Tag Archives: mental health

Spirituality

Never Go To A Fat Cardiologist

“Practice what you preach” sometimes turns into “do as I say, not as I do.” Inconsistent parenting is a prime example of this. Children notice everything, and they carry this into adulthood.

We are keen observers of human behavior, with biases, and our biases might prevent us from seeing things clearly. Speaking of biases, everyone has them. Looking at situations from a 360 degree perspective allows for open-minded thinking. Seeing things through the eyes of others gives greater possibilities than just holding on tightly to our own perspective.

People are facing struggles today like never before. Mental health is the worst it has ever been, especially among the young. We live in the most connected world that has ever existed, yet many people feel isolated and alone. Take the time to listen, really listen when you are with someone. You both will benefit.

The world is changing rapidly. The A. I. train has left the station. We are in the infancy of this technology which may be used for much good, while it also possesses the temptation for some to use it for evil. But I believe goodness wins, and you won’t convince me otherwise.

That’s my bias of believing in mankind…

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Spirituality

Mental Health Awareness Month

May is here. In the United States it has been declared Mental Health Awareness Month. But shouldn’t we be concerned about mental health every day?

Mental health was already fragile when the pandemic hit. Isolating people from each other by closing schools, gyms, churches and restaurants was not a good idea. Human connection is vital for good health, physical and mental. We are wired by our Creator to be in community.

About 50,000 people take their own lives every year. Usually there are warning signs, but not always. If you have a concern about one of your friends or family members, take the time to talk with them. Listen to them. Yes, it might make you uncomfortable, but get over it. Someone might truly need you to be with them and listen.

People are holding on to things we don’t know about. They keep them inside in dark places. Help them bring their darkness into the light.

Your kindness and willingness might be someone’s last, best hope…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Sign of the Times

Recently I have noticed a lot of signs posted in retail stores reminding people to “treat their employees with courtesy and respect.” Between Austin and Dallas there are billboards telling people to slow down in construction zones because “the workers want to return home safely. “ What in the world is going on?

Depression and anxiety have been on the rise in the United States for quite some time. Young people, especially young women, have been disproportionately affected. With science, asking why is the beginning of understanding the phenomenon. Over 40% of children have chronic diseases. Thank God HHS is finally doing a deep dive into why, hoping to find answers. You might not like the answers, but the question remains relevant. We cannot sustain our population when life expectancy has been coming down, which it has.

God gave each of us a living miracle when he created the human body. Your heart will beat 36 million times this year. Your brain makes 25,000 independent decisions each second. We must take care of ourselves by eating right, getting some exercise daily, and putting the electronics away for a while. Society is more connected than ever, but we are living in the loneliest time ever, too. Again, why?

Again, a reminder that we should show kindness. The person waiting on you in a store might be doing all they can to hold it together. Taking care of yourself includes showing some kindness and compassion to your fellow man…

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Spirituality

A Moment

Thank you for taking a moment to read this piece. We all have the same 168 hours each week, and you chose to spend some of your time with me. I’m grateful.

This crazy world we are living in keeps us busy. Every time something is invented that saves us a minute, we find something to engage our minds. People are overloaded and overwhelmed. We need more peace in our lives, not more busyness.

My encouragement to you is to take a moment every day just being quiet. Turn everything off and sit in the moment. No distractions. No emails. Just you and the quiet. Calm your mind. If doing this makes you uncomfortable, sit with the discomfort. It will pass. I speak from experience.

The busy world will be waiting for you when you re-engage. You won’t have missed a thing. You will have gained some much needed peace in your life. And that’s a good thing…

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Spirituality

Late Night Entertainment

When I was growing up, The Tonight Show was the show to watch late at night. Johnny Carson hosted with Ed McMahon as his sidekick. Doc Severinson led the band. Carson was a unique talent in comedy and wit. He got his start in entertainment as a magician.

The late night talk shows of today are staid and boring. They operate in one lane: who can tell the next best Trump joke. It’s too bad because people tune in to get away from politics. We are bombarded with it 24/7. Carson picked on many politicians, but did so in a gentlemanly way.

Stephen Colbert used to be hilarious. His “The Colbert Show” on Comedy Central had great guests. Colbert has a quick wit that seems lost today. He still has the talent inside of him and I hope he finds it again.

Entertainers of today believe they need to weigh in on politics. They, like the rest of the population, have an opinion but that’s it. And I have never heard anyone say, “I was watching “The View” and thought those ladies made a lot of sense.

Our world needs to laugh. We are becoming a society that takes itself too serious. Lighten up, world. Laughter is good for you…

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Spirituality, Uncategorized

Detractors

There are people among us who love to tear you down. I have never understood this. It must come from an area of their own insecurity embedded in their hearts. Deeply embedded.

The world is hard. Take a moment and notice the faces of the people around you. Wherever you are, in an elevator, walking around The Domain, in restaurants, the effects of isolation are still felt today. These are opportunities to show kindness and compassion to others, even to those who don’t deserve it.

God created us to be in community, not alone. We need solitude but not isolation. Even the CDC has put on their website that human connection is vital for good emotional health and wellbeing. If you haven’t heard from your friends and acquaintances for a while, take a moment to check on them. It will do both of you well.

Don’t fall for the distractions of life, or the detractors. Stay focused on spreading goodness and light, no matter what anyone says…

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