Most people like to keep drama at a minimum in their lives, but sometimes it’s not so easy. During stressful times or when dealing with certain people, you might find drama popping up more than you’d like.

Maybe you’re at a breaking point, and you’re ready to finally eliminate the drama from your life once and for all. Keep in mind that it’s nearly impossible to eliminate it all together, but there are certain strategies you can follow to keep it to a minimum.

Consider adding the following strategies to your drama elimination methods:

1. Keep to yourself whenever possible. It’s almost always best to adopt a “mind your own business” attitude when you’re dealing with other people. When you snoop around in someone’s business, you really never know what can of worms you’re opening. If someone asks or invites you into their life, that’s one thing, but you should avoid the urge to pry.

2. Avoid participating in gossip. Humans are social creatures and they tend to talk about each other. Sometimes you might think that your gossip is good news, so it’s okay, but you never know how someone else might spin what you’re saying. It’s best to avoid it whenever possible.

• If you have issues with someone, have a conversation directly with them. Then they’ll know how you feel without hearing a version of the story from someone else.

3. Make efforts to stop gossip. You’ll no doubt be in situations where you’re not participating in it, but you’re hearing other people gossip. It’s difficult to go against the crowd and take a stand, but you must if you’re serious about eliminating drama.

• You can choose to be silent and that way you won’t be held accountable, but you can also politely say that maybe the subject at hand should be changed to something else.

4. Be cautious when meeting new people. Of course you want to be friendly and inviting when you’re meeting people and making new friends. However, keep your guard up to some extent because you really never know when something you say might be seen as hurtful or offensive, even when you didn’t mean it that way.

• Before sharing personal opinions, ensure you know someone well enough to prevent misunderstandings.

5. Analyze past dramatic situations. Think about the scenarios that led to drama for you in the past. Was it a simple misunderstanding? Is there a topic that always leads to drama and arguments? You can definitely learn from past situations that transpired negatively. Reflection can help you avoid those similar situations in the future.

6. Learn how to release your emotions in a healthy way. Drama can lead you to feel some strong emotions. Even if you’re trying to eliminate drama, you can’t just avoid everything that you’re feeling. It can lead to more upset outbursts, since you’re just bottling up those strong emotions. Instead, learn positive ways to release your emotions.

• If you’re starting to feel upset because things are getting heated, remove yourself from the situation. Grab some fresh air and return to the situation once you’ve found a cool head.
• Exercising is a great way to release emotions and pent-up stress.
• Daily relaxation is also important. Do something that you enjoy each day just for you!

Remember that some people just love drama, and they might be trying to stir some up for you. Refuse to participate in their game. You can choose what you want to allow into your life.

December 1, 2010 marks the 22nd anniversary of World Aids Day. First observed in 1988, World Aids Day was intiated by health ministers from around the world who called for a spirit of social tolerance and a greater awareness of HIV/AIDS on an international scale.

We have a responsibility in our communities to observe this day and raise awareness, increase knowledge, and promote action. Here are a list of a few ideas that can be explored in your neighborhood, at work, or in the classroom.

World AIDS Day In Your Neighborhood

• Wear a red ribbon as a symbol of hope to work, school or clubs – or distribute red ribbons at community gatherings.
• Organize a candlelight vigil at a community center or at a public park and invite local performers and speakers.
• Decorate a World AIDS Day tree or bulletin board to display in a local library or courthouse in memory of those who have died of AIDS.
• Write a letter or editorial to your local newspaper urging news coverage of World AIDS Day.
• Set up a table or booth at an existing community event to display HIV/AIDS exhibits, posters, flyers, or brochures.
• Send an World AIDS Day e-card to friends and family urging their support for AIDS awareness.

World AIDS Day At Work

• Ask your employer to help establish December 1 as a day to address the issue of HIV/AIDS in your workplace
• Educate employees about the prevention of HIV/AIDS: display posters, flyers, brochures, invite guest speakers, provide information through employee newsletters, E-mail messages and Web pages.
• Have your company sponsor community events by donating products to local HIV/AIDS programs, organize an AIDS fundraising events (run, walk, bike) or set up a display in the office lobby.
• Distribute World AIDS Day ribbons, posters, flyers or brochures in company mailboxes, cafeterias or break rooms.
• Retail businesses: place a World AIDS Day poster in your window, at checkout counters or community bulletin board.

World AIDS Day In the Classroom

• Set aside class time for a special lesson or speaker on HIV/AIDS.
• Create a website, brochure or video for teaching parents the facts about HIV/AIDS.
• Invite a person living with AIDS or health care worker to come and talk to students about HIV/AIDS discrimination.
• Create a special HIV/AIDS writing assignment for December 1 : essay, poem, book report, brochure, poster or research report.
• Distribute red ribbons and information about HIV/AIDS at an exhibit set up in the school.
• Decorate trees, school buildings, classrooms, lamp posts, or fences with red ribbons.
• Prepare a current events bulletin board for students to fill with newspaper articles about HIV/AIDS.

For additional information visit:
www.thebody.com
www.cdc.gov/hiv

“Your Actions Make A Difference, Collectively We Make An Impact On Our World!”

Be well,
Delayna

As we approach the end of 2009 and embrace the possibilities of 2010, your journey toward wellness needs to shift into high gear. Your health is your responsibility and must be a continual work in progress. Following these 5 steps during the first 10 days of the New Year will position you for success regardless of where you are in your wellness journey. 

Self Awareness- In order to achieve personal wellness you must become aware of your current state of health. Understanding the dimensions of wellness and the integration of mind, body, spirit is very important.

Visualize your success- Identify what wellness looks like for YOU! Visualizing your goal(s) will make it personal and easier to pursue. Creating a vision board keeps the goal(s) alive and real.

 Make a plan- After you have identified and visualized your goal, make a plan for success. Keep it simple, realistic, and achievable. Give yourself a deadline, re-evaluate and make changes as needed.

 Be proactive about your health- Be sure to schedule your annual checkups with your Health Care Practitioner. This is another important healthy lifestyle feature as it ensures that you are on the right path of health and wellness. During your visit, discuss risk factors and preventive measures which are pertinent to your wellness journey.

 Create balance- Although you are on a wellness journey, creating a sense of balance is crucial to avoid abandonment due to frustration. Working with an accountability partner, health/wellness coach, or attending group empowerment sessions can reduce your stress level, provide feedback and identify new strategies.

 Wellness is a journey that requires a connection of two paths: knowledge and action. Both need to be present to reach your goal of optimal health and well-being. The “Healthy 10” is a starting point or a refresher for those already on the journey!

 Think healthy thoughts and Welcome in 2010!