‘Don’t worry, be happy’

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- There are a variety of occasions in life which can bring to mind the sense we may be a part of something larger and really lead us to take a long hard look at our values, giving us the chance to step back and look at our lives from a different perspective.

Having a long hard laugh with an old friend, or the sound of the ocean with your toes squishing around in the sand, can make one realize how vast the world is. Sometimes these moments can be brought on by great tragedy like the Boston Bombings or other times such as when we are away from home for the holidays.

As the holidays come to a close and a new year rapidly approaches, people begin to think about accomplishments and goals, which ultimately tie back to our four pillars: spiritual, mental, social and physical. Here are some ideas Shaw members have for how to keep your pillars strong.

Spiritual

“Our spiritual health expands beyond ourselves and is an overreach of a state of mind; it’s more than just us,” said Staff Sgt. Sean Mesina, 20th FW religious affairs airman.

Chaplain (Capt.) Nicholas LoPresto, 20th Fighter Wing deputy wing chaplain, and Mesina, encourage service members to be positive and keep their pillars strong this year.

• Do not wait until hard times hit to work on yourself.
• Believe in something bigger than yourself.
• Know chaplains are available for any form of spiritual growth.
• Go out and meet someone new.
• Join a church and volunteer at a soup kitchen.
• Focus on a spiritual practice.

Mental

“The key to mental health is keeping a positive outlook,” said Mesina.

• Leave a positive and insightful imprint on others.
• Be aware of personal relationships and their impact.

Social

“The key is to stay busy and be around friends; don’t hide and stay at home alone,” said Bill Miller.
Bill Miller, a retired chief master sergeant who has been at Shaw for 18 years currently works at the 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron.

• There are a lot of community programs at the end of the year downtown.
• There are different programs that come to the art centers in Columbia, S.C.
• Grab a friend and go explore local sites.
• It is very important to maintain healthy relationships and have mentors and people to call.

Physical

Airman Amy Jang 20th Force Support Squadron Fitness apprentice said coming to the gym is akin to paying off debts in that people want to see results right away, but in reality we need to take it one step at a time.

Jang has been working at the Fitness Center for a little over one year now and is involved in the CrossFit and training of service members in the gym.

“Working out is so much more; it’s the teamwork and the comradery that comes with a sport,” Staff Sgt. Keith Mathew-Kalina Martincic, Air Forces Central Command A6 computer support administrator and boxing instructor.

Martincic has been boxing for approximately 13 years starting at his first base in Portugal.

• Do not get discouraged.
• Think big picture; when you are done with a workout you feel a lot better and happier throughout the day, and if you stick with it you’ll feel like that year round.
• Try out a competition called Biggest Loser at the gym, where you compete to lose inches off the waist from January to March.