Good evening all,
As usual, it has been quite a while since I've shared my thoughts with you. That being said, I'm back and wish to comment on one of the most striking occurrences in current news.....
And that is.....
The Tim Tebow effect.
Now, to start this post, I will be the first to admit that I did not have ANY trust that Tim Tebow, when given the opportunity, would produce and/or succeed in the NFL. The reasons for this stem from the fact that I am a Miami Hurricane through and through and the thought of an ex Florida Gator doing well makes me sick to my stomach. In addition, there were all the "analyses" of his game, pointing out that he just did not have what it takes to succeed. Talk about a man having to prove the majority of NFL fans, NFL analysts , as well as his own teammates wrong.
After several weeks, Tebow continues to prove everyone wrong and WIN. It is amazing how public opinion has shifted regarding his football prowess. I even have heard several ESPN anchor's mention the words: "special", "Magical", and "Amazing" when reporting on his progress. I, after watching the 1st three starts of his, AGREE WHOLEHEARTEDLY!!!
Not only what he is doing is "magical", "amazing", and "special", It seems that people are starting to believe in a higher power. I mean, what else explains a player who can be absolutely shut down for 3 1/2 quarters of an NFL game, only to lead his team to victory at the end of regulation or in overtime, SIX TIMES IN A ROW?? Even if you don't truly align yourself with a certain faith, you must admit there is something kinda crazy going on.
So why do I say "The world needs a Tebow"??
It is refreshing to see a player who is as humble as Tim Tebow. In this modern era of sports where it seems that even in team competition, the trend is to try to identify an individual responsible for the team's success, it is so nice to see Tim remind the media that it is about the Broncos and not one person. In addition, his unwaivering faith seems to be the driving force behind his success. So many sports stories are about, fights (i.e the most recent Cincy v Xavier clash), criminal missteps, failures, and unbridled ego. Now as I've observed, people are taking notice on the intangible qualities that make Tim Tebow who he is and even beginning to allow for the discussion of "higher power" enter into the fray. (I by no means am a religous individual but I do believe that there is a higher power. In addition, I've always felt that believing in a higher power, does have profound positive effects on outcomes.). This is a novelty in today's professional sportsworld, other than athletes thanking God only AFTER they have received an award or other accomplishment. People are focusing on the "good things"; the humility, the hard work it takes to succeed, the extent of what a team player he is. Now this is the kind of story that young athletes, hoping to make it big someday, should be exposed to. Not only can the Tim Tebow experience positively impact young atheletes, perhaps this new found appreciation of what being a good human being means will permeate into everyday life. Imagine a world, where people in general were humble, recognized the important things and people in their lives that help enrich their experience on this earth. Imagine a world where everyone treats others how they wish to be treated. No more of this "me first" mentality, people greeting other's with smiles instead of snarls or complete apathy, people actually looking to help others BEFORE helping themselves.
Wouldn't that be nice?
Coming from a true Miami Hurricane who really has no love for the Denver Broncos, this has been my own epiphany and I have truly become a supporter of Tim Tebow and the Broncos; or Tim, might prefer I say a supporter of the Broncos and Tim Tebow. Even if you hate the Gators, Have profound discontent when the Broncos win, or just are a hater in general, You gotta give Tim his props
Have a great day and wonderful week, and remember
These are just one man's thoughts
One Love
Monday, December 12, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
"Reality TV".....Really
Good evening all,
All I have to say is. Snooki was a speaker at a graduation!!!!
I should end this post here and let you, the reader, come up with your own thoughts. But that would defeat the purpose of this Blog. It is, after all, Just 1 Man's Thoughts. So, that being said, let me inform you all what I think.
How on earth have we gotten to the point in our society where a well respected University (I'll protect the name of the school as I dont want them to send any muscle bound guidos to my front door to fist pump, GTL, and profess their love of all things Italian), thought it was appropriate to have Snooki from The Jersey Shore address a class of graduating collegiate seniors??? Sounds like a great idea!!.....NOT
I recall when graduation speakers were well educated, successful, people who actually had something to offer by speaking to graduates. How does Snooki qualify?? As embarassed as I am to admit it, I've seen a few episodes of The Jersey Shore. It does not take much more than that to come to the conclusion that the cast of that show are, for lack of a better, a bunch of tools. First of all, I cannot believe that our society encourages this behavior, and not only that, will pay to see it. I mean, the cast members of that show, are now practically millionaires as a result of what?? I have yet to identify a talent, that should put them in a position to earn nearly a million dollars. Physicians, teachers, police officers, military, all of whom spend a great deal of time in school, training, and honing their craft, do not even come close to making this kind of a living. Yet, if you spray tan, drink excessively, fight, be promiscuous, treat others with NO respect, get arrested, and act as if you have no respect for yourself, not only will you succeed, there is a chance of being rich and famous. Is this really the message we want our collegiate graduates receiving?? If I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars sending my kid to college and as I look at the graduation announcement seeing Snooki as the speaker, I'm demanding my money back.
This era of reality TV is a very slippery slope. Children are so impressionable, soaking things up like sponges, by watching what they feel is "reality", It's no wonder they grow up with a warped perception of how life should be. It is an etirely differnt blog I can write about how parents no longer monitor what their children watch. Not only do children watch what they want, often times they are watching these shows in their rooms with no parent to discuss what's wrong with what is being shown to them. Remember the days where there were NO TVs in children's rooms, and you watched TV as a family (ahhhh, the good ole days). (Keep posted for following up on that comment). If I was a hormone crazed teen watching reality TV, alone to make my own judgements on the appropriateness of what I'm watching, I can imagine the conclusions I'd come up with. I mean, hey, if this is reality TV, this must be how the real world is.
Now we have to worry about. If you survive your Highschool years without doing something to sabotage your future, you get into college, and work hard enough to graduate. Now the last thing you hear before being set out into the workforce, is a speech by one of the cast members of not just a realit show, one of the most infamous shows on TV. Talk about an insult. You mean, I've worked so hard to graduate, now I have some uneducated, floozy speaking to me about my graduation and what to expect in the post college world.
Ok, so it's not just The Jersey Shore that contributes to this problem. The amount of reality shows that are on every network at all hours of the day provide numerous opportunities for young, impressionable teens to make their own assessments of what is reality and how they want their own reality to be. In my opinion, this is one of the reasons of why our society as become what it has. In my experience the number of young people with no desire to study, to work, to treat themselves with respect, and do something positive with their lives is steadily decreasing. I cannot blame them. We as a society are failing our youth.
To finish this post, I'd like to encourage all parents out there to play an active role in bringing up your children. Engage them with questions about what they've seen on TV, that will allow for future dialogue between you and yours. Encourage them to speak freely about what they are exposed to, that is the one of the only ways to police their behavior. If you can do this from an early age, talking about difficult topics will become easier. If your fortunate enough to have your child graduate from college, demand a speaker that will actually deliver useful information that can ensure they use their degrees to attain financial and emotional independence. But for the love of God, do not send them to a school that thinks that Snooki serves as a useful speaker at graduation.
I know a lot of you may like The Jersey Shore, and I apologize for using ur beloved Snooki as my example. You cant be too mad at me though. These are, after all, Just One Man's Thoughts
One Love,
Anthony
All I have to say is. Snooki was a speaker at a graduation!!!!
I should end this post here and let you, the reader, come up with your own thoughts. But that would defeat the purpose of this Blog. It is, after all, Just 1 Man's Thoughts. So, that being said, let me inform you all what I think.
How on earth have we gotten to the point in our society where a well respected University (I'll protect the name of the school as I dont want them to send any muscle bound guidos to my front door to fist pump, GTL, and profess their love of all things Italian), thought it was appropriate to have Snooki from The Jersey Shore address a class of graduating collegiate seniors??? Sounds like a great idea!!.....NOT
I recall when graduation speakers were well educated, successful, people who actually had something to offer by speaking to graduates. How does Snooki qualify?? As embarassed as I am to admit it, I've seen a few episodes of The Jersey Shore. It does not take much more than that to come to the conclusion that the cast of that show are, for lack of a better, a bunch of tools. First of all, I cannot believe that our society encourages this behavior, and not only that, will pay to see it. I mean, the cast members of that show, are now practically millionaires as a result of what?? I have yet to identify a talent, that should put them in a position to earn nearly a million dollars. Physicians, teachers, police officers, military, all of whom spend a great deal of time in school, training, and honing their craft, do not even come close to making this kind of a living. Yet, if you spray tan, drink excessively, fight, be promiscuous, treat others with NO respect, get arrested, and act as if you have no respect for yourself, not only will you succeed, there is a chance of being rich and famous. Is this really the message we want our collegiate graduates receiving?? If I spent hundreds of thousands of dollars sending my kid to college and as I look at the graduation announcement seeing Snooki as the speaker, I'm demanding my money back.
This era of reality TV is a very slippery slope. Children are so impressionable, soaking things up like sponges, by watching what they feel is "reality", It's no wonder they grow up with a warped perception of how life should be. It is an etirely differnt blog I can write about how parents no longer monitor what their children watch. Not only do children watch what they want, often times they are watching these shows in their rooms with no parent to discuss what's wrong with what is being shown to them. Remember the days where there were NO TVs in children's rooms, and you watched TV as a family (ahhhh, the good ole days). (Keep posted for following up on that comment). If I was a hormone crazed teen watching reality TV, alone to make my own judgements on the appropriateness of what I'm watching, I can imagine the conclusions I'd come up with. I mean, hey, if this is reality TV, this must be how the real world is.
Now we have to worry about. If you survive your Highschool years without doing something to sabotage your future, you get into college, and work hard enough to graduate. Now the last thing you hear before being set out into the workforce, is a speech by one of the cast members of not just a realit show, one of the most infamous shows on TV. Talk about an insult. You mean, I've worked so hard to graduate, now I have some uneducated, floozy speaking to me about my graduation and what to expect in the post college world.
Ok, so it's not just The Jersey Shore that contributes to this problem. The amount of reality shows that are on every network at all hours of the day provide numerous opportunities for young, impressionable teens to make their own assessments of what is reality and how they want their own reality to be. In my opinion, this is one of the reasons of why our society as become what it has. In my experience the number of young people with no desire to study, to work, to treat themselves with respect, and do something positive with their lives is steadily decreasing. I cannot blame them. We as a society are failing our youth.
To finish this post, I'd like to encourage all parents out there to play an active role in bringing up your children. Engage them with questions about what they've seen on TV, that will allow for future dialogue between you and yours. Encourage them to speak freely about what they are exposed to, that is the one of the only ways to police their behavior. If you can do this from an early age, talking about difficult topics will become easier. If your fortunate enough to have your child graduate from college, demand a speaker that will actually deliver useful information that can ensure they use their degrees to attain financial and emotional independence. But for the love of God, do not send them to a school that thinks that Snooki serves as a useful speaker at graduation.
I know a lot of you may like The Jersey Shore, and I apologize for using ur beloved Snooki as my example. You cant be too mad at me though. These are, after all, Just One Man's Thoughts
One Love,
Anthony
Sunday, July 31, 2011
What's in a name??
Ok guys,
I know it has been a long time since I posted. I've been kinda pre occupied with golf as I get the chance to play at Pebble Beach in less than a month. After some thought, and since I have time while my gumbo cooks, I thought about something I'd like to share my thoughts about. And remember as you read this, These are Just One Man's Thoughts.
That being said, let's talk about names. Now, as I am a pediatric ED doc, I get the opportunity to take care of children of all ages and all ethnic groups. This is what I, absolutely, LOVE doing. Through my career I've personally seen all types of names as well as heard "urban legends" of other children's names (i.e. Lemongelo, Orangelo, Shithead [pronounced Sha-theed]. Now, if you are a parent who named your child something "creative", "unique", or "trendy" I do not intend to offend you.
My first question, is how many of you have met, read about, or seen a news story on people with the name of; "diamond", "neveah", "Thomasina", etc....? If so, what was the story about???
Next question, how many presidents, kings, and CEO of Forbes 500 companies share these names??
I bet, NONE.
In other words, does the name you are given pre determine where you will end up??
I hate to say it, but I believe so. (Just one man's thoughts, remember).
By naming your child a "unique" name (for lack of a better term), you are putting a restriction on their potential. Now with everything, there are exceptions to this rule. I'm sure some day there may be a billionaire or President named Diamond Cinnamon Mc Bride (or something to that extent) some day, but I feel it's a long time coming. When turning in a job application, college application or undergoing some other attempt at success, by having a "unique" name, your application/idea will likely get put into the "I dont think so" pile. I know it seems a bit unfair that you will be pre judged based on your given name, but welcome to the USA!!!! Pre judgements are made all the time and , unfortunately, affect our chances at success.
I'd submit to soon to be parents that you give your child the best chance at success. That is the least you can do for your child who, for the first several years of their life, rely on you to get them in a position to succeed. This extends far beyond your child's name (diet, education, keeping an open mind), but something so simple can have PROFOUND affects on your child's future. I'm not saying that we cannot be creative when naming our kids, but think before you scribble down the first unique thought that comes into your mind. You may say, "What about movie stars?? They name their kids the craziest of names!". This is true, however, they have already allowed their children chances of success via their own success and fortune already established; So unless you are already a millionaire, president or CEO of a company, or an heir to a fortune, think at least a few minutes before you decide on a name.
When thinking of the name Alize...the most common phrase that comes to mind is : "Next on the mainstage, please welcome Alize" or " Next on Jerry Springer, please welcome Alize, who's baby daddy has been sleeping with her roomate's, brother's cousin who is a hermaphrodite tranny with 88 body piercings and 33 tattoos." Ok, ok, that's a little extreme, but you get the point.
When thinking of the name David, Jason, Lilian, Christoper, etc...The possibilities are endless.
Please parents, give your children the best chance at succeeding in a country that clearly has lines drawn to separate the upper from the middle from the lower class. There is no reason your family should not have as good of a chance to reach the upper class as others. That is what's great about this country.
Don't place a limit on them from the first day of their life. There are enough challenges out there.
And please remember, These are just One Man's thoughts.
Peace and Love
Anthony
I know it has been a long time since I posted. I've been kinda pre occupied with golf as I get the chance to play at Pebble Beach in less than a month. After some thought, and since I have time while my gumbo cooks, I thought about something I'd like to share my thoughts about. And remember as you read this, These are Just One Man's Thoughts.
That being said, let's talk about names. Now, as I am a pediatric ED doc, I get the opportunity to take care of children of all ages and all ethnic groups. This is what I, absolutely, LOVE doing. Through my career I've personally seen all types of names as well as heard "urban legends" of other children's names (i.e. Lemongelo, Orangelo, Shithead [pronounced Sha-theed]. Now, if you are a parent who named your child something "creative", "unique", or "trendy" I do not intend to offend you.
My first question, is how many of you have met, read about, or seen a news story on people with the name of; "diamond", "neveah", "Thomasina", etc....? If so, what was the story about???
Next question, how many presidents, kings, and CEO of Forbes 500 companies share these names??
I bet, NONE.
In other words, does the name you are given pre determine where you will end up??
I hate to say it, but I believe so. (Just one man's thoughts, remember).
By naming your child a "unique" name (for lack of a better term), you are putting a restriction on their potential. Now with everything, there are exceptions to this rule. I'm sure some day there may be a billionaire or President named Diamond Cinnamon Mc Bride (or something to that extent) some day, but I feel it's a long time coming. When turning in a job application, college application or undergoing some other attempt at success, by having a "unique" name, your application/idea will likely get put into the "I dont think so" pile. I know it seems a bit unfair that you will be pre judged based on your given name, but welcome to the USA!!!! Pre judgements are made all the time and , unfortunately, affect our chances at success.
I'd submit to soon to be parents that you give your child the best chance at success. That is the least you can do for your child who, for the first several years of their life, rely on you to get them in a position to succeed. This extends far beyond your child's name (diet, education, keeping an open mind), but something so simple can have PROFOUND affects on your child's future. I'm not saying that we cannot be creative when naming our kids, but think before you scribble down the first unique thought that comes into your mind. You may say, "What about movie stars?? They name their kids the craziest of names!". This is true, however, they have already allowed their children chances of success via their own success and fortune already established; So unless you are already a millionaire, president or CEO of a company, or an heir to a fortune, think at least a few minutes before you decide on a name.
When thinking of the name Alize...the most common phrase that comes to mind is : "Next on the mainstage, please welcome Alize" or " Next on Jerry Springer, please welcome Alize, who's baby daddy has been sleeping with her roomate's, brother's cousin who is a hermaphrodite tranny with 88 body piercings and 33 tattoos." Ok, ok, that's a little extreme, but you get the point.
When thinking of the name David, Jason, Lilian, Christoper, etc...The possibilities are endless.
Please parents, give your children the best chance at succeeding in a country that clearly has lines drawn to separate the upper from the middle from the lower class. There is no reason your family should not have as good of a chance to reach the upper class as others. That is what's great about this country.
Don't place a limit on them from the first day of their life. There are enough challenges out there.
And please remember, These are just One Man's thoughts.
Peace and Love
Anthony
Thursday, May 5, 2011
86,400
Good afternoon all,
It has been a while since my last post and I thought I'd get you guys caught up on my thoughts. Now the number in the title is what???
Can anybody guess???
Well, it is the number of seconds in each day. You can do the math if you like, but I', pretty sure it's right on the money. Now the focus of this post is to consider what you use that 86,400 to accomplish.
If you spend it wisely, aka cherishing each heart beat, doing good things for others, being a responsible parent, etc. Congratulations
If you spend the majority of those seconds thinking: " I wish I WOULDA done that", or " I SHOULDA done this", or "I COULDA spent my time doing this"......then you are not fully taking advantage of the time you've been given.
In other words. And we've all heard it; Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda's aint S#$&!!!!
Why spend your days wishing for what could have been, instead, do something about at and make things happen. Don't think about what you Should have done with your time.....DO it!!! I cannot tell you how many times I hear people looking back on an unproductive day, wondering where the time went and complaining that they did not get done what they needed to, only to waste the next day they've been given replaying the error of their ways the previous day.
I mean really, there are 86,400 seconds in EACH DAY. Make as many of them count as possible.
Spend each day like it should be. Treat it like its a gift, because, in all honesty, IT IS!!!!!! That's why they call it the "present". Wake up each day with a goal...then do everything in your power to accomplish it. I'm not saying, each day has to produce Nobel Prize Winning actions, but just take advantage of every moment we have on the earth. Have you told a friend, how lucky you are to have them in your life?? Have you told your kids you love them?? Have you finally started that home improvement project you've been talking about?? Have you stopped to look around, smell the air, feel the wind on your face, and said to yourself , "How lucky am I??". These types of things can be the start to great things where your day's are filled with positivity and potential. We all have to start somewhere.
At the end of the day, the moments you spend thinking about the Woulda's and Coulda's and Shoulda's, you are wasting those heartbeats.
Keep that in mind tomorrow morning when you will be given another 86,400 (if you are lucky).
But also remember,
These are just One Man's Thoughts
One love
Anthony
It has been a while since my last post and I thought I'd get you guys caught up on my thoughts. Now the number in the title is what???
Can anybody guess???
Well, it is the number of seconds in each day. You can do the math if you like, but I', pretty sure it's right on the money. Now the focus of this post is to consider what you use that 86,400 to accomplish.
If you spend it wisely, aka cherishing each heart beat, doing good things for others, being a responsible parent, etc. Congratulations
If you spend the majority of those seconds thinking: " I wish I WOULDA done that", or " I SHOULDA done this", or "I COULDA spent my time doing this"......then you are not fully taking advantage of the time you've been given.
In other words. And we've all heard it; Woulda, Coulda, Shoulda's aint S#$&!!!!
Why spend your days wishing for what could have been, instead, do something about at and make things happen. Don't think about what you Should have done with your time.....DO it!!! I cannot tell you how many times I hear people looking back on an unproductive day, wondering where the time went and complaining that they did not get done what they needed to, only to waste the next day they've been given replaying the error of their ways the previous day.
I mean really, there are 86,400 seconds in EACH DAY. Make as many of them count as possible.
Spend each day like it should be. Treat it like its a gift, because, in all honesty, IT IS!!!!!! That's why they call it the "present". Wake up each day with a goal...then do everything in your power to accomplish it. I'm not saying, each day has to produce Nobel Prize Winning actions, but just take advantage of every moment we have on the earth. Have you told a friend, how lucky you are to have them in your life?? Have you told your kids you love them?? Have you finally started that home improvement project you've been talking about?? Have you stopped to look around, smell the air, feel the wind on your face, and said to yourself , "How lucky am I??". These types of things can be the start to great things where your day's are filled with positivity and potential. We all have to start somewhere.
At the end of the day, the moments you spend thinking about the Woulda's and Coulda's and Shoulda's, you are wasting those heartbeats.
Keep that in mind tomorrow morning when you will be given another 86,400 (if you are lucky).
But also remember,
These are just One Man's Thoughts
One love
Anthony
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
We are what we eat
Good afternoon all,
After some thought about what I should bug you guys with this time I decided to tackle one of the most well known sayings in the English Language:
"You are what you eat"
Now, you can imagine what that saying means. Chances are, the originator of the phrase meant to convey the idea that if you put garbage into your body, your body will be garbage itself. I can talk about this at length, but I will only make a quick point. Just look around you. The incidence of obesity is an EPIDEMIC and it is only getting worse. I cannot tell you enough, how many overweight children I see on a daily basis while at work. It has gotten so bad that the people that look "thin", by definition, are probably still overweight (based on ideal body weights and BMI). This is a reflection of our Fast Food mentality. We are so busy as americans that we put anything in our mouth that can be prepared quickly and shoveled onto our plate. What happened to the days of taking time to prepare a meal, using healthy ingredients, and enjoying the time spent with family and friends consuming the meal.
This aspect is what I wish to discuss.....
As a child, dinner was a ritual in our family. We actually sat down together, talked about daily events, and took our time......What a concept?!?!? I believe this is beneficial far beyond the nutritional benefits. It was during these family meals that my parents were able to check up on my progress in school, the other children I was associating with, and my goals for the day, week, semester, or year. The info my parents were able to troll for, enabled them to be GREAT parents and make sure I was not straying off the right path.
Families today, routinely do not have this "ritual". Meals are prepared separately, families do not sit down to share the meal, and as we see in our everyday lives, some things have changed drastically as a result. First, the health factor, how can you learn to eat healthy things, as this is a life-long decision, when you are constantly gorging yourself on the fastest meal, the largest meal that one can consume in the shortest amount of time, or the meal that you eat while in the car?? In my opinion, this dumbing down of our knowledge of healthy foods has resulted in the average body habitus (i.e childhood obesity) we see all around us.
Second, how can parents keep their fingers on the pulse of what is going on in their kids life when they don't spend enough time to troll for information. Kids want and need structure in their lives although as teens it may seem that is the last thing they want. If I, as a kid, spent my meals alone, texting others, or trying to eat as fast as I can so I can watch Skins or The Jersey Shore, I can only imagine where I"d be now.
Long story short,
Parents, get back to the routine of eating as a family. I know schedules today are more hectic than ever, but try, try, try to at least share a meal or 2 as a family per week. You'd be surprised what you find out about your children and how easy it will become to get them talking. That's all you want; Your child talking to you. That way you know if school is tough, if they are being bullied, if they are experimenting with risk taking behavior. How else, can you ensure your child is developing in a healthy way. Remember, as a parent, it is YOUR responsibility to provide your child with the best chance at success. It is their responsibility to respond to the challenge.
So the next time you hear the phrase "You are what you eat"....try to find the deeper meaning. Although the health benefits are numerous, there is much more to be achieved by taking time to share a meal as a family. One can learn the value of hard work (preparing the meal), where our food comes from (talking about healthy ingredients and what makes them healthy), how to carry a proper conversation (No texting, no video games, and no social networking at the dinner table), how to know what proper portion size is (No super sizing at family dinner), and most importantly how to talk to your children and how your children can talk to you, etc.
So in essence, the "garbage" we eat or HOW we eat can have profound, long lasting consequences, that when done the right way can help ensure a fit body, sound mind, and functioning family unit.
Finally, hope this reaches at least one person and makes sense, and possibly, makes a difference....
These are after all,
Just one man's thoughts
One Love
After some thought about what I should bug you guys with this time I decided to tackle one of the most well known sayings in the English Language:
"You are what you eat"
Now, you can imagine what that saying means. Chances are, the originator of the phrase meant to convey the idea that if you put garbage into your body, your body will be garbage itself. I can talk about this at length, but I will only make a quick point. Just look around you. The incidence of obesity is an EPIDEMIC and it is only getting worse. I cannot tell you enough, how many overweight children I see on a daily basis while at work. It has gotten so bad that the people that look "thin", by definition, are probably still overweight (based on ideal body weights and BMI). This is a reflection of our Fast Food mentality. We are so busy as americans that we put anything in our mouth that can be prepared quickly and shoveled onto our plate. What happened to the days of taking time to prepare a meal, using healthy ingredients, and enjoying the time spent with family and friends consuming the meal.
This aspect is what I wish to discuss.....
As a child, dinner was a ritual in our family. We actually sat down together, talked about daily events, and took our time......What a concept?!?!? I believe this is beneficial far beyond the nutritional benefits. It was during these family meals that my parents were able to check up on my progress in school, the other children I was associating with, and my goals for the day, week, semester, or year. The info my parents were able to troll for, enabled them to be GREAT parents and make sure I was not straying off the right path.
Families today, routinely do not have this "ritual". Meals are prepared separately, families do not sit down to share the meal, and as we see in our everyday lives, some things have changed drastically as a result. First, the health factor, how can you learn to eat healthy things, as this is a life-long decision, when you are constantly gorging yourself on the fastest meal, the largest meal that one can consume in the shortest amount of time, or the meal that you eat while in the car?? In my opinion, this dumbing down of our knowledge of healthy foods has resulted in the average body habitus (i.e childhood obesity) we see all around us.
Second, how can parents keep their fingers on the pulse of what is going on in their kids life when they don't spend enough time to troll for information. Kids want and need structure in their lives although as teens it may seem that is the last thing they want. If I, as a kid, spent my meals alone, texting others, or trying to eat as fast as I can so I can watch Skins or The Jersey Shore, I can only imagine where I"d be now.
Long story short,
Parents, get back to the routine of eating as a family. I know schedules today are more hectic than ever, but try, try, try to at least share a meal or 2 as a family per week. You'd be surprised what you find out about your children and how easy it will become to get them talking. That's all you want; Your child talking to you. That way you know if school is tough, if they are being bullied, if they are experimenting with risk taking behavior. How else, can you ensure your child is developing in a healthy way. Remember, as a parent, it is YOUR responsibility to provide your child with the best chance at success. It is their responsibility to respond to the challenge.
So the next time you hear the phrase "You are what you eat"....try to find the deeper meaning. Although the health benefits are numerous, there is much more to be achieved by taking time to share a meal as a family. One can learn the value of hard work (preparing the meal), where our food comes from (talking about healthy ingredients and what makes them healthy), how to carry a proper conversation (No texting, no video games, and no social networking at the dinner table), how to know what proper portion size is (No super sizing at family dinner), and most importantly how to talk to your children and how your children can talk to you, etc.
So in essence, the "garbage" we eat or HOW we eat can have profound, long lasting consequences, that when done the right way can help ensure a fit body, sound mind, and functioning family unit.
Finally, hope this reaches at least one person and makes sense, and possibly, makes a difference....
These are after all,
Just one man's thoughts
One Love
Saturday, February 12, 2011
Raise that bar
Good evening all,
I thought I 'd write a quick post regarding the bar that parents hold for their children. Some background why I am addressing this is that two days ago I heard a story on the news about a couple of kids that were involved in a fight, a pretty violent one at that, on their school campus. A school security guard responded and in an attempt to break up the fight, one of the kids was hit with the officer's walkie. The father of this child is upset that the guard "hit" his child, and feels the guard should be punished.......
Now.....C'MON
What happened to the days where no matter what happened, parents would hold their kids accountable?? The way I was brought up was that if there was, ever, an incident where a child and an adult were at odds.....the CHILD WAS AT FAULT. This, I think, stems from the old saying "respect your elders". Why on earth is the father that I mentioned previously NOT upset with his fighting child??
My belief is that children now are held to a lower standard than when I was young, and this may be partly accountable to the craziness that we see around us everywhere.
The fact is, that no matter where a parent sets the bar of achievement, children will try to reach that bar.
If you are happy with your kid getting C's in school and getting into trouble at any opportunity, your children will do just that. If you are happy with your child skipping school to play video games, or to meet up with other children causing trouble, so be it......That is what you will get.
I recall when I was a child and I'd get all A's and one B. My father would greet me with the statement; "What happened on that B". At the time, I'd be frustrated thinking it's only one B. But I'll tell you what, next grading period, I'd do WHATEVER it took to get rid of that B. Now look, I'd like to consider myself a moderately successful guy with a future and career earning potential. The bar my dad had for me allowed for this level of success, and although sometimes life was not a box of chocolates, things couldn't be sweeter now that I am an adult.
As long as parents are "OK" with mediocrity for their children, that is what they will get. I submit to ALL parents, young and old, new and experienced; SET THAT BAR HIGH. You will be surprised how your child will respond. As long as you keep the bar to a level that is easily reached your children will not learn how to face adversity and pull up those boot straps when times get tough.
One final example follows. Several months ago in Phoenix a group of students were on an international school trip. They were caught with alcohol in their hotel room and were subsequently disciplined by the school. The parents of these "fine" children raised a fuss and were mad at the school!!!! Really!?!? The school?!? How about being disappointed in your kids. They let you down, the school is just trying to let them know there are consequences to behavior like this. The parents set quite the example for their kids....Do what you want, and if you do something wrong and get punished, maybe it is the authority figure's fault. Do you see how this way of thinking can lead a young mind down the wrong path?? With no sense of wrong and right, no sense of consequences and furthers the nation's sense of entitlement. I can go on and on about this but will stop here.
As I end this post....Parents, please raise the bar for your children. Instead of fearing that you expect too much and your bar may be too high; let them see what you expect and figure out a way to meet those expectations. Teach them right and wrong. Let them know that there are consequences for EVERY action. Teach them to treat others how they want to be treated. That is the only way to get them in the best position for future success.
You may or may not agree with me.....but just remember.....
These are just one man's thoughts
One Love
I thought I 'd write a quick post regarding the bar that parents hold for their children. Some background why I am addressing this is that two days ago I heard a story on the news about a couple of kids that were involved in a fight, a pretty violent one at that, on their school campus. A school security guard responded and in an attempt to break up the fight, one of the kids was hit with the officer's walkie. The father of this child is upset that the guard "hit" his child, and feels the guard should be punished.......
Now.....C'MON
What happened to the days where no matter what happened, parents would hold their kids accountable?? The way I was brought up was that if there was, ever, an incident where a child and an adult were at odds.....the CHILD WAS AT FAULT. This, I think, stems from the old saying "respect your elders". Why on earth is the father that I mentioned previously NOT upset with his fighting child??
My belief is that children now are held to a lower standard than when I was young, and this may be partly accountable to the craziness that we see around us everywhere.
The fact is, that no matter where a parent sets the bar of achievement, children will try to reach that bar.
If you are happy with your kid getting C's in school and getting into trouble at any opportunity, your children will do just that. If you are happy with your child skipping school to play video games, or to meet up with other children causing trouble, so be it......That is what you will get.
I recall when I was a child and I'd get all A's and one B. My father would greet me with the statement; "What happened on that B". At the time, I'd be frustrated thinking it's only one B. But I'll tell you what, next grading period, I'd do WHATEVER it took to get rid of that B. Now look, I'd like to consider myself a moderately successful guy with a future and career earning potential. The bar my dad had for me allowed for this level of success, and although sometimes life was not a box of chocolates, things couldn't be sweeter now that I am an adult.
As long as parents are "OK" with mediocrity for their children, that is what they will get. I submit to ALL parents, young and old, new and experienced; SET THAT BAR HIGH. You will be surprised how your child will respond. As long as you keep the bar to a level that is easily reached your children will not learn how to face adversity and pull up those boot straps when times get tough.
One final example follows. Several months ago in Phoenix a group of students were on an international school trip. They were caught with alcohol in their hotel room and were subsequently disciplined by the school. The parents of these "fine" children raised a fuss and were mad at the school!!!! Really!?!? The school?!? How about being disappointed in your kids. They let you down, the school is just trying to let them know there are consequences to behavior like this. The parents set quite the example for their kids....Do what you want, and if you do something wrong and get punished, maybe it is the authority figure's fault. Do you see how this way of thinking can lead a young mind down the wrong path?? With no sense of wrong and right, no sense of consequences and furthers the nation's sense of entitlement. I can go on and on about this but will stop here.
As I end this post....Parents, please raise the bar for your children. Instead of fearing that you expect too much and your bar may be too high; let them see what you expect and figure out a way to meet those expectations. Teach them right and wrong. Let them know that there are consequences for EVERY action. Teach them to treat others how they want to be treated. That is the only way to get them in the best position for future success.
You may or may not agree with me.....but just remember.....
These are just one man's thoughts
One Love
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Dont waste those heartbeats
Good evening,
I thought i would begin this blog by explaining one of the most important statements that I've ever heard and the rule that I try to live my life by....
' Don't waste your heartbeats'
As you read that you might figure you "feel me", or at least have a hunch what this statement means. Briefly, if you think about the fact that from the moment you where born to the moment you leave this earth, your heart has a finite number of beats that it is programmed to beat before it stops. There is no dispute that this fact is true. No matter where you believe the "program" comes from; God, a predetermined fate, or just dumb luck; you cannot dispute the fact that your heart, at some point, will stop beating. This fact is scary to some, unavoidable to others, and a blessing to few. The important point, is what are YOU going to spend your heart beats on??
Your heart beat generally beats at a constant and consistent rate. There will be moments where your heart will beat slowly (i.e. during sleep) and quickly (i.e. exercise, stress, etc.). Now, taking into account that your heart has a "set" number of beats, it is the times where your heart beats quickly that you are "spending" them faster. In moments that you are worrying about things out of your control or other trivial items you may ecounter in life, in my opinion, you are wasting those beats. It may be something as simple as when you are driving your vehicle and the light turns yellow. If your response is to accelerate and beat that light, I bet your heart rate increases. Do you really want to "spend" those heartbeats hoping to beat a yellow light? Or if, for instance, you don't know if your flight will leave on time and you worry about it, your heart rate will increase. Now, the flight leaving on time has NOTHING to do with anything in your control. Don't waste your heartbeats in instances like this.
The take home point is this. If we are blessed with a finite number of heartbeats, spend and utilize each one in a positive way, even if the positivity is sitting at a red light, relaxing, thinking about how good you have it. You are alive and upright, you have the ability to see if the light is red or not (many unfortunate people live on this earth blind and would do anything to be able to sit a red light looking around), you have the motor skills to operate a vehicle (many people suffer from diseases that affect their ability to operate machinery, or are paralyzed). Do you see what I'm getting at??? Each minute of every day is a gift to be enjoyed. Not rushed, not taken for granted, and not wasted rushing to get to tomorrow. I submit that we should all try to live our lives with a constant, slow, relaxed heart rate. Just imagine how much more pleasant life could be if we all did not let ourselves get worked up over trivial things or things we cannot control.
That's all I will say for now. And wether you agree or not, remember this....
These are just 'One man's thoughts'
One Love,
Anthony
I thought i would begin this blog by explaining one of the most important statements that I've ever heard and the rule that I try to live my life by....
' Don't waste your heartbeats'
As you read that you might figure you "feel me", or at least have a hunch what this statement means. Briefly, if you think about the fact that from the moment you where born to the moment you leave this earth, your heart has a finite number of beats that it is programmed to beat before it stops. There is no dispute that this fact is true. No matter where you believe the "program" comes from; God, a predetermined fate, or just dumb luck; you cannot dispute the fact that your heart, at some point, will stop beating. This fact is scary to some, unavoidable to others, and a blessing to few. The important point, is what are YOU going to spend your heart beats on??
Your heart beat generally beats at a constant and consistent rate. There will be moments where your heart will beat slowly (i.e. during sleep) and quickly (i.e. exercise, stress, etc.). Now, taking into account that your heart has a "set" number of beats, it is the times where your heart beats quickly that you are "spending" them faster. In moments that you are worrying about things out of your control or other trivial items you may ecounter in life, in my opinion, you are wasting those beats. It may be something as simple as when you are driving your vehicle and the light turns yellow. If your response is to accelerate and beat that light, I bet your heart rate increases. Do you really want to "spend" those heartbeats hoping to beat a yellow light? Or if, for instance, you don't know if your flight will leave on time and you worry about it, your heart rate will increase. Now, the flight leaving on time has NOTHING to do with anything in your control. Don't waste your heartbeats in instances like this.
The take home point is this. If we are blessed with a finite number of heartbeats, spend and utilize each one in a positive way, even if the positivity is sitting at a red light, relaxing, thinking about how good you have it. You are alive and upright, you have the ability to see if the light is red or not (many unfortunate people live on this earth blind and would do anything to be able to sit a red light looking around), you have the motor skills to operate a vehicle (many people suffer from diseases that affect their ability to operate machinery, or are paralyzed). Do you see what I'm getting at??? Each minute of every day is a gift to be enjoyed. Not rushed, not taken for granted, and not wasted rushing to get to tomorrow. I submit that we should all try to live our lives with a constant, slow, relaxed heart rate. Just imagine how much more pleasant life could be if we all did not let ourselves get worked up over trivial things or things we cannot control.
That's all I will say for now. And wether you agree or not, remember this....
These are just 'One man's thoughts'
One Love,
Anthony
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