HIDE OR BLOCK

 Facebook and other social media present the opportunity to keep up with growing families and friends activities plus many other types of pleasant information.  However, other posts may be annoying, monotonous, or just don't match our interests.  If you don't like a post, then hide or block it.  If you don't like a different opinion, better to understand the source and why you disagree.  This applies to posts and also to face-to-face conversations.

You may want to hide yourself from thinking about and discussing certain topics.  Also what you choose to read may only reinforce what you already know and believe. The more you hide or avoid discussing your opinions, the less you will learn about your own thoughts and the opinions of others.

Some people hide so much from themselves that they block the truth.      

EVE from AFRICA

 All humans can trace back to "Eve" who lived 200,000 years ago in Africa.  She was almost certainly black for survival in the sunny climate.  As some humans migrated north and many generations passed, skin tone lightened.  Perhaps 7000 years ago, white skin evolved in areas with less intense sun.

SWEET TREATS

 

Some foods and drinks are just for fun, not because we are hungry or thirsty.  Aside from getting good nutrition, we can alter our mood through what we ingest, perhaps in childhood with sugar: Birthday cake, Valentine hearts, Easter candy, Halloween treats, Christmas cookies and candy canes.  Then chocolate which has caffeine, and as we get older, more caffeine with coffee, tea, and some soft drinks.  Nicotine is another substance.  Beer, wine, and alcohol add to the list.

Today, sone people go for marijuana and even illegal drugs to alter their mood.  Over-the-counter and prescription drugs may be misused.

Many people seem to need to use substances to sweeten their lives.  Good questions to ask: why, what to do without them, and how to improve our moods with the good stuff like healthy food and drink or other activities that can create joy or calm stress for ourselves and others.  Of course, in moderation, we can enjoy sweet treats.   

 

  

CHILD

 

From a child's point of view, parents provide the basic needs: good health, adequate nutrition, good caregiving, security and safety, and educational opportunities.  Most of this is obvious,  but parents need to see that education includes not just facts, figures, and the latest STEM training, but also how to think, form, and  respectfully discuss different opinions.

 Some parents are happy to produce a mini-me, even prefer the child replicates the mom and dad, adopting their beliefs and opinions.  Often parents are certain that their truth needs to be passed on and not questioned.

Going from dependent child to independent adult requires time and good relationships.  Gradually the child grows up to provide their own basic needs.  This may include going away to college, moving away from home, and becoming financially independent.   Along the way, independent thinking develops.  Some people will keep most of their parents opinions and beliefs while others may depart or evolve from their childhood beliefs.