We are here for a good time not a long time.

The idea that each person in our lives is there for a reason, and that reason always has something to do with love, is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness and purpose of our relationships.

When we think about the people in our lives, we often focus on the surface-level reasons why they're there. We might think about the practical benefits they bring, like financial support or emotional support, or the ways they make us feel, like happy or fulfilled. But the truth is, the reasons why people are in our lives run much deeper than that.

Each person in our lives is there for a reason, and that reason is always rooted in love. Whether it's a romantic partner, a family member, a friend, or even a stranger, every person in our lives is there to teach us something about love, to help us grow and evolve as individuals, or to provide us with a sense of connection and belonging.

Here are a few ways that this thought can be applied:

Recognize the love in every relationship: When we think about the people in our lives, we often focus on the ways they make us feel or the things they do for us. But the truth is, every relationship is rooted in love. Whether it's romantic love, platonic love, or familial love, every connection we make with another person is a manifestation of love.

See the purpose in every person: When we're struggling to see the purpose in someone's life, it's often because we're not looking at the bigger picture. Every person in our lives is there for a reason, and that reason is always related to love. Whether it's to teach us something, to provide us with support, or to help us grow as individuals, every person has a purpose that is connected to love.

Practice gratitude and appreciation: When we focus on the love in every relationship, we begin to see the people in our lives in a new light. We start to appreciate the ways they love us, the ways they support us, and the ways they help us grow. And we begin to feel grateful for the presence of these people in our lives.

Cultivate love in every relationship: When we recognize the love in every relationship, we're more likely to cultivate love in those relationships. We start to see the people in our lives as sources of love and support, rather than just as people who do things for us. And we begin to treat them with the love and respect they deserve.

See the interconnectedness of all relationships: When we recognize the love in every relationship, we start to see the interconnectedness of all relationships. We realize that every person in our lives is connected to every other person, and that every relationship is a manifestation of love. And we begin to see the world as a web of love and connection, rather than as a collection of separate and disconnected individuals.

By applying these principles, we can transform our relationships and our lives. We can see the love in every person, every situation, and every moment. And we can cultivate love in every relationship, no matter what form it takes

Your never too old

You're never too old for personal growth. Instead of sitting on the couch watching TV, embrace your inner strength. 

Many seniors retire and waste their potential, but you can choose differently. 

Get out, exercise, set goals, and work on self-development through visualization. 

Meditate to become the person you aspire to be, make better decisions, and reduce stress. Focus on your future while staying present. 

Tap into your strengths, address weaknesses, and build confidence through positive thinking.

 Don't delay self-development; take action today and use visualization to advance your skills.

 Your effort will lead to a brighter future.

Why did my mom say these things?

Many of these sayings were passed down through generations as pieces of wisdom and guidance for children. Here's one explanation for why parents or older generations might use these sayings with their children:

The apple doesn't fall far from the tree: This saying implies that children often inherit traits or qualities from their parents, emphasizing the importance of family values and behaviours.

Like two peas in a pod: This saying emphasizes the similarity between two people often used to describe close friendships or siblings.

Children are meant to be seen and not heard: This reflects a more traditional and authoritarian parenting style, where children are expected to be well-behaved and not interrupt adult conversations.

Blood is thicker than water: This saying stresses the importance of family bonds and relationships, suggesting that family comes before other connections.

You lay with dogs you get fleas: This is a cautionary saying, warning children to be careful about the company they keep to avoid negative consequences.

Where there's smoke, there's fire: This proverb encourages children to pay attention to signs and warning signals, as problems often have underlying causes.

You can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make him drink: It teaches children that you can provide opportunities, but you can't force someone to take advantage of them; it's about personal responsibility.

Patience is a virtue: This encourages children to develop patience and understand that good things often come to those who wait.

A farting horse is a working horse: This might be used humorously to teach children that hard work can sometimes be messy but is essential.

What goes around comes around, chickens come home to roost: This saying teaches the concept of karma, where the consequences of one's actions eventually catch up with them.

These sayings served as a way to pass down values, life lessons, and cultural wisdom from one generation to the next. They often carry a mix of practical advice, moral teachings, and cultural norms that parents want to impart to their children. I have only selected a few to make a point, but you may want to add your reasons why your parents used the sayings. Please do so in the comments.

Do we gain wisdom as we age?

 I recently had the privilege of conducting a workshop at a gathering of Aboriginal Elders, an experience I found both captivating and enlightening. In the promotional materials for the event, the organizers articulated a philosophical sentiment:

"Our Elders possess an accumulation of age-old wisdom, an amalgamation of knowledge and experiences indispensable for guiding younger generations through the labyrinth of life. Ensuring the perpetuity of this event is paramount, as it serves as a conduit for transmitting the legacy of our revered Elders to subsequent generations."

As I engaged with the workshop attendees, most of whom were in my age bracket or slightly younger, I couldn't help but contemplate whether they truly believed they possessed "all the wisdom of the ages."

At my stage of life, I recognize that the pursuit of wisdom is an ongoing journey, and it often eludes us even when others perceive it within us. The nebulous nature of wisdom leaves me questioning whether I have indeed attained it or remain on the path toward its realization. It appears that defining wisdom is as puzzling for experts as it is for me.

I started to investigate the concept of wisdom and encountered the notion of crystallized intelligence, a cognitive ability enabling us to harness our knowledge and experiences to solve problems and gain insights into life's complexities.

Some contend that the ability to swiftly resolve issues is a hallmark of wisdom, while others emphasize the indispensable role of introspection in the pursuit of wisdom. In addition, experts in the field of wisdom suggest that compassion and empathy serve as foundational cornerstones for an individual to be conferred the title of "wise."

Over the years, I have been sought out for advice on myriad subjects, and I have consistently offered my perspectives, believing that those who sought my counsel were in search of my wisdom. However, I have often found that my well-intentioned advice was received politely and subsequently disregarded. 

Consequently, I have evolved into a more attentive listener, refraining from dispensing guidance, even when solicited. It is only when I am persistently asked for my viewpoint that I harken back to the guiding principle of the quiz show "Jeopardy": "Respond in the form of a question." Perhaps, this marks the initial stride on my journey toward the attainment of true wisdom.

On the day I die by John Pavlovitz

On the day I die, a lot will happen.

A lot will change.

The world will be busy.

On the day I die, all the important appointments I made will be left unattended.

The many plans I had yet to complete will remain forever undone.

The calendar that ruled so many of my days will now be irrelevant to me.

All the material things I so chased and guarded and treasured will be left in the hands of others to care for or to discard.

The words of my critics which so burdened me will cease to sting or capture anymore. They will be unable to touch me.

The arguments I believed I’d won here will not serve me or bring me any satisfaction or solace.

All my noisy incoming notifications, texts and calls will go unanswered. Their great urgency will be quieted.

My many nagging regrets will all be resigned to the past, where they should have always been anyway.

Every superficial worry about my body that I ever laboured over; about my waistline or hairline or frown lines, will fade away.

My carefully crafted image, the one I worked so hard to shape for others here, will be left to them to complete anyway.

The sterling reputation I once struggled so greatly to maintain will be of little concern to me anymore.

All the small and large anxieties that stole sleep from me each night will be rendered powerless.

The deep and towering mysteries about life and death that so consumed my mind will finally be clarified in a way that they could never be before while I lived.

These things will certainly all be true on the day that I die.

Yet for as much as will happen on that day, one more thing that will happen.

On the day I die, the few people who really know and truly love me will grieve deeply.

They will feel a void.

They will feel cheated.

They will not feel ready.

They will feel as though a part of them has died as well.

And on that day, more than anything in the world they will want more time with me.

I know this from those I love and grieve over.

And so knowing this, while I am still alive I’ll try to remember that my time with them is finite and fleeting and so very precious—and I’ll do my best not to waste a second of it.

I’ll try not to squander a priceless moment worrying about all the other things that will happen on the day I die because many of those things are either not my concern or beyond my control.

Friends, those other things have an insidious way of keeping you from living even as you live; vying for your attention, competing for your affections.

They rob you of the joy of this unrepeatable, uncontainable, ever-evaporating Now with those who love you and want only to share it with you.

Don’t miss the chance to dance with them while you can.

It’s easy to waste so much daylight in the days before you die.

Don’t let your life be stolen every day by all that you believe matters, because on the day you die, much of it simply won’t.

Yes, you and I will die one day.

But before that day comes: let us live.

A check-engine light for your brain part 4

In addition to using good tools listed in the previous post, there is a need for credible education regarding interventions to reduce dementia risk and slow down cognitive decline. Accessible and accurate information is crucial for older adults to make informed decisions about their cognitive health. Incorporating educational components into a solution focused on cognition tracking is beneficial to the senior and their family.

Furthermore, coupling interventions like diet and exercise with a metric that shows an individual's position on the "cognition ladder" and the trajectory of their cognitive decline could potentially enhance motivation and adherence to these interventions. By providing users with tangible feedback on their cognitive performance and changes over time, it may help individuals understand the impact of their lifestyle choices and encourage them to pursue appropriate interventions.

A comprehensive solution would include an integrated connected service that assists individuals in determining suitable interventions based on their cognitive status. This service could provide personalized recommendations, leveraging data from cognitive assessments and other relevant health information. Additionally, incorporating motivational reinforcement techniques commonly used in digital therapeutics, such as goal setting, reminders, progress tracking, and rewards, could enhance engagement and adherence to interventions.

Creating an integrated system that combines cognition tracking, educational resources, personalized intervention recommendations, and motivational reinforcement could empower older adults to actively manage their cognitive health with the involvement of healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis, guidance, and monitoring. One day in the future this may be a reality if the innovators a Tech-enhanced life meet their goal of creating a “Check-engine device” for our brain.

A Check-engine light for your brain part 2

I thought the idea of  a Check-engine light was interesting and did some research and found that although there are no devices, there are several software programs available that can be used to measure seniors' cognition levels and track them over time. Here are a few examples:

·        Cogstate: (https://www.cogstate.com/) Cogstate provides digital cognitive assessments that are used in clinical trials and healthcare settings. Their tests evaluate memory, attention, reaction time, and other cognitive functions. The results can be tracked and monitored over time to assess changes in cognitive performance.

·        BrainHQ (https://www.brainhq.com/): BrainHQ offers a range of online brain training exercises designed to improve cognitive skills. They also provide assessments to measure cognitive abilities and track progress. While the primary focus is on training, the assessments can be useful for monitoring cognitive changes in seniors.

·        Creyos (https://creyos.com/): Creyos offers a web-based platform for assessing and tracking cognitive function. Their tests cover various cognitive domains, including memory, attention, reasoning, and verbal abilities. Users can complete the assessments periodically to track their cognitive health.

·        CogniFit (https://www.cognifit.com/): CogniFit provides brain training programs and assessments to evaluate cognitive abilities. Their assessments cover areas such as memory, attention, perception, and executive functions. Results can be tracked over time to identify cognitive changes.

·        CNS Vital Signs (https://www.cnsvs.com/) : CNS Vital Signs offers computerized neurocognitive assessments for measuring cognitive function. Their tests cover a broad range of cognitive domains and provide detailed reports that can be used for tracking cognitive changes.

These software programs can provide valuable insights into cognitive function, they should not replace a comprehensive evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. These tools can be used as adjuncts to clinical assessments and are best utilized in consultation with healthcare providers.

Self and fear of AI part final thoughts

 However, that the idea of human superiority is increasingly being challenged by scientists, philosophers, and ethicists who argue that all forms of life have inherent value and should be treated with respect and dignity. Recognizing the similarities between human and animal cognition and behaviour has led to a growing awareness of the need to protect and conserve the natural world.

The markers of self and the sensing mechanisms responsible for detecting the worth of other species are following the increasing challenge to the idea of human superiority. The fear that many have of the question posed in an earlier post, is not necessarily due to fear of what it means for our sense of self, but rather a recognition of the limitations of this perspective. As we learn more about the complex abilities and behaviours of other species, it becomes increasingly clear that the traditional view of human exceptionalism is not justified.

Moreover, recognizing the similarities between humans and other species has important implications for our relationship with the natural and artificial world. If we view ourselves as fundamentally different and superior to other forms of life, we may be more likely to exploit and harm the natural environment without regard for the consequences which may lead us to fear other forms of intelligence such as AI.

Instead, recognizing the interconnectedness and interdependence of all forms of life may lead to a more compassionate and sustainable approach to the natural world. The recognition of our limitations may be a root cause of our fear of artificial. As we develop increasingly sophisticated AI systems, it is becoming clear that machines are capable of performing many tasks that were once considered unique to us, such as language translation, image recognition, and even creative activities like composing music or writing poetry.

This realization adds to the challenge of our sense of uniqueness and superiority as a species and raises questions about the nature of consciousness, creativity, and free will. Moreover, there is a concern that as AI becomes more advanced, it may surpass human intelligence and become a threat to our safety and autonomy. Just as we have become threats to other species.

However, it is worth noting that the fear of AI is not solely rooted in a recognition of human limitations. Other factors such as sensationalist media coverage, cultural narratives about technology and progress, and a lack of understanding about the capabilities and limitations of AI may also contribute to this fear.

Ultimately, the development of AI raises important ethical and societal questions, and it is important to approach these issues with a nuanced and informed perspective. While we should recognize the potential risks and limitations of AI, we should also strive to maximize its potential benefits and use it in ways that promote human well-being and flourishing.

Do thoughts become things?

The phrase “thoughts become things” suggests that our thoughts have the power to shape our reality and create the experiences we have in life. This idea is based on the concept of the law of attraction, which is a belief that our thoughts and feelings can attract or manifest experiences, people, and material possessions into our lives.

According to this belief, the more we focus on and believe in a particular thought or desire, the more likely it is to manifest in our reality. For example, if we constantly think about wealth and abundance, we may attract financial success and abundance into our lives. If we focus on negative thoughts and feelings, such as fear and doubt, we may attract negative experiences and circumstances.

It’s important to note that the idea of thoughts becoming things is not a scientifically proven concept, and there is no empirical evidence to support it. However, many people find that by setting clear goals and focusing their thoughts and efforts on achieving them, they can change their lives. Ultimately, whether you believe thoughts become things is a matter of belief and perspective.

Backfire effect

 In a perfectly rational world, people who encounter evidence that challenges their beliefs would first evaluate this evidence, and then adjust their beliefs accordingly. However, in reality, this is seldom the case.

Instead, when people encounter evidence that should cause them to doubt their beliefs, they often reject this evidence and strengthen their support for their original stance. This occurs because of a cognitive bias known as the backfire effect.

The backfire effect is important to understand, since it affects both your ability to change other people’s opinion, and your ability to process information rationally yourself.

The backfire effect is a cognitive bias that causes people who encounter evidence that challenges their beliefs to reject that evidence, and to strengthen their support of their original stance. Essentially, the backfire effect means that showing people evidence which proves that they are wrong is often ineffective, and can actually end up backfiring, by causing them to support their original stance more strongly than they previously did.

The backfire effect is a subtype of the confirmation bias, which is a cognitive bias that can cause people to reject information which contradicts their beliefs, or to interpret information in a way that confirms those beliefs.

A study that examined voting preference showed that introducing people to negative information about a political candidate that they favor often causes them to increase their support for that candidate.

A study which examined parents’ intent to vaccinate their children found that giving parents who are against vaccination information showing why vaccinating their child is the best course of action, they sometimes become more likely to believe in a link between vaccination and autism.

A study which examined people’s intention to vaccinate against the flu found that giving people who think that the vaccine is unsafe information disproving myths on the topic, they often ended up with a reduced intent to vaccinate.

Overall, the backfire effect influences people in many domains. It has a notable influence for people’s widespread support of various pseudoscientific beliefs, and it explains why attempts to debunk those beliefs are often ineffective, though as we saw above, it can also affect people with any type of belief.

Fear and superstion 2

Fear is the main source of superstition, and one of the main sources of cruelty. To conquer fear is the beginning of wisdom.– Bertrand Russell

Overcoming the influence of cultural practices and group dynamics on superstition and cruelty can be a complex and multifaceted task. Here are a few strategies that might be helpful:

Education. Increasing knowledge and understanding can help to challenge superstitious beliefs and practices. This can involve providing information about the scientific basis for certain phenomena, as well as the historical and cultural context in which certain beliefs and practices have developed.

Dialogue and discussion. Encouraging open and respectful dialogue about superstitious beliefs and practices can help to challenge and change these beliefs and practices. This can involve providing a safe space for people to express their views and listen to the perspectives of others.

Inclusivity and diversity. Promoting inclusivity and diversity can help to challenge the group dynamics that can contribute to superstitious beliefs and practices. This can involve creating a sense of belonging and acceptance for people of all backgrounds and viewpoints.

Legal and policy interventions. In some cases, legal and policy interventions may be necessary to address harmful superstitious beliefs and practices. This can involve passing laws that prohibit certain practices, such as female genital mutilation or animal cruelty or providing support and resources to help people overcome these practices.

Community-based approaches. Working with community leaders and organizations can be an effective way to address superstitious beliefs and practices at the local level. This can involve building relationships and working together to develop culturally sensitive and sustainable solutions.

If you can see it

 If you can see it in your mind, it's real.

All that remains is merging the present you know with the world you've imagined. And you can align circumstances, coincidences, and chance encounters by getting busy, going out into the world, and moving in the general direction of your dreams, even if only to do what your peers might do, who know not of life's magic.

But you know better. You know how life works. Do not waver in your march. No matter how humble your steps are. And as you witness one dream come true after another—first the small ones, then the big ones, then the huge ones—you'll remember why you were first drawn to the jungles of time and space, if you haven't already figured it out.

Confucius said

 A saying of Confucius which can help us understand the wisdom of ageing.

At 15 I set my heart on learning, at 30 I knew where I stood, at 40 I had no more doubts, at 50 I knew the will of Heaven, at 60 my ears were attuned, and at 70 I followed my heart’s desire without crossing the line.

Confucius observed that new insights and understanding can be achieved at each stage of life. Looking back on his own experience, he reflected that every new chapter brings a unique role to play, and a new chance to grow. So as you age, become attuned to your surroundings and follow your heart's desire. You will be better for it as will your loved ones.

Reading at a grade six level?

This was written by Jim Gath

I wrote this the other night:

“According to the U.S. Department of Education, 54% of U.S. adults 16-74 years old - about 130 million people - lack proficiency in literacy, reading below the equivalent of a sixth-grade level.”

And that got me thinking……

If one reads below a sixth-grade level, one never attains an acceptable level of critical thinking.

Think about reading & reading comprehension up to the sixth grade. We learned words, the different parts of speech, and how to craft sentences & paragraphs. Our history books, probably the most complex of our school reading materials, consisted primarily of facts. The ‘why’ of things happening & the complexities of the issues just weren’t there at that early stage.

It was only later, in what was then called junior high school (grades 7, 8 & 9), were we assigned or read on our own, more complex literature. Our eighth-grade class read ‘To Kill A Mockingbird. And, every day, after reading our assignment as homework, our teacher had us put all of our chairs into a big, round circle.

And it was there – in that circle – that many of us began to delve into the complexities of the many issues that that book held. The various sides of the same issue - & why those were what they were. We discussed things like bigotry & the law & parenting & the wide range of issues & emotions contained in Harper Lee’s work.

We were beginning to learn critical thinking. We were learning to gather all the facts about an issue or issues & then, & only then, could we make a somewhat informed opinion. And that lesson & many more – through reading & understanding – taught us the importance of truly thinking for ourselves & making educated decisions in life.

That’s just one example.

Oxford defines ‘critical thinking as “the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgment”.

If one doesn’t develop critical thinking, one doesn’t analyze or evaluate an issue. One makes his or her decision based on feelings or emotions. And, often, non-critical thinking people will gravitate to that which feels good, not necessarily what is good.

Non-critical thinking people are all too often drawn to others with like-minded views. Why? Because it’s comfortable. And it makes them feel that their views & decisions are somehow justified – because if others feel that way, it must be right. It’s a form of herd mentality.

But it’s a herd mentality that has been developed by either: a) others who are also lacking in critical thinking, or b) those who understand the group’s lack of critical thinking & exploit it for their own uses.

And then, it all begins to feed on itself. And it grows.

Just as we’ve seen it grow over the past few years.

That’s why having 130 million people in this nation who are, for the most part, somewhat devoid of the skill of critical thinking is a recipe for ill.

How does that change?

Well, this country would have to make its children’s education the highest national priority. It would have to begin to drastically upgrade its educational system & bring it to the forefront of the twenty-first century. It would have to begin to consider the teaching profession as having the same importance as the medical profession & others like it. And teachers would have to be treated & paid accordingly.

Will it happen?

No – at least not in my short remaining lifetime.

Maybe, if you’re younger – a lot younger – perhaps. But only through back-breaking, heart-breaking hard work over a span of years, if not decades.

And, quite honestly, I don’t believe that we’re up to the task

Quotes to end the year

 Some Quotes on life as we enter the last month of the year

Life is a chance to do things your way, not the cheapest way, not the most popular way, and not how others think you should.

And this is a very, very, very precious chance, at that.

The truth is you don't know what is going to happen tomorrow. Life is a crazy ride, and nothing is guaranteed. Eminem

The purpose of life is a life of purpose. Robert Byrne

The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination. Carl Rogers

Life is a mirror and will reflect back to the thinker what he thinks into it. Ernest Holmes

Life is a journey that must be travelled no matter how bad the roads and accommodations. Oliver Goldsmith

Life is a lot like jazz... it's best when you improvise. George Gershwin

Life is a great big canvas; throw all the paint you can at it. Danny Kaye

Life's too short to dwell on things. When you go through experiences that are bad, it's a good thing. You learn from it - become a stronger person. Life is a roller coaster, and you don't know what's going to be thrown at you next, so all you can do is give it your best shot. Alesha Dixon

As time goes by, we're getting more accepting of the differences between one another - whether it's gay or transgender, whether it's black or white - but there's still a lot of people in the world who don't feel that they can express themselves as they want. Alesha Dixon

Don't worry about the world coming to an end today. It is already tomorrow in Australia. Charles M. Schulz

There is always anohter way

 There's always another way. Always. We sometimes think that we are trapped in our relationships in our jobs, in our own drama, but when that happens, we have to remember that there is always another way. The problem is that we become trapped in our thinking and our ability to see another way becomes limited.

It is not easy to change thinking, each of us has our own personal paradigm that defines who are and how we see the world. A change in basic assumptions has also been used to describe a profound change in a fundamental model or perception of events. A shift in thinking can be a paradigm if in our thinking we believe that an important change has happened and our usual way of thinking about or doing something is replaced by a new and different way of doing and thinking.

When we undergo a paradigm shift, we may reject everything we believed to be normal and what we believe we have in common with others in our group. Normal may mean a coherent system of rules, which once we make a shift we reject these norms and this can be unsettling for us, but once we realize that we can change then we are no longer trapped.

Anxiety and Empathy

Anxiety is a silent obstacle limiting many. In wake of the COVID19 pandemic, a recent study reported negative mental health affects a large portion of the population.

To overcome anxiety or to help others overcome it we have to be self-aware and align our personal values with behaviour. That takes courage which means that we do what recognize what we need to be afraid of and what we need to overcome the fear by doing what we need to do. 

When we struggle with our fears, we still have to hold empathy for others which is recognizing that someone else's emotions and experiences has value too. More specifically, empathy is the ability to be present with and hold space for the emotions and experiences of others, even when we don't understand or agree with them.

Helping yourself overcome anxiety could be as simple as remembering how you love the morning dew on your face, the midday sun on your skin, and the fragrance of jasmine wafting at twilight. The sight of dragonflies darting, the sound of owls "hoo-hooing," and the infinite perfection conveyed by all your physical senses at every moment of every day, even now.

Doing Nothing

We were golfing and my friend said I need to learn to do nothing. I laughed and agreed with him. I find it hard to do nothing, but there are times when it is best to do nothing.

Here’s a checklist I use for when to do nothing:

Do nothing when you’re angry. Some people think anger can focus emotions, but it doesn’t. You must wait until it settles down and you get perspective. Time is the morphine drip that soothes the anger. Then you can act. Anger is just an outer reflection of inner fear. The fear might be correct, but the anger blurs it.

Do nothing when you’re paranoid. There are times when I’m not afraid, I’m paranoid. I imagine a chaotic future filled with misery and hate and homelessness and loneliness. Some see that as fear. My best bet is to sit down and picture a more realistic future, one because almost 99 percent of what I’ve been paranoid about in the past never comes true.

Do nothing when you’re anxious. There are times when we can become anxious, a strange phone call from a loved one, an email message that is not clear, etc. But there is nothing that is ever so important it can’t wait. And if it was that important, then it’s a roadmap to you and not the situation. It’s an opportunity to say, “What about my life can be rearranged so that this one thing doesn’t throw me off so much? What things can I change?” And then have fun changing them.

Do nothing when you’re tired. I was trying to figure out something on the computer the other day. It was both very technical and related to money. First, it was 1 p.m. Then it was 6 p.m. Then, against all my rules for a “daily practice,” it was midnight. And I was no closer to figuring it out. I was tired. My eyes were blurry. So, I went to sleep. Sleep hygiene is the best way to improve productivity in your life. I did finally figure it out, because I got the rest I needed.

Do nothing when you want to be liked. Over our lives we have wanted to be liked and we have done things to try to make someone like us. And it works. I put in the input (flattery, attention, false love) and get out the output (false love back). And continue to live the illusion in search of the dream, in avoidance of the nightmare, ignorant of the reality. It is better to do nothing, to make someone like you. If it was meant to be it will happen, if not move on.

Think about when you’ve been happiest with your life (and if that’s not a reasonable goal then what is?). Is it during those moments when your thoughts have been frenetic and all over the place? Or has it been those moments when your thoughts have been calm – the depths of a peaceful ocean instead of a stormy surface.

It’s when we are in touch with the magic of our silence that we find our inner creators and can change the universe.

Questions

2020 was a shock to our collective systems and we are ready for a better 2021, yet a better year has not yet arrived. Some of you may have thought of retiring in 2020 but have put it off until COVID is brought under control. That wait is good, but well you are waiting here are some questions that you should take time to spend in introspection as you prepare for retirement.

They will help you identify mistakes of the past and how you can turn your retirement into a time where you reach your dreams or get back in shape, rekindle an important personal relationship, or make a dent in the universe through your giving and value-adding.

1) What has changed since you started thinking of retirement?

2) Where did you "exceed your known definition of greatness"?

3) Where did you fall short?

4) What did you learn about yourself or those around you that you didn't know before?

5) What are the areas in your life that need transformation?

6) Will you continue to focus on something you started here?

7) Could you apply this discipline elsewhere, such as marriage, exercise, a job, your social life, etc.?

Remember that more change happens in the mind than in reality. Be sure to observe and acknowledge how you've evolved, matured, or otherwise improved your mindset as well as the tangible results you've produced. Roll with the punches, baby. Be honest with yourself.

A transformation is an active pursuit, one that requires initiative, drive, desire, planning, and follow-through. Conduct an open-eyed, honest review.

Then go live your life. Take some chances, even if there's the possibility of failure. Be an opportunist, keeping an open mind and seeing new possibilities you might never have considered before."

Take stock. Spend time by yourself thinking about yourself. It might be uncomfortable. But it will be worth every minute.

Don't dwell on past mistakes because that will get you nowhere. Instead, focus on what you can and WILL do today, tomorrow, and the rest of your life, and all the great things that will happen because of your actions. 

Don't wait for the 'time to be right' (i.e., until it's too late) to act on your goals. If there's something you really want to do - if there is a dream body, you want to achieve or a change in life you need - then find a way to do it now.

Instead of waiting, just get started.

Focus on replacing your bad habits and thought patterns, one-by-one, over time, with good habits and thought patterns. One step at a time, done over time, leads to powerful changes in your life.

Everything you do is either moving you closer to or farther away from your goals. So which way will you be moving today? 

Remember that every action has an impact. 

Remember that every decision makes things better or worse. 

Remember that everything counts, 

Set your goals. Follow your dreams. Start today. Start right now!

The world is divided

The world is divided into people who think they are right. ~Tara Brach

If I divide the world into those who are part of my group, however, I define the group and those who are not part of my group it becomes easier to malign those not part of my group. It is easy to make others out to be liars, bad people and evil. Having this view of others is easy because it requires no thought, to need to think for oneself and no need to grow and learn.

When I was young, we lived in a small farming community that did not welcome change or newcomers, after about five years I was almost accepted by the group and for a time, to gain acceptance I became suspicious of those not part of the group. I started to believe our image and that our (the group's) world outlook was the only one that was correct.

I soon outgrew that position as I read and learned more of the world, but when I look around, I see too many buying into the idea that their world view is the correct view. The quote emphasizes what could be at the root of many of the problems that range from the personal and professional to the political to horrific acts of violence and cruelty among peoples and nations.

As humans, we need to understand that “our truth” is not “The Truth”. My truth may be wrong or only partially true. I believe that it is important for us to help others understand "our truth". It is also more important that we hear other views and that we open to being influenced by them.

G. K. Chesterton said, “There's a lot of difference between listening and hearing.” In society today we need to hear more and remember that our truth begins with a lowercase “t”, not an Upper case “T”. and that difference is meaningful.