Give Thanks for a Reason

It's not just Mixonian, there's actually research out there indicating that grateful people are healthier and happier.

Robert Emmons, PhD, has even written a book on the subject: Thanks! How the New Science of Gratitude Can Make You Happier. His research indicates that people who express and feel gratitude benefit on several fronts. They enjoy better health, stronger relationships, and success in the personal and professional goals.

In one study on gratitude published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, the participants in the grateful group, wrote down 5 things each day for which they were grateful. The other groups wrote down their problems and another group noted all things that were affecting them. Not surprisingly, the grateful group experienced better health and more optimism about life in general than the other people in the study.

You can find more about these and other studies in Terri Trespicio's article, "Thank-you Therapy," published in the September issue of body + soul.

How amazing is it that the simple act of expressing gratitude is 1) free; 2) instantly accessible; and 3) universally available? No therapist needed.

Take a minute, if you haven't done so already today, and consider all the blessings in your life. Even with the situations that are annoying you, think about the valuable lesson in that situation that's waiting for you.

And even if you're not feeling particularly grateful for the mess you see right now, you can immediately feel better by say, switching the channel in your mind right now. Change your focus, change the emotion you're feeling. It's your choice.

Mixonian thanks you for reading this. Have a terrific Tuesday.

Be Happy, Eat Dates

This post is inspired by my friend, Ruben. He is the first person I ever knew who ate dates, just like that. He is definitely on to something wonderful.

The relationship between good communication and eating dates (the fruit, not the person), may not be readily apparent to all; it does exist. As my mother would say, "It's delicious, nutritious, and it makes you feel ambitious." In the case of dates, she is correct; it was not true for the protein shakes she used to prepare for us.

According to the California Date Growers' website, aptly named http://www.datesaregreat.com, a date has 23 calories and is rich in potassium, calcium, and anti-oxidants. If you live in the great state of North Carolina, Harris Teeter has organic dates that are almost better than dark chocolate, almost. This is no exaggeration.

Eating dates in their natural state, when you have to spit out the pit, allows you to share an experience with great people like Augustine, Dante, Cicero, Aristotle, and Plato, among others. You are in fabulous company.

Eating dates is healthy. Dates are delicious. Eating delicious, healthy food makes you feel good. Feeling good makes your communication soar with positive energy. Eat dates, be happy.

Here's a recipe for divine date nut bars. They make an exceptionally delicious and decadent breakfast.

Mixonian Date Nut Bars

2 cups, or 1 pound dates (chop with greased knife, burn calories)
2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking soda dissolved in 1/4 cup heated orange juice
1.5 cups sugar, can mix brown and white
1 cup finely chopped nuts: walnuts or pecans
2 sticks unsalted butter
2 large eggs
zest of one orange
1 cup powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Line it with foil, leaving a 2-inch overhang on 2 opposite sides. Butter the foil.

Whisk together flour and salt. Beat together butter and sugar in a bowl until pale and fluffy. Beat in eggs, one at a time. Add baking soda with o.j. and orange zest. Add the flour mixture, nuts, and dates; mix until just combined.

Spread this thick batter in baking pan and bake until a tester comes out clearn, about 50 minutes to one hour. Cool in pan on a rack 15 minutes. Carefully lift date mixture out of pan using foil overhand and transfer to a cutting board. Cut into squares and toss in confectioners sugar. Place on a rack to cool completely. Enjoy!