Sunday, May 24, 2020
Good morning friends. It’s another beautiful Sunday! I hope you are doing well, staying healthy and happy. These are difficult times for us all. It is up to each of you to do everything in your power to maintain a positive outlook. Eat healthy food, exercise (move your body), stay active physically and mentally and get outside to enjoy nature. Cherish these days and the people around you. This weekend (tomorrow in particular) is a day of important remembrance.
Tomorrow (Monday May 25th) our nation observes its Memorial Day commemoration. It’s also known as Decoration Day. This holiday has a sacred and solemn history and meaning. It is the day we honor our war dead. It is similar to Anzac Day in Australia and New Zealand. April 25th is their national day to commemorate those who served and died in all wars, conflicts and operations. We owe so much to so many who made the supreme sacrifice for our freedom.
The circumstances surrounding today (and last couple of months) is cause for us to reflect more on the gratitude and thanks we should share. This is not the time to put stock in the differences many are using to divide us and our great nation. This isn’t just another three-day holiday weekend. Please revere the day, its importance and all those lost. Visit a National Cemetery and say thank you. Let their headstones be a reminder of their sacrifice.
The United States of America was founded on freedom. Our independence began with the Revolutionary War in 1776. It continued into the Civil War, where it is said that the tradition of decorating gravesites first occurred. Abraham Lincoln dedicated the cemetery at Gettysburg in 1863 and memorialized the fallen soldiers. After Lincoln was assassinated in 1865 the memorial tradition grew across the states. Memorial Day (the last Monday in May) became an official Federal holiday to honor our war dead in 1971.
Our military continues protecting us through World Wars, conflicts and operations worldwide. Today we share the same rights and privileges our forefathers sought in their fight for independence. Men and women of our military have paid the ultimate price to maintain our freedom. The cost in human lives has been great indeed. Since 1776 we have lost over one million soldiers who have died in combat. Well over a million have died in military service (other than combat). The deaths and suicides of our veterans continue daily. Is this their thanks for protecting you and our nation? I believe we need to do much more to thank these brave men and women. What we do from this day on, sets the tone for our future.
The new day brings with it opportunities and possibilities for each of us. Every sunrise is filled with choices, paths to follow and the potential for growth. This enlightenment may only require a single nod to share its success. Often we are too busy with our own life to see these moments before they pass us by without any notice. I hope you have utilized some quiet time over the last couple of months. Self-reflection is a powerful and magical tool. It’s an amazing process when you can calm your body and mind. This simple effort creates inner peace and resolve. It allows your mind an opportunity to relax and awaken with new ideas. A refreshing boost of energy is often all you require to make awesome discoveries. It can empower us in wonderful directions, help us overcome fear and set us on a new path. Life can bring exciting adventures if we allow it. What path do you want to follow? What are you looking forward to now?
The key element here is not to wait. Life is moving forward each day. Every moment you waste or not taking action, may mean a path has been passed by. We are living in the here and now. Don’t sit back. Let’s make great use of this time to get started. What are the dreams or passions you desire? Now is the perfect opportunity to make a plan. Write it down, share it with those close to you and get the wheels of reality turning.
Goals, dreams and aspirations are visons that drive us beyond mere living and existence. We all have them, but how often to you act on them? We should be living them every day. Our creativity should be unleashed at every opportunity. Whatever you want to achieve in life is possible. It all begins with that first step and building on that plan daily. Dedication and discipline are required to put in the work to make dreams a reality.
I thrive by setting new goals and making future plans. It provides me with added motivation to achieve a certain outcome. Short term and long term goals are both significant. They bring focus on whatever is most important and desirable to you. Structure them for self-improvement in health, fitness, business, personal or relationship life. My girlfriend and I have been working on a six-week fitness and health goal. The first four weeks flew by. We enjoy pushing each other physically, plus it’s fun having a partner to share in the tasks and motivation. We’ve made healthy food choices for years. Now our focus is just a bit tighter. We reassess every two weeks and are enjoying seeing the results. Small steps lead to a healthier path.
Writing, yoga, health and fitness are other passions that drive me forward. My background, law enforcement career, training and life have provided great experience. I have learned so much about myself and life along the way. Being a dad has also brought new insight and wisdom. Now, I can share that with my daughter, as well as others seeking inspiration and motivation. I am blessed to have this opportunity and enjoy sharing my life with others. If I assist one person in life, whether with a helping hand or kind word, then my life has meaning. We all have our own perspective and experience we can share. All you need to do is open your heart to the experience.
Traveling and visiting new places is another passion. I love to plan trips; long or short, local or international. They are all exciting. When you make a plan; whether it’s date night, a casual outing, a trip or vacation; you have created a glorious new goal. The intention provides you with something to look forward to. The thoughts create happiness and delight. Planning begins with a discussion, research and selection of the destination. The intensity builds when plans begin to unfold and solidify. Making reservations for travel and ultimate destinations provide a vibrant rush of joy and exhilaration. Whether you’re planning a trip across the country, painting a master piece, making music or saving humanity; this is the time to live that dream. Don’t keep it buried or hidden. Fear can often keep us from seeking out our dreams. You are your only limitation! It’s time to be your own measure of success. Write your plan on paper, then get out there and get it going.
Whatever your passion may be, take time to pursue and enjoy it. If it’s something you love, don’t ever let anyone deter or convince otherwise. I’m grateful to live in a nation, not ruled by a single ideology or dictator. The United States is a nation where we are free to express ourselves. We are allowed to live our dreams. This isn’t about politics or what side of the fence you may be on. It’s about people; all humans living on this planet. Don’t listen to fools making it about politics or their ideology. This is still “the land of the free and home of the brave.”
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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