Another Birthday

October 25, 2020

Good morning friends.  Happy last Sunday of October 2020!  It’s not an official holiday or a unique day marked on the calendar.  Today, however, is a special day for me.  It’s the day I was born (many years ago).  Happy Birthday to me!  This means Halloween is less than a week away and Thanksgiving is in a month.  Then, obviously, the countdown begins for Christmas and the New Year.  Yikes, it’s all right around the corner!  I’m hoping and praying the next week brings great things for our nation.  We definitely need better days, good health and some law and order.  I’m sending positive vibes that 2021 will be a fabulous year! 

I’ve reached that point in life where I realize there is more time behind me than in front of me.  As I reflect on my years on this earth, I know I can’t alter my past, nor do I have control of my future.  What I can control daily are my thoughts, actions and words.  Many people attempt to control or manipulate every aspect of life, including everything and everyone around them.  The effort associated with that endeavor is wasted time.  Those scenarios just never work out the way you wish.  I’m happier allowing God and the Universe that duty and responsibility.  I don’t plan on leaving this life anytime soon, but that’s not really up to me.  I’m not throwing in the towel just yet by any means.  I will continue to live a happy and healthy lifestyle each and every day.  I am grateful for each new morning and the opportunities and possibilities it brings.  

I remain committed to fitness and good health, while striving for longevity.  I never imagined myself as being invincible, but I feel even less inclined with age.  My increasing years on this planet, coupled with personal and work experiences, have provided an array of skills and knowledge.  These life learning lessons have enriched my mind with insight, wisdom and maturity.  We never stop learning; as long as we are open and receptive.  I love to learn new things; whether it’s past history, current events or new technology.  Reading non-fiction is my new found passion.  It’s a fabulous way to grow my mind and expand my horizons.  I’m always excited to watch a well done documentary on any worthy topic.   Knowledge is power.  

I live an easier lifestyle now; with much less stress, little anxiety and more happiness.  I take the good and bad parts of life and digest them in a more meaningful way.  We all struggle with various issues during the course of our lives.  How we handle and resolve those issues help define who we are as individuals.  Anxiety and anger issues plagued me in adult and married life.  It’s frustrating and agonizing when you hurt people you love.  I allowed this hateful cycle to continue far too long, before admitting I needed help.  Professional assistance, and my true commitment to change, brought me out of despair and revitalized me.  Life isn’t about drama, having everything you want or acquiring more possessions.  Life is meant to be lived freely, openly and enjoyed.  Love with all your heart.  Be who you want to be.  I am doing my best to be a better me, while enjoying each day.  No matter where you are in life, put aside the chaos, hate, anger, confusion and just be happy with you.    

I believe in God, but I’m not an organized religion type person.  I was raised in a Catholic family, so understand it very well.  I pray every day, just don’t feel the desire or need to attend church services.  I’ve studied and attended other religious services during my life.  People and cultures have been offering praise to a Higher Power (or God) for thousands of years.  Their beliefs, rituals or practices may vary, but the knowledge that a Being with greater power than ours exists is real.  I’m not here to tell you to believe (or not believe) in God.  Your decisions and beliefs are your own.  My belief system has given me a greater respect and reverence for life.  I’ve witnessed a lack of those beliefs and character traits during my career in law enforcement.  I’m not saying that people who believe in God aren’t criminals, because evil individuals come from all races, nationalities and religious beliefs.  The foundation of a good person begins at home, with good parental support, upbringing and love.  Our growth and education can be enhanced with a belief that we are truly insignificant creatures on this earth.  There are Powers far greater than our own.  Our soul inhabits a worldly body, on a tiny planet in this vast universe we call home.  Each time I consider these facts, it grounds me to remember what a tiny human I am.

We weren’t put here to control life.  We have the ability to make choices and decisions that alter our path.  People, governments and nations have attempted this domination in the past.  It may last for a period of time, but it doesn’t go well.  People and countries have suffered greatly because of these actions.  The clashes of good and evil have been harsh and costly.  You would think that all people would welcome living in an orderly and peaceful society.  Unfortunately, there are those who only put their faith in greed, power, wealth and control.  These are the individuals that perpetuate division, hate, outrage and violence.  They use these “tools” as a means to an end.  Their agenda has nothing to do with freedom, equality, peace or God.  They only seek to control everything and everyone.  If you want proof, look at nations like China, North Korea, Argentina and Russia.  We do not want our country to fall victim to this end.

Character traits like respect, integrity, honesty, loyalty and courage seem to have fallen by the wayside for some.  Some people have put greed in front of humanity.  These individuals have no intention of treating people fairly or equally.  This is where we need to focus our efforts to turn our world around.  It doesn’t matter if you believe in God, but you do need to believe in the goodness of everyone and everything on this planet.  We all deserve to live in a lawful, equal and free society.  The more effort and harder we work together to achieve this goal; the better, stronger and more unified our nation will be.      

I am not asking for gifts, donations to a cause or even a card.  My birthday wish is for all people to recognize this precious gift of life.  We exist on this planet for a limited time.  I can’t explain why we were placed here or what is our purpose is before our time ends.  Each of us will discover that purpose, if we allow it to happen.  I do know the universe works in mysterious ways.  When we open ourselves to the possibilities, that’s when magical things occur.  We waste so much time during our lives in pursuit of frivolous ends.  There is so much good we can all do, not only to benefit ourselves and our families; but to serve a higher purpose.   We don’t always have to agree, but we need to make a greater effort to understand and respect one another.

In keeping with my birthday agenda, I’m off to celebrate my special day!  I urge you to get outside, breathe (without a mask), have fun, commune with nature, spend time with your family and friends.  Stick your toes in the sand, walk barefoot on the grass and soak up some sunshine.  Don’t wait!  It’s time to go out and live.  Stay happy, healthy and energized.  It’s up to each of us to be grateful and appreciate what we have every day.  Life is too short not to be thrilled and filled with bliss.  Enjoy your Sunday!  Cheers my friends!  

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!