The Olympics are now over but I can’t help thinking how amazing those athletes were. Such dedication to a dream and pride at all the effort they put into it. Not everyone there was a Michael Phelps and they were all masters. They gave so much to their dream as well as to their country and to us the viewers, onlookers, and fans.

It inspires me to continue to live a rich and positive life and make a contribution any way I can. Did you know that being of service and making a contribution can actually help with depression? I remember reading something Deepak Chopra wrote several years back. He said one thing that potentially makes people depressed is they are not being of service or giving back. I thought that was a pretty profound statement and it has stuck with me.

How can you be of service? I don’t mean to the detriment of your #1 priority, which is taking good care of yourself. I often see so many—especially woman—overdoing the “helping” bit, which causes them to be run down and subsequently their health suffers. No, I don’t mean that kind of “people pleasing to the point burn-out” service. I mean the kind that when you pay attention to your health and wellbeing, you have the resources available to contribute to others in a wholehearted, meaningful way. It’s so important to understand this concept and to bring it into your daily life—it will change your life.

You may find you judge yourself harshly during the times when are taking better care of yourself and begin to say NO to other things. You may even consider yourself selfish when you do that. All I have to say is if you are depleted, you will have very little to give. However, once you do, you understand your life will be change and become more enriched, and you will be able to contribute in ways that will fulfill you. Wouldn’t it be great to change from the inside and quiet yourself enough to hear what your soul is really craving versus what your ego, your eyes, or stomach is? By doing this you will know the true nature of giving and being of service.

Tips for this Upcoming Labor Day Weekend:
(I would like to credit Loretta Love Huff for the inspiration for the following tips)

• Act like a toddler. Be easy on yourself and have some fun.
• Reward yourself, as in a movie, a walk on the beach, purchasing a beautiful scarf or necklace.
• Get the support you need. Ask those in your life for help. It’s okay to ask.
• Forgive yourself for not being perfect—the sooner the better.
• Making a course correction is always a good idea. You can always change your mind and head in another direction at any time.
• It’s okay not to know. Anyway, you can’t possibly know it all really well.
• It’s okay to procrastinate. Sometimes sitting with something is the best thing you can do.

Have a healthy, safe, caring, and fun Labor Day Weekend!

(c) Monika Klein, B.S., C.N. is an award winning clinical nutritionist and weight loss expert. Monika is the “Compassionate and Practical Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach.” Her company, Coaching For Health, offers life transforming weight loss and wellness programs, classes and products throughout the world. To learn more about Monika’s services and programs, visit www.coachingforhealth.com.