Blog Archives
Uncovering Messages From Two Tough Guys
The great philosopher, Popeye, said “I am what I am and that’s all that I am.” At first glance, maybe that statement doesn’t appear to be all that deep, but if you look a little deeper, it means so much more.
We have our limitations, some we never explore and some may test us constantly. Our identity fluctuates with the role and position for the tasks needed to be fulfilled at the time. Trying to be all things to all people isn’t practical, easy, or healthy. Popeye knew his place in the world, in the end, he always fought the bully and won, got the girl, and took back his self-respect. In nearly every episode this average iron deficient occasional spinach-eater ended as hero.
Dirty Harry said “a man has got to know his limitations”. Between Harry and Popeye is the lesson of finding our balance. Icons, heroes, pop culture, and advertising bombards us with expectations and limitations that they alone try to put on us. As if daily living isn’t stressful enough, living by anyone else’s idea of how to live seems like an added pressure, that I don’t need.
Finding your target and keeping yourself challenged but not over-tasked, just might be the right balance. Each of has our own unique skills and abilities that distinguish us. Comparison isn’t fair or necessary when setting our personal goals. To each his or her own. Targets are made to be raised or lowered after several attempts of successes and near misses.
Keep aiming high! Passion and persistence can prevail!
Back from vacation!
I am back and feeling recharged! It amazes me what a 2 week vacation of mountain rains and relaxation can do to refill the batteries. I think that I had forgotten the importance of taking time for myself.
It is far too easy to become enveloped and disconnected when we get so deeply engrossed in our jobs and projects. Mindfulness promotes awareness and being in the moment but obsession becomes all-consuming. Finding and maintaining balance is key to refrain from straying to overdosing ones over involvement in anything that they do.
Vacation was a great break and now it is time to return being productive. I hope you will remain a follower of my blog. I am excited to announce the upcoming release of my 4 CD audio book set. In the meantime, if you would like to download the audio version, you can get it from audible.com, itunes.com, or amazon.com. It is available now. The CD collection becomes available directly off this site by mid-August.
Freedom
As we end the celebration of the 4th of July and the founding of our great nation, I thought it to be appropriate to discuss, freedom. There is no doubt that Parkinson’s disease or any other illness robs one o f their independence and freedom. Parkinson’s can make you less sure of your balance, endurance, and/or cognitive ability. Part of living with an illness is accepting help, if needed, but to try to remain as independent as you possibly are able.
As someone who has had Parkinson’s disease for over 25 years, I can assure you that the most beneficial action that you can make in your life is to take charge and get as healthy as you can. Here are some suggestions that have worked for me and may work for you:
- Stay active, be it yoga, walking, weights, or swimming–do something.
- If your speech needs help, look into finding a certified LSVT therapist to help you.
- Consider improving your digestion with a probiotic.
- Eat vegetarian or as low on the food chain as you can.
- Reduce your stress level through meditation.
- Keep your mind active and challenged.
- Avoid potent cleaning supplies, processed foods, and artificial odor products like cheap candles with infused odors that may cause headaches or worse.
These are just a few ways to possibly help you to regain some of your freedom and take back your life. You should discuss any changes with your doctor before making any major changes in your daily regimen. I am not a doctor. I’m just a guy telling you what works for me and hope that it might work for you too. What works for you?
