January 17, 2021
Good morning friends. We’re already mid-way through the first month of the new year. Time keeps ticking away; never slowing down. Take advantage of each and every day. Live the best possible version of yourself. These are difficult times for many individuals. Good people are struggling to keep their businesses and lives afloat. The chaos filled days of dealing with political madness, social unrest, violence in our streets, the virus and economic uncertainty; create consent fear, stress and anxiety. I had hoped our nation would begin to heal in this new year. Why do people continue to divide our nation? Is there an advantage to dividing and conquering us? It sure seems that way. There are two days bearing significance this coming week. Tomorrow, Monday, January 18th the nation celebrates Martin Luther King Jr. His legacy represents equality, peace and freedom. We can all benefit from his enlightenment and kindness. On Wednesday, January 20th, Joe Biden will be sworn in as the 46th president of the United States. I pray he will do what is right for our nation and all our people. It would be beneficial for him to follow Dr. Kings inspirational wisdom; “The time is always right to do what is right.”
Many political and corporate leaders could learn a valuable lesson from his many quotes. Some of them haven’t done the right thing for years. These individuals are all about their own power, influence, control and wealth. What have they done to unify our nation? What have they done to end violence in our streets or stop mass shootings? During the last five years many have focused their energy and attention on discrediting and removing one man. Now, more than ever, it is becoming increasingly important to focus on building your strength. We live in a society where fear is used as a tool for manipulation and control. Powerful politicians, billionaires, mega corporations, (and even foreign countries) use this tactic on a daily basis to leverage us and our nation. How is it possible for us to unite, when we’re constantly being pushed apart? Do not allow fear or these evil ploys to consume you.
Fear is a powerful force. We learn it at a young age, then do our best to avoid it. The fear of failure, other people, leaders, politics, police, crime, sickness and death seem to drive our emotions and reactions. We are bombarded with fear daily; from politicians, news sources and social media. Unfortunately, the stress and anxiety associated with fear may be inescapable for some. If you allow fear to control your life, it has the ability to alter your perceptions. It allows you to settle for what doesn’t serve you; to say yes when you mean no, experience difficulty making decisions, become silent and no longer voice your opinions. All of these reactions can make you feel sick, but the control is real. Living in fear has the ability to constrain every portion of your life. It’s natural to be cautious and afraid, but our strength is required to push beyond the initial reaction and the uncertainty.
Now is the time to increase your knowledge and create self-care. I want you to concentrate on your own personal well-being. I know from my experience; change is the one constant in life. People often say it seems to occur when we least expect it. The other explanation is we know it’s coming, but attempt to avoid or deny it. Like fear, trying to out run it just doesn’t work. It’s better to face change head on and deal with it. How we react, embrace or reformulate our lives when that shift happens is a key component to our stability and success. There are a number of things we can do to assist in stabilizing ourselves, so any impact felt won’t throw us off our path. It really is up to each of us to absorb any effects, without dwelling or allowing them to impede our progress. The best thing we can do, is remain positive and keep moving forward each day. Building your strength, so you are well prepared for change or making course corrections, if needed, is beneficial to your survival. Self-care and building inner strength begins with maintaining your body physically, mentally and spiritually. Make the decision to be strong.
What is the first thing that comes to mind when I say, “Build your strength.” Many people may immediately think of increasing muscular or physical development. Maintaining physical strength is an important aspect of health, but it is not my complete definition. For many individuals, physical fitness and strength training are a way of life. For people in certain career fields, being strong in stature is a must. In some professions it may even be a requirement. Athletes of all types, shapes and sizes, use exercise and fitness to bolster their careers. First responders, military and other professionals (like those working in the trades) utilize fitness as an element to their success. I believe fitness is an important piece of the healthy life puzzle. There are a couple of component parts that comprise this framework that are equally as important. It’s beneficial to remember that all parts of the healthy fitness scheme incorporate exercise, rest, enjoying out down time, sufficient hydration and wholesome food. They all complement each other, while working together in unison. This encompasses a complete and healthy lifestyle.
Mental fitness is an integral piece to this plan. Maintaining an optimum level of mental stability does wonders for good health and our sanity. One of the best things you can do to accomplish this, is to keep the stress or level of anxiety at its lowest. Living and functioning in society today, especially when there is so much chaos and uncertainty in the world, can make this process difficult. One method you can use to achieve this is to reduce your intake, or time spent, watching mainstream news and limiting interactions on social media. Don’t believe everything you see, hear or are told from any of these sources. They have their own agenda and it doesn’t necessarily match our own. These are mega corporations, owned by wealthy conglomerates or billionaires. These individuals have one thing motivating them, greed. They are in the “sales” business. They twist and manipulate stories and articles to fit their own needs or desires. Social media content is closely controlled and orchestrated to achieve their desired goals. Do your best to seek knowledge and truth from reliable and well tested individuals or sources. Education and learning is something we can attain with moderate effort. Knowledge provides us with the power of comprehension and understanding. It’s an incredible tool and resource. Another option to keep your mind calm, is to get outside. Take some time daily to exercise, walk or just sit outside. If you can go to a place that’s away from traffic and people, it works much better. Whether you’re at the beach, in the forest or in your backyard, utilize the time to just relax. Take 20 or 30 minutes to breathe and enjoy the serenity of life. When you calm your mind and clear your thoughts, it really is amazing the new and positive thoughts that are revealed. It can be a truly meditative experience. A calm mind makes rational and intelligent decisions when needed.
Spiritual strength is just as important to building and maintaining your overall health. It doesn’t matter if you believe in God, a higher power, the universe, aliens or the power of you. We all share a spiritual connection to one another and to the earth. We are all comprised of energy and thus, products of the universe. This is true, no matter how you believe we evolved on this planet.
Gaining spiritual insight into yourself can be a process. If you allow yourself the time and ability to gaze into your own soul, much can be revealed. I believe in a Higher Power or God. When I visualize our universe and our planet, I see us as a tiny speck in a vast cosmos.
Building your physical, mental and spiritual strength, (like happiness or positivity) is a choice. It requires your conscience effort. We each have the ability to choose to do what’s in our own best interest, or not. I’m happy to live in America, where I am free to make my own decisions each day. When you are physically or mentally impaired, it may impede or prevent this; then that ability may not be possible. Many humans on this planet have the ability to choose freely. Sadly, there are many people living in totalitarian or communist controlled nations, where freedom does not exist. I believe our nation provides strength to others. We must maintain our nation, freedom, rights and unity to succeed. I begin each morning with gratitude and thanks. I’m thankful for free will, new opportunities and life. Even before I roll out of bed, I tell myself, “Today is a great day to be alive. I’m grateful to be here.” Those few, but important words, set the tone for my day. It’s literally really that easy. Tell yourself to be happy. Your mind will believe you. Then you have to manifest it into life. This isn’t a left, right or political thing (as some idiotic leaders would have you believe). It’s the right thing to do. In honor of Martin Luther King Jr., let’s unite as Americans, maintaining respect and freedom for all people.
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!
sundaymorningwithjohn.com 