Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Soul Food

     Many years ago, African slaves as well as many other poor people made do with cuts of meat unwanted by the rich and also used fish and wild game nearby.  They added rice, corn meal, and vegetables from the garden to create recipes handed down through generations.  These foods nourished the body and warmed the soul and are now called Soul Food.
     The tastes and memories of family help satisfy the deeper needs that exist in all of us; however, food is not the only way we feed the soul.  Some people use religion, worship services, sermons, Bible study, and prayer.  They believe their soul is connected to God and will reside with Him throughout eternity.  Other people use meditation, nature, music, art, and other inspirational sources to feed that essence of their being that elevates them above the rest of the animal kingdom.
     Just like long ago, we often have to make do with whatever is at hand to create nourishment for body and soul.  No matter what our ethnic backgrounds or family traditions,  we all need our own special types of Soul Food.
     What foods do you enjoy that have been handed down in your family?
     What other ways do you use to feed your soul?

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Best Gifts


     
     What we give to our children and grandchildren can help them throughout their lives.  They will learn to appreciate our gifts and also learn the benefits of giving to others.  Some of the best gifts are:

Time - Whatever amounts of time we have to share in person or through phone calls, e-mails, and letters will keep us connected.
Affection - Expressing our love through smiles, hugs, kisses, and words will create a warm emotional bond.
Experience - Learning about each other's lives, activities, hobbies, day-to-day routines, and special events can lead to enjoying common interests.
Values - Our beliefs about what is important and how to behave in ways that promote accomplishing goals and getting along with each other - this is what makes us civilized.
Empathy - Feeling and showing understanding of the other person allows us to go beyond self interest.
Charity - Giving time and talent to the benefit of others: our family, friends, and even strangers.
Forgiveness - As we all make mistakes, we can ask forgiveness.  As others make mistakes, we can forgive and not hold grudges.
History - Sharing our family tree and giving our stories of the past can help us feel more related and create a broader understanding of our place in the family.

     Many of these gifts can be given through our example; others must be taught.  Children need to learn to receive, to give, and to be thankful.  The best gifts come from the heart and can be passed on from generation to generation.


Saturday, January 19, 2013

What's at the end of the path?

     We may set out on a path towards resolutions and goals.  The end point may or may not be clear.  Some paths have been taken by others, but some may be unique.  We can plan, prepare, and persevere; however, obstacles beyond our control may stop us in our tracks.  Then we need to be flexible and resilient and discover other options.  We may reach our goal and feel a sense of accomplishment, or we may have to detour to another direction.  The journey along the path may be just as important as the end.
     Paths can go in any direction from the present to the future.  We stand at the center point and have 360 degrees to explore.  Hopefully as we reach the end of our journey, we will be satisfied that our various paths have led us to our final goal.
     What do you see at the end of your path?

Thursday, January 10, 2013

In Sickness

     In sickness and in health - a promise made by most married couples.  When one spouse becomes sick or disabled, the other becomes the caretaker as promised.  This will be difficult for both.
     No one likes being sick and dependent, and the ailing spouse often feels as though an undue burden has been placed on the partner.  The caretaker naturally feels sympathy for the spouse with the health problem but may become exhausted.  If and when the health issue is resolved, life may proceed as usual.  As sometimes happens, the other spouse may become ill, and the roles will be reversed.
     Health is precious and we must try our best to remain healthy not only for our own well-being but also for our partner to have a good life.  Even with unfortunate circumstances, love can flourish in sickness and in health.  All of us can keep our promise until death do us part.

Monday, January 7, 2013

Obstruction

     Obstruction frequently occurs when lawmakers want to delay or stop legal actions.  This is their chance to present every argument against the action and to become an obstacle to implementation.
     Some of us have an obstruction of our vision when cataracts form and cause cloudy vision.  The solution is removal of the diseased lens which is replaced with a permanent lens.  Other parts of our bodies can also develop obstructions that need to be removed to regain healthy function.
     Let's hope that our legislature can reduce obstruction and get a clear vision of how to function in the best interests of our country.
   

Saturday, January 5, 2013

Entitlements

    Entitlements are public funds that go to citizens who meet certain qualifications like being disabled, unemployed, or too poor to pay for food and other necessities.  By definition, Social Security and Medicare are not entitlements because workers have paid into these programs just like workers pay into other pension plans and other health insurance programs.
    Our government can no longer afford the extent of many of the entitlement programs.  Too many people expect free food, subsidized housing, and many other free services especially when they are not working.  Was it really that long ago when families (often both parents) worked, paid their own bills, paid their fair share of taxes, put their kids through school, took care of their elderly parents, bought insurance, and saved money for emergencies and retirement?  When the government takes over these responsibilities, the whole society suffers.
    Giving a temporary helping hand we can and should do.  The key word is temporary.  We need to reduce or eliminate many of these entitlement programs.  We could raise the retirement age to 68 or higher.  We must also cut spending in other ways like reducing the military budget.
     How do you think government should cut spending?
   

 
   

Thursday, January 3, 2013

Interactive


     I have been writing my blog, Grownup Thoughts, since August 2011.  I hope you have been reading my posts.  This year I would like to become more interactive, to get readers to become writers, to comment, to agree, disagree, or add to the topic.  I am interested in what you think.  Even though we may seldom see each other or talk in person, we can learn more about each other as we become interactive.
     Did you read this?