Armed

   
     Feeling safe and protected eases stress in a dangerous world.  A newborn loves to be swaddled in a warm blanket or held close in someone's arms.  We all love hugs, a warm smile, or an arm around our shoulder, knowing that the person near us is friendly and safe.  We also feel safer having military abroad and police nearby.
     We can protect ourselves with healthy lifestyles, vaccinations, proper diet, sunscreen, protective gear especially in dangerous occupations and contact sports, by wearing seat belts and driving cautiously, locking our doors and setting alarms to warn us of intruders and fire.  We also need to heed advice concerning dangerous weather and insist that our environment is safe and protected.
    As we grow more aware of danger in the world, all of this may not seem enough.  By avoiding risky situations, we try to distance ourselves from danger.  By learning methods of self defense and becoming physically strong, we can prepare for personal attack.  Some people feel the need to own and carry a weapon.  Hopefully, these gun owners have been screened and are of sound mind and disposition and only have access to appropriate weapons.  Unfortunately, these guns can be grabbed and turned against us, stolen by thieves, or found by children with dire consequences.
     Other forms of armor are often employed to give a sense of safety and protection.  Guard dogs and personal bodyguards are used.  Some people seek a spiritual source which provides a sense of parental protection.  Others believe this is just a placebo.  We and our government should try to make friends instead of enemies, approach conflict with diplomacy, and make everyone feel safe and protected.
     No matter what techniques we employ, we have to accept our own vulnerability but not let fear overwhelm us from getting on with life.  We must safely and effectively arm ourselves.

What we don't want to admit

   
     In the short term, we can have an effect on human history, all of us within our families, some of  us over many generations, and a very special few of us over many centuries.  Our decisions and actions, which hopefully are evolving, can have a small part in the development of civilization.
     In the long term, we are a grain of sand in the universe, a drop of water in the ocean, a second in time.  Our short lifetime ends and our bodies return to the earth.
     We can add to history by reproducing and raising a new generation and by improving the lives of others through science, philosophy, and art.  We bloom, flower, and give to the world.  We have a short lifetime to make a difference.
     What we don't want to admit is that we are a minute speck in time and space.   We may feel special and others may consider us special, but don't fall into false beliefs that elevate us beyond the truth.  We need to use our time and talents to add what we can to humanity, then find contentment in having a life well-lived.
     What we don't want to admit is we don't have all the answers, but we shouldn't make up answers that keep us from seeing reality.  You have one life to live so make the most of it.

Offense and Defense

   
    In football, most players concentrate either on the offense or on the defense, while we must live our lives having both skill sets.  Everyone needs to prepare their bodies and minds to get the utmost out of life.  We need to get advice from experts and practice. Cooperation and teamwork are also essential for success.
     As we set goals, we need to break them down into manageable steps.  Along with proper timing, patience, and perseverance, we need to be aggressive in attacking our problems.  We need to anticipate obstacles and deal with them and focus on moving forward.  Take charge of your life.  Be on the offense.
     Sometimes, we need to hold our ground and resist those who do not have our best interests at heart.  We need to remain strong and able to protect ourselves.  We must tackle our problems to make sure we aren't delayed in accomplishing our tasks.  Stand up for what you believe in.  Be on the defense.
     Whether you are on a team or participate alone against one competitor, you must have offensive and defensive skills.  Do what it takes to reach your goals.
 
   
     

Home of the Brave

   
     We all can be brave.  Most often, we give this label to the military and law enforcement who risk their lives fighting enemies at home and abroad.  These courageous individuals are prepared to defend our citizens and attack our enemies with the strongest forces available often in very dangerous and life-threatening situations.  Other equally brave individuals often are not recognized or given the praise and honor they deserve.
     Consider these brave Americans: young mothers who give their bodies to the development and birth of new lives and do everything in their power to defend and protect their offspring; courageous individuals who face the physical adversities of serious injuries, diseases, surgeries, and rehab while enduring pain and suffering; surgeons and other health professionals who spend their lives saving lives; scientists who discover and create ways to improve health and the environment; educators who devote their lives to seeing that students reach their potential and live productive lives; undercover agents who face danger while discovering info to prevent violence; diplomats who attempt to reduce tensions, build international relationships, and promote peace; elected representatives who defend democracy and ensure all citizens are treated fairly; brave citizens who express their opinions even when others disagree.
     Being brave requires preparation to take on difficult tasks and perseverance to continue which may require giving up comfort and security.  Some people are trained to defeat the enemy by taking lives when necessary; others focus on saving lives.  Both groups are equally brave.  All citizens need to live courageous lives to keep America the home of the brave.

Brain Power

   
     So sad to witness a loved one gradually losing mental functions.  The person begins to feel trapped in a prison, no longer able to come and go as before, needing a companion to prevent getting lost, losing the privilege of driving a car.  The mind puts up other barriers of memory loss, confusion, disorientation in time and place, losing the ability to concentrate on reading or watching a TV show or movie, becoming uninterested or unable to understand current events, a decreased ability to communicate, and slowly forgetting the identity of loved ones.  Some brains become so impaired the person begins to lose physical abilities.
     Also sad to see mentally healthy people give up some of their brain power voluntarily or under the influence of well-meaning or self-serving individuals.  A person may limit what they read or listen to and become only interested in preconceived beliefs.  They may become uninterested in other points of view or believe others are wrong and choose to only socialize with those that are like-minded.  They may fear the consequences of changing their minds.
    As long as you have the ability to think, explore, question, evaluate, and learn, don't limit yourself by just residing in your own little world.  Don't imprison your mind with self-imposed barriers.   Use all of your brain power.
     

Justice

   
     In the animal kingdom, justice is a foreign concept.  Instead, survival of the fittest is the dominant law.  An animal has to be physically and mentally fit, able to find nourishment and shelter, protect itself, adapt, and evolve.
     Much of an animal's behavior originates from genetic makeup and inborn instincts, then it learns from parents and peers and through trial and error.  As animals group together, some become leaders and others followers.  Those in power set the rules and attach consequences of rewards and punishments.  Group survival is paramount.
     In recent history, humans have added value to the individual and profess that all should be able to survive.  The strongest should not abuse their position at the expense of the weak.  Of course, this is still just an ideal.  Governments were formed with varying ideas of who should be more powerful, usually the males of the majority who used their position to hold on to leadership.  Laws were made that sounded good, but at a closer look did not promote equality.  Many groups of people had to fight for equal rights and justice.  Laws then needed to be changed.
     Some people believe if we work hard, we will get what we deserve, and that those who are poor must not be working hard enough.  If only justice could be this simple.  In fact, justice is very rare.  Consider those who are victims of birth defects, disease, poverty, poor parenting, natural and man-made disasters.  All  of these circumstances are  beyond their control and are not fair.
     This is when the group must realize that their strength can only be sustained when justice prevails in the lives of all, when no one lacks food, shelter, education, or health care, when everyone is treated equally by the law.  Many people feel our government does not do enough to insure true equality and justice.  When they feel pressured to behave as though all is well, to be good little boys and girls, they feel an obligation to be loyal to those who are not treated equally, who do not feel justice.
     We are part of the animal kingdom after all but should elevate ourselves to see to it that all survive and prosper, not just those who are born to privilege and obtain power.  Justice for all!

Afraid to go there

 
      Fear can cause avoidance and denial.  Satisfaction with the status quo can impede inquiry, evaluation, and progress.  When our minds are made up, when we are certain we are right, when we don't try to understand other opinions, our ideas can stagnate.
     Often, we don't analyze our past decisions and behaviors.  We don't want to consider that we may have been wrong or have made mistakes.  Going there may shake our faith in ourselves.
     Often, we honor the opinions of those people who have formed our thinking and those who agree with us.  We don't want to doubt the "experts" in our family, our society, our politics, and our religion.  Going there can seem disloyal, can rock the boat, and perhaps endanger relationships.
     Often, we don't bring up certain topics with certain people because hurt feelings or arguments may result.  Going there may be uncomfortable and seemingly not worth the risk.
     Often, we honor the past more than the present and future.   We want to return to the good old days or to a person who we think will make us great again.  Going there may create fear of the future or lack of confidence in fresh ideas.
     Often, we choose security over taking a risk.  We don't want our family or children to be denied a happy future.  Practicality may overshadow development and progress.  Going there may actually impede fulfilling our dreams.
     Many people use fear to cloud our thinking.  They imply that something worse will lie ahead if  we question their dogma or philosophy.  Tradition has value, but so does innovation.  The future can be better than the past; the sweetest fruit may lie ahead.  Don't be afraid to go there.