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The Source is a place for Palm Beach County residents and experts to connect and exchange information

How can you ensure short-term happiness turns into long-term happiness? D.K.

I tend to look at happiness and joy as two separate long-term goals. Since often happiness can be waived by financial hardships, illness, injury, and other aspects of life, I do not aim for long-term happiness but joy. Establish routines or dedicated time for yourself in healthy habits such as exercising, sunlight, quality nutrition, resting, meditation, and quality relationships. There will be moments of unhappiness but with joy you know there is hope that happiness will return. -

Christian E. Sanon

The first thing to consider is living in a mindset that has a solid and fluid foundation to avoid ups and downs that are far out of range of comfort. Major and minor life events are constant, good and bad and this is what builds our own tools as people. By creating a sound mind, you can better prepare yourself to handle difficult life events. The expectation is usually what creates disappointment, which leads to unhappiness. The greatest tool available for insurance of happiness is self-love and having some kind of faith. Exercise, good sleep, hydration, laughing, and nutrition play a valuable role, as well as eliminating unnecessary stress. Have integrity and be kind. -Wendy

Seale

How do you turn your brain off and stop it from constantly overthinking?

J.G.

The best way to shut your brain off would be to practice moments of silence in small increments daily. Try to sit still without your phone, TV, people, and other influences around. You may start with 1 minute a day and increase it each week. This is how we desensitize ourselves from sensitivity to sensory input that constantly surrounds us. Also, pay close attention to what causes your mind to race and overthink. One method I use is writing down every thought that comes to my head immediately during my silent time. It allows me to empty my brain and have stillness for a moment, but it is a constant work in progress.

Remember to always be intentional too! -Christian

E. Sanon

I have found that permitting myself to turn it off has helped. The creative mind never stops creating and overthinking, always on sensory overload. We feel like we have to entertain this fountain of thoughts when all it does is jam up our brains like 1000 cars in one lane. When you just let go, truly, and focus on one thing at a time, you will see better results in production. The internet is a danger zone if you are seeking to turn your brain off. Busy physical work is fantastic for turning the brain off. I love the lesson in The Karate Kid when Daniel had to paint the endless fence to learn discipline and focus. Also, “There’s only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.”

Tutu

-Wendy Seale

-Desmond

I read trauma can be transmitted through genes. As a black male, I wonder if generational trauma is in my DNA. Do you think this is possible? A.J.

Honestly, I have not done enough research to say that it isn’t nor is possible. Research is still inconsistent stating that intergenerational trauma does not damage the gene (genetic change) but alters how the gene functions (epigenetic change). I believe that our environment, influences, nutrition, and habits amplify generational trauma.

-Christian E. Sanon

I believe in inherited memory and mannerisms, which would align with trauma response. Although the environmental behavior of a traumatized parent can impact a child, as far as the mind and parts of the brain that produce chemistry to level out behavior could be damaged from trauma and passed on perhaps. Trauma changes brain chemistry and causes all kinds of damage so it would be no wonder this could be passed down. My belief stems from how a child can play classical piano at age 3, to find out a grandparent played piano, and so on. Addressing the trauma and healing is a really good step to wellness which is a brave and beautiful thing to do for oneself.

-Wendy Seale

Christian E. Sanon

Christian E. Sanon II is the co-founder of Look Up Therapy, LLC and president of Beyond the Valley foundation. His strong faith in God led him to feel inspired to use behavior analysis and passion to assist others to reach their full potential within his community.

Christian E. Sanon | @lookuptherapy | www.lookuptherapy.com

Wendy Seale

Wendy Seale is a Florida native with a rugged map of travel and life experience. She is marveled by this world and all of its little wonders. Her artistic voice speaks photography, writing and art. @wendysealephotography

The Source asks YOUR questions to a lived and learned expert. Lived experts have experienced behavioral health challenges and/or are family members, caregivers, faith-based leaders, neighborhood champions, and influencers. Learned experts are behavioral health professionals, nonprofit agencies, local government, educational institutions, system leaders, and funders. Email thewell@ bewellpbc.org with “The Source” in the subject line to ask a question or contribute as an expert.

The information presented is for the purpose of educating people. Nothing contained in this publication should be construed nor is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider. Should you have any health care related questions, please call or see your physician or other qualified healthcare provider promptly. You should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this publication.

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After retiring from teaching in 1988, Rita became an AmeriCorps Fellow under the tutelage of Dr. Merrilee Middleton, President of Boca Raton’s Promise- The Alliance for Youth. She accepted the position of Executive Director for the new non-profit which soon attracted community leaders and volunteers to deliver five promises to youth living in Boca Raton.

When money dwindled in 2011, Rita became a volunteer. She convened partners and donors with three

Rita Thrasher President & CEO – Boca Raton’s Promise

established non-profits to form a county auxiliary: the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health. Working in unison they produced five annual Breaking the Silence VOICE AWARDS, assisted in bringing Mental Health First Aid training to PBC, and introduced a Community Education Exchange in 2018. Twenty-five members now meet bi-monthly under her leadership to identify priorities and take action. The mission remains: to bring awareness and education to encourage access to mental health services.

Rita is currently promoting community roundtables as a means to identify needs and priorities in Boca Raton. On a larger scale she is researching, connecting and envisioning a major education-for-life project for location in Southeast Florida.

Mission

211 Palm Beach and Treasure Coast’s mission is to save and improve lives through crisis intervention and by connecting people to health, mental health, and wellness services 24 hours a day every day.