Why, America?
May 7, 2023
Good morning my friends. I hope you are doing well and enjoying life. The first week of May 2023 is in the books; as is the first third of the year. Time waits for no one. I am doing my best to enjoy every moment of life. There is so much we can see, do and experience on this planet. Life is short, so cherish each moment. Your happiness is dependent on your attitude, not anyone else or anything. Don’t wait for life to come to you. If you’ve been waiting for someone to change your life, look in the mirror. That person (you) holds all the power to reach for the stars. Fear of success is just as real as it is not to succeed, with one simple difference. Not achieving your goals or dreams doesn’t mean you give up. This is when you work harder, smarter and longer to turn your dreams into reality. Now is the time to be kind, generous, grateful and make the world a better place. It might not be easy, but together we can accomplish anything.
So, did anyone see the lunar eclipse Friday, May 5th? The moon dropped into the earth’s shadow, causing the full moons glow to diminish. Unfortunately, this spectacular event was not visible in my part of the world. The eclipse began at 1113am (EST) and ended at 331pm (EST. Fortunately for me I did have the opportunity to see the full moon, at 4am, in all its magnificent glory. Seeing the bright and beautiful moon always seems so magical. I can feel it’s powerful pull, even though I’m just a tiny speck on this planet. What an incredible experience it would be to travel into space. The universe is filled with Gods amazing creations; as is planet earth. For now, I am happy to travel across our own planet, with the opportunity to visit new lands, people and civilizations. If we don’t end the division and conflicts, soon we won’t have an earth to enjoy.
Tomorrow, with enjoyment as my focus, I fly west seeking new adventures. I’m travelling to Utah and Zion National Park. The plan is to spend time exploring the park and acclimatizing to the altitude. My lungs never fully regained the endurance I need for distance running, after my bout with covid the end of 2019 / beginning of 2020. I know adding the additional altitude of 6500 feet (at the starting line) and an additional 1000 ft in gain, will tax my stamina even more. Living near the coast, with no elevation or hills to train on will make this an interesting event. I felt the burn two years ago, when I ran this Ragnar, and I expect nothing less this trip. The four months with no cardio (while my fractured ankle healed) will add to my lack of endurance and lung capacity. You may be asking, “Why?” My best response is, “I crave this feeling.” The adrenalin rush, sensation of freedom, sharing time with amazing friends and like-minded individuals; plus, the accomplishment of completing the weekend event will bring satisfaction and joy to my soul. Maybe America (Americans and the rest of the world) need to be asking themselves the same question, “Why?”
I am grateful and thankful for the opportunity to wake up and live each new day. From birth, my parents instilled the basic human values of life; teaching me right from wrong, the ten commandments and how to live a good and decent life. My Dad taught me, and demonstrated by his example, how to be a man. He possessed the courage and strength to stand up for what is right and honorable. Integrity, honesty, loyalty and equality were the cornerstones of these values he taught me. God, country and kindness to others were, and will forever be, the most important qualities I retain. As I have grown, matured and experienced life, I have learned a great deal more; about myself and the fellow humans I share this planet. I structured my life on the values and ideals my parents and family held true. I continue to demonstrate my determination to follow through with living a good life. Unfortunately, there are those people on this planet who do not share the same values or rights of humanity. Evil doers have existed since the inception of mankind; taking what they can by force or fear; all to increase their own wealth and power. These individuals have no sense of right or wrong. Greed, arrogance and hate rule their souls. These people simply believe they’re entitled to have more than everyone else. These creatures use power, control manipulation and divisive behavior to reap the illicit gains of this earth. Some of these individuals are purely evil and sadistic beings, who gain pleasure from the suffering of others. You may ask yourself (as I have in the past), “What can I do to stop this behavior? I’m only one person.” Well my friends, one individual (alone) can do little, but together united as one group, we can be victorious. This is the time we need to unite and stand together as one. America and the world can say no to the smut, graft, violence, division, manipulation and fear used against us each day to maintain control
Our nation (and the world) is in desperate need of our help, prayers and support. I dislike politics or writing about it. There are some politicians I don’t care for; that I often wonder how they got elected or can remain in office for so many years. These individuals rant, rave, point fingers of blame, yet have done nothing to solve the issues that plague our nation. Inside, these leaches continue to reap the rewards and benefits of office; building their personal wealth and power. During the last several administrations (Obama, Trump and Biden), America and her people have been struggling. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about; and if you don’t, what planet have you been living on? Our nation has been slowly eroding away, for a number of reasons. I won’t be delving into all that I see, so I’ll let you decide which ones apply. Morals, corruption and lawlessness are at the top of my list. Politics and political leaders (and I use the term “leader” loosely) continue to create more issues than they solve. With each new administration, we see the swing of power, control and change to topics specific to that party. This seems to occur regardless of what’s in the best of our country, it’s people or the world. The division in our nation, with extremists at both ends of the spectrum, became very apparent with the election of President Trump. I am not a Trump fan, but I do love our country and I support the constitution. The persecution by the New York District Attorney is both ridiculous and a travesty of justice. It’s a clear demonstration how easily our civil rights can be tossed aside. This is not justice, but a vendetta by toxic individuals. For those who are applauding this, please take a moment to see the bigger picture. If you are unable to see or comprehend both sides of these issues, then you are part of the problem.
I don’t like, care for or agree with the direction this administration is taking our country. The president isn’t solving the problems America continues to deal with. He doesn’t have a plan and he hasn’t suggested any solutions. He only creates more negativity, division and disunity. Where is the positive change, that heals our land and its people? I have no doubt Joe’s wealth and power continue to grow. How much of that is from illicit gains, or extends to his family? I’m confident the corruption will be exposed. His administration continues to take our nation down a dark path. The lack of support for our law enforcement (and the disregard for their lives) only enhances the absence of care for the American people. Increasing crime, violence, drugs, our southern border crisis and deficient foreign policies are slowing eroding the moral fabric of our nation. During the last two and half years, attacks and the murder of law enforcement officers have only increased. Shootings at schools and public spaces continue, without any resolution or resolve. These incidents, especially at schools or public events, could be curtailed with armed law enforcement or security officers’ station on site. New laws, stricter policies governing sales of weapons, longer prison terms and use of the death penalty, to stop this madness is needed. Do not become misguided or brain washed into believing everything you see from the media (news, social or any tainted source). Take the time to think for yourself before rendering any conclusions. I’m not asking you to change your views or party affiliation; only to open your mind, body and soul to the universe and what’s happening in our nation. If we (America) allow this type of injustice to persist, what prevents the evil in our society from imprisoning us with no cause in the future. Our land is in sad shape and only we (the American people) can help fix it. Luckily, our nation has a few strong leaders, willing to stand up for goodness, morals, God, law and order. I want our country to heal and reunite us as “one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” America, we are stronger when we all stand together.
My family, friends and health (mental, physical and spiritual), are what matter most to me. Spending time with those I love, travel, exercise, running and nature are my happy places (to name a few). The dark path our nation (and the world) is headed, is truly scary. It makes me sad wondering what our planet will be like for our children and their children. I hope and pray we can unite all people and bring our world back to peace and harmony, before it’s too late. Yesterday was my Dad’s Heavenly Birthday. I celebrate and thank him for his wisdom, strength and inspiration he passed on to me. I love and miss you every day Dad. Today, I follow the kindness you passed on to me, living to be a better human each day. 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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