha is all smiles at her swimming class she teaches each week.

With 21 days until Christmas, now is the perfect opportunity to increase your vitality, as the season is youthful, magical and festive. From holiday songs, the gift of giving, and the smiles of children when they wake up Christmas morning, let the joy of the season lift your spirit and life! And, for extra convincing that friendships and fun do create increased vitality, check out the difference between Buddy and his boring/all-business Dad.