Keep Your Filthy Lucre
Really?What a counterintuitive title for a message on generosity. At the mere suggestion of generosity, we instinctively look to ensure we firmly fastened the clasp on our purse. However, money is only one product of a generous spirit. First, Why…Generosity is alternatively considered a personal obligation or a byproduct of gratitude, but it also has […]
Attitude of…
…GratitudeThis trite saying, gets on my nerves like fingernails scraping on a chalkboard (someone send me the contemporary equivalent), especially when I want to wallow in misery. At the same time, whether it is correlation or causation, practicing gratitude is like a magic elixir. Gratitude practitioners are psychologically and physically healthier: more optimistic, sleep better, […]
A Habit, not a Practice
They Got it Together!Researchers have identified Blue Zones, where people enjoy long, healthy lives, and the factors contributing to their longevity: consumption, movement, and social connection. More important than the number of years is the quality (lifespan v. healthspan). Blue Zoners generally do not outlive their good health; they are on the go until the […]
Go and Stop
As to MovementLast year’s message about movement emphasized exercise, so this year’s will summarize those points and highlight other crucial aspects of physical (in)activity. Exercise. Only 25% of us receive the substantial health benefits that come from following the recommended 75-150 minutes of weekly aerobic activity and twice-weekly muscle-strengthening sessions. This standard does not require […]
Gatekeeping
ConsumptionToday, we address consumption—what we load into our bodies. More than forty percent of us are obese and suffer a multitude of severe health problems as a result. We consume more than the amount needed to maintain our weight, and nearly 25% more calories than we did fifty years ago. Moreover, we now eat less […]
Your Temple
No, I am not talking about a place for religious services, but your physical vessel. Its importance is undeniable, but there is a disconnect between our awareness and our actions, given our country’s obesity epidemic and sedentary lifestyles. I am here to encourage wellness, not to fat-shame the wide-bodied or exalt chiseled fitness influencers. In […]
My 2¢
Like last week, I am almost hesitant to write this week’s post, but the statistics clearly indicate that something needs to be said and done. The FoundationWhile 52 Steps Forward is not a how-to manual, here are some straightforward sound practices: Track your spending and net worth. These no-cost habits enhance your financial decision-making and […]
$Literacy?
Given our unavoidable daily financial transactions, one would expect us to acquire financial literacy naturally. Regretfully, we do not. The result is that too many people, including 40% of those earning $300K-$500K, are living paycheck-to-paycheck (surprisingly, those in lower earnings brackets report fairing slightly better). During the government shutdown, people in good-paying positions declared they […]
The Wandering Worshipper
The Wandering Worshipper is the story of a journey where I knew where I was going, but not what I would find. I discovered that there is a place for everyone, and everyone needs a place. It began with an entirely irregular and wholly uninspired churchgoer who thought regular church attendance could be beneficial and […]
Dealing With Loss
What about our grief over the loss of a loved one? Today, we explore different perspectives while acknowledging that a solitary blog post is particularly insufficient for those who have suffered the loss of a spouse or a descendant. Cathy and I witnessed our parents grieve their oldest child’s death and dear friends unexpectedly losing […]