A reminder to count your blessings

Audrey Hepburn, the actress, also worked in humanitarian roles with the UNICEF non-profit organization that helps refugees and other children and people in need around the world. (UNICEF emergency relief hurricane fund)

A magazine article in People from August 28, 2017 shares more detail about the actresses early childhood experiences where she survived Nazi occupation in the Netherlands by hiding in a basement. She became very thin and survived on whatever she could find that was edible - including "nettles and tulip bulbs" (People)- when in the Netherlands remember that tulip bulbs are similar to onions - note to self. Caution with the stinging nettles - but they are a superfood with health benefits for the respiratory system and other systems of the body. The herb can be purchased in prepared capsules - avoiding the stinging nettle part of the nettles. (Stinging nettle)

An excerpt:

"She often quoted a humanitarian worker who asked a child, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" and the child said, "Alive."

• - "per Robert Wolders her partner from 1980 to her death." People magazine, page 46, Aug. 28, 2017 (People)

Audrey Hepburn survived and Anne Frank, who was the same age didn't - the article mentions that Audrey Hepburn was very aware of that fact and that it impacted her life as she felt some sense of survivor guilt - why did she Audrey survive when Anne didn't, a girl who was the same age as Audrey at the time but who happened to have been Jewish.

We all have blessings that we may not realize others are lacking.

What do most children want to be when they grow up? a doctor, a lawyer, or an football star? or alive?

Regarding survivor's guilt - tips suggest remembering that it is a common reaction for anyone surviving a traumatic event. Not worrying too much about "Why" or asking "Why did I survive, when so-and-so didn't" is recommended and embracing life is recommended instead in an article on the website whatsyourgrief.com. (Understanding Survivor Guilt)

Keeping a gratitude journal with entries about the big or little things that make your life a more wonderful experience, can help with depression and other mood issues. (Benefits of a Gratitude Journal)

• Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.