Dr. Drew's New TV Show - Lifechangers!

Dr. Darlene Mininni Joins The Team!

I'm so excited to be part of Dr. Drew's new show Lifechangers as its resident Happiness Expert.

The program, which premieres September 19 on the CW, provides guests and viewers with simple, practical tools to turn their lives around on topics ranging from relationships to health to fitness.

Don't miss it!

Meet the Lifechangers

Is There An Upside To The Downside?

Nobody wants bad stuff to happen to them, yet sooner or later, if you're human, it probably will.

But the good news is that despite the difficulty of some events--like illness, job loss or financial troubles--many people come out the other side not only surviving, but thriving. There's even a name for it: Post-Traumatic Growth.

That was the case for Harry Potter best-selling author JK Rowlings as she looks back at the hardships she endured as a struggling, depressed single mother determined to write a book.

Although you probably won't feel the upside of your suffering when you're in the thick of it, given some time, many people, including JK, say they're stronger, wiser and more deeply connected to people because of it.

How To Grow From Tough Situations

If you're dealing with a hardship, here are 3 suggestions to help you ultimately thrive:

1. Accept It. When you're in a crisis, wishing things were different only makes it worse. Start by accepting where you are. JK Rowlings says doing that gave her a sense of freedom that allowed her to pursue her path.

2. Discover Your Strengths. Sometimes you don't realize the depth of your courage, your tenacity or your talents until they've been tested. The famous author found that she had a strong will and an ability to survive that she never knew.

3. Connect with Caring People. Accepting help from people who care about you will make you stronger. JK says adversity helped her realize the gift of her true friendships.

What Has Life Taught You?

Every experience in your life teaches you something. Some life lessons are fun to learn like: pudding tastes better with whipped cream. Then there are the lessons that aren't so fun like: losing a loved one hurts.

But what about other peoples' experiences? Can they teach you something too? I've always been inspired listening to peoples' stories because I believe every person's experience has something to teach me.

How To Benefit From Others' Stories

As you listen to others' stories, ask yourself these 2 questions:

1. What I can learn from their experience?

2. How do their lessons apply to my own life?

Here's a story from journalist and former California First Lady Maria Shriver that inspired me:

When Maria Shriver was "freaking out" trying to balance family, marriage and career, she felt like she was coming up short in every area. Then one day her mother said to her, "Maria, you can have and be all the things you want to be. Just do it over a lifetime. Don't try to do them all at once, because you can't."

That story meant a lot to me. It's a lesson I never forgot.

Steve Jobs' Advice For You!

If you've ever heard of the Mac computer, iPod or iPhone, then you've heard of Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer. He's a revoluntionary thinker, cultural icon and former TIME magazine Person of the Year.

But the path for this wildly successful college drop-out hasn't been an easy one. In fact, it's been surprisingly difficult. That's why I want to share his moving story with you. In his 15-minute graduation speech to Stanford University students, Steve reveals how his hard-won wisdom has ultimately guided his life.

In your life, you're sure to face unexpected or unwanted challenges. If so, remember Steve's inspiring lessons:

• Believe in yourself
• Have faith in your future
• Follow your heart

WATCH STEVE'S

WORDS OF WISDOM

My Holiday Gift To You!

Are you stressed just thinking about the holidays?

Then go to the beach.

The holidays can be a time of joy and fun. They can also be a time for worry and stress. So wouldn't be nice if you could get away to a peaceful beach whenever you felt overwhelmed? Well, you can...with guided imagery.

Guided imagery is a relaxation technique that uses the power of your imagination to calm your mind and body. Since your brain doesn't know the difference between reality and fantasy, when you daydream in a focused way, your body thinks it's real.

As my holiday gift to you, I've recorded a special guided imagery where I personally guide you through a 6-minute beach getaway. You can listen to it on your lunch break, before bed, whenever you'd like. You'll feel like you've just taken a mini-vacation. Looks like a little daydreaming can be a good thing after all.

Happy Holidays and Enjoy!

Free Beach Getaway Guided Imagery

WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL LOVED?

It's been said that you feel loved when your partner loves you the way you need to be loved. And it's different for everyone. So I asked people--men and women--one simple question: What makes you feel loved? Here's what they told me:

Men

Knowing that my wife trusts me with her heart and her life. It is the most awesome and humbling responsibility.

When she makes my special macaroni dish.

When we cuddle up late at night, skin to skin.

I can't tell you how many people have told me that they've never seen my new wife this happy. Ever. To think that I can be that person for someone else...that makes me feel loved.

When she allows me the space to do the things I love.

Knowing she's attracted to me.

Feeling heard and appreciated makes me feel loved.

Women

When things fall apart--anything from illness to a flat tire--he drops everything to help and be with me.

When he cooks for us, I feel loved.

After a hard day, we come together at night, and he tells me to come get in his arms, and tells me how much he loves me and what a good wife I am.

When we take care of each other, like when he brings me coffee in bed.

When he makes my lunch and packs it with a love note.

When he notices I'm not myself and is able to guess what's wrong before I'm even aware of it.

When he tells me he desires me.

Now It's Your Turn

Ask yourself: What makes YOU feel loved? Ask your mate. You can even ask your kids. I'm sure it will spur a great conversation!

HOW TO REVERSE YOUR BODY'S AGING CLOCK 16 YEARS OR MORE

Lots of people rely on expensive creams and elixirs to maintain their youthful looks. But the secret to slow and even reverse your physical age up to 16 years or more is likely to be found in an unexpected place -- your emotions.

It turns out people who know how to deal with life's inevitable stresses have better health, fewer wrinkles and less gray hair. In other words, their bodies are younger. If you'd like to slow your body's aging process using your emotions, try these tips.

3 Steps To Get Younger

1. Connect with Supportive People: This is the most powerful way to slow the aging process. Dr. Michael Roizen of the Cleveland Clinic suggests the physical anti-aging benefits of being with caring people can be up to 30 years! When you're dealing with hard times--whether a major illness or a family crisis--make sure to get the help of friends, family and organizations.

2. Avoid Aversion Thinking: When stress happens, we don't like it. That's when we use aversion thinking--wishing things were different--such as: "I hate this situation," or "I wish I had a better job." Instead, try accepting your situation, even if you don't like it, by saying, "Right now, this is what it is, so how can I make the best of it?" That doesn't mean you won't try to improve your circumstances, but you won't add to your stress by fighting with it.

3. Meditation: When you're stressed, you often think of the future and everything that can go wrong like, "What will happen if I can't figure this out?" Meditation is a simple way to keep your mind focused on the present moment, the only place you have any real control in your life. Here's a simple meditation to help keep you grounded.