GENERATION GAP

 Youth, middle-age, and older want to interact and understand each other.  Many obstacles can interfere with the process.  We naturally understand our own peer group better than we understand the younger and older generations.  The desire to bridge the generation gap is the first step.

When our flesh and blood combines with our mate, we form a new person.  As we nourish the body, mind, and conscience of that new being, we should also teach them how to think not just what to think.  Don't despair when they form new ways of thinking, different opinions and beliefs.  They will incorporate their parents' generation with their own.  A natural gap will form.  

The times when we grew up help form our identity, but we need to proceed forward.  No generation is the greatest  generation; the good ole days were not always so good.  In fact, no period of history is really any better than any other.  Focus on the progress of each year as it passes.  Adapt to the present and the future.   Evolve as you add each year of life.

Nothing should be considered old-fashioned; it is just the sign of those times.  New things shouldn't always be preferred or feared or avoided because they are also the sign of these times.  If you get set in your ways of the past, you might give up the joys of the present.  Keep growing until your last breath.

Take the time to get to know other age groups and see what you have in common.  Don't dwell on the differences which seem more obvious.   Narrow the gap between childhood and adulthood, between adulthood and the elderly.  We were just born at different times.   The older we are, the more we have experienced, and hopefully the wiser we have  become.  Respect your elders and elders, earn the respect.    

LEGACY

 

More than your family tree and genealogy, write down your story and include pictures.  This can be shared while you are still alive and will be a legacy for generations to come.  Your life story is as valuable as anyone else's.  Admit that you want to be remembered.  Don't leave it up to others to pass on your history.  What they have witnessed is only part of your life. 

Don't get overwhelmed trying to remember.  Make a plan, take your time, but don't procrastinate.  Do a little bit each day or every other day so as not to exhaust yourself.  Use photos to add to your memories.  Remember you can add more later and revise before your final copy.  However you want to do it, just start writing!  As your life progresses, continue writing your story.

Some people research those family members who have gone before them.  The more information they find, the more they want to know.  Dates, places, and other facts can be found, but what a treasure to find something a person has written down about their own life.  Give this gift to your family. 

JUDGE

 In our democracy, citizens choose public servants to make, amend, or change the law.  As civilized human beings, we obey what is good for all.  Those who do not obey, can be arrested, judged to be guilty or innocent, and receive a punishment which may also help rehabilitate them.  The punishment can also be a deterrent for others tempted to disobey. 

Citizens can also question the validity of the law and bring their case to court.  The Supreme Court with the knowledge of all previous laws may then change the former laws.  Their decisions should not be based on their personal or religious opinions.

Religions also have their sets of laws based on what they believe come from spiritual sources.  Those who do not obey may face judgment and punishment.   With repentance, they receive forgiveness.  Those who obey receive rewards.

 Our government and  religion may try to convince us about what is right and what is wrong, but we need to train our minds to think logically and behave accordingly.  We can decide what we should or shouldn't do.  If we hold true to our opinions, we can build confidence in our judgement.  If we stray from our opinions, we can forgive ourselves and strive to do better.   With experience, we can amend and change our opinions.  The laws made by government and religion can guide our thinking, but we have the right to be the final judge.

ALLERGY

Your body may react in an unpleasant way to something you breathe in, touch, or consume while others do not seem to have any reaction.  This may be an allergy.   Scientists point to a variety of causes.

Perhaps you were born this way, something inherited from your parents.  Some experts say we overdo cleanliness and overuse antibiotics so the body doesn't learn how to defend itself by itself.     Climate change of global warming extends the growing season of plants which causes an increase in pollen.  Sometimes the digestive tract doesn't function normally.   We need to encourage the body to react in a more natural way. 

 We also need to encourage the brain to be able to handle whatever comes our way, to observe a variety of ideas and have healthy thinking.  Young people, don't automatically inherit all of your parents' ideas.  Parents, don't expect your children to always agree with you.  If parents limit their children to only what they have decided is clean and don't expose them to different ideas, the child may not learn how to think.  They need to be taught how to defend their beliefs and understand those with different beliefs.  As we consume information by listening or reading from only one point of view, our thoughts can become very narrow.  

Throughout your life, find out how to maintain a healthy body and brain.  Don't develop an allergy to logical thinking. 

   

 

EVIL and GOOD

Nature is neither evil nor good, but our human nature can lead us toward evil and good.  When we have what we need, we have no excuse to choose evil.  If  basic needs are not met, some people might  compensate and do something they shouldn't or not do something they should.  Other people never develop emotional maturity, self-control, or empathy for others which can cause very bad behavior.  Our responsibility is to provide for ourselves and help others when possible.  If for some reason: lack of proper parenting, limited capacities, insufficient education,  prejudice  (the list goes on) we must seek help.  In addition, we should provide help to others.

We need to define good and evil.  Good benefits everyone.  Instances of evil can psychologically damage the one responsible and hurt the victims in many ways.  The absence of evil is the first step toward good.  However we must go a step further and intentionally choose good.  Making good decisions and choosing good behavior need to be practiced.   Humans aren't perfect creatures, but we have the ability to improve.

Others creatures in nature are not evil.  They behave to survive, do whatever it takes to obtain food and safety.  Sometimes, males fight each other in order to secure a mate.  Animals protect their young and get them ready for adulthood.  This is their natural behavior.  We humans are more complicated.   

 

REVEAL

  Many people take selfies to share an image of themselves.  But the eyes of others around them also see an image.  They see your appearance and actions, take a mental picture of you, and make assumptions, some positive some negative.  Often the pic includes friends and family at a special event.

You may wish to reveal your thoughts and opinions through conversation or in writing.   Those who listen and read may agree, disagree, or wish you hadn't revealed that part of yourself.   You may decide to write about your life and reveal the important memories of your past.  Don't pass up the opportunity to let your family and friends know you better.   

END OF THE LINE

Trains travel back and forth close to my home, and I often wonder where are they going, what do the many cars contain, and what is their destination.  In life, we have a destination, but we don't know when we will get to the end of the line.  We may be closer to the end than the beginning, and perhaps now more than ever, we need to evaluate where we have been, what we have done along the way, then plan our future and enjoy the ride. 

To do this, our engine needs to be cared for to be able to sustain the trip: the right fuel, proper maintenance, and timely checkups.  The contents of our days and months should be fulfilling for ourselves and those around us.  Try to have a purpose for your trip.  We may not know the schedule or the stops along the way, but keep on moving.