You need your bones!

As the graphic points out, you really need your bones, especially during these times of unprecedented stress and emotional uncertainty. Boiled down to their essence, these three bones are the stuff that life is made of.

This quote is often attributed to singer and songwriter Reba McEntire, and while she is most responsible for its fame, it was first reportedly uttered by a Dr. Kavanagh during his talk on ‘Moral Anatomy’ as cited in a newspaper, the New Rochelle Pioneer, way back in 1908. More recently, its ideals were embraced by NZ All Blacks mental resilience coach Gilbert Enoka, as a part of his efforts to prepare the Kiwis for success on the international stage. Regardless of who says it, the concepts encapsulated in the words are veritable gold mine of advice for a satisfying life.

Every healthy, fulfilling life needs a Wishbone. No matter how good or bad the present situation, the ability to dream, to visualize, to hope is the most human of skills. Our wishbones provide us with personal strength to face the trials and tribulations of life and keep moving forward. Psychologist and published author Dr. Ellen Albertson states, "Wishes are powerful because they connect you with your ideas and desires. They get you out of your analytical yes, but head and into a creative, curious, childlike space that liberates rather than blocks your energy. This open space is where magic and miracles can happen." Nothing worthy ever spontaneously appeared. It started as a dream or thought, born of a desire to change, progress, or improve upon the present. Once thought to be completely anecdotal, the power of a wish has been the foundation of medical study. In 2015, Make-A-Wish Israel conducted a study to measure how wish-granting experiences influence medical outcomes of children with critical illnesses. The results revealed wishes not only increased hope, they also improved the children's physical and emotional health. The wishes made the impossible, possible — helping children replace fear with confidence, sadness with joy and anxiety with hope.

“You’re wishin’ too much, baby. You gotta stop wearing your wishbone where your backbone oughtta be.”
― Elizabeth Gilbert, "Eat, Pray, Love"

Of course, anyone can dream. The difference between a dream and reality boils down to the strength of a person's Backbone. or the development of resilience and persistence. Although the idea here refers to qualities integral to progression and the foundation upon which we build our dreams, the physical backbone is the reason that we humans look and act the way we do, an integral component of our bipedal, upright mobility while simultaneously protecting the nerves that fire the muscles required for that mobility. Be it real or imagined, the backbone provides the stability against which all action is anchored, a symbol of character, an unwillingness to be swayed or taken for granted, a firm commitment to our decisions and desires. 

“I don't trust anyone who doesn't laugh.”
― Maya Angelou

There's a saying that people will forget what you say but they'll never forget how you made them feel. In its truest essence, that's what a Funny bone is; the human ability to elicit an emotional release. It's the ability to laugh, both at ourselves and situations. Chasing dreams can be serious business but, "All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy!" We need to not take life too seriously or be too self-absorbed. The Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association attests, "Laughter is the purest form of communication. It expresses our real desires and intent. Through laughter we are capable of being real, genuine, and authentically ourselves. Dr. Robert Provine of University of Maryland, suggests that laughter is perhaps the earliest form of language known unto humankind. Dr. Provine has suggested that laughter predated the spoken language. Laughter’s ignition begins at the earliest stages of life." Scientists have been connecting the dots when it comes to real, fact-based opinions about the value of laughter and its ability to affect the tissue that forms the inner lining of blood vessels, the endothelium, to dilate or expand in order to increase blood flow. (Science Daily, 2011) Laughter reduces the level of stress hormones like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone. It also increases the level of health-enhancing hormones like endorphins, and neurotransmitters. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress. (Scott, 2011)

Embrace your bones ... without them, you're simply a huge bag of goo! HaHa!