Yesterday my world stopped for a minute.

While I was cleaning, I found a journal page, folded and hidden in the back of my closet.  I knew instantly what it was, and I sank down to read the painful words.  Line by line, I relived one of the hardest times of my life. 

A wave of sadness washed over me. On the paper were things I didn't want to remember, painful things I wanted to erase from my life. I crumpled it quickly and tried to move onto other tasks, hoping to get rid of that suffocating feeling.

I didn't want to think about it.  I was so naive then.  So worried and scared...a desperate young girl trying to survive the battle.  I had no idea how things would turn out, and I found myself thinking, "If only..."

If only I could go back and talk to that hurting girl and let her know what I know now:

     You'll get through this.
     Things will end better than you ever imagined.
     You're going to be so happy and strong in the future.

I imagined myself reliving those moments with this knowledge.  What a difference that would have made!

I felt the crumpled note in my pocket, and this time it felt full of promise, a promise that could lift me above what I'm facing and carry me through the tough stuff:

     You can overcome.

I'm going to wrap this promise protectively around my heart and keep facing my challenges.  I can overcome.  I can overcome.
I can overcome.

I'm not a calorie counter.  I know dieting is popular these days, but there's enough stress in my life without having to worry about calories, fats, and sugars.

However, if certain foods can make me feel happier, then I might reconsider this whole "worrying about my diet thing."

According to some health articles I've read, there are certain foods which release chemicals in our bodies, chemicals that help us feel more relaxed and peaceful.  And guess what?  None of them taste like cardboard.

Cue the drum roll.

What are these stress reducing foods?

1. Foods with Omega 3   

           According to Web MD, researchers have found that people who eat foods with high levels of omega 3, have lower levels of               depression and their symptoms are improved.

           What foods have Omega 3?  Fish, walnuts, olive oil...

   2.     Foods with Vitamin D
           Vitamin D is responsible for giving us a sense of well-being.  

           We can get Vitamin D from milk, cereal, and orange juice.  

   3.     Foods with Serotonin
            Serotonin is a chemical that helps keep our moods in balance.

           Turkey, beans, eggs, and whole grains all work to help our bodies release serotonin.

   4.     Foods with Theanine
            Theanine is an amino acid that has anti-stress and relaxation qualities.

            We can find this amino acid in tea.

   5.     Foods with Phenylethylamine
            Phenylethylamine is the same chemical our brains create when we feel like we're falling in love.

            Here's the best part:  It's found in dark chocolate.

Today, a reader shares a letter she wrote to her father after hearing he wanted to commit suicide.  If you hear someone say they want to kill themselves, don't assume they're being dramatic. Seek help for them.

National Crisis and Suicide Hotline 1 800 + 999-9999

Dear Dad,

I am writing this because before you went to bed you said you were going to kill yourself.  Why in the world would you do that?  I don't think you realize how valuable your life is.  Your family needs you. We love you, dad.  

The main reason you are still alive today is because you have a job to do.  God isn't ready to let you go yet.  You have a job to do...be a father.  I don't think you understand how much your family needs you, and that's what matters most.

Not your job.
Not money.
Not alcohol.

None of that matters.  Your family is your purpose in life.  

Just because we get upset sometimes and quiet and don't wanna talk to you or whatever doesn't mean we don't love you.  You are very loved. You don't know this, but I pray for you and for us everyday.  I love you, dad.  You are a huge part of my life.  I want you around for a very long time.  

I need you, dad.  I will do anything to get you happy and healthy.  I will buy you a gym membership.  I will buy you healthy food.  I will go to a church group or Alcohol Anonymous with you.  I will do anything, dad, because I love you.  You are an important part of  my life.  Please stop this mess and try to get healthy.  Your family loves you and needs you.

Love,
Your daughter