Happy Super Bowl Sunday and Groundhog Day, February 2, 2020
Good morning and happy Sunday. The helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Kobe Bryant, his daughter and seven others is a sad tragedy. It forever changes the lives of five families. The effects and unknown possibilities for them and others are endless. The losses are immeasurable.
The grief and trauma extends beyond the immediate families, relatives and friends. The first responders; police, fire, paramedics and associated personnel, will live with their pain forever.
The loss of life is truly sad and significant. How often do we take into account the duties of first responders, or do we just take them for granted? They work tirelessly to provide protection and service. The trauma they deal with is ongoing throughout their career. Last Sunday was a difficult day for so many, including all of those that responded to the call. I share the grief and sadness felt by all.
Kobe is a personality known worldwide. His untimely death has saturated the news. The social media coverage has been endless. The presence of all nine victims will be gravely missed. My heart aches for them all. Think about how many tragic events and deaths occur each day without news coverage or concern. Our military, law enforcement, first responders and their families garner little attention. They deserve so much more. In the line of duty deaths are tragically increasing, while suicide rates have doubled. Where is the outcry? People all over the world suffer similar fates, yet little recognition is received. We each deserve so much more. Our time here is limited, as we will never know when fate comes to call us. Tragic events like these have no clear meaning. We feel the pain, grieve and move forward into each new day. Life is a precious gift, not to be taken for granted. Enjoy each moment. Live life in gratitude and thankfulness. Be kind to others and let’s build a better and happier world together. All of our lives matter. I send my love and prayers to you all.
On a light hearted note, it’s a fabulous day for Super Bowl Sunday! I am not an avid sports watcher or one to sit in front of the television all day. I would much rather be outside enjoying nature and life. I do however, enjoy this time of year. The beginning of the year usually has some good college bowl games. The professional football league playoffs culminate with the big game today. I have amazing memories going to Rams games at the Coliseum with my Dad when I was a kid. We shared plenty of Sundays watching games together on the couch at home. We even made it to several Rose Bowl games, especially if Ohio State was playing. Those were the days when the first place teams in the Big Ten and Pac Eight would play on New Year’s Day at the Rose Bowl. Great memories and fun times with my Dad, never to be forgotten!
I have some crazy memories of working the Raider games when they were the “LA Raiders” (late 80’s / early 90’s). The Los Angeles Coliseum would be packed. There would always be the drunk fans creating chaos. The alcohol induced bravado typically led to fights in the stands. Tossing people out was easy. Getting to them to break up the fights was a chore. My uniform would be drenched from the beer thrown at us (the police). I was happy to see the team return to Oakland in 1995. Wishing them well as they will kick off next season in Las Vegas.
The NFL playoffs always seem to bring out the best in football and intense games. The Super Bowl can be great entertainment or a serious drag. This is true for several reasons. The primary reason is of course the game; only when there are fun teams playing. The half time show can go either way. I am hoping for a hit this year with the female entertainers. The commercials can be just as fun as the game; sometimes even more! For me, the day revolves around family and friends. It’s an afternoon of sharing fun, often missing the on screen action to actually catch up on life.
I plan to begin my day with some self-care. This is so easy to do. It is really just taking some time for you to enjoy and pamper yourself. It can be whatever you decide you need on any particular day. It could be a spa day, massage, sitting somewhere beautiful to read or anything you don’t normally treat yourself too. Make it a day of relaxation for your mind, body and soul. Be the champion of your own physical, mental and spiritual health. Eat and drink healthier foods that cater to your well-being. Be more positive and live in the present. Nurture your goodness and be grateful. You are in charge of you! Make it happen. Self-care equals self-love.
My self-care will start with quiet time to meditate. I try to meditate every morning when I roll out of bed. Typically, a few minutes is all I need to calm my mind and set the tone for the day. Even when I know there is lots to do or accomplish, beginning my day with a peaceful brain is so amazing. Being thankful for the new day and sharing that gratitude can create great joy. I really do feel better and am ready for whatever the day brings my way. Clear out the negative and let the positive thoughts flow.
My girlfriend and I will meet early for a fun (semi difficult) run through the hilly trails above San Clemente. We are training for a Ragnar trail run in July, among other activities this year. Our early prep work will pay off with huge fitness dividends. Cardio is a necessary component when working on building your physical strength and endurance. Breathing and lung capacity are a much needed start to our foundation. My girlfriend has other endeavors she is training for, while I enjoy training to stay fit and healthy. Longevity is my goal, along with a few event’s thrown in here and there. We both include weight training and yoga to balance our fitness regime. Eating healthy, while still maintaining a balanced level of fun keeps us on the right path. One awesome factor of finding an amazing partner, sharing likes and dislikes. We both share a love of food, health and life.
Fall in love with your own self-care. You are worth it. When you’re happy with you, life is yours to enjoy. Your success and happiness is up to you. Believe in yourself. We’re all in this together. Enjoy your day, the Super Bowl (Go 49ers) and live your life! If you’re not a football fan or the game is boring, make it an amazing and fun day! Life is a gift not to be wasted. Get up, reach out and help others along the way.
A quick shout out to Punxsutawney Phil! Happy Groundhog Day! If he sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter. No shadow means an early spring. Enjoy a fun filled day!
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation. Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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