I have joy and sex in my life, i just don't talk about it on here...

[msrisotto]

Just wanted to clear that up really.
I'm married, to a man, I get on with my (male) colleagues and I love my dad, therefore I don't hate all men.

Now can we stop the bitchy insulting bullshit?

I sort of agree with Xenia in that for me a healthy body definitely has a positive effect on my state of mind. My ability to handle stress and to take pleasure in the small things is definitely enhanced when I am fit and well. Although I don't want to be where I am currently in another 10 year's time, I am happy with who I am and where I am going. I'm not sure I'm joyful as such (though I certainly have moments of joy); more I've reached a certain level of contentment, and that's partly due to my physical health (which enables me to juggle everything without being left exhausted).

I'm not sure that the relationship between body and soul is that simple though. Just as disabled people or those with chronic illnesses can experience happiness and joy, so too can those who look after their health experience unhappiness and despair. Quite often, no matter how strong your body and soul, a shitty set of circumstances - especially those that have effects for years or even a lifetime - will leave you maybe not unhappy, but certainly far from joyful.

Doesn't it also fluctuate? Doesn't an increasing sense of unhappiness with the way things are encourage us to pursue the way we think things should be?

I think it is best to aim for contentment.

Ahhh...I see. I must have missed the thread. probably a good thing I think.