August 14, 2022
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. Seeking balance, during the course of our lifetime, seems to be a constant battle for many individuals. The vast majority of us have been consumed or driven by work, money, possessions or purpose. All, or some of these, have the potential to create havoc in our lives. As kids, we learn from our parents, individuals who helped raise us or people who had a significant impact on our lives. We grow, mature and evolve based on the characteristics, traits and values we develop along our journey. Education, career, money, things or assets have typically been the measure of success for many years. There are people who think acquiring more money, or possessions, is the key to their happiness. This fallacy couldn’t be further from the truth. Happiness isn’t based on salary, a fancy car, expensive items or accumulating more stuff. Money makes it easier to buy the necessities for living (and lots more things), but it will never buy the happiness you desire. Happiness (like an emotion or feeling) is generated from within each of us (or not). It’s my choice every morning, when I roll out of bed, to begin my day with happiness and gratitude. I want each new day to be the best it can be. My life, like a rebirth, is renewed with each sunrise. My positive attitude doesn’t mean my life is perfect; actually far from it. I’m grateful for the opportunities each day creates and I’m excited to see where life takes me. The mechanics of living is finding the correct balance, to make life wonderful. Life can be an amazing adventure, even with its ups and downs, if we allow it.
I believe the mechanics of living has several key important components that work in unison. The majority of us begin learning (our schooling and educational process) at an early age. We reach a point in time, where we find a job and begin working to help support ourselves. Our intention (with education or a career) is to gain more knowledge, independence and freedom. I doubt I gave “balance” much of any thought during the educational phase of my life. Attempting to equalize the working me (school, learning, education, job, career, etc.); with the rest of my life; was the beginning in stabilizing my entire being (physically, mentally and spiritually). My work (and career) have been a major part of me for half my life. Finding the proper balance between work, play and rest can be a juggling act at best. Determining how much I need (or can tolerate), of each of the component parts is critical to my health, happiness and harmony. Living a happy life includes enjoying my passions; family, friends, travel, adventures and hobbies. Fitting all the puzzle pieces together assists me to maintain better health, and motivates me to continue to move forward into each new day.
Another aspect of this equation consists of self-care and love; of my mind, body and spirit. Caring for myself is a full-time responsibility. No one else has the capacity or obligation to fulfill this task. It’s up to me to take great care of John. My goal is to increase my longevity and well-being; for better fitness, physical strength and mental clarity. The aspects for living, center around building a solid foundation to assist in maintaining good health. Equal parts of all of these are significant and important components to the puzzle. Obviously, there will be times when our balance is disrupted, because life happens. Don’t become discouraged or fearful. Even if these events take you far from center, or you get stuck there for an extended period of time; remember, the goal is to establish an equal balance that works for you. Self-confidence, discipline, determination and motivation always bring me back on track; to re-establish harmony. There are times the mechanics of life can be a battle. Resolve these events swiftly. Knowing and understanding what my body needs is a key element to assist me. It’s up to me to remain mindful and open to the universe. I’ll continue to maintain my balance. The rest is up to God and the Universe.
I do not believe humans were put on this earth solely to wander through life unhappy or searching for a “purpose.” There is so much more to life and living, than just existing. I work to earn money to support myself (and my family), but that doesn’t mean I have to become a slave to my job or career. Some individuals choose to work over life; sacrificing family, friends or love; out of greed or ego. I think it’s interesting how people complain about their job or life, yet do nothing to change or make alterations to improve their circumstances. When I became a police officer in 1980, I spent a lot of time at work. I learned the job (literally) from the ground up. I enjoyed the challenges being an officer presented, but I cherished the moments that allowed me to assist those who needed help. As I excelled and found my work balance, I believed I was making a positive difference in the world (or at least in my small corner of Los Angeles). I enjoyed the part of the job that brought me satisfaction from assisting victims of crimes. There were many nights I worked overtime, on investigations or situations, that I wanted to resolve. It didn’t take me long to realize I couldn’t save the world, or all those who deserved aid in the massive metropolis of LA. There were times I went home feeling defeated and crushed, but those emotions typically re-energized me to come back to work stronger than before. Law enforcement showed me how important finding the balance between work and play, or family and career, was required for better health. Let’s face it, all humans operate a little differently. Our internal systems are constructed the same (respiratory, circulatory, skeletal, muscle, etc.), but how they function can vary from person to person. The differences in how our individual bodily systems operate can be caused by a variety of factors. Our genetic make-up, family history, exercise, disease, accidents, what we ingest (food, liquid, drugs, etc.); are all factors in our bodies life. Like any machine, proper upkeep and maintenance; how we care for our individual structure, all can play a significant role in our physical, mental and spiritual health and wellness. It took me many years, with periods of trial and error, until I discovered the balance, peace and harmony that worked for me. Loyalty and honor are an integral part of my daily life; cherishing my family, friends, career and myself.
My friends, go out into the world feeling confident and strong. Don’t fear life or live in the past. Live and enjoy every moment of each day. Do your best to reach for your passions and live your dreams daily. You have to work hard; and if at first you don’t succeed, you try again and again, in order to reach your goal. If you never put forth the effort, nothing will ever happen or change. You can’t just sit back and expect amazing changes to occur, by not trying. Don’t fear change or life; because they are both inevitable no matter what you do. It’s always best when you’re the catalyst for your own change. Open your heart, mind and soul to the possibilities the world has to offer. Opportunities abound for greatness; but you have to recognize and reach for them before they pass you by. Don’t wait! Our journey on earth is a limited time gift. Cherish life and don’t waste a moment. Find your balance, love deeply and enjoy life. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The puzzle of life is always changing. Change can lead to amazing opportunities. Together, 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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