Friends may come and go in life, but family is a stronger type of bond. Whether related to us by blood or by choice, these are the people who support, nurture, and care for us. They’re by our side in good times and bad, and they look beyond our flaws and shortcomings, loving us for our best qualities as people.

"Having family support is such an important component of our lives," says Steve Barnett, Mayor of Franklin. "They tell us our history and guide our future. Knowing people who are always there for us gives us a safe place to talk, provides advice when we need it and helps make a bad day better!"

Some simple ways to improve family relationships include:

• Cooking a meal for your family
• Taking your sibling out for a treat
• Calling your grandparents to see how they’re doing
• Organizing a family game night

Family is important in life, but so are friends—especially those friends who lift us up instead of dragging us down. Positive friends make us laugh, are honest with us, and are there for us when we need them. They genuinely care about our well-being and are invested in our happiness.

"'Show me your friends and I’ll show you your future' is a quote that rings true for everyone," says Steve Barnett, Mayor of Franklin. "Surrounding yourself with friends who will be honest, supportive, and encourage you to make good choices helps you realize you are not alone, especially during times when it’s difficult to stand up for what is right."

Some simple ways to build positive friendships include:

• Helping a friend study for a class or test
• Asking a friend how they’re doing and really listening
• Hosting a game night, party, or themed event with your positive friends
• Writing a note thanking someone for being a positive friend

A mentor is an experienced person who shares their insight to help guide us. They are often older than us, and they leverage their life experience to offer advice in difficult or confusing situations. They help us draw on our own strengths to grow and become the best versions of ourselves.

Kevin McGinnis, Town Manager for Whiteland, enjoys serving as a mentor for others whenever he can. Among his favorite pieces of life advice are: "Worrying doesn't take away tomorrow's troubles, it takes away today's peace"; "Never be defined by your past. It was just a lesson, not a life sentence"; and, "When you face difficult times, know that challenges are not sent to destroy you, they are sent to strengthen you."

Some simple ways to improve relationships with mentors include:

• Thanking a mentor for their support
• Telling your mentor that they’re doing a great job
• Checking in with your mentor in person, over the phone, or via video chat
• Telling a friend about how a trusted adult mentor has helped you

Healthy activities are beneficial for us physically, emotionally, or socially. They are behaviors that make us feel good without any negative side effects. When we feel stressed, healthy activities help us unwind, lift our mood, and gain clarity.

Some simple healthy activities that you can engage in include:

• Going for a run
• Cooking or baking a new recipe
• Cuddling with a pet
• Reading a great book
• Painting or drawing
• Taking a relaxing bath

Generosity is the act of giving without expecting to receive anything in return. Generosity can be expressed in many different ways, from donating money or time to being intentionally kind to other people. These acts of kindness toward others, big or small, can also change the way we feel about ourselves.

"Show respect even to the people who don't deserve it, not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of your character," suggests Whiteland Town Manager, Steve McGinnis. Another thought of his on the topic of generosity: "Ships don't sink because of the water around them, they sink because of the water that gets into them. Don't let what's around you get inside you and weigh you down."

Some simple ways to practice generosity include:

• Volunteering for a cause you care about
• Comforting someone who is sad or upset
• Paying for a friend’s coffee or meal
• Helping an elderly neighbor or single parent
• Tutoring a young person

Spirituality means different things to different people, and it can be practiced in many ways. As a general rule, we practice spirituality when we consider what gives us a sense of purpose and connection in life. We might practice spirituality through religion, nature, art, or gratitude, to name just a few examples.

Some simple ways to practice spirituality include:

• Looking at the night sky
• Sitting in nature
• Praying
• Creating or appreciating art
• Practicing yoga
• Keeping a gratitude journal

When we become sick or injured, we don’t have to stay that way. We can get better with access to the medical care we need and deserve, and we can lower our risk of illness and injury through regular preventative actions. Physical illness and social/emotional pain often go hand-in-hand, so it's important to take care of our bodies, hearts, and minds.

Some simple ways to manage physical health include:

• Getting an annual physical exam
• Visiting the dentist every six months
• Exercising regularly
• Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Drinking plenty of water

Mental health is an important part of our overall well-being, and managing mental health is all about getting the support we need and deserve to help us when we are struggling. Getting together with trusted friends, family members, counselors or doctors can often help us overcome any internal struggles we might be facing.

Some simple ways to manage mental health include:

• Reaching out to a school counselor
• Sharing your feelings with someone you trust
• Starting a journal
• Learning a breathing practice
• Listening to calming music