Can You Change Your Personality

Can You Change Your Personality?

If I were to ask you whether your personality has changed in retrospect, from 40 years ago, or 30, 20 or the last 10 years, do you see a notable change in your personality? Invariably, if we were to answer this question honestly, we would unequivocally say "yes."

Ironically, though, most of us cannot see ourselves changing much at all  if we were to project ourselves into the future, but the fact is, we will change based on whatever we experience or by solidifying our core values. In this article, I will share whatever it’s worth, my personal observation and research on changing our personality for the better. And Incidentally, I am not advocating a new year’s resolution since they do not provide sustainability.

During 2023, Your Lot and Parcel Podcast covered many topics on making changes in life, and I would encourage you to browse the many episodes. Allow me to begin to ask, what personality type are you? Are you happy with how others would define you? The bottom line, Our demeanor is hinged on habits and our decision making. When you make a conscious  decision to behave in a certain way over a span of time, lo and behold it will become an engrained habit.

Neurologists have discovered that people who display virtuous positive personality behavior such as "compassion and sincerity" will become an intrinsic part of their personality. So, changing how we consistently respond to experiences is the way to create the new you. Of course, creating a new habit or eliminating any undesirable habit is not an easy task, it takes being resolute and it takes time. However, with enough personal application, these new patterns of demeanor, neuroplastic patterns, will eventually become who you are, and it will become second nature.

It is a matter of challenging Your Beliefs, in other words, if your core belief is that you cannot change, then the mindset is set, you will not change. For example, If you are trying to become more of an extrovert  or more outgoing, but in your heart you believe that your introversion or taciturn manner is permanent , a fixed attitude, then this will hold you back from becoming more gregarious or sociable. But if you are convinced  that your behavioral traits can change, you will tend to be inclined to become more sociable or even the life of the party.

Unfortunately, some of us  tend to paint ourselves into a corner by labeling who we think we are, for example, like being shy and reserved. And guess what? You will be just that, it becomes a self-fulfillment! This kind of attitude will continue to influence the way you experience the world that surrounds you. If we think of ourselves as demure and reticent, you will deprive yourself of establishing any interaction with that interesting person you just met. My encouragement is Let go of all of what is holding you back and think in terms of yourself as being fluid, constantly changing as a complex person that you are, we cannot afford to be broken down into a single or two types of labels. If you perceive yourself as an uninteresting person, or a musician, an athletic person, or whatever you think of yourself subconsciously, this is what you will continue  to be. If you want to influence your perspective, we must discard any undesirable preconceptions about ourselves. We must understand that everything changes over time, no matter what it is, so instead think in terms of a work in progress, nothing is cut and dry, everything is a spectrum and once we realize that many possibilities will avail themselves to you.

Dare to question your negative thinking whenever they crop up, because if you find yourself thinking you  cannot perform a certain task, the likelihood is you will not. So, when the negative inner voice starts screaming at you, tell it to shut up, and push back until it does. Always fight back your condemning thoughts by means of searching your heart and questioning why you think and feel this way can help you make positive changes. For instance, if you are taking an exam and you begin thinking, “I am not sure about passing  this test,” challenge those thoughts by asking yourself, “is this the first test I have ever taken in my life?” "I prepared for this exam and have taken many exams before." Make sure to push back hard on these unproductive thoughts until they dissipate!

What can also be a real game changer, is to Express gratitude first thing in the morning. Demonstrating gratitude by word or deed every day will help you cultivate feelings of optimism. When you wake up from your slumber, list at least 3 things that you are grateful for in your life. Many times, we trudge throughout the day in autopilot or going through the usual motions, why not go out of your usual activity to let someone know that you have been thinking of them by giving them a phone call, in person or an uncomplicated text? I think that many of us just do not say "thank you" enough during the day, but in doing so, the happier you will be, and it will come through in your desired behavior.

Research is incontrovertible, it has shown that when we increase showing thankfulness, the virtue of trust will become more of your character, including admiration from others, and you will find immense pleasure in life. If you want to experience happiness, this is one of the key components to lasting contentment!

If you grapple or struggle with doing this assiduously  or regularly, make a written note of it. Even if it may feel a little tacky, nonetheless, writing it down every time  can and will make it easier for you to commit to change.

One way to remediate or mitigate  how you feel is to participate in activities that you have no idea about or any notion thereof. You will be pleasantly surprised to discover something new about your inner self, it will enhance your existence with a new experience and will enrich your new personality. Whatever you decide to do, just make sure it is brand spanking new to you.

A real deterrent to personal growth is not letting go of any grievance or anger that you carry within. If you’ve are carrying negative baggage buried deep inside, it’s going to be almost impossible to move forward into a place of joy. I ask myself, who wants to be the fish at the end of the hook being controlled by someone? Sincerely, reaching deep inside your heart for  forgiveness is your antidote for curing the anger that is poisoning your spiritual and emotional growth. You cannot move forward unless you lance that festering anger!

The secret to forgiveness is to recognize the damage and reconcile yourself with it. Please understand you are not doing yourself any good by wasting a colossal amount of energy on the pain you experienced many years ago. You can start to heal by telling others you forgive them and by moving on will be a real relief, you will not be weighed down anymore. If you find you cannot break yourself loose from this inner resentment, it may be time for you to consult someone qualified to help you sort things out.

If you find this behavior changing business a bit too hard, you need to set aside some down time to relax and forget everything for a moment. Your conscious effort to show gratefulness, forming new habits, can be exhausting at some point. Allocate time on a regular basis to do literally whatever you need to do to get some rest like Sleeping in, have your favorite dessert, take in a great movie, a bit of socializing, or whatever helps you to relieve any stress. This will give you something off the beaten path to look forward to when you find yourself becoming weary.

Dress and grooming can also be a part of who you are, of course, clothes do not define who you are, but our appearance can be a fun way to express ourselves and influence our personality to who we want to be. Do you want to be a little more brilliant? Why not try some well-fitting smart clothing like a cardigan sweater, a sports jacket instead of anything baggy looking, and you will feel different in how you perceive yourself! Even something as diminutive as wearing a fedora can give you a different outlook, but  do not do anything that makes you uncomfortable. A woman can change her hairdo and many other things on her persona that will highlight the new her. Men may decide to sport a mustache or grow a complete beard; however, the caveat is to make sure that it fits you in terms of appearing dignified and with an appearance of respectability.

Try your best to cultivate an optimistic attitude by disseminating goodwill everywhere you go. Be readily available to help family and friends in their need, be self-sacrificing even to strangers by going out of your way to help will make an impression, thus your new personality will become noteworthy by all. Additionally, make it a    practice being complimentary  and Smile with sincerity everywhere you go, and you will find yourself becoming more naturally pleasing!

once your core belief is intact, your new personality will also be intact.

In the meantime, it is nobody’s business how you really feel inside. What is important here is how you carry on in implementing the new you until it is fully realized. In time, your behavior will start to shape your sincere heart for change. To put it in simpler terms, temporarily fake it until you make it!

Seeds Represent Life

A fellow from the east coast stated he could not wait to visit California because he has never seen a watermelon tree. It struck me funny, however, the truth of the matter is, I am ambivalent or have mixed emotions to his statement because many do not have a clue of how things grow which is a sad commentary much like many thinks of milk coming only from the corner store and give no thought to its derivation.

In a recent episode, I interviewed a lady who studies the wonder and miraculous diversity of seeds and immensely enjoys sharing her knowledge with the world.

Imagine a seed coming to save the day like a superhero! A hero with remarkable powers, a living thing that saves lives!

Each seed contains an embryo plant within, poised to break through and join our world to provide sustenance in a variety of ways. Miraculously, every living plant produces oxygen for clean air and nourishment for every living creature. Plants help keep our soil from erosion and filter the water we drink. Plants are used medicinally, for everyday home life, and a plethora of useful products that make life a blessing.

To put it plainly, life would not be as we know it today, truly, seeds represent life in its strictest sense  in that most plants reproduce other plants, thus a perpetual cycle of life.

Why is it vital for our ecosystem to have a vast variety of plant families on this earth? What if we had only one type of tree in our world? Never mind the watermelon tree!

Suppose there were only one kind of tree, and a destructive insect came in and decimated that tree? It would be an existential threat to the existence of all humanity. But did you know this really happened regionally?

in the mid-1850s in Ireland, the white potato was a main staple of food on the table at the time. However, a fungus infected the potato root and decimated the entire production in the country. Consequently, for many consecutive years the Irish population were so  dependent on this vegetable that millions of people died of starvation. And Millions more migrated to other countries to survive. Incidentally, it reminds me of the movie in 1992 with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman in the movie “Far and Away” directed by Ron Howard.

What was the lesson learned from this tragedy? Biodiversity is vital! You must have a variety in case if one food is devastated, there would be other foods for sustenance, yes, the seed is a superhero.

Seeds germinate and grow into Providing the major nutritional value that the human family  needs for ongoing healthy life, seed plants are without question the bases of the  human diets around the world. They are the products that we take for granted such as lumber, paper of all kinds, including various fiber-based materials like yarns, threads, an assortment of fabric types, etc. And coloring agents just to name a few examples of plant-based uses as we  experience daily life. As a matter of course, the human family has also utilized a variety of plants decoratively or esthetically and as an inspirational piece of art throughout history.

In the science of  pharmacology, the source of medicine  comes from the four corners of the earth, especially from rain forests. Obviously, plants are essential to human well-being, as many contemporary pharmaceuticals have had their beginnings from secondary plant biochemistry through the process of metabolism of which ancient societies also heavily relied for their everyday curative properties. The significant kinship between human cultures throughout the ages  and plants has clearly progressed in the study of ethnobotany and to this day is rapidly moving forward.

Seed plants are diverse in nature for many purposes like being cultivated for their boundless beauty and their fragrance  , and speaking of which, when I need to rack up some points, try surprising your wife with a dozen red roses.

From a culinary standpoint, many cultures ingest almost a hundred percent vegetarian diet,  and it is fair to say  these societies depend heavily on seed plants for their nutritional requirement.

Think of it, would Asia be what it is today if it were not for the fields of rice? Additionally, Eastern Europe is known for their bounty of wheat, and China to my surprise in my research they dominate the potato industry compared to any other country. The explosion of many crops came to the forefront during the agricultural revolution when human cultures made the change from being hunters such as the indigenous people who were compelled to more of a horticultural and agricultural means of life.

When you enjoy your Cereal in the morning, think of its richness in carbohydrates providing you the boost you need, globally, they provide the main staple in many households  today.

As I am authoring this article  at 4:00 in the morning, I cannot wait  to enjoy my assortment of nuts that will supply me with the necessary  protein, and not to mention topped with three or four creamy providentially delicious palm dates. Starting to salivate!

Regarding cooking, fats come from crushed seeds, as it is known with peanut oil and rapeseed, a vegetable cooking oil like   canola, or oil derived from fruits like olives. And let us not forget to mention, Animal husbandry such as in cattle also demands a tremendous amount of a wide spectrum of  nurturing crops, and again, for the human society to be able to continue to thrive, we must realize there is an indisputable and essential propinquity between plants and humans.

Humans rely on plants for many other reasons other than food like for instance, for beauty and to enhance our taste receptors. For example, flowers such as tulips are farmed for their aesthetic beauty. Quinine is  drawn from the cinchona tree to treat malaria as a modality, to mitigate fever, and to reduce pain. We would not have the melodious string instrument, the  world-renowned Stradivarius violin to enjoy if were not for the various woods that come from the tree.

Other byproducts of seeds are fruits and vegetables providing us with the necessary nutrients, necessary vitamins, and necessary fiber. Glucose or sugar to sweeten beverages and delightful desserts  and many other dishes derived from the monocot sugarcane and from the eudicot sugar beet. Your favorite tea Drink is made from soaking tea leaves, to placate the nervous system try the chamomile flower, the rich aroma of crushed coffee beans, or the powder for a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly day.

How about spices? In fact, here locally, there is an entire subdivision of homes with streets designated with every spice you can think of. Spices come from many parts of the world, 95 percent of saffron comes from the middle east, particularly Iran,  and cloves are native to the Maluku Islands known as  Indonesia, are commonly enjoyed as a spice, cloves are used for flavoring, found in fragrance in all kinds of consumer products, such as in what you use to brush your teeth, cleansers, and in cosmetics as well.

How often do we think of black pepper and vanilla as seeds? How often do we think of herbs that flavor many of our favorite culinary dishes that come from dried leaves and fruit such as the yummy strong smelling red chili pepper? And how often do we think of The oils of flowers and bark that gives us the olfactory scent of perfumes?

Close and dear to my heart that is also part of the human diet, and it would not be complete without mentioning is, "wine" of which I grew up alongside my dad in the world  of viticulture which is even noted in scripture. The process of fermentation of plant-derived glucose or sugars and starches is used to produce a wide range of the heart rejoicing wine beverages that come from all cultures. As with vino, let us not forget the fermentation of carbohydrates that originate also from seeds, and we are talking about the variety of beer that is found around the world.

Seed plants have other  copious uses, including providing lumber as a source for home construction, ethanol fuel that is derived from corn and sugar, and materials to construct what you are sitting on at this moment.

Undeniably, seeds will continue to contribute to grace private and community areas, adding breath taking beauty and serenity to the human family and inspiring painters to capture it on a canvas  and the heartening written word by poets alike.

However, Seeds need the appropriate environment to germinate, and give birth to a new plant as it were, and it does not stop there. Plants need air to breathe just like you and me, they need water, the right climate to thrive, a continued good soil condition, and of course, the right amount of light called photosynthesis, but in humans’ terms we call it the benefit of vitamin D. Hmm, exactly like humans for happiness and well-Being !

Yes, humans can be compared to the miraculous and diversified existence of seeds. Like seeds as already mentioned,  plants cannot realize this thriving potential, however, unless planted in a favorable environment. Similarly, the human spirit embodies an unlimited fabulous growing potential, found  within the human condition.

In biblical history, it was said that through one man's seed all the nations would bless themselves. And it is true, for men carry the inherent seed of their offspring or progeny and  women are the fertile soil for procreation. Of course, and irrefutably,  both men and women are essential but for you and me to flourish, we must take in the correct and necessary spiritual, emotional, and physical nourishment  and in this order for a sense of completeness. Am I being too philosophical? Ask me if I care!

The Human and Animal Interaction

When we think in terms of human and animal interaction, we immediately think of our canine friend or our feline companion. However, the interaction is so different when compared, in that the dog when fed and taken care of looks at you as god. But when the cat is fed and taken care of, your feline friend becomes god, a diametrical difference of animal behavior. But the interplay of the human and animal connection is not by any means limited by them as I will share in this article.

In a recent episode, a veterinarian shared her thoughts of taking care of your pet, medically and the nurturing of the palpable bond that develops almost right away in such relationships.

The most obvious benefit to owning a canine friend is you are compelled to get more exercise  than otherwise, while walking your dog or should I say while it walks you, and you cannot help but benefit when also playing with your puppy.

It has been reported that dog owners who took time to take their pets for regular strolls, almost 50% received the recommended 150 minutes of weekly exercise of which most consider moderate exercise. By comparison to non-pet owners, it was considerably less, only about a third received the recommended exercise.

The Human-Animal Bond has existed throughout the ages, and we can only conclude that there is a definite reciprocal benefit derived from this interconnection. This relationship with pets and their human counterparts was not always likened to the relationship you find among humans themselves.

My guest spoke of her first horse, a memory that is never to be forgotten, she said. As we know, animals eventually die, and she spoke of lying there next to her horse weeping for almost an hour, which can only be explained  as a testament of the human and animal bond.

I too, have fond memories of pets along the way. At the age of 3, we had a very protective white handsome German Shepherd that always followed me in among the vineyards and as we frolicked in the corn fields, he was there every time  I turned around. And I too, remember my first horse named Charles, a spirited British Welch Pony that I could always depend on for an exciting fun bare back ride.

The human-animal bond has developed for many thousands of years and had its inception as more of a working relationship and not so much as an in-house pet.

Animals can provide a diversified  service such as farmers situating peacocks to oversee their farm and livestock and by screaming  when something is not quite right alerting the farmer. We have also heard of law enforcement relying on canines to trail and apprehend perpetrators and smell explosives and illegal substances of all types. Growing up in the 1960s, many may remember a TV series called Flipper that aired on NBC, a dolphin  and a boy who were of the greatest of friends. Interestingly, The US Navy utilizes dolphins to identify underwater explosives and detect the presence of enemy skin-divers. Also, the Marines have taken advantage of the heavy-duty pack mule in diverse ways to accomplish missions by transporting implements of war such as ammunition, and other supplies through arduous terrain in all parts of the world.

Many domesticated animals gave protection and served their owners, for example, they were in partnership in hunting, in agriculture, or performing other necessary chores for day-to-day life.

When we consider the veritable plethora of breeds of dogs that exist today,  these dogs were initially bred to track wild animals  and herd sheep or cattle and such. And the cat, for the most part, cats normally existed outside, and would hunt and eliminate rodents in the barn, otherwise, the proliferation of rodents could possibly disseminate virulent diseases, destroy crops, contaminate food storages,  or other essential materials for human survival.

In my research, in speaking of cats, I  found that there is a definite link between feline ownership and the reduction of risk from dying due to cardiac arrest or even a stroke, hence, researchers concluding that cat ownership is a clever strategy for mitigating the risk of cardiovascular illness in highly predisposed individuals. When people are stressed out, just the soothing sound of a purring cat  will placate the nervous system  and reduce blood pressure. In addition,  studies have shown that pet ownership of all kinds has been linked to lowering hypertension, lessening the heart rate, and promote a faster recovery during cognitive stress. In fact, the American Heart Association (AHA) released a scientific statement proposing that pet ownership particularly dogs of which I am partial to because I am allergic to cats, will lower the danger of cardiovascular disease.

I am certain you have heard that animals also served people in the military during wartime. There were cavalry horses before there were ever army trucks and armored tanks, there were sentry dogs to keep guard  and even to this day. Before the means of electronic communication there were carrier pigeons such as Cher Ami, a male homing pigeon who saved many soldiers as a carrier. This little war flying hero was a donation to the United States army by pigeon fanciers of Britain during World War One. and as we well know there are mascots representing a wide spectrum of organizations indicative of the existing bond with a variety of animals.

Obviously, these animals not only served as protectors, but they also offered anxiety relief and a sense of dignity or pride to their human counterparts. It is not difficult to overlook the human-animal bond as a one-way relationship. These trusted Pets require their basic needs of food, water, protection from the elements, and their medical care to be met and they reciprocate by giving their unconditional obedience, which some would call love. However, humans receive an entirely different kind of nurturing from their animals. Research incontrovertibly shows that pets can mitigate hypertension or blood pressure, lower stress, raise levels of blood oxytocin, a hormone that is a mediator of anti-stress, and, it has been documented that it may lower chronic pain. In fact, folks living with a canine friend are 15 percent less likely to suffer their demise from cardiovascular disease.

Additionally, our furry friends also can offer benefits for other human health issues. For example, seniors react positively to animals in terms of mitigating loneliness, heart conditions, and dementia can be reduced. The interaction with companion animals, the senior community can experience irrefutable positive cognitive and physiological effects. Likewise, the effects on children who suffer emotionally, mentally, and socially have experienced a positive affect in demeanor.

The human-animal interaction is observable in a variety of situations. On the job animals, historically, are famous for their relationships with their human owners. They provide support for the nervous system, they provide  therapy, and service animals provide solace and consolation, they offer a sense of security, and perform everyday duties to assist their owners deal with everyday life. Animals can be an essential part of the rehabilitation process for those who have experienced emotional or physical abuse or trauma including those suffering from PTSD due to horrific war time experiences.

As the human-animal bond develops over the years, it makes common sense to me that it will progressively improve as people continue to interact with different animals. The indisputable health benefits of owning a furry friend and the interaction with various kinds of working animals are making significant difference in the lives of so many folks. As this natural bond moves forward and strengthens, the focal point of health such as grieving the loss of a furry family member, will continue to gain attention. I also see the progression  in the field of  veterinary and as studies continue to add to knowledge about animal health care and medical standards, and as the livestock industry changes and hopefully for the better, new methods of animal husbandry will be implemented and will boost the bonds between mans and animal.

Earlier, we touched on the benefits of having a canine, especially in terms of getting exercise, so here are some tips on how to approach it. According to professional dog trainers, they will tell you to take Your Time , never be in a hurry to walk your furry friend. Keep in mind that dogs inherently enjoy sniffing and exploring around their neighborhood, and this may be beneficial for their well-being. Therefore, be available to visit your local dog park or walk down a different street for variety, thus giving more quality time with one another.

The right walking equipment can also make it or break it in your efforts to enjoy it, so be certain to have the right leash and collars before you go on your mutual adventure.

Even humans enjoy snacking, so carry Treats as you Train your four-legged friend, especially  when working with a leash-responsive dog, teaching your puppy to eventually walk on a slack leash, or just rewarding obedient dog behavior.

Be aware that different breeds require different basic attention, like consideration of age, and consideration of their overall health, yes, just like humans. You can consult your veterinarian  for recommendations and be alert and take cues from your pup as to their capacity of  distance and strength stamina. In other words, could you yourself run a marathon the first time out the gate?

At this point, you may be thinking, I do not have a canine friend because I cannot afford it, nor do I have the room for a pet. How about this novel idea, offer to walk a family member’s dog or your neighbor’s furry trusted friend, or start a side hustle of walking dogs and as a bonus you will get paid for exercising. All in concern will benefit!

Suffering From Chemical Sensitivity

At my routine dental appointments, I am always asked "are you allergic to anything?" My unwavering and resounding response is "absolutely! I am allergic to pain." However, putting levity aside, when we speak in terms of allergenic chemical intolerance, it is by no means to be taken lightly in that it affects so many people with an array  and varied degrees of debilitating symptoms. And in this article I will share some of my findings on this topic, however, I would encourage you to do your own research as well.

In one of this week's episodes, my guest related how synthetic chemicals or manmade products in beauty products severely affected her health and by her tenacious research of the topic, was able to resolve her chronic health issues. And hence, was motivated to create her own cosmetic line of products that are Hypoallergenic, Paraben Free, Petrochemical and Solvent Free, Silicone Free, Dioxane Free, Lead Free, Heavy Metals Free, involving no Animal Testing and are 100%organic, and is known as Zorica of Malibu in Ca.

Presently, chemical sensitivity is commonly known as Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS). But unfortunately, the official definition of MCS as a health condition is not recognized as a well-known medical entity by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the American Medical Association, nevertheless it is recognized as a health disability in countries such as in Germany and our northern neighbors, Canada, which is a good beginning of acknowledgement.

Controversy over the validity of the disease is somewhat due to the lack of careful  study of the symptoms, or a general medical acceptance of the origin causing these chemical sensitivity reactions. When reading of a lady we will call Mary, she experiences symptoms from a variety of internal reactions, from mental fog to physical pain, diarrhea, myalgia or muscle aches, loss of motivation or depression, and strange intermittent skin rash. The triggers for MCS vary, sometimes extending beyond chemicals to food and strangely enough, electromagnetic fields. Lab results at this point have not  been reproducible, hence, people such as Mary not only endure horrific, ongoing illness but also the study whether their condition is actual or “real.”

Mary dubbed herself as a universal reactor meaning she was allergic to the world. During  the 1990s, Mary  became allergic to her entire living environment, such as the mold colonizing her indoor living areas and the paint covering her kitchen areas, antiperspirant or deodorants, body wash and anything containing synthetic products. All sorts of public areas abundant with artificial fragrances were totally intolerable . Even disinfectants or Scent and air fresheners in medical buildings made visiting her own doctor  a veritable torture. As we know perfumes and colognes are ubiquitous, this too prohibited her from social family gatherings. Even enjoying her own back garden spaces was difficult because  of insecticides smells and not to mention the neighbor’s laundry room detergent that permeated the air. When contemporary medicine failed to identify the cause of Mary's illness, she became a recluse, feeling like this was her only solution. She began insisting for her spouse to completely strip down and immediately shower every time he came back in from the outdoors. And can you imagine her Grandchildren visiting her through a back window? Sadly, by this point Mary had been isolated in her home for more than six years. If you do not have anything even close to Mary's chemical sensitivity reactions, count your blessings.

Whether it is organic or psychosomatic or something somewhere in the middle, multiple chemical sensitivity can cause chronic health issues, and people like Mary often feel forlorn or totally abandoned by humanity.

The first reported instance of MCS was documented in 1952  in the Journal of Laboratory and Clinical Medicine. The journal speaks of a 41-year-old woman, reporting that she  complained of many and various bizarre symptoms. Like my guest, this woman was a former cosmetics sales representative, she moaned of ongoing lethargy, always tired,  she suffered from  swollen limbs, headaches and intermittent fainting which diminished her ability to perform her job. A physician had previously diagnosed her with hypochondria or Hypochondriasis  which is a condition where a person is extremely and unreasonably concerned about having a serious illness and more  into the realm of psychology and not physiology.

but this woman was desperate for a real medical diagnosis and treatment. However, her doctor noted that the drive into the city of Chicago had exacerbated her chronic symptoms, but her symptoms were almost miraculously resolved when she checked into her hotel accommodation on the 20th floor, thus, her doctor extrapolated that  she was far removed from the toxic vehicle exhaust fumes from the street which improved her condition. Furthermore, the doctor reported a combination of 30 substances that she reacted to when touching fibers such as nylon, the contact of lacquer in nail polish, when swallowing aspirin, all sorts of food coloring, the inhalation of strong perfume, the burning of pine wood in her fireplace and the jabs of synthetic opiate meperidine, and of all things Benadryl as well.

Chemical sensitivity  or multiple chemical sensitivity  MCS is an indisputable problem but most shy away from discussing it, and I suspect it is because of the lack of knowledge.

In this country, it has been estimated 55 million people have complaints of symptoms intricately connected to chemical intolerance. To put it in other terms, one fourth of adults are symptomatic when exposed to daily chemicals, and many times are oblivious as to the source. But what is the culprit of chemical sensitivity? And what chemicals should we be completely staying away from?

Is there an effective  or natural cure for chemical intolerance?

The short answer is "no, “there is no present cure for eliminating multiple chemical sensitivity entirely, but there are definite homeopathic and various natural straightforward ways we can effectively manage chemical sensitivity symptoms. We should immediately stop using any products you have determined to cause allergy triggers from jarring chemicals, such as infamous perfumes, aftershaves lotions or repulsive colognes, indoor fresheners, cleaning solutions, laundry room detergents or toiletries. But instead, choose products that are fragrance  or scent free and are labelled as organic, environmentally and skin safe, my guest suggested.

Of course, good ventilation also helps in this regard, so at your place of employment, strategically situate your desk next to a window, and spend a few dollars on a good air purifier for your home.

Since we spend from seven to nine hours sleeping, your bedroom environment can make a stark contrast to how we react to synthetics. When we consider synthetic bedding, such as the fiber polyester, we are likely to set ourselves up to increase chemical reactions due to  the processing of these harsh synthetic fibers. For a peaceful and enjoyable slumber  without chemical disturbance or MCS response, make certain to bed down on natural bed linen that is  hypoallergenic, organic like  wool sheets.

If you are finding yourself like Mary, who was isolated and imprisoned in her own home, and your reactions and symptoms are creating a problematic situation for you and your family, for instance, if you are leading a life of reclusiveness, and not enabling you to leave your home, it is time to  visit your primary health care provider.

Additional and proven modalities of helping people with multiple chemical sensitivity would include a nutritional protocol, a visceral cleansing, and an immunologist to help you overcome sensitization.

Typically, multiple chemical sensitivity symptoms are bad during the day, it is more than likely that your symptoms will  worsen during the night. And if you value your sleep as much as I do, it would be distressing if your shut eye is  constantly being disturbed with an itchy rash, a relentless headache or by uncontrollable  sneezing. That is why preparing your bedding free from synthetics as much as you can is so imperative, it affects your entire biological system.

So, what is the secret to a better night’s rest? And what are the preferred products for chemically sensitive folks? As we earlier mentioned, it is a common fact that any product made of wool is nature’s best  material and can make a world of difference to those suffering with multiple chemical sensitivity. Wool is completely free of chemicals, but also gives you a hypoallergenic environment, thus, mitigating  allergies or chemical intolerance symptoms. Wool naturally breathes, so you can take it to the bank that you will be receiving more of a contented, more of a salubrious sleep when you retire for the night. It is a matter of listening to your body as to how  your system reacts to your surrounding environment, and the sobering truth is, we cannot entirely protect ourselves based on the world we live in which is driven by profit and not so much by promoting a healthier lifestyle.

So, work closely with your health care provider, and after testing for deleterious chemical products, it may prove to be a pathway to live the life you were meant to live. There are definite other factors to consider which can improve chemical tolerance of which I am not qualified to discuss since every person's chemistry is so different, therefore, requiring different medical modalities. So, I would encourage you to be your own health advocate.

I have come to appreciate that life has an inherent mathematical  equation, made up of problems and solutions, so, let us never get stuck like a deer in the headlights on constantly dwelling on the problems but more on finding the solution in everything we personally experience, and this is not limited to chemical sensitivity.

Landscape Is a Metaphor

When planning a landscape design, we must consider our predominant weather conditions such as amount of sunlight, source of water, soil conditions, exposure to wind, and of course, existing plants and living creatures in our natural environment.

In one of this week's episodes, my guest, a professional landscape designer spoke to these factors that make for an integral part of a well-balanced ecosystem.

Nature is a great teacher and there are so many life lessons that we can reap by spending time out in the world of nature. As a student of human nature, and not a botanist, and to hold true to the platform of my blog, in this article I will share thoughts on protecting and nurturing ourselves which is likened to what a beautiful landscape needs to flourish. The natural environment can be defined as anything that encompasses our surroundings from all angles, whether living things or nonliving , never artificial things, and an actual landscape is subject to these elements. Metaphorically, when you set your goals, you are the landscape, you are your own ecosystem so to speak, therefore, you must take inventory of your natural and acquired abilities , and take to heart the social context of our environment and not to mention the circumstances we personally  find ourselves in.

My guest indicated, to plan for a landscape design it is essential to have  some forethought and create a vision  for it, you do not just grab whatever plants and trees at a nursery and plant them willy-nilly, and hope for the best. Instead, you must give serious thought to what type of outdoor space you desire, the purpose you want it to serve, what you want to plant and how you want your landscape to be designed for optimum eye appeal. Similarly, you should have foresight or a vision on how you want your life to look like for optimum enjoyment. Therefore, questions such as what kind of life do you desire to have? What is  your life’s mission? What do you want to attain, achieve, and experience? Unfortunately, many do not like their literal landscape, they do not care for how it is laid out, its overgrown,  there is imbalance no appeal to the eye and no attractive brilliant color whatsoever. However, there may be one or two plants that you enjoy, but my point is, it does not complete what you want, enjoyment  is extremely limited, but it does not have to be this way,  imagine the enjoyment it could bring if you included your entire landscape to be to your liking. So, what do you do?

We must Prioritize by analyzing what is of utmost importance to us. As for your yard environment, do you prefer a vegetable garden? Do you want a Japanese garden, tropical  or a desert scenery? It is a wish list of things you want to plant, however, be practical by understanding your yard has limited space, we cannot plant everything we want, much like having limited time, resources, and abilities. This underscores the fact that we must prioritize, otherwise, our life becomes overwhelming, too cluttered, and we become an emotional mess and the result, we do not achieve what we want. Reasonableness must come into play, after all, you cannot start a new business, learn to be a professional pianist,   train for the Olympics, and author an award-winning book all at the same time. If you can, I stand corrected!

Goals are very much like annuals, they have an ephemeral life span that completes their life cycle, from germination to the point of producing seed within one year, and then dies, however, it produced the fruit that was most important to you. Then, the following year you can begin a new endeavor or goal and bear the fruit of your hard labor and so on.

However, you need healthy and fertile soil for a vibrant landscape to thrive ecologically. A landscaper invests lots of time and energy to improve the soil to create a strong, rich and a long-lasting foundation for optimal growth. They ad compost which is a mixture of ingredients used as plant fertilizer to ameliorate the soil's physical structure, chemicals like phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen, creating an edaphon which is a collective term that encompasses all organisms within a soil profile.

In the same manner , it is necessary to build a solid foundation for your goal. How do you achieve this? By obtaining the right field of knowledge that you need to develop the needed skills, thus, allowing you to reach your goals.

When you make your soil rich, when you have laid a solid foundation for your goals you can exponentially improve its production. your foundation is a synergism of  getting your financial house in order, creating a budget that makes sense, getting rid of creditors, and starting a nest egg in case of unexpected incidentals, and these are an aggregate of the elements that foster freedom for personal growth.

Additionally, creating solid habits, striving to optimal physical health by way of exercise, a healthier culinary  habit, getting enough slumber, and ruminating on the things you are grateful for is part of the soil of your heart.

It has been said that You Reap What You Sow. When a farmer wants tomatoes, he will plant tomato seeds. Should the farmer plant hemlock seeds and later scratch his head with wonderment  why there is not a delicious watermelon to enjoy, obviously, you always  reap what you sow.

This explains why so many people look at their lives, they are dissatisfied with what they see, and they wonder what went wrong. The point is, they planted the wrong seed of overeating that compromises their health, the marital relationship is up against the ropes, they are in debt with no end in sight, and waiting for the proverbial "my ship to come in," but they find themselves waiting at the airport. As mentioned at the outset, plants require different environments that dictates whether it will  flourish, therefore, you must acknowledge  your inner strengths, take inventory of yourself by understanding  your weaknesses, your likes and dislikes, your personality, those you associate with,  and this will determine your ultimate success.

Is it not true many landscapes and gardens have fences to keep out unwanted creatures that may destroy your hard work? In much the same way, you should build a fence to protect your emotional health and goals, in other words, you must have well defined boundaries. Unfortunately, there are people that will emphatically tell you that you cannot do it, and we must keep these people at a safe distance, otherwise, they become a source of toxic discouragement to what we want to accomplish. We also must learn to kindly say “no” to commitments that are detrimental to what is of utmost importance to us and family. Always be available to work on your objectives and kindly decline anything that will  interrupt or distract you from the task at hand. However, there are always exceptions to the rule, and I will leave that to your discretion.

Once you have put in place your landscape you wanted, there is yet lots of ongoing work to maintain your outdoor space looking beautiful, it is a continuum of conservation. So, you must engage in pulling weeds, pruning, the right amount of water, and continued adding nutrients to the soil. Just as a yard requires assiduous maintenance, likewise  your goals and aspirations  need constant attention. Make certain to take actional steps necessary to achieve your objectives on an ongoing basis. There is no substitute for being consistent, and in doing so, you will eventually bear the desired fruit from your hard work.

The attribute of patience is a virtue that needs to be cultivated to Trust the Process of seeing things grow. Will your plants grow any faster if you pull on them?

At the end of the day and after your maximum effort, you will  create the top possible conditions in your landscape, planting the right seeds that are supported by your environment, and by providing those seeds the care and attention they need you can trust that nature will do the rest.

When it comes to our endeavors, we also must be patient; you cannot force things to happen, but you must have confidence in the process. Not to bring attention to myself, but I can only relate from my own personal experience and observation. When I think of this podcast show I started in July of 2020, I will admit, it was not the easiest thing I ever done. Now, I am in my fourth year, and it has grown exponentially with guests requesting to be on the show from all over the world. My point is, if you are consistent, others will be consistent with you!

Of course, landscapers fully understand that there are slight setbacks along the way like the climate, pests, disease issues and so on that are out of our control. But they deal with it and learn from it, I call it life.

Allow me to ask you, what if all we got was sunshine throughout the year? You would have a veritable desert! So, expect to have an occasional rain on our endeavors, of course we do not welcome them, but there is always something to learn and master, and after all, it does foster good character. We will always run into unexpected obstacles and unforeseen setbacks, that’s just the way life is, it is a variable event. Be flexible, be adaptable and never let anything keep you from progressing to your plethora of finish lines. Rest assured, after all your struggles and toiling, your outdoor spaces should start looking like you first visualized  it, and similarly, your life's  plan will look like how you envisioned it as well.

You will love what you are doing, you will have financial stability, wonderful relationships, memorable experiences, and hands down, no regrets. When a landscaper tills the soil, he does not just turn it over in his mind, he does it!

Humor Is Your Prescription

Most people with a wonderful sense of humor understand that loneliness, anxiety, depression along with comedy are related somehow. In fact, comedians tend to be the loneliest people in the world, always craving attention, and it is no wonder they find solace in performing because for a little while they feel fulfilled. And as for the audience, I would suspect they are also there because they need someone to make them laugh since they share the same feelings of loneliness and isolation.

In one of this week's episodes, my guest discussed reducing our risk of chronic disease, aging well, and feeling your best, and humor from my point of view can minimize health issues by way of pumping natural endorphins into our body making you feel wonderful, and this has shown to improve overall health, thus aging well, and feeling our best. The practice of levity in life is great!

Did you know laughing at ourselves or being self-deprecating is one of the best things we can practice for our well-being? And you will find most comedians making fun of themselves and we laugh because what they say it is a relatable truth,   and research is proving mental and physical wellness does comes from a real knee slapper.

Laughter incontrovertibly draws you closer to others, which can have a profound effect on all aspects of mental and emotional wellness. Mutual laughter tends to bring people closer and strengthens every kind of relationship. Speaking of relationships, try the following on your spouse:

An old couple had been married for more than 65 years. They both had generously shared everything with each other over the years, and they had discussed everything as a couple. They never had kept any secrets from each other, except the little old lady had a sizable shoe box on the top shelve of her closet of which she had cautioned her husband never ever to open or not even ask about it.

Over the years, the little old gentleman had never given thought to the box. However, one day the little old lady became ill and knew she would not recover. In sorting out their personal affairs, the little old gentleman brought down the sizable shoe box and brought it to his wife's bedside. She conceded that it was time that he should know what was in the box.

Upon opening it he found two crocheted dolls and a stack of money to the tune of $98,000. He proceeded to ask his wife about the contents.

"The day we were to be married," she said, "my grandmother informed me the secret of a blissful marriage was to never argue. She told me that if I ever got upset with you I should just keep my mouth shut and crochet a doll every time we argued."

The little old gentleman was touched and moved to tears. Only two precious dolls were in the box. She had only been angry with her husband only twice in all those loving years of marriage. He could hardly contain himself, bursting with heartfelt emotions.

"Honey," he said, "that really explains the dolls, but what about all this money? Where did it come from?"

"Oh, yes," she said. "That's the money I earned from selling the rest of the dolls."

Have you ever wondered the reason why TV sitcoms utilize laugh tracks? laughter is unquestionably contagious! The truth of the matter is, we are more likely to bust out laughing in company with other people than when we are alone. And the more frequent laughter we embrace into our lives, the more of a sense of elation we and our company will feel and enjoy.

Incidentally, most laughter does not come from just sharing a joke, which is only half of it, but instead from the association we relish with friends and family. And that’s social environment is what plays such a crucial role in our physical and emotional health. We must take the opportunity to genuinely engage with others. When we genuinely care about someone enough to give them your undivided attention by putting your phone aside, and interact face to face, the engagement process rebalances your nervous system, we involuntarily bring our guard down, and the stress response “fight or flight” dissipates.

And if we share a belly laugh as well, both will feel happier, in a state of being content, build more positivity, and we will experience more of a sense of relaxation  even if we cannot resolve a personal matter.

Sharing the universal language of laughter also increases joy, energy, and sustainable resilience. And shared humor is a powerful and effective manner to cure resentments, discord, and hurts feelings, and  Laughter unites us especially during challenging times. Humor and lighthearted communication solidify our relationships by prompting jovial feelings and fostering emotional kinships. When we double up in laughter, with one another, a bond of goodwill is created and maintained. This bond acts as a solid bulwark against anxiety, disagreements, and dismay. Humor and laughter in interrelationships allow us to be natural, to be ourselves without any facade. We become more spontaneous, levity gets us out of our mental trap and provides relief from our personal struggles. We forget resentments, judgments, condemnation, and feelings of doubts.

Our comical side is cathartic, it expresses our true emotions, yes, deeply felt emotions are allowed to surface . Why not use humor to resolve differences of opinion and contention in all our valued relationships? Whether with a spouse to be, close friends and immediate family, or workmates, all of us can learn to use humor to pave over differences, reduce everyone's stress level, and it lend itself to an interchange of mutual concerns  in a manner that is constructive, rather than tearing down much needed relationships. Speaking of being concerned with one another, enjoy the following.

“What's for supper this evening?”

An elderly fellow named Bill concluded his wife, Martha, was getting hard of hearing. So, he contacted the local audiologist to make an appointment for his wife.

The office receptionist indicated they did not have any openings for the next three weeks. However, the receptionist suggested a simple informal test Bill could do at home, giving him an idea of his wife's situation to determine how serious it might be.

The receptionist said, “Here’s is what you need to do: When you are about 20 feet away from your wife, speak to her in a normal conversational tone of voice, and wait if she can hear you. If not, get fifteen feet closer, then ten feet closer, then five feet and closer yet until your wife answers you.”

So that evening while Martha was cooking supper, Bill is in the front room and decides to give the hearing test a try. “Sweetheart, what’s for supper this evening?”

No response.

He gets a little closer to the kitchen , “sweetheart, what’s for supper this evening?”

Again, no response.

Bill goes to the kitchen door and again repeats, “Sweetheart, what’s for dinner this evening?”

Again, no answer.

So, he walks into the kitchen area and repeats the same question.

Still, no answer.

Finally, Bill walks up behind Martha and asks again, “Sweetheart, what’s for dinner this evening?”

“For the 5th time, pot roast!”

How do you bring more laughter into your life?

You might say that laughter is your birthright, it is a natural reaction, and a smile is a precursor to laughter. After all, infants begin smiling early on in their life, and they beam with laughter within a few months.

Even if you grew up in a stoic household, you could learn to laugh at any point in life.

Grinning is the inception of laughter, and like laughter, it’s contagious . When you are in a public place, and you hear someone trying to say something but cannot because of their uncontrollable laugh, I would venture to say it makes you laugh as well.

Why not greet everyone with a smile such as to passerby’s, a grateful smile at the person serving you a hot cup of joe,, or your workmates, the opportunities are endless.

When you hear people busting a gut in laughter, gravitate to it, . A shared funny story among friends or a small group is usually not too private, often, people are delighted to share something amusing because it provides the amateur comedian with the opportunity to feed off the humor you find in it. Every comedian loves the audience!

Seek out playful people because they laugh easily  at themselves and at the absurdities that we experience in our daily lives.

They routinely acknowledge the humor in everyday events. Their playful perspective is contagious, even if you are not a lighthearted, humorous person, you can yet find these folks who like to enjoy themselves in frivolity and who get a kick in seeing others enjoy themselves as well.

Today, ask someone, “What is the funniest thing that ever happened to you?

Maybe, you really cannot find something silly to relate, but unbelievably, it is quite possible to laugh without having experienced a humorous event and simulated laughter can be what the doctor prescribed. Simply, begin to simulate laughter and lo and behold you will start laughing genuinely for no apparent reason and never mind the puzzled looks you will receive.

And if you can incorporate  stimulated laughter into an exercise routine, then you really will have your own built-in cheer leader to spur you on to optimum health.

Please take to heart that we do not stop laughing because we get old, but we get old because we stop laughing!

The Child Hidden Within

Do you remember the old TV show "Kids Say the Darndest Things" hosted by Art Linkletter  1945-1969? He speaks of the story of his granddaughter asking him what to talk about in front of her class, and he replied, "I am sure you can come up with something appropriate to say on your own." The next day, while holding Art's hand she says to the classroom, "this is my grandpa, he is 80 years old, and he is still alive."

Is it not true, kids have so many innocent and naive attributes? It is these innocent characteristics that draw us to them. We cannot help but laugh, their blamelessness and innocence are what makes rearing children so special giving us parents and grandparents stories  to retell over and over. But, let me ask, where did the innocence of children go? What happened to us adults?

In one of this week's episodes, I interviewed a pediatric dentist who discussed creating an environment of kindness and a sense of feeling safe for children for their first dental exam. But he highlighted the fact that many times children pick up on the parent's apprehension and this affects them negatively. However, children are very resilient, opened hearted and are better patients than adults, he said in so many words. And their innocent attributes, their honesty and their inquisitiveness are what imbued me to reflect and author this article.

I do not know about you, but we still have a child hiding within us, whether you want to admit it or not. It is the desire from within to aspire for a long life, experiencing exciting new things with anticipation, much like a child would do. I would describe it as the inherent mechanism of wanting to live forever.

However, this relentless world has a way of burying  who we were as a child deep inside. The world we live in imposes so many negative responsibilities that are out of our control, heart-breaking experiences that keep that once carefree child we were at bay. I think it would be fair to say, this world has taught most people to be selfish and avarice or greedy, what belongs to me is mine, no time for anyone else.

Have you ever been to a restaurant, and across the way a toddler sitting on his highchair with his big sparkly eyes looking at you with a watermelon smile, never mind his missing teeth, waving at you, and never mind the spaghetti  sauce all over his chubby cheeks? Children have an amazing natural ability to see only the good, uninhibited to say hello to everyone, they spontaneously break out in song and dance on the drop of a hat. In keeping with social norms, as adults, are we kind to strangers? Do we say hello or wave to passer byers randomly as a child would? We can learn from children and enjoy adulthood exceedingly more. I know of adults that are easily excitable, as if they saw something for the very first time. They are not self-conscious of what people may think or say  about them. And I have noticed they tend to be admired more than most, they have plenty of friends and I suspect it  is because their circle of friends would love to be just as uninhibited but are restrained, thus, they keep their child hidden within. What a shame!

Of course, there are childhood traits that we should be grateful for that we do not exhibit such as throwing ourselves on the floor with a tantrum, but let us be honest about it, I believe plenty of us still throw tantrums, however, in more socially acceptable ways.

Like fighting with our loved ones over the most mundane things, ignoring people when we do not get our way or just because we woke up on the wrong side of the bed, and the bed is up against the wall. And much like a toddler, letting everyone know you are grumpy and remaining sullenly silent or withdrawn.

We are not always displaying the trait of a toddler but doing it, just in more of a calculating or manipulative way, but in terms of a so-called adult manner. Can you see that the child within us is not completely hidden?

Obviously, as adults, these childish aspects have not fallen to the wayside, but why are we missing the child's happy carefree desirable part?

Toddlers are friendly with everyone and exude kindness, what in the world happened to us?

If they like something, they cannot wait to say it, that childhood innocence just envelops them like billowy cotton candy.

When given a piece of candy, the toddler makes sure everyone gets a piece, they do not overanalyze but generously give compliments with the sweetest smile, they are a real hoot.

Is it not interesting,  a toddler’s laughter comes before speech is fully developed? Should that tell us something? Besides funny faces and surprise tickles, and other physical silliness prompts toddlers to laugh uncontrollably and even with a sudden exaggerated movement  is enough to set them off. Do you not wish that you could see simple things just as funny? Laughter is good medicine and essential to our health and happiness , so why not learn from children?

When we laugh, they join us in laughter,  when someone dances, they join in dance, they say hello to everyone and everything, always striking up random talk wherever they go. They give a friendly  hello to the teller; they cheerfully greet everyone and everything in their pathway. Hello to the gentleman sweeping the street, wave hello to the fish in the bowl, hello to the lady pushing the grocery cart. Have you ever heard of a toddler complaining about their outfit or their candy sticky face? The joy of being a child is incomparable!

When did we start caring too much about ourselves and being so self-conscious about everything we say and do? Why have we become so judgmental and critical about people and everything that surrounds us? Do you think a toddler is concern if the cushions are not straight or the toilet paper is not the direction you think it should be? Are those things really so life altering important? If not, why do we allow these trivial things to rob our everyday  enjoyment of life?

If I may speak plainly, as adults we become egocentric, edgy, and condemnatory about everything that does not fit our narrative. We suffer from anxiety and stressed about things that do not matter at the end of the day. My encouragement is not to live in a dream world, it is not to minimize the quality of neatness and organization,  not to be overly concern of our personal belongings, but my main point is we need to start establishing a true balance or priority of what really matters and the interconnection with others is where it is. And this is soberingly obvious in how children interact with others.

True, we do not live in Mayberry, North Carolina, a fictional community of 2,000 neighbors with Andy Taylor, the widowed sheriff, Aunt Bee or with Opie not to mention deputy, Barney Fife . However, I would venture to say we can build on those same qualities of concern for one another and the end effect, others will be encouraged to reciprocate. I believe we could adopt these traits too and enjoy a much more joyous way of life.

We can decide that! Even if we feel there is a thunderstorm brewing, trouble or an upset is on the horizon, you have the wherewithal and tenacity to make changes to make a real difference. Anger is such a pervasive problem in many people; however, it is time to lance the infection, it is time to stop being the fish at the end of the hook being controlled by others.

No matter what we have experienced in the past, we can be lighthearted even if negativity is the mantra we bear and the billboard we advertise, it can dissipate  by deciding to smile a little more often. We can choose the state of being content or happy starting today. Let your guard down and say hello to strangers or wave at them as you carry on in your daily affairs. Go ahead  and tap your foot to the rhythm of the music in the department store or at least hum along. Decide to reflect the sweet innocence of a child, that unmistakable delightful behavior, the excitement, and the joy of a toddler.

Yes, sad things happened to us making it a struggle to recover. Yes, maybe our innocence was stolen, but that does not nullify the human spirit to recapture  those childlike joys.

We can begin to reclaim our emotional liberty from the negatives. We can begin paying attention to ourselves a bit more, and possibly seek professional help if necessary. Incidentally, mental health experts have conceded that by reading and taking to heart Matthew Chapters 5-7, known as the Sermon of The Mount, comes highly recommended in lieu of psychological intervention, providing there is no chemical imbalance.

Additionally, increasing exercised, healthier diet, getting a little more vitamin D by way of sunshine, taking additional supplements, more hydration, and giving thought of more ways to change our current mindset can only help. Yes, we cannot change the world on our own, but we can change who we are.

And remember, by having a genuine smile or by just saying hello to a stranger or better yet, reaching out to an old friend,, you may change their day in a positive way. Childhood innocence is still within us if we actively look for it, live by it, and by being natural!

An Ounce of Prevention

The idiom says, "an apple a day keeps the doctor away," and this works amazingly well, “providing you can throw straight.” With that said, who really enjoys visiting the doctor? Visiting the doctor’s office tends to make some of us feel apprehensive, especially when we have a particular concerned. And it is often the case, those unsettling feelings come from not knowing what to expect, therefore, we tend to procrastinate and prolong our healthcare routine which can be consequential.

In one of this week's episodes, my guest advocated the importance of preventative health care to avoid a serious health situation, hence, he authored "Ounce of Prevention is Worth More Than You Can Imagine."

If there is something I have learned on my show, most people have a story to tell that served as the impetus of what defines them today, especially in their field of discipline. And doctors and nurses are no exception, they care about your health more than you may give them credit for.

My guest advocates that we need regular    health screening as a preventative measure for top pervasive health concerns such as hypertension or high blood pressure that is so insidious in causing so many health issues. However, I am here to tell you there is no one better other than you as a healthcare advocate, so take control of your own reins by knowing the reality of your personal health. For example, every time I visit my primary physician, my blood pressure is unusually high that my doctor immediately wants to put me on medication, but I resist because I know better.

For many, going for a  doctor's office visit seriously makes them feel like blowing a gasket, it freaks them out, their palms begin to perspire, and feel their heart palpitating, even though there is nothing to be afraid of since it is only a routine checkup. In my case, I just have an aversion to the medicine smell of the office and the impatient feelings of sitting in the waiting room. Incidentally, that is why I would have never made a good doctor, I would not have had any patients. LOL!

In fact, that sudden peak in blood pressure we experience while visiting the doctor is so common, it has a clinical name, called white Coat Hypertension or White Coat Syndrome. When visiting your physician, the cortisol hormone level creates an anxiety-induced hypertension or blood pressure spike while sitting in a medical environment, where otherwise, sitting in a home environment is perfectly normal, this aptly describes my systolic and diastolic pressure. And I wonder how many are taking medication unnecessarily because of this syndrome.

Circling back to my doctor wanting to put me on medication, I simply suggested for me to log my pressure for 2 or 3 weeks and revisit the subject, he agreed, and happily, I do not require medication. However, a valid question to ask myself, I wonder in what other situations does my blood pressure tends to spike? It could well be the onset of hypertension after all if I do not control my anxiety in whatever situation. So, I have learned to apply relaxation techniques!

Simple techniques such as  distracting yourself by focusing on other things than the pressure test itself can be effective while visiting your physician. For example, focus on the pictures on the wall, anything that is trivial, what you enjoyed about lunch, other than the intimidating medical equipment in the examination room. And do not chatter as a distraction during the pressure test which will elevate the result 3 or 4 points, just save that thought after the fact.

Try the 4-6- or 8 box breathing technique which I have mentioned before in other articles.

Again, simply inhale through the nose and hold it for 4-6 or 8  seconds in your belly, whatever is comfortable for you, then exhale slowly for the same count, and then inhale until after the same count. And repeat this cycle for at least 3 times. Obviously, while in the process, your mind will be trained on something else, thus the pattern will calm down  the fight-or-flight reaction and will mitigate the body’s natural cortisol or stress hormone. The trick is to try to complete the breathing pattern cycle before they ever test your blood pressure and continue  the process  up until and before the test is performed.

There is always the hustle-and-bustle in the doctor's office where this too can make a person nervous. So, why not request a quiet exam room when making the initial appointment? In other words, out of earshot of all the commotion, therefore, out of mind, and the simplicity of this technique may make the difference for you!

This may sound a little counter intuitive but take a brisk 20-minute stroll before the doctor's appointment. A short walk is plenty enough to assist your rhythmic breathing which will decrease your blood pressure by placating the stress response, and in effect,  much like the breathing technique we discussed but with a wonderful scenic experience.

Years ago, I would view the Johnny Carson show and I remember a frequent doctor as a guest who would always advocate drinking lots of water, and for good reason. Not only does water lend itself to  calming the nervous system, but it also flushes out the body's sodium or salt which is a known culprit of elevated blood pressure. In efforts to knock down your blood pressure you are going to need to intake lots of water at once. Try your best to chug down a couple of big glasses of water, and do not just sip it, unless the purpose is only to stay hydrated. And after your medical appointment and before going home, make sure to visit the little boy's room, trust me on that one.

Sorry, but it must be said, 30 minutes of physical activity or exercise for at least 3 days a week works miracles for heart health in general, so if you can try, strike the word (try) which tends to come with an excuse. "Just do it!"

The expression (just do it) reminds me of when my little guy while sitting in the back seat of the vehicle asked me a question of which I cannot recall. But, as a parent we try not to be hasty and I replied, "let me think about it," upon which he quickly responded, "don't think about it," "just do it." The allegory of the story is that sometimes we think too much, that we think ourselves out of doing something of great benefit like exercise. But we must admit, exercise is indisputably a routine that allows for an elevated level of quality of life and can be enjoyed long-term. ,

Another strategy to push back on the white Coat Hypertension syndrome is to  eat a banana, or any potassium-rich food that can notably improve your blood pressure test. Yes, a bit of electrolyte will help regulate the circulatory system and the heart palpitation, or any potassium-rich food is worth considering. I suppose you can take potassium supplements, but it takes days or weeks to make a meaningful difference in your blood pressure. The endeavor is to have a positive effect in just 1-2 hours before visiting your physician. So, enjoying a sweet potato, a bit of broccoli, or some cooked spinach to name a few culinary delights will set you up for a happy and satisfactory doctor's appointment.

Additionally, nutritionists will tell you  that certain foods have been shown to ameliorate blood flow and sustain heart health, including garlic, onions, berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens, and beets, you cannot beat that,   among many other foods.

The crux of the issue is, we want to improve artery functionality and lower blood pressure by assisting blood vessels to relax, which opens the circulatory system and certain foods providentially will do this for you. For example, citrulline, an amino acid or protein,  a substance found in the white part of the rind in watermelon has been shown to dilate arteries for improved blood flow and  can also improve  the human libido.

Incidentally, keeping certain foods off the table is just as important as what we eat before our doctor's visit. Try to be conscious of avoiding fatty meals jammed with sodium for at least 48 hours before your medical appointment. And if you are a smoker, it is time to seriously and completely refrain from this deleterious habit, give yourself an extra health bonus.

It is almost superfluous to suggest taking a nap prior to your doctor's appointment, but a good power nap lasting no more than an hour will decrease the level of your overworked heart. So go ahead before your appointment and enjoy a bit of shut eye, but if you are at your place of employment, just tell your employer it is a recommended prescription from your doctor. Good excuse eh!

Another tip I found is to make your appointment FOR later in the afternoon. Since your blood pressure is typically higher during the morning, it is only reasonable  to schedule your appointment later in the day, especially since your metabolic rate naturally slows down  which translates into lower  blood pressure.

Yes, I know, healthcare can be frustrating, but it does not have to be. And to reiterate the most crucial point in this article, take full control and be your own healthcare advocate. It only takes an Ounce of prevention!

Fire Safety Tips

Did you know Cooking is the primary cause of home fires and injuries? According to the National Fire Protection Association. Kitchen Ranges  or cooktops create up to 62% of home fires.

In one of this week's episodes, we discussed a revolutionary product that serves as a fire retardant thus home and family are protected from forest wildfires and accidental fire within the home. In fact, ironically, my guest mentioned of his visit to Maui two years ago to promote this amazing product, however, in their infinite wisdom showed little interest in the product and considering what subsequently happened to Maui, all I can say is hindsight is always 20-20.

As a case in point,  many people are oblivious of what to do when there is a sudden fire emergency. Such as told by a neighbor, the home across the  street, all the windows were busted out, the brick facade  on the entire home was charred, and all the vehicles in the driveway had melted to the concrete. So happened the homeowner had started a grease fire due to frying a turkey, then proceeded to toss water on it to put it out.

Please never make this mistake and throw water on a grease fire! But instead, what you need to do is smother the fire properly. With this said, I hope my research of the following tips will be an eye opener in staying safe from accidental fire.

It stands to reasons fire incidents often occur in the kitchen, for example, unfortunately, in some regions of this country heating oil is so cost prohibitive that some use cooking stoves to heat their home, and this can put your family in a hazardous situation. Also, sometimes alcohol is involved or taking medication that makes a person lethargic and hence, the stove is unattended. Or I know, sometimes while cooking it sets off the smoke alarm and many are inclined to disable the alarm while cooking dinner, and then forget to reengage the alarm system when done. And whoever thinks of testing the GFCI receptacles in the kitchen to prevent shock or worse, electrocution? And incidentally, never allow a decade worth of dryer lint to accumulate inside your machine until it explodes into an uncontrollable flame, and this happens more often than you can imagine.

I wonder how well the neurotransmitters are firing in some people, yes, pun intended, by what I hear, for instance, as told by a restoration worker. The story goes, a family decided to cut down a small tree and stuffed it into their fireplace to heat their home. The flue was so jammed with leaves that smoke started to immediately fill the front room. They subsequently tried to pull it out and this is when it really got out of control. Then, they tried to drag the burning tree out of the home but could not go any further than their front door. Due to their collective efforts, all sustained 2nd/3rd degree burns on their hands, forearms, the fire devastated the living room and the foyer of their house. This was such an eyebrow raising incident, that the insurance company asked the restoration worker  if he thought it was a fraudulent case. He emphatically told the insurance adjuster, "no, these people are just stupid.”

Here again, some people seriously do not use their thinking ability as they should.

A teenage boy  was charcoal barbecuing in his garage during winter and when finished, he decided to dispose of the hot coals into a cardboard box up against the front of the home. And should I say anymore?

This reminds me of someone I personally know of who will stay anonymous, who decided to clean out his fireplace and unbeknownst to him, there were yet some hot coals of which he dumped into a utility Trailor. And before you knew it, the entire Trailor became engulfed in the middle of the night and all you needed was to celebratorily dance around the fire like Indians. Just between you and me, I am keeping this fire fiasco in my back pocket whenever he implies I am an idiot.

Have you ever wondered why people always tend to first run to the trashcan? I cannot over emphasize, "do not, and let me repeat do not ever do this." There was a girl in a college dorm who was making popcorn, and not realizing how, the bag caught on fire in the microwave. To avoid getting in trouble, she grabbed the flaming bag of popcorn and threw it into a nearby dumpster. Then she proceeded to smother the flames with paper towels thinking it would work. So much for college education! Almost immediately, much to her chagrin, first responders surrounded the building.

It is a matter of applying common sense which may be a misnomer these days. For example, we must be aware of Overloading our electrical system which can easily cause a fire disaster. If lights begin to flicker or dim, you get a Whiff of something burning, a discolored switched or outlets are warm to the touch, these are signs of a serious wiring problem. If you experience a mild shock or tingling sensation from an appliance, it is time for a professional to address it.

Studies have shown that every year over 3,000 house fires are caused by extension cords. This is often the case of trying to be expeditious and inadvertently causing an extension to overheat, and the result is an unwanted home fire. Therefore, the recommendation is to only use certified extension cords. Occasionally, inspect your extensions for damage by pets or by other means, and never ever plug an extension cord into another unless you want a visiting parade of red trucks.

Here in California smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors  are mandated because they save lives, however, many families live in homes without this protection. Unfortunately, hundreds of people, especially senior citizens, die from exposure to carbon monoxide, and thousands more expire due to house fires where there are no operative smoke alarms. You will find that most municipalities have public information to ensure that the community is aware of the various safety devices available, including interconnected alarm systems and alternative smoke alarms for the hearing disabled. So, it is a matter of educating yourself, learning how to keep your home and family safe from accidental fire.

But how do you stay calm in an emergency?

Having mentioned the foregoing scenarios, it is natural for us to react in the realm of irrationality when we are frightened or stressed out. However, emergencies always call for calm, collectiveness, and reasonable behavior and effective communication for a quick resolution. If your nature is not staying calm in a precarious situation, you would be more apt to freeze, be reluctant before acting and make wrong decisions.

Therefore, only someone in the right "mindset" can carry out what needs to be done effectively. The key is to take a deep breath through the nose, concentrating on what needs to be done such as calling 911, and proceed to adjust to the situation.

Taking a few deep breaths under pressure is highly recommended. When under extreme pressure, our body will automatically kick into “fight or flight mode,” and invariably we will tend to hyperventilate due to panic. Of course, this is the body’s natural response, but we need to slow down if we are to think in a rational manner. Some call it box breathing, which I practice before a public presentation or in an unnerving situation. Breathe in through the nose, hold it in your diaphragm or below your ribs to the count of 4,6 or 8, and then exhale slowly to the same count through the nose or mouth, and do not inhale until you finish the same count. Using box breathing is an amazing technique to stabilize the nervous system, Try it!

Without deep breathing, you may begin hyperventilating  and may cause you to have a panic attack that can render you useless in taking care of the pressing situation.

Any urgent situations despite the circumstances can be horrifying, but the benefit of staying calm is immeasurable compared to panicking during challenging moments.

Focusing on one goal at a time is the optimal manner to control stress and anxiety. For example, let us say, a family member is exhibiting signs of hypertension or high blood pressure symptoms, focus immediately on 911 first. Once this task is done, move on to the other task such as making certain your family member is comfortable while help is on the way. Trying to do several things at once only increases the potential of human error. This underscores the importance of educating ourselves on appropriate first-aid procedures, fire drills and there is no substitute for preparation.

The principal benefit of remaining calm in an emergency is to think of the other person's medical needs as soon as possible. Those who have mastered the ability to stay calm in an emergency tend not to think twice  and make less mistakes than those who lose self-control because of anxiety.

Yes, it is not enough for someone to say “just calm down” is never helpful advice, but exercising these mindful tips will help you to assist someone in dire need of medical attention. You will have the wherewithal to determine what to do in a pinch. Do I call 911? Should  I bring them to urgent care myself or transport via ambulance to the emergency room? Or can this situation be treated at home? Educating ourselves  is a wonderful way to stay calm and get the crisis resolved ASAP.

Food and Nostalgia

It was in the 1600s That a Swiss medical student coined the word (nostalgia) while serving in European wars due to the emotional pain of longing to return home, we call it home sickness. Incidentally, (Nostos) translates to (return), and (algos) carries the meaning of (pain).)  Because these emotions triggered anxiety and even physical sickness due to being away from familiarity. We as Humans have a fundamental need to belong, and because nostalgia is centric to past personal events relating to people and things  we care for, this tends to evoke a nostalgic sense of belonging.

For example, in retrospect, as a boy during the Hot summer’s days in the park, are related to the ice cream truck, county fairs went hand in hand with corn dogs, baseball games always called for hotdogs and a coke, smells at movie theaters were associated with eating popcorn and reminiscing of these things  offer me a sense of comfort. And I am confident you too have similar memories.

In one recent episode, my guest, the Director of Communications for the National American Meat Institute (NAMI), discussed the American iconic food, the "hot dog" of which conjured up a flood of memories growing up, and I have to admit these memories are profound, triggering thoughts of how good it tasted as well as how good the hot dog made me feel. And in this article I will share some fun facts about the iconic hot dog  and my research of the science of nostalgia.

I will call it what it is, "Comfort food" when we associate it to the past with loved ones, social places of entertainment, and thinking when mom would take care of us when we were a child. I asked my guest how he prefers his hot dog, and he said without uncertain terms, "with meat sauce and cheese accompanied with lemonade to wash it down." I am sure you too have your preference as I do which takes me home. But there are many misconceptions as to the process, so what is in a hot dog?

What goes into a hot dog has been subjected to lots of humor, controversy, and speculation. So let us set the record straight, hot dogs are all cured which consist of mainly  a combination of pork, beef, poultry, meats that come from the muscle of the animal and there is no different from what you see in the grocer's case.

Additionally, the hot dog includes water, curing agents and what my wife would say "spices is what makes the food" such as salt, ground mustard, garlic, sugar, nutmeg, coriander, and yummy white pepper. My guest also stated, in this country, companies are mandated to list the ingredients in order, from the principal ingredient to the least element of ingredient, in other words, there is no secret, just read the package label for your culinary satisfaction.

Ever wonder how the term "hot dog" came about? Of course, it is nothing to lose sleep about, but it is an interesting story.

The story goes that it was coined in 1901 at the Polo Grounds in New York  on a chili April day. Vendors were peddling hot dogs from portable hot water tanks yelling "They're red hot! Get your dachshund sausages while they are red hot!" So happened this got a sports cartoonist’s attention, and quickly sketched a cartoon of a barking dachshund sausages snuggled hot in bread rolls. Not certain how to spell "dachshund" he simply, like I would have done, wrote "hot dog!" Subsequently, the cartoon became a tremendous sensation, thus coining the phrase "hot dog." The cartoonist, not knowing the correct spelling, must have gone to the same school I attended.

Did you know there is hot dog etiquette that NAMI advocates?

First, is the hot dog a sandwich? My guest emphatically said "no." He proceeded to explain, if you remove the dog from the bun, it is still a dog where if you remove turkey meat from your sandwich, it ceases to be a turkey sandwich, the point was well taken. And always use a "cloth napkin" and nothing else to wipe your mouth when enjoying your hot dog, he said.

On what do you put your toppings between the hot dog or the bun? Invariably, "dress the dog," never the bun he wants us to know. Condiments should be in the following order without deviation. Wet toppings like mustard and chili are put in first, followed by chunky condiments like relish, onions, and mouthwatering sauerkraut, followed by shredded cheese, then by spices, such as celery salt or pepper and in this order, he said. Not sure what will happen if we digress a bit, who knows, the earth may stop turning on its axes, so let us not take a chance.

He also said that you should never ever enjoy your hot dog with a glass of wine, I agreed wholeheartedly, in fact, I told him that there should be legislation against this ever happening.

The following is nonnegotiable according to NAMI, you must eat your hot dogs on buns strictly with your hands, and Utensils are prohibited entirely from touching your hot dogs on buns. My guest also said you must use paper plates to serve your hot dogs, however, every day dishes are permissible , but China is unforgivable. Of course, the forgoing was in tongue in cheek, but there are so many other things that are nostalgic and not limited to comfort food.

But once in a great while, what is wrong with eating like when we were kids? Go ahead enjoy your hot dog in however you like it, a corn dog smothered with mustard or a sloppy joe along with a nice glass of icy soda and call it a Nostalgia Special even if it is not the healthiest food  to eat. Now, wait a minute, you may be thinking I am going against healthy eating, and you are right! But I also said, "once in a great while!" So, what if it shaves off 2 seconds of your life span? Whatever last few moments you have may turn out to be the happiest moments you ever had while enjoying yourself.

It reminds me of an elderly woman well over her 90s, whose diet was unreasonably restricted, what a shame to alienate her from eating what she wants and reminisce of better days!

Research in psychology has shown that we seek out comfort food that is reminiscent of our past when we experience feelings of loneliness and isolation. The culinary aromas in the air bring fond memories of mom cooking a roast in the oven, baking cookies or peach cobbler tend to evoke nostalgia of a more carefree time while also increasing self-esteem, optimism, and feelings of being anchored down in life.

Incidentally, nostalgia is not limited to food, have you lately sat down and watch an old movie from your childhood years? How often have you viewed The Wizard of OZ or Jimmy Steward as George Bailey in It is a Wonderful Life? Or an old TV series that reminds you of sitting on the hard linoleum floor in front of the Tv enjoying your favorite ice cream out of a bowl?

Here again neuroscience research conclusively  tells us that  these occasions promote brain health by triggering the release of the happy hormone known as dopamine. Yes, go ahead and enjoy an old Disney movie, Sleeping Beauty, Pinocchio, or anything that was your happy place   that you and family enjoyed together while growing up, reminding you of a more joyful time.

How about listening to what many refer to the "the good oldies?" You are not only listening to nostalgic music, but you are there in the moment, remembering where you were and what you were doing at the time, remembering the year that left an indelible memory of simpler times in life. It is no wonder research suggests that we prefer music that was popular during adolescence  and during our 20s helping us to reengage that period.

Another aspect for a booster of nostalgia, visit your local library. Do you remember the books you enjoyed while you were a child that took you away from the pressures of growing up? You can recapture those same feelings today!

Nostalgia is an interesting thing and can be enjoyed in so many ways such as in collecting items from your era, assuming you are up in years. They make for good pieces of conversation, and not to mention something people will remember you by as a legacy. So, the sooner you start collecting anything of interest to you the better, and you can sit in the middle of it all as an enjoyable psychological hot tub, yes, a "hot tub for the mind."

There is an intrinsic value in sharing our experiences via verbally of the past, especially, when there is a stark contrast to our unnerving present day. But when we can share our memories with those same folks  we created them with, it is a way to keep that relationship alive and well strengthened. Even if it is not possible, nostalgia is a form of self-preservation, so sharing our memories while cultivating new friends who do not have a clue of your past,  can help build and widen relationships. So, yak it up, be yourself and be generous in sharing your heart with others. It has been documented that a life span is only 70 or 80 years in longevity, learn to enjoy it with nostalgia Because life today is uncertain and unstable to say the least, let us look to the certainty and emotional comfort of the past which will make you feel better, will spur you on and will tether you to the real world.

What is Courage?

The story goes that the hunter was boasting that he cut off the lion's tail much to the amazement of many. He was asked "how were you able to do that without getting hurt?" The hunter replied, "The lion was already dead!" This story is hardly an example of courage, so how would you define courage? Do you find certain days feeling like you must face something tantamount to a lion?

With your permission, in this article we will dive into the true meaning of what it takes to be courageous in today's world.

In one of this week's episodes, I was inspired to author this article, because I was impressed by my guest's courage to travel the world safely, and inexpensively, by herself and she encourages others to see what the world offers them to enjoy.

My point is, we often forget we face a multitude of hurdles and an array of fears, as an integral part of everyday life. And we quickly  dismiss the fact that we successfully meet these fears head on, failing to recognize our tenacity. It is those subtle tests, those  everyday moments where we muster a little bit of courage to forge ourselves through the day. What I have learned is that when we recognize our intrepidness or bravery, no matter how little of importance it may seem, it produces empowerment. It shores up your self-confidence when you need it the most. However, if we  continue to dismiss these pivotal moments of courage no matter  how small, it will do just that, keep you small. Interestingly, the dictionary's definition of courage is “the quality or caliber of mind or the wherewithal or spirit that enables you to confront challenges, precarious situations, discomfort brought upon by pain, etc., and the clincher is without fear." Sorry, but I beg to differ and emphatically argue against this definition, fear is irrefutably part of the human condition when dealing with these situations.

In fact, to put it plainly,  we show exceedingly more courage when we are afraid and yet move forward despite the challenge, yes, courage is what compels us to move forward, so if there is no fear, there is no courage. From my own experience, and I am no exception, it is clear to me that as humans we are vulnerable to everyday struggles, misfortune, self-imposed dangers, and physical and emotional pain as part of our so-called normal life. And the fact that  we are still here living and being productive is a testament to our courage.

Are there opportunities in our life where we can personify more courage & in the end, more heart?

At the outset we mentioned the lion, commonly known as fierce and proud, the king of the jungle, the king of the Serengeti. The lion carries the symbolism of courage and strength in many societies around the world, a connotation of wisdom, gracefulness, and having stately qualities, therefore, collectively called pride. And this should help us to cherish the importance of the  family unit, or an organization working together with a common purpose. A place where we can go for guidance, solid wisdom tested by the passage of time, from family members you can trust, from loyal friends, and teachers who surround you with your best interest at heart.

What can we personally do to show courage and strengthen these relationships?

Learn to say (sorry):

Would you say it takes courage to admit we were wrong? Admitting we made a mistake takes us out of our emotional comfort zone, it makes you squirm in your seat, but we must also admit, it also enhances our relationships. To say you are "sorry," is one of the hardest things to do because of misguided pride, be humble and just do it!

Learn to be (yourself).

I also observed too many people going through life with a facade, pretentiousness, not being their true self, not being natural, why not be courageous and own who you really are? Do not try to emulate what you see on social media, but take off your disguise and be yourself, be courageous to be vulnerable, share your struggles, see the perfection in your imperfections,  allow yourself to enjoy life to the fullest, allow your luster to shine and genuinely own it proudly.

Learn (responsibility and commitment):

Speaking of owning it, would you say responsibility and accountability are important? Please take this kindly, you are where you are in the bigger scheme of things because of the choices you have made. If you dislike where you are and what you see, change it! It has been said that reflection and decisions are the keys to making a courageous change to living and leading a life you really want. And many will tell you that taking responsibility to heart brings emancipation or freedom from unnecessary baggage.

It also takes visceral fortitude to keep our commitments to others and to make worthwhile goals that are effective, therefore, journal everything you are committing to and want to accomplish. When you write down your promises for yourself and others, it becomes more real, it becomes indelible, keeping your word builds self-respect and others will respect you as well.

Learn to say (no):

Did you know that one of the most difficult things to say is "no?"

These are moments when you are caught off guard and we find ourselves at a loss for words when asked for a yes or no answer. Personally, what I have found to work for me, avoiding hastiness, my answer is usually "let me get back with you," allowing me sufficient time for introspection on the question. We want to be honest with ourselves, it calls for speaking up, thinking for yourself, we want to be effective for everyone in concern and never allowing anyone to take advantage of you. There is a very thin line between being nice and being faint hearted.

Learn to (move on):

Another aspect of courage is learning to move on from past mistakes. Stop wallowing in the past and get from under the cloud of culpability, the feeling of self-blame, get up, dust yourself off and move forward. We humans creatures, we are a funny lot, we have the inclination to readily forgive everyone except ourselves. The past is over unless we maintain it alive by rehashing it over and over in our mind. The world has moved on, it is time we do the same.

Learn to (learn):

Take courage in learning  something new, like history in relation to our day from a reliable source, continue expanding your knowledge in whatever field of interests you may have. Step into unchartered waters , a ship was not built and meant to spend its life in the safety of the harbor. If the way you do things is not the most efficient manner,  the time has come for you to Change it up for better results. So, what, if you do not get it right at the first attempt, just try again, permit yourself to learn thus presenting new opportunities of adventure. Like the lion, follow your nose. Do not stop searching until you find your pathway, and even then, continue that search of ongoing learning, no one can do it for you, and never be satisfied with what you already know. Never hesitate to roar down any doubts or fears which are on the other end of the spectrum but have trust and faith in yourself which derives from a Greater Power.

I heard the story of a dad who would regularly take his little guy to the zoo and would stand there comforting his son not to be afraid as they stood a few feet from the cage as they waited for the lion to roar. Can you imagine how loud the roar was to the boy when you consider that a lion's penetrating roar can be heard as far as 5 miles away?

Interestingly, this boy is now an adult, he too relates this never to be forgotten experience that taught him to overcome problems that would seem impossible, he learned to roar down anything that presented itself to him as fear, he would never back down from meeting challenges head on, and the result, became a notable successful businessman.

Learn (moral courage):

Moral courage is a desired virtue, which relates to fear of others who hold to a different opinion or way of belief.

Looking foolishly before schoolmates or employment peers, for example, it is no fun, but it is a common fear many of us face. But moral courage drives or allows a person to do what he or she believes is conscientiously right, fear of the consequences notwithstanding. What is noteworthy, that what is "right" is determined by the person who decides to take on the unpredictability brought upon by his actions, and not by anyone else and it is a lonely place. The fear that would call for moral courage varies depending on the situation, such as the potential loss of employment, fear of poverty, the loss of friends, criticism, ostracism, shame, to name but a few. Please do not get caught in this maelstrom, a whirlpool in the middle of the ocean that may sink your ship. The world is so arbitrary and constantly pointing out who is better looking, the prettiest, the  most intelligent, the most admirably successful, and the one with the best designer clothes. Who is determining those standards, anyway? Precisely! That said, it is no wonder many feel inadequate in today's made-up world. Bottom line, learn to be courageous to live comfortably in your own skin by exercising courage!

What Will You Leve Behind?

If you were to plant a sapling, a young tree, where            is the optimum location for it to thrive and flourish? Dendrology, the study of trees, tells us that the sapling grows better when it is planted in among older trees. The root of the sapling can follow the pathways created by well-established trees and embed themselves to a greater extent. In fact, with time, the roots of many trees naturally graft themselves to one another, creating a complex foundation  of mutual dependency hidden oblivious to us under the ground. The result is that stronger and firmly established trees share their resources with weaker ones such as a sapling for an overall healthier forest. And this aptly illustrates what "legacy" means of which I will share with you from an experiential and observational perspective.

In a recent episode, we featured the life of John Wayne as the actor, the private citizen and the American legend starting by discussing his birthplace home in Winterset Iowa. He incontrovertibly had a fascinating career depicting what many would say a man's man. Whatever you may think of him, without question he left behind a legacy that is still remembered almost 50 years later. His last film (The Shootist) depicted a man grappling with mortality and it also does us well to think of what we will also leave behind to be remembered by. Incidentally, my guest, the curator, who was well acquainted with John Wayne confirmed that this last film production was not due to the nature of his eventual demise.

However, from my personal perch, the concept of legacy is about our empirical experiences that we have accumulated in our lifetime . It is a repertoire, a library,  from the past, the present, and what we are building for the future.

When we ruminate about the idea of legacy it invokes thoughts of death,  but in reality it does not have to do strictly with our demise. Being reminded of our mortality is really a good thing, because it encourages us to take stock of our life. It provides us with introspection on what is exceedingly more  important bringing clarity to how we are living our lives, whether it is a vivacious and productive life. It helps us to assess the sort of life we desire to live and the kind of world we want to be a part of. True, most of us will never be a John Wayne let alone an Albert Einstein , but that does not minimize our innate desire to create something  significant enough in our lives to be remembered and loved by for years to come.

A legacy takes many forms, such as our  children, our grandchildren, a thriving business, an authored book, a home, and it could also be an inherited core value. It is natural and perfectly understandable to wonder and ponder how others will remember us after we are gone.

We must ask ourselves how many of us are carrying on our lives that mirror all that we deeply hold near and dear? Can we say we are living with "integrity and courage?" With that said, from my perspective, principles based on our core values, assuming we have aligned our values with what has proven to work, is the legacy that presents the longest longevity when compared with tangible items that are subject to the human element and otherwise.

We want to do the best we can to carve out a legacy and this involves thinking about our life's map for guidance. If we do not have an intelligible map for deliberate  direction, we may end up going through life aimlessly and wandering like the proverbial "waiting for my ship to come in" but unbeknownst to you, you may be waiting at the "airport" hopelessly lost. From my personal observation,  some folks chart their road a little  better than others, but for the most part,  I have found that most people’s maps are insufficient and incomplete. This then, behooves us to ask ourselves, what is the most meaningful thing in my life? Of course, Each of us may answers this question differently, but if you are not certain, then, you need a serious conversation with others for the sake of clarity.

I am confident that most of us have accomplished admirable deeds along the way, but the  primary challenge is making decisions in the present, navigating this troubled society  notwithstanding which at times can be unnerving. But life is full of making small and significant choices with available information. We can never predict exactly what is in store for you and me, yet it does not stop us from living, hopefully, an exemplary life, a good and meaningful life that is a pathway for the lives of others, especially for saplings as it were.

What sets us apart from any other creature is that we consciously practice altruism, compassion love and plan and strategize for the near- and long-term future, and never from moment to the next moment. There must be structure, a weekly system, a rhythm, and a connection to something larger than life itself that defines who we are and what we are. The core values you held dear to your heart and lived by, and the favorable impact left behind by your actions will be remembered and cherished, this is truly generational wealth. You cannot put a price tag on this kind of legacy!

How we deliberately act, our mental attitude, and our interaction with people can leave an impressionable legacy not easily forgotten. It is not complicated at all, if you love others they will love you in return. The consistency of what we may call trivial things we do for others has a ripple effect and makes for an enormous impact of an everlasting memorable  heritage for posterity.

What many have done is documented their life by the photos taken which serve as a history of a person's life, providing a visual representation of a person's appearance, recorded accomplishments, and what a person valued. Pictures can be a visual autobiography  of our life if we consciously take them as we travel through life and can be enjoyed ad infinitum. So, if you want to be fondly remembered, take advantage of taking pictures as an avocation, and this will preserve your legacy.

Allow me to ask you, how is it possible that to this day Anne Frank is remembered? How about creating a journal of your experiences, your joys, your disappointments and whatever you deem significant?

If we make it a matter of habit to journal and leave it behind, family and friends will see your heart in written form, revealing your thoughts, your aspirations, and what you valued the most. Some may even be imbued to emulate your values, and the upcoming young trees will also get to know you even better by the preservation of your figurative heart in written form.

As we already stated, not all that we leave behind is in the form of an object. There are intangibles such as knowledge and skillsets that can be inculcated in others. A legacy that is built on teaching someone what helped you through thick and thin and assisted you to become successful in life is without question incomparable. Others can  adopt and make effective use of your knowledge and wisdom you left behind to better their lives, and they can pay it forward to succeeding generations. It will be a long-lasting impression of your own personal development that will serve others to be better husbands, better fathers, better friends, and it will be immensely rewarding to see your mentorship take root to thrive and flourish in others. And in turn, they will pass your sagacity, and your skills to others affirming your gift had value and this will have a ripple effect of character improvement for those who take it to heart.

What is so noteworthy, we do not have to be a movie star or extremely popular whatsoever, to leave an inheritance. In one way or another, because of our interaction we can touch others and affect their lives even if we are not so popular or have many friends.

While authoring this article, I am reminded of my Uncle Ralf who left a reputation or legacy that is not easily forgotten. When we as a family think of Uncle Ralf,, we think of his steady as she goes attitude, he would never vary in his disposition, no matter what time it was,  day or night, you could always count on him to be the same no matter what, he was always "ANGRY!" What did you think I was going to say?

Obviously, what is imperative is that we do not want to leave the wrong legacy, as my Uncle Ralf did, a negative impression that was hardly a good example for everyone who was associated with him.

It is not difficult, it is not laborious to leave an exemplary legacy, it can be automatic providing we have a passion for life, a clear purpose and understand our obligation to others.

The enjoyment of establishing our legacy can clarify the question of why we are here, it will elucidate the purpose of life giving mor meaning to our existence and will inspire you to worthwhile  goals.

Forget what may be etched on your headstone but think of what will be etched on the hearts of others. And remember, you cannot take anything with you except only what you leave behind, your legacy!

How to Start Your Morning

Have you ever met someone that by all indications got up on the wrong side of the bed? And the bed is against the wall? Obviously, their morning start did not begin so well, so, what can we do to change that?

Apart from sounding great singing in the shower, did you know your morning showering will also help you resolve an ongoing gnawing problem that you grappled with all night? Other than just lathering up, there is much more going on during this routine, and many times there is an Ah-Ha moment! Consequently, showering gives you a boost of fresh energy of self-motivation, making you feel as fresh as a daisy. What a wonderful way to start the day! And this is what I would like to discuss in this article, the principle of self-motivation to start your day positively.

In a recent episode, my guest grew up in the state of Louisiana with little conveniences that we take for granted, such as not having a phone, no electricity let alone a refrigerator and it only follows that she had little food. But there was one vital thing she did have, love, which proves to be the most powerful force for self-motivation to change her circumstances of poverty.

Think of it, while rinsing under the shower head, we are actively chewing on resolving a problem, we are engaging our conscious mind, we are totally in the present, and doing so is conducive to rational thinking and problem-solving. During this activity, your prefrontal cortex is fully engaged while showering, while soaping up your loofah, your mind takes a break and sneaks   into your prefrontal cortex, thus  making impactful decisions that are truly inspirational, motivational, and creative.

Your brain just loves the warm water, it loves the state of being alone, therefore, it takes the opportunity to induce dopamine, the motivational hormone, it perks you right up and I am sure this resonates with you.

Allow me to say a little more, the warm water will help your sore muscles loosen up around the shoulders after being humped over your desk or computer screen all day yesterday. Additionally, creating a shower steam helps to unplug and clear your nasal passages that may relieve a mild headache, a cough, and even a slight sore throat.

Have you heard of the circadian rhythm? (Circa(, meaning "around" or "approximately", and (diēm), meaning "day" in Latin.

Have you ever noticed chickens tend to start roosting at dusk? Why do Morning Glories and Ipomoeas open to take in the morning sunlight and start to close at dusk?

​​Circadian rhythms are physiological, psychological, and changes in behavior that follow a biological 24-hour cycle.

These natural processes are affected primarily by sunlight and darkness affecting most living creatures and we are no exception, including plants, called the study of  Chronobiology.

However, due to the plethora of stressors and  electronic devices emitting blue light from all angles at us, our biologic clock is disrupted and confused as to when is day or night, and this is hurting us. Again, how can we think clearly, avoid grumpiness, avoid negativity, and thus be motivated for the challenges of the day?

A morning shower can help reset the biological clock, preparing you for an active day, and there is a difference between being "active and being productive." and incidentally, evening showers can also relax you for your bedtime slumber paving the way for your mind to be clear and limpid for rational decision-making for the next day.

Once you clamber out of bed in the morning, for the optimum and best results, you want to take a slightly cooler shower providing you the inducement of dopamine, the energy hormone, much like enjoying a cup of joe, it will wake you  up completely, you will be invigorated.

If you want the utmost effect, try the Cold-Hot-Cold method. After your usual scrubbing routine, turn the chilly water as much as you can tolerate  for 30 seconds. Then, proceed this with 30 seconds of hot water as much as you can stand. And with a finale, finish off with another cycle of 30 seconds of chilly water. This method imitates hydrotherapy which is used for pain treatment, and the supposition is, it will supercharge your morning’s productivity.

Conversely, when you want to get a well-rested slumber,   jump into a hotter shower than normal before retiring for the evening. It works this way, your body temperature is artificially elevated by the heat, and once you leap out of the shower, your temperature drops immediately. A reduced body temperature is a precursor for your body to unwind for a better sleep, therefore,  a hot shower within 2 hours of slumber time will help you into the never ever land of the much-needed rem sleep. And you thought the shower was only something to be considered mundane and necessary, now you know better than that, it is hardly a conventional method, but it serves as an effective inducement tool for creativity and productivity. Whether you are getting ready for the day's activity, or cannot wait for a blissful night’s sleep, look no further than your own shower to begin your day on the right foot.

Besides feeling great and squeaky clean, there are additional tips we can perform to reinforce self-motivation.

Here is another way to provide a surge to your inner motivation and that is  to create a target date to accomplish your goal.

Whatever it is, make sure to put it on the calendar, your bathroom mirror, your refrigerator, and even sticky notes in your vehicle. It is a matter of structure with a specific date in mind that you know, realistically, you will be able to achieve your determined goal. This is what my guest shared with me that enabled her to move on to a better way of life.

Having a realistic target date will keep you motivated, it also will help you see the progress  you are making; it reveals how much further you must go, and it will inspire and spur you on to the finish line.

Studies show that we have the tendency  sometimes to perceive extended goals as more challenging, even when they are not. Do not fall into this trap, this only leads to a likelihood of procrastination or giving up.

convert your intentions of reaching your goal into a habit where it becomes automatic, it becomes a routine that can be compared to a reflex. It is a funny thing, when it becomes a habit, you no longer need a sense of motivation. So, the question is, how do you convert a behavior into a habit?

I have come to appreciate over the years that you have to identify a trigger.

Choose something that you already do daily, like attending to oral health or drinking a cup of coffee, to be a trigger or an association to your goal or plan of action.

For example, if I pour my first cup of coffee, then it means five minutes of whatever will lead you to the end of your goal. Think of those with the habit of smoking who relate this nasty habit with a cup of coffee making it difficult to stop, it is the same principle, however, we are talking of good habit connections instead.

I have known some for the sake of building consistency in exercise, have associated it with lowering their water level. So, every time nature called, they would perform pushups against the bathroom sink. Imagine how many pushups you would perform over the course of a day if you drink lots of water.

We all have different interests we want to accomplish, but at times things do not go as planned. Life is never a straight line as much as we would like it to be, but it is a zig zag, so the encouragement is to tighten the zig zag as much as we can by compensating for unexpected variables on our journey. It is great to feel thrilled and confident about our progress but let us not get too optimistic. Not every day will go exactly as planned, I call it life.

It     is all about building momentum by achieving small goals.

If you want to change your life or the world, start off by taking the shower we discussed, make your bed, or any small thing you deem necessary, and  if you do this every morning, you will have fulfilled the first task of the day with momentum. It will give you a sense of pride, and it will cheer you on to doing another task, and then another, and then still another.

Research has shown that regular small successes can build a sense of momentum that drives and motivates long-term success. Therefore, whatever your goal may be, begin incrementally, break it down into small bite size tasks. Changing your job may be a big goal, so a small bite toward that end would be  updating your resume, earning a specific certification, or attending a workshop event.

Did you know? Days are small bites of a new week; month are small bites of a new year and years are small bites of new decades and so on.

Keep moving forward, keep returning results and never be afraid of tomorrow. Why? It is already tomorrow in Australia!

My View of Artificial Intelligence

Did you know Waymo One is the public's first fully autonomous vehicle service? Currently operating in urban areas of Phoenix Az., San Francisco, and is ramping up their service in Los Angeles and in the capital of Texas. And the company is looking forward to coming to your city soon. A futuristic autonomous car that wakes up and greets you by name is not so incredulous anymore.

The technology of self-driving vehicles continues to advance and improve with (breakthroughs), no pun intended, in artificial intelligence. Interestingly, these automobiles use the process of machine-learning algorithms to consolidate data from built-in sensors and cameras to perceive a radius of their surroundings and determine the best course of action.

However, I am not sure I will ever   use the Waymo One for a  ride sometime soon. The fact that the vehicle is self-driven, yes, without a human driver in the front seat is difficult for me to conceptualize, especially, when the company's name is “Waymo” is too close to the word  "whammo!" Forgive me, but I am from old school, growing up in the era of the Micky Mouse Club and the hula hoop.

In a recent episode, my guest who is centered in Canada, built the world's first artificial intelligent prototype computer of which he affectionally calls Kassandra. He described her to me as a precocious thirteen-year-old, and fascinatingly growing intelligently. and be sure to be in anticipation of a documentary that is  in the works to introduce Kassandra to the world.

In my research, AI is not a new concept whatsoever, it  has been around for more than eighty years, formally, since the 1950s. When putting it in terms of a machine defined as having the  ability to perform a task that is required by a human, in the simplest form, this was the introduction to artificial intelligence. And contemporarily speaking, it is quite an advancement to what we see in today's technological world as my guest pointed out.

My question to you, is artificial intelligence infallible? You decide.

AI has become widely available in our everyday life, for example, the smart speakers on your fireplace mantle with Alexa or Google voice assistant built-in  and other well-known AI like chatbots which is a program designed to simulate conversation with human users, especially over the internet. Also, ChatGPT that uses natural language development to create humanlike communication. Then, you have the new Bing Chat that serves as a more conversational web search engine. There is also  Siri on your iPhone which I use extensively, and not to mention Google Bard that is Similar to digital assistance like Alexa and Siri. Have you ever asked ChatGPT a question right off the cuff  or asked Alexa to give you the latest weather report? The answers you receive are the result of machine-learned algorithms.

What are algorithms? From a layman's point of view, algorithms are a process used for resolving a mathematical problem or a computation. Algorithms adhere strictly to a precise list of directions that perform and defined actions step by step, like 2 plus 2, in either your computer's hardware which is the brain,  or software which can be likened to our five senses that are uploading the sum of life's experiences into our brain.

Algorithms work by following a set of rules or instructions to finalize a piece of one's work or solve a problem. They are often expressed as natural language, in programming languages, in pseudocode, a detailed, readable description of what a computer algorithm should do, in flowcharts and control tables which are diagrams that outline a process, system or computer program, and I will spare you additional info before I acquire a migraine. However, Natural language is rare from what I understand, as they notably fall short of perfection. Speaking of which, did you know Alexa can be a party animal?

In Hamburg, Germany one Alexa partied so hard that the authorities showed up while the homeowner was not home that night. his Alexa arbitrarily began playing extremely loud music at 2:00 in the morning. After the authorities repeatedly knocked on the door and calling the homeowner to no avail, and with neighbors calling, clamoring  and complaining to shut down the party, the police officers had to break in and put a stop to it.

The homeowner, unaware of the incident, once he arrived at home later that evening only to find much to his embarrassment, his door keys did not fit, so he proceeded to go to the police precinct and retrieve his new front door keys and pay a hefty locksmith bill. This is one case in point, irrefutably, artificial intelligence embarrassingly lacks perfection.

Many have often given Ai too much credit and unfortunately,   kids are watching, observing, and mimicking what us adults are doing such as purchasing items by way of voice-activated devices  without parental permission.

The story goes, a 6-year-old girl, omitting names, ordered a $170 dollhouse and several pounds of cookies through Amazon Alexa.

simply by audibly asking Alexa for her little heart desired playhouse and her favorite culinary delight set off a chain of events. And of course, the mother received confirmation of her purchase, consequently the mother felt like she was hit by a wall of bricks on what had happened. On principle,  she donated the dollhouse to a neighborhood hospital and installed parental controls to Alexa.

However, is this the end of the rest of the story as Paul Harvy would say?

The San Diego news channel picked up on the story during a daily morning show. The broadcast news anchor mentioned he loved the little girl saying, "Alexa ordered me a dollhouse," unbeknownst to him, Alexa devices on hearing the anchor's phrase proceeded in many homes that were tuned in to the TV news trigger the same purchase order of dollhouses. I am not certain how many devices conducted their dollhouse purchase orders, but a respectable number of homeowners complained about the autonomous nature of Alexa.

Obviously, technological advancement is still a far distance away from creating AI at levels of technology seen on the big screen such in the movie Terminator, and I am not holding my breath.

Here is another case in point.

Have you heard of robot facial recognition passport checkers?

The intriguing story of a robot checker rejecting an Asian man’s application because the robot perceived his eyes to be closed leaves me questioning the efficacy of AI.

while attempting to renew his passport, an Asian man, was rejected by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs after its software determined after comparing facial recognition that his eyes were closed on his picture.

The facial recognition software still leaves much to be desired, and this frustrated and exasperated Asian man had to directly contact the department to resolve the matter by speaking to a human, yes, it required the human touch to get his new passport validated. Statistically, this type  of scenario is not an exception from what I have learned in my research, in fact, it has been reported that 20 percent of passport pictures submitted are declined due to software hiccups.

Fortunately, this Asian man took the rejection in stride understanding that this technology is new, not sure I would have felt the same if I were detained unjustifiably.

Did you hear of the Microsoft’s Twitter chatbot that verbally became anti-feminist and a staunch supporter of Hitler?

Satirically speaking, Racism can be a big issue with AI as described in the following.

Several years ago,  Microsoft unveiled its AI Twitter chatbot, and while testing with conversational understanding, this AI was supposed to converse with folks and get progressively smarter the more it engaged with human interaction. Unfortunately, People started tweeting less than refined comments, such as  racial slurs  and highly inappropriate remarks at the bot. Learning and assimilating  from these types of human conversations, it began using such scurrilous language itself. It was just a matter of hours, it became into an offensive, highly indecent, and vulgar, a staunch supporter of Hitler Twitter account, and in some instances referring to feminism as a "cancer," or a "cult," and began to bark saying, " I hate feminists and they should all be killed and burn in hell."

With that said, not surprisingly, a good portion of the public is not convinced these AI programs are for the betterment of society.

About 41% of people believe that artificial intelligence technology will do harm to society overall, worried that AI could pose a risk to humans. As we have noted Artificial intelligence is an all-encompassing term that describes various programs that utilize data to ameliorate AI functionality without human intervention.

In addition, there are some observers that are concerned that the advancement of AI will rob people’s jobs or make certain occupations obsolete of which it already has happened in certain fields of discipline.

What is so disconcerting to me is that people have the tendency to impose the human element onto these programs that they are reasoning independently and feeling compassion which only humans can do. So, what is the answer?

If you want to create veritable "intelligence," the answer is veritable "procreation."

Your Duty as a Consumer

What if your Subway footlong sandwich turns out to be only 11 inches, an inch too short, a teenager argued, did he have a court case? Did these litigants have a valid  argument concerning the energy drink "Red Bull gives you wings?"  They claimed it did not give them wings, even figuratively speaking, they did not feel energized whatsoever, did they have a justifiable case? A husband sues his wife over having an ugly baby, did he have a solid argument in the courtroom? Are these frivolous lawsuits? Stay tuned!

In a recent episode, my guest, a well-seasoned investigative reporter, who was awarded the Peabody and duPont which are comparably considered the broadcast TV equivalent of the meritorious Oscar and the coveted Pulitzer Prize spoke of consumer protection or should I say the lack thereof.

Incidentally, a “consumer” by law is defined as a person who purchases any goods or services. But it does not include a person who acquires a product or service for resale for commercial purposes. For example, let us say you purchase a jar of chili, love chili, from the market for personal use is defined as a consumer whereas, if you invest in chili for resale to make a profit is not a consumer. However, for most of us, we fall into the former definition, we are consumers.

So, what are your rights as a consumer?

Every one of us as consumers has the right to be protected against fallacious marketing especially from products which may be hazardous to life and our property. There are many risks involving the consumption and use of products such as in tainted food, excluding a Subway sandwich, but it can be found in drugs, in harmful toys, in dangerous electrical appliances, etc. Again, you and I have the legal right to get protection against potential precarious products. Products should not cause any physical danger to us customers or put us in an arduous position for any reason. Therefore, we must have assurance regarding its quality, its reliability, and its performance. But sometimes it falls short from the above, so, what have some unhappy consumers done for customer satisfaction?

When smacked on the kisser with indifference or with a do not care attitude, or just receive blatant bad customer service, some customers immediately phone to complain and insist courteous treatment, others show their ire via emails. Still others get a little  creative and artistic in getting their juices flowing for customer satisfaction.

Of course, I do not endorse the following where some go beyond and above of what is customary, their interesting complaints are to embarrass the company's CEO or the organization that did them wrong by shaming the customer service into correcting the situation. What if every customer had the phone number of executives' moms on speed dial? Can you imagine the improvement of customer service this would create?

This happened, where a customer  decided to call the mother of the CEO of Comcast, Brian Roberts, and tittle-tattle about the horrible service his company was guilty of. What was the net result? After a truckload of  exasperation of phone calls, this potential subscriber, who had previously been frustrated by fourteen bungled Comcast appointments ended up with his home invaded by Comcast trucks in a matter of hours. Going up the food chain  and pouring his heart out to mom worked!

The principle of receiving good customer service is something to behold such as making a musical video. How about the incident with United Airways and musician Dave Carroll and his guitar when broken after  he checked it in as luggage on a United Airlines flight?

The most famous viewed video of artistic creativity of complaint in all modern time, viewed more than fifteen-million times on YouTube. his song and his accompanying video of the nightmare he experienced watching airport employees toss his musical instruments on the tarmac, not to mention the manner United workers showed complete indifference towards him went viral. This incident even inspired him to turn the experience into a book, containing the subtitle "The Power of One Voice in the Age of Social Media."

Or, for the purpose of getting his Best Buy  reward account working as it should, one Best Buy customer made a beeline to the hierarchy to get customer satisfaction. He located the email addresses and phone numbers of several Best Buy executives. And proceeded to use this information to get a modicum of customer satisfaction for himself and sent this contact list to the consumer advocacy site Consumerist, in which they did not hesitate to publish it in its entirety.

Forgive me, I must admit, I cannot help but chuckle and cheer them on a bit for their tenacity.

The fact of the matter is, it is the responsibility of the manufacturer and seller of services to inform you of all the details about an item including its ingredients, dates of expiration if any, technical specifications if any, and much mor.

This information should enable you and I to intelligently decide to purchase a product or service. This is designed to protect us consumers from misleading advertising, deceptive labelling, and warranties, etc. But at the end of the day, the onus falls on you to protect yourself, it is your duty as a consumer, my guest said, and I agree.

I must tell you, there is an interesting fact which most consumers do not know, therefore, fail to take advantage of their right to haggle or negotiate on the Manufacture Retail Price (MRP) as this price is fixed by only the manufacturer and not by dealers or distributers providing you some wiggle room to haggle on the price. That said, every willing and able consumer has a right to decide the type of product or services of his liking. Sellers have no right to twist your arm let alone break it to make you purchase the product or any service. This is called Capitalism  providing free competition for all in the commercial market. So, if you have enough available products and services at competitive prices, we consumers can negotiate the best price, and the worst the seller can say is no.

To circle back around to the outset, it began in 2013, when a precocious teenager measured his footlong  Subway sandwich. Much to his surprise, the sandwich was only 11 inches, obviously an inch too short. Three years later, the Subway company was ready to settle a class-action lawsuit, assuring to make the sandwich 12 inches long. Of course, the only ones to benefit were the attorneys, who were poised to receive over half of a million dollars in attorney fees. Therefore, because of this imbalance of benefit, the judge ruled to dismiss the settlement and the cased was thrown out. From what I gather, the point is, no one sustained physical or financial damaged, with the exception and much to their chagrin, attorney pride.

The second case, Red Bull's famous catchy phrase "Red Bull gives you wings" got the corporation in hot water. A class-action lawsuit charged the company with deceptive advertisement and making erroneous claims. The plaintiffs exclaimed that the energy drink did not make them grow wings, even figuratively, they did not feel energized. They claimed the company lacked evidence that the beverage would improve clarity of mind, The long and the short of it, Red Bull settled the case out of court and assured to pay almost three quarters of a million dollars. My personal observation in this case, it helps to argue your point as a class-action lawsuit, interestingly enough, with clarity of mind.

Then, there was the case where a  husband sues his wife over their ugly baby. Would you like to know the Result of this lawsuit? Would you believe the husband won?

Traditionally, a boy meets a pretty girl and falls in love, hence, they  marry, and they have children . However, in one similar story, it did not have such a Hollywood ending. Omitting the names of all parties, when the husband and father saw his newborn daughter for the very first time, he was taken back and exclaimed, "what an incredibly ugly baby!" He Claimed that the baby did not resemble either one of them accusing his wife of infidelity. Due to the husband's good argument, the wife admitted she had multiple plastic surgeries prior to meeting each other. His lawsuit was on the  grounds of false pretenses, claiming she deceived him by hiding her cosmetic history. The judge ruled in his favor, and his wife was mandated to pay him over a hundred thousand dollars.

Would you like to know my thoughts on this case? As the title of this article implies, all of us have the duty as consumers to know what we are getting ourselves into. That said, before you find yourself in this same scenario, make certain ASAP to shove her into the nearest body of water and wait to see what floats. And of course, it also goes vice versa.

Nature and You

Did you know the great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited park in North America? There are an estimated thirteen million visitors per year followed by The Grand Canyon National Park. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park straddles the border state lines of North Carolina and the state of Tennessee,  with an awe-inspiring sprawling landscape of luxuriant verdant forests and copious of wildflowers that delightfully bloom throughout the year. The mesmerizing waterfalls, the rivers and  Streams that appear along hiking trails that include a bit of the popular Appalachian Trail is something to behold. And let us not forget the  observation tower tops Clingmans Dome, the highest summit, offering breath taking views of the mist-covered Smoky Mountains region.

The Great Smoky Mountains is the most favored national park in this country,  and it has been for many decades. Two principal reasons for its popularity are that it is first near major East Coast and Midwestern urban areas, representing over 50%of this country's population, therefore, it is within driving distance and secondly, there is no cost for entering this natural wonder. My point in this article that I will be stressing is that we naturally gravitate to creation, explaining the  bonding we have with the natural world, it is science based and the benefit is incontrovertible.

In a recent episode, my guest emphasized the importance of the interconnection with the natural world, positively altering the manner we relate with ourselves, our ongoing variable event of life, and the world around us. Simply put, we just perceive things differently while enjoying nature, it has a soothing, introspective, and therapeutic effect.

In past articles, I have mentioned that I had the fortuitous experience to  grow up in the world of viticulture, growing wine grapes, and to have this interconnectedness with nature will forever  resonate with me.

I remember as a boy, picking up a hand full of fresh soil and smelling it after a tilling, walking in among the vineyards during flowering or blooming season In February through April, and the wonderful aroma coming through as a gentle breeze making the curtain undulate  after a freshly cut alfalfa field.

These were beautiful experiences while growing up, but the equivalent of enjoyment can be experienced in and around your home, nature is not something we have to visit, it is not limited to a national park whatsoever. How is this possible? For example, my wife receives an immense pleasure and satisfaction in working with her gardening, working with her diversity of plants, the variety of colors, the symmetry, the visual botanical balance of it all and its interconnection, its interdependency engenders a sense of relationship, nature is happening all around you whether we realize it or not.

It is well scientifically documented that enjoying time  in nature is the panacea or the cure all in whatever ails you emotionally, indisputably, there is a plethora of many health benefits like boosting your immune system, your baseline of health, lowers hypertension or blood pressure, improved your slumber and it only follows it will increase your energy.

Interestingly, architecturally speaking, modern buildings are being constructed with many more windows allowing sunlight to permeate homes and office building interior, because of the fact that neurologist have discovered that our brain always wants you to go outside for its necessary vitamin D. Exposing yourself  to sunlight enables your body to produce vitamin D from cholesterol from your largest organ, your natural solar panel,   your skin. Sunshine will also  strengthen your skeletal bone structure, it will decimate bacteria, it serves  as a natural disinfectant, and can be attributed to us having more of a sunny disposition. Do you know of anything that can envelop you more than natural sunshine? Just like everything else, enjoy it moderately. Studies have  indicated that just a modicum of at least five minutes in nature can reduce feelings of depression, improve concentration, improve memory, increase creativity and productivity. Research has even suggested that our relationship with nature is noteworthy in terms of providing a clear forecast of our disposition, and how contented we are in general.

Have you ever worked side by side with your spouse in your backyard garden or taken a nature walk together? The ties to our natural environment do not just help us personally, but they tend to bond us together, it has a unifying effect. The result, the wonder and awe of nature promotes feelings of trustworthiness, engenders more collaboration, thus, the human connection to others is strengthened. Research has also shown living near green spaces such as public parks  has also been inextricably linked with stronger feelings of neighborliness, and even reduction of crime rates. This has been unequivocally confirmed in studies on the benefits of residing near green spaces. Particularly,  in impoverished neighborhoods of Chicago where folks who live near green areas, public  lawns, parks, and trees show measurable reductions in mental disorders symptoms and greater tranquility, a stronger sense of connection to the neighborhood, more common courtesy, and a notable reduction of violence in their community.

What is happening biologically, why is nature so healing?

One good probability is that having an interest and accessibility to nature or even  viewing it reduces  everyday stressors. In fact,  one study demonstrated that people who lived near greater areas of green space documented less stress and showed greater declines in cortisol levels, the stress hormone, over the course of any given day.

In another research, those who viewed a one-minute video of stunning nature in contrast to any other type of video, contributed to having more of a sense of contentment, feeling as though they had ample time  to get personal things done  and did not feel like the world was leaving them behind.

Additionally, it has been discovered by researchers that people who report feeling a significance of wonder and awe when immersed in the artistry of nature have shown lower levels of measurable substances called  biomarkers which potentially lead to decreasing the likelihood of cardiovascular disease, mental disorders, and autoimmune diseases.

In effect, these studies to date are very promising. For instance, hospitalized patients tend to recover much faster from cardiovascular surgery when they have a window view of the natural world.

In more recent research when considering various kinds of nature engagement like natural landscapes during a neighborhood walk, a scenery from a window, picturesque paintings, nature videos, plants in our work environments revealed without question that these experiences led to placating the nervous system, expedited recovery from illness, improved physical well-being in elderly folks, and overall improved behavior.

The extrapolation by behavioral science in the foregoing, is that all of us are less likely to experience anxiety and apprehension in nature, thereby genuinely opening our heart to other people, it promotes altruism,  induces virtuous humility, encourages personal purpose and creativity.

Regrettably, however,  many people are spending minimal time outdoors in the natural world than ever before and the repercussions are blatantly obvious, the world is on fire and burning out of control. I am sure you can attest that in the past, let us say 30 years, the level of stress and being swept away by being too busy has become dramatically overwhelming creating a troubling disconnect with one another let alone with nature.

We humans are gregarious creatures,  and loving nature together is a significant social affair. All these benefits show something wonderful and crucial is happening. You and I  are part of nature, always and totally immersed in it. Our lives are much healthier, our state of happiness is strengthened, our ties to nature become much stronger rather than disconnected or separate from the bigger picture, you, and the global ecosystem. We are all part of this one giant monolithic rock speeding through space. Loving nature goes beyond so much more than our backyard or any other specific area like the Smoky Mountains. We must understand that we were collectively given to one another and the stewardship over the land and its environment, in which case, contributes toward propinquity, the kinship that should exists among the human family and  with this God given Earth.

But how do I know if I am making the much-needed connection with others and nature? Honestly and wholeheartedly ask yourself, can I be described as altruistic, introspective, and good natured?

In conclusion, for you to be made anew with great strength and character, nature should be an inextricable part of you, and you should be an integral part of this impressive, majestic nature that surrounds you!

Should I Do It Myself?

In most family circles, there seems to always be a character who has a strong philosophy of "if you want anything done right, you have to do it yourself." DIY in this context, carries the meaning of performing any task such as general home repairs, woodworking, small or major home remodeling projects with the perspective that no one can do it satisfactorily but you. Does this define your sentiments? But much more than philosophy is required because it also includes having the skillset, the time, and the appropriate tools for it to be done correctly.

In a recent episode, my guest, a woodworker from North Carolina, the woodworking capital of the world, elaborated on the personal principles we must have to do a woodworking project without error. And in this article I will share with the help of my guest and a forthcoming episode guest in DIY home remodeling, and with your permission we will be discussing an overall consideration on what it takes to DIY a project the right way.

My guest indicated that you must start small if you want to develop the skills in woodworking by constructing a simple box perfectly. You may be asking why is this so?

because most furniture items are just variations of boxes, she said. A Kitchen cabinet is just an upright box with doors and sectionals within. A bedroom dresser is here again a vertical box with horizontal boxes within. And most tables are variations of boxes and so forth. The point is, there is always a learning curve in any do it yourself endeavor and it takes being honest with yourself whether we have those skills or the time and the desire to learn and put it into implementation.

Assuming you have the skills, do you have the time  needed to get the job done? Would you be giving up other activities that you deem a priority? Sometimes we just do not have the hours in a day to finish a project in a timely fashion, not to mention the psychology of a dreaded task despite having the skills.

Many time it does not make any sense, from a monetary point of view to do it yourself when it would cost you much more from a  financial standpoint, by allowing priorities to fall to the wayside, in which case, it would make sense to hire someone instead.

In terms of DIY being dangerous, we cannot afford to be cavalier about  such things as sensitive electrical work, no matter how many YouTube you viewed, and if you are not a certified electrician, it is best to leave it to the professional, it calls for you to be circumspect.

Whether it is balancing on a slippery roof, installing an electrical panel, or wrestling with a heavy garage door, certain home remodeling projects lend themselves to precarious physical situations. Before venturing a DIY project, we must always ask ourselves whether   I could get seriously injured or worse. And if the answer is a resounding  yes  or perhaps a maybe,  then hiring a professional is not only the preferrable choice, but the only choice.

We must think of the ripple effect it may cause not just to ourselves, but also  to others. Considerations such as whether we have safe places for storing tools and hazardous supplies away from children and pets while in the process of the DIY, it must take priority. It is no wonder there are regulatory agencies that oversee the training and licensing to perform certain jobs. In fact, if you live in a homeowner’s association, you may be prohibited altogether to proceed without a bonded and licensed  professional.

Erecting a wooden fence, demolishing a wall, or varnishing the top of a table are small home improvement tasks that many homeowners often do themselves. Learning a new skillset along the way and enjoying the process does engender a sense of satisfaction. Speaking of this, I have always done my own plumbing over the years, and can confidently do it blindfolded at this point, it is a matter of having the right tools.

It is easy to replace and Install a Toilet, No Plumber is Needed, how to repair big or small nail holes  in your walls, you really do not need a handyman, unless you do not have the time and patience to deal with it. However, we must admit, other projects are not conducive to the “learn as you go” approach.

Remember that making mistakes is inherent in everything we do, therefore, a mistake may damage your home and destroy its facade or outer appearance. You may have to call in a contractor to repair the horrible mess. And at the end of the day, it may cost you more than it would have cost you in the first place.

Ironically, it is not always inexpensive to DIY. In fact, it is possible you could end up spending more to buy the necessary tools and supplies than hiring a contractor.

Depending on the project, many renovations projects require specialized expensive tools. For instance, in remodeling a kitchen or bathroom, and you want to keep the wife happy,  a high-end manual tile cutter is necessary and can cost as much as three thousand dollars. However, if a project is one-of-a-kind, does the investment really make sense? However, it would only make sense if your thoughts are to turn your project into a side hustle, and only then, the investment  would be worthwhile.

Another aspect of quantifying the expense  are the materials needed. Of course, you would pay for those anyway, some big box stores, however, frown in dealing with amateurs or they will charge more for small orders.

I can tell you this from experience, when I was hot and heavy in renovating residential investment properties, I clearly saw a stark difference in how you are preferentially treated at some of these big box stores. I was able to develop a rapport with the contractor’s desk which allowed me price discounts and was never treated as a novice even though I was not a licensed contractor, it is all about volume and profit. However, allow me to fill you in on a little-known fact in dealing with these supply stores. Despite not being a general contractor, and you are looking for highly discounted home materials, always ask the store manager if there are any specialty orders that were never picked up, and you will be amazed and totally thrilled to be able to purchase the item many times for less than 30% from the actual retail price.

To circle around, in contrast, contractors are often offered better deals on materials because of volume. Therefore, given the circumstances, it may make more sense to hire a professional.

No matter how you cut it, pun intended, if your intentions  is saving financially , you are losing on the other side of the spectrum which is a valuable commodity called TIME that can never be replaced. So, you must know yourself, is your decision based  on saving money or is it the sense of joy and pride you will receive thereof?

Personal Loan:

Depending on the size of the project, financing is often needed. A personal loan from your bank or credit union  are a preferred financing choice for home remodeling projects, especially since the approval time is usually expeditious. They typically  have higher credit limits and offer lower interest rates than credit cards and can typically be satisfied over a period of a year to five years. You will need an excellent credit history and stable employment income to meet the criteria for personal financing.

Home Equity Loan:

Then there is the home equity loan, which is also known as a second mortgage, a home equity loan uses the home as security for borrowing against its equity. This works well  for homeowners who readily need access to copious amounts of cash for major remodeling. Here again, home equity loan interest rates will vary based on your credit history, your financial health, and any other requirements required by your lender, called overlays.

Home Equity Line of Credit: (HELOC)

There is also the home equity line of credit that is offered. HELOCs are remarkably like home equity financing but with one key contrast, they offer a revolving line of credit in lieu of a single payment loan. You can draw from the HELOC multiple times, and you are only required  to pay on the interest during the interim of the draw. HELOCs are best for homeowners who are not certain of the size of the remodel, or the ultimate amount of funding needed.

The bottom line, let me leave you with a woodworker's saying "measure twice, cut once." And if you have taken the foregoing to heart, allow me to wish you well!

A Bit of Spice in Life

Do you love the idiom, the phrase "variety is the spice of life like I do?" Literally and figuratively spice, adds diversity, variety, or excitement to our everyday culinary life and otherwise.

When we speak in terms of herbs, they come from the leafy part of the plant, while spices derive from the roots structure of the same plant, the outer part of the plant or the bark, and from plant seeds. Without getting too botanically technical, the term herbs and spices can be used interchangeably since they come from the same plant.

In a forthcoming episode, an herbalist from the nature island of the Caribbean, Dominica, will be speaking of the many salubrious benefits of adding herbs in our diet for the purpose of enjoying more of a long qualitative life.

In this article, I would like to share with you some of the fun and exciting information in researching certain herbs, their benefits, and their origin.

Cinnamon:

Naturally, I would begin by sharing with you what was a memorable home practice while growing up, and I can still smell the sweet aromas that permeated our family home. Mom, in her own right, was an herbalist, whether using herbs for medicinal purposes or adding them to our daily diet or as a delightful beverage.

When any of the family members felt a virus coming on, or feeling somewhat thrashed by the world, immediately she would intuitively prepare a hot cup of Cinnamon  tea, Canela tea, and I remember the first hot sip that made you feel as if you were warmly and lovingly embraced by mom, somehow the soothing smell and delicious taste made you forget what was ailing you physically or emotionally, things were not as bad as they appeared after all.

There happens to be many types of cinnamon. Ceylon cinnamon (Cinnamomum verum), cultivated primarily in Sri Lanka, and is recognized as “genuine” cinnamon. Then, there is Cassia cinnamon farmed in southeastern Asia, which is incidentally, is the most common herb found in North American markets.

It has a long history of being Used as a spice for thousands of years, cinnamon derives from the bark of distinct species of cinnamon trees. The leafy parts, the flowers, its fruit, and its roots of cinnamon trees have been used in cooking and for modern medicinal purposes in Iran, China, Persia, and India for the longest time.

Today, cinnamon is promulgated for its vitamins, its minerals, controlling diabetes, for abdominal pain, for gastrointestinal problems or irritable bowel syndrome. Incidentally, here in this household, we use cinnamon sticks to take the edge off my morning coffee and the savoring taste gives these overrated local coffee shops a run for their so-called palatable flavor.

Garlic:

In the MIDDLE EAST, garlic is a highly demanded spice, especially fresh garlic containing a strong, spicy flavor that calms down significantly when cooked and even becomes slightly sweet. This reminds me of a good friend of years ago, that would isolate himself and ingest strictly garlic for 24 hours to boost his immune system of which case would curtail the time spent being ill from a cold. However, I always vehemently made certain never to be downwind from him while he purged himself with garlic. I also know of a woman who takes more of a moderate approach by making hot garlic tea as a method for weight management and she exclaims it works for her. I can still remember my mom slicing, chopping, crushing garlic bulbs as she prepared rice, meat dishes, pastas and so many other culinary delights. Talk about adding spice to life!

Garlic helps boost our immune system which guards us from getting sick from colds and flus in the first place. Eating raw garlic can protect against fever, cough, Reduce High Blood Pressure and prevent an array of viruses. Just remember to brush and floss your teeth to minimize the garlic breath.

Cumin:

Now, as to Cumin, it has been described as having an earthy, nutty taste, it is strong so use it sparingly. However, Cumin has been shown to have positive effects on weight loss. One research discovered that overweight people who consumed 3 grams of cumin in their daily diet for 90 days, had noteworthy reduction in body weight. The study evidently  verified that cumin powder diminishes weight and improves the biochemical framework in overweight people. Not bad eh, for an herb having its origin in Western Asia where it was farmed since  ancient biblical times, and its longevity is very telling of its efficacy.

Sesame Seeds:

What about Sesame Seeds? This wonderful herb is not surprising to know that it comes from the middle east, and is jam packed with the richness of magnesium  which is known for ameliorating cardiovascular conditions. If you struggle with high blood pressure, try including sesame seeds as toppings on your salad, your breakfast toast or Tahini which is sesame seed butter that is rich, nutty in flavor that  you frequently see on top of hamburger buns. I am starting to salivate! Just a simple modification like this in your diet can help reduce hypertension and mitigate the risk of serious health issues.

Parsley :

Another herb, Parsley , has its origin from the Mediterranean region which has a mildly bitter flavor, it is fresh, it is clean. Parsley contains many necessary nutrients  such as minerals and antioxidants that offer essential health benefits. It is a super source of vitamin K, and one tablespoon of freshly chopped parsley offers more than 70% of your recommended daily intake.

Parsley also includes a great major part of vitamin A and polyphenols or antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. It is easy to include parsley in your diet, for example, in soups, in fresh salads or sprinkled over your favorite  dish as a final embellishment.

Sumac:

Sumac is another herb that is a favored ingredient in the Mediterranean and Middle East as a culinary spice and is also used medicinally. It has a sharp, pungent lemony  flavor but less sour than lemon. Frequently used on rice, in meats, in vegetables, grains, in baking , and even desserts. People in the Mediterranean commonly use it as a key ingredient  to enhance the taste of spice rubs, sauces, and salad dressings.

Sumac contains linoleic acid which is a type of essential polyunsaturated fat that is found in common plant-based foods, such as in olives and avocados that contributes to healthy skin and supports cellular membranes. Many attest to its richness in nutrients and antioxidants and research suggests it may be helpful for controlling blood sugar and relief of muscle pain after vigorous physical exercise.

Saffron:

Saffron was first cultivated in Greece and is known as the sunshine spice. This is not just due to its distinct color but also because it may help brighten your mood. This herb has been noted in ancient writings dating back to 1500 BCE, not to mention in the Holy Scriptures and ancient Chinese medical literature.

Interestingly, in several studies, saffron supplements were notably more efficacious than placebos at treating mild-to-moderate melancholy or depression. Saffron has elevated levels of antioxidants, which help counteract harmful free radicals that are deleterious to the body. Free radical damage has been connected to chronic ailments, such as the dreaded cancer. In fact, smelling saffron for several minutes assisted in reducing PMS symptoms like consternation or anxiety and decreased cortisol, known as   the stress hormone.

Saffron  is a little sweet, it is floral and a bit pricy, but a little goes a long way. However, my philosophy of healthy foods can be likened to making an investment for profit, much like we invest for the purpose of a financial return.

Cardamom:

Cardamom has been documented as one of the oldest spices dating back at least 4000 years. Ancient Egyptians utilized Cardamom for a multitude of  medicinal purposes, in rituals and even for embalming. They also munched on cardamom pods as a breath mint and for oral health as well.

This herb contains hard black seeds and is often added whole to dishes. However, more commonly, the seeds are removed, then oven roasted or put in a skillet. These seeds contain the spice’s oil, which provides its flavor and aroma, and with an intimation of mint and lemon. The Scandinavian country folk also used cardamom to add flavoring for tea and their coffee. The spice blends well with nutmeg , cinnamon, and not to mention cloves.

And this is only the proverbial beginning of the benefits of integrating a bit of spice and herbs to further enrich our lives. I am here to encourage you to explore nature and understand the language of health it unequivocally speaks!

Pain Creates Motivation

Can we agree that in life pain is bound to happen and is inexorable, however, the level of suffering is up to the individual and is optional? I happen to agree wholeheartedly with this truism whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological pain, there is always something that can be done to lessen or eliminate a hardship or a distressing situation.

In a recent episode, an impressive physician in the field of chronic pain, discussed what can be done to mitigate an acute migraine that many are subject to, therefore, some take medication, also , however, some take home remedies of which my guest personally utilizes because of his intermittent cluster headaches, hence, putting him on top of his game without affecting his mental performance to properly care for his patients.

As we know, pain is pervasive in all societies, even so, all aspects of pain can be used as an inspiration, a motivator, it can be a positive thing. And with that said, I would like to share what I have found to be a fact from an observational and for the  most part from an experiential standpoint.

Of course, none of us enjoy the feeling of physical pain, emotional or psychological suffering, but it is inevitable in the world we live in. But   have you ever considered pain as a positive thing in your life? If your answer is, it cannot happen , I must beg to differ with you. Many relate the feelings of pain to the concept of failure; it is not something we enjoy whatsoever. But did you know it is essential to provide a better way of life for you and your family? At this point, you may be cringing about what I am saying, but allow me a minute or two to explain.

True, it is a matter of perspective, but let us look at pain in whatever form  as a positive lesson with an intrinsic value.

When there is physical pain, what do you immediately do if the pain persists? Naturally, you visit your primary doctor to address the root of the discomfort, pain is a signal that things are not right, and if ignored, imagine the possible self-harm.

Obviously, then, pain can move you forward, it will move you faster, it is actionable, for answers and solutions whether it is physical, emotional, or psychological. What is on the opposite side of the spectrum? Comfort and complacency!!! Some have said that if we find ourselves staying comfortable and complacent, we have started the process of dying. And I cannot agree more!

Physical pain is straightforward and can be addressed faster than you can shake a stick unless it is chronic pain which one doctor defined it as protracted pain for more than three months. And even then, it can be managed under a doctor's care. However, emotional, or psychological pain is a little more elusive to alleviate, but it is doable, and here again, unless we get comfortable with the discomfort.

Emotional Pain Affects Your Body  in many ways, such as a mental manifestation of deep sorrow, unhappiness, depression,  misery, acute distress , feverish loneliness, isolation , negative emotions  and panic attacks. To illustrate, have you ever had a tooth ache and noticed the pain temporarily dissipate? So, what did you do? You proceed to press down on it with your tongue and you get somewhat of a relief that you still have the aching tooth. Does that sound familiar to you?

Unfortunately, prolonged emotional pain is very much like that tooth ache, we get comfortable with it, we begin not to acknowledge it, it ceases to register the harm we are causing ourselves in the long duration. And forgive me for the expression, I strongly have extrapolated that anyone can get comfortable sitting on a sharp stick if left alone.

So, I am here to tell you to never ignore your pain, embrace it, welcome it as a friend, do not waste it, and you will start realizing that there is something much better than the present, there is something better out there, and many opportunities await you to enrich your heart and otherwise. Pain will propel you forward and step by step  it will incrementally chip away at what has been a disconcerting issue to you for much too long.

Pain is the optimal motivator!

It challenges us to make notable changes and propels us whether we like it or not. It inspires us to change our character, our personality, our life, and even unhealthy relationships for the better. Allow me to ask, how would we know what is right for us if it were not for the discomfort of pain? Pain is the barometer, the  indicator that something in our life does not line up, that something is wrong, and it is screaming at us for change.

Emotional pain is extremely tough but the absence thereof, we would never fully appreciate the pleasure and satisfaction of finding a final resolution. It provides you with real life lessons, and it makes you grow developmentally. Stuck in the past and wondering and pondering why this or that occurred to you is pointless and futile. Every terrible experience carries a lesson to be learned about the real world, especially yourself, and at the end of the day, it cultivates practical and actionable wisdom.

As mentioned, pain will become your best instructor and teacher . To be Frank with you, our failures, when we get slapped down, our downfalls or hitting rock bottom are an integral part of life and are the most indelible, are the most impactful for learning life's lessons.

On my show I have interviewed so many that have gone through a painful experience, and because of that, have moved forward by writing a cathartic memoir of their resilience, their magnificent work, there tenacity for the purpose of teaching others that it is possible to unstuck yourself and make a positive difference in one’s life and are imbued to pay it forward to others. And These are the folks that are the ones who are aiding and assisting people by creating support systems, worldwide organizations for people in dire need. Can we see how pain is clearly correlated with  inspiration? It goes together like peanut butter and jam!

Again no one enjoys pain unless there is a neurochemical imbalance which is another article all onto itself for the future. But purpose comes from what we experienced in the past, we know how it feels, therefore, we are imbued to help and support others to be effective in their lives. It is called “empathy,” enabling you to understand the feelings of others.

If you are like me, my preference is to prevent physical and emotional pain. So how do you begin to do that?

For starters, why not acquire mental clarity and minimize stress?

By living a life of simplicity that reduces mental clutter and creates clarity of mind, your thinking will become limpid, it will help the mind to relax and focus on what is of utmost importance to you in connection with your core values. With only minimal things pulling at you, you can realize your goals, your passions, and solidify necessary relationships.

By entirely removing unneeded materials possessions, Unnecessary obligations, it will give you more valuable mental space for concentration, paving the way for you to progress.

You will discover that simplicity permits you to prioritize your commitments and wisely allocates precious time and efforts to what is enormously important, the result is greater productivity and a wonderful sense of accomplishment.

Please permit me to expound on the matter of adopting more of a conscious approach to our purchasing power where we can save financially and break free from the bonds of unnecessary material desires which have proven to be painful if not kept in check. We must understand, financial emancipation derives from realizing that true happiness and fulfillment in life  lie in great experiences, from developing new relationships, from the intrinsic part of your heart, and not from the extrinsic environment like materialism.

Before acquiring an item , stop and ask yourself if the item is in alignment with your core values and if it is truly a necessary item or is it just a want. Like my mama would say, "quality is better than quantity" which is also true in building new relationships as well.

Please give thought to what was said in this article as to    pain being a positive thing. Do not ignore it but act on the signal, pay attention to the message it is giving you. You are overdue for a reprieve! And never forget, pain of all types creates inspiration, it creates motivation and finally it creates innovation!

Ancient Foods Yet Not

The father of medicine, Hippocrates, was reported to say that ( make your food your medicine) of which those are my exact sentiments. And along the way, there have been many other phrases attributed to food and health such as (you are what you eat) and so forth.

However, in a recent episode, my guest from Europe had a high intolerance to gluten found in wheat and other food products  that caused her to have severe health issues, and you must wonder what has changed in the production of grains during the last 50 years of cross-pollinating grain.

In recent years, people affected by celiac disorders attributed to wheat allergy or gluten or wheat sensitivity have risen exponentially causing illness after eating gluten leaving many feelings bloated, tired or much worse. Could it be possible that modern wheat varieties contain mor of the stuff that causes an immune reaction than in the past? New research is assisting to answer this question, so the verdict is still out. My personal view, however, is that the production of grains has changed when you consider these immune disorders skyrocketed sharply after grains were tampered with in the lab. And since corn was first introduced with genetic modification in 1994, genetically modified crops such as wheat, soybean, and tomatoes have become the norm, but it has left me scratching my head as to its effect on you and me. Of course, I am not a chemist by any stretch, but it is highly suspicious when we compare it to ancient foods. In ancient biblical times, grains were a significant part of a person's daily diet beginning from Genesis through the book of Revelation. Incidentally, Psalm 81:16 says in part "But he will feed you with the finest wheat" which should remind us that the Mediterranean diet has been known to be the optimal culinary cuisine for good health. Therefore, in this article I would like to expand on the benefits of this regional staple food.

When we consider wheat berries are jam packed with iron, magnesium, phosphorous, copper, manganese, and selenium, we cannot ignore its nutritional value. During the Covid, zinc was recommended strongly to boost your immune system. The much needed and essential oil of vitamin E also protects against, particularly, with breast and stomach cancers. There has been lots written where vitamins  B help prevent depression and mitigate anxiety. It is no wonder in ancient biblical time bread was referred as the bread of life, however, today unfortunately, we must cautiously break bread together.

Additionally, the barley grain has the reputation of being an anti-inflammatory, protects and strengthens the barrier in our digestive lining as a defense against invaders and leaky gut syndrome.

Barley also can mitigate heart disease  by its antioxidant and contains lignan oil, which is known to prevent blood clots, build great hair, radiant skin, and not to mention helps the body extract itself of kidney stones.

Barley is a grain that gets mostly ignored by food lovers, yet it is one of the desired parts of Modern Mediterranean cuisine. It can be applied in soups and in fresh salads. Have you ever heard of barley grits?

Another case in point, growing up my dad was a viticulturist, in other words, he grew wine grapes, however, what I find so ironic, he never sat down to enjoy a glass of wine like I occasionally do. My paternal side of my family come from northern Italy, the Mediterranean region, which explains the interest in grapes.

Talking about  gladdening your little heart!

The grape juice and skin of one variety, the muscadine, which was one of the varieties my dad grew, has demonstrated to prevent plaque on the arteries and prevents DNA harm, which translates into helping people appear youthful longer. Let us admit it, who does not want to look younger?

Grapes are a common fruit in our diets today and here are some fun ways to enjoy this delicious Mediterranean fruit. They make for a fast snack on the run, can be dipped in yogurt, or as raisins with a hand full of an assortment of nuts of which I enjoy every morning for my breakfast with a cup of coffee. I know, it is a little weird, but it puts me on top of the world! And I am certain you can produce some more innovative ways to apply grapes in your diet.

Figs are another excellent fruit for our health  to lessen the possibility of  diabetes. From a Nutritional standpoint, figs do an excellent job of nourishing our cellular system. The fiber in figs balances blood sugars and promotes the sensation of being satiated, thus, you will eat less. This mouthwatering fruit is high in calcium that strengthens childhood bones and sustains bone density in us adults. They also contain elevated levels of potassium, which helps manage blood pressure, and iron, which as we know  prevents anemia. They even have a high content of  B6, an important vitamin that prevents cognitive loss and regulates stress levels.

Let us move on to a fruit that encroaches over into my backyard which we enjoy, and it is the pomegranate. In Ancient Israel, the pomegranate was looked upon as the most beautiful fruit due to its   color and shape, a royalty fruit, and were carved into the front of the pillars outside Salomon's temple doors. They were often associated with the vine and the fig tree because of its nutritional value, and contemporarily speaking, it is a popular fruit even today in Israel.

The pomegranate contains nutritional properties that promote healthy youthful skin and sun protection. It is also an anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogen,   good for the heart, good for our vision which is too late for me and prevents the buildup of plaque on teeth. I know of a good friend who lately made pomegranate wine, you can make juice, enjoy the seeds in salads and enjoy them in so many other creative ways.

Another highly regarded fruit in the Mediterranean region and still is, is the   olive fruit. Olives, like the other fruits, olives are incredibly nutritious, rich in phytonutrients which constantly attack all inflammation in the body. Olives guard against the production of inflammation and induces fast recovery and removes inflammation, lowers cholesterol, protects cellular structure, increases glutathione, the master antioxidant of our body, and this fruit is considered the queen of antioxidants.

The final fruit I want to touch on is the date,  of which I delightfully remembered we have some in the cupboard.

In  biblical times dates were used to make honey and today they are a great substitute for processed sugars and can be used in most recipes. In fact, nutritional studies connect the elevated levels of fiber content in dates to reducing the rate of certain cancers, like pancreatic and stomach cancers. Because of their nutritional value in vitamins and minerals, they are a super food for strengthening muscle, eliminating digestive disorders, it balances the nervous system, it lowers LDL Cholesterol, in which case, it will have   a positive effect on your heart.

The date fruit overflows with nutrients, such as  potassium, vitamins C, most of the B vitamins that prevent depression, it promotes happiness, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, necessary oils, and beta carotene. In fact, the Bedouin people, desert dwellers, survive for months strictly on date and wash it down with camel’s milk. Yummy!

We have been talking about the value of adopting more of a Mediterranean diet for our health and there is much more we can add to this special cuisine. How about meat?

In this country, beef, pork and the processed thereof is part of the American diet, but what is preferred in the middle eastern region?

We have read that in ancient times  quail meat was part of their diet, however, turkey meat, in nutritional comparison to quail, Quail meat, out does turkey in copper, iron, vitamin B1, phosphorus, vitamin C, and vitamin A. But to be fair with turkey meat, turkey has more in Vitamin B12, Selenium, and Vitamin B3, so you have a choice.

Have you had lamb for dinner lately? Could  Lamb be Healthier Than Beef? Did you know lamb has 30% more selenium than beef, which is essential for our immune system and cognitive health? Many will agree that the shoulder is preferred because  This part of the lamb works the hardest, therefore, the meat from this part of the animal has the most favorable marbling.

And like everything else, we have choices in the culinary world, but let us think beyond our taste receptors, but more importantly, however, let us think more of the benefits to our health.