Americans are asked to volunteer information that could lead to the apprehension of terrorists or their supporters. Complying can cut across confidentiality and privacy. That makes things a little tricky. If someone tells you something in confidence it would certainly be difficult to go against the promise you have made to keep things between the two of you. But we’re not talking about a little neighborhood gossip here or little tidbits of information that if made public could be embarrassing or upsetting to a few. When it’s terrorism or something with wide-spread implications don’t we owe it to our fellow Americans – which includes people we love and care about deeply – to make sure that we do everything in our power to keep our country safe from harm – whatever that potential harm is? I think we do.
No doubt it would be difficult to be a whistle-blower in any situation. It can thrust us into something that is involved and complicated and that brings adversity upon us. It seems like a small price to pay, however, when you look at the implications of doing nothing. Can anyone look back at 9/11 and honestly say they would not come forward if they had information that could prevent something like that or even something much, much smaller in scale? I can’t imagine anyone could.
Look at our economy? Really, did no one have any idea of the fraudulent things going on in many companies or by individuals? Yes, there was a lot of irresponsible behavior as many were just “rolling with the good times” but there was a lot of fraud, a lot of reckless and unethical if not illegal goings-on. What if some folks stepped forward earlier or at all? Might it have made a difference?
And how about politics – do we want people running our states or working on federal legislation who are mostly out to serve their own self-interests rather that the people who they represent? Especially when they are breaking laws in the process?
I believe it is our responsibility as citizens to do the difficult thing and get involved when we become aware of things that can be detrimental or much worse for the lives of others, even when the impact on ourselves is negligible. Our safety is a big deal. Our financial well-being is a big deal. Our country’s laws and policies and freedoms are a big deal. If there are people out there who are a threat to those ‘things’ then we must do something about it if and when we can. I do feel it is my responsibility to do what I can to ensure the best possible life for those I love and those with whom I live on this earth.
Are you readily willing to volunteer information that might lead to the apprehension of terrorists? Why?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Another Thought for This Holiday Season
Henry Van Dyke said, “What you possess in the world will be found at the day of your death to belong to someone else. But what you are will be yours forever.” As we rush around and shop for “things” during the holidays I wonder how often we shoppers stop to think about who we are, what we are teaching our children and what kind of examples we are setting for others. Isn’t that the greatest gift of all? To give of ourselves to others? To give our love, our kindness, our gratitude? To be generous in spirit above all else? Isn’t that the “stuff” that’s the most important? Yes, yes it is.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love shopping for people and finding that "perfect" gift. And I love watching the kids rip open packages and seeing the looks of surprise on their faces and the smiles of happiness in response to Santa bringing them exactly what they asked for. Christmas is a time in our house to replenish and update in many ways. As the kids age, they grow so they need clothing and shoes that will fit their changing bodies. They also evolve intellectually and socially thus new and different books, toys and music are requested to feed those interests. We are fortunate to be able to provide these types of material gifts to the kids at Christmas but we also really try every year to make sure they see how important the little and not so little non-material things are. We try to remember to talk about and show them how important it is to be kind, to show your love, to give of yourself, to be gracious and generous - not just at Christmas but all the time.
Mr. Van Dyke is correct – all our ‘things’ will pass on to others one day. They may hold good memories and be special reminders of loved ones for us but they are often just catalysts – catalysts for thoughts of who those people were. For example, I have my grandmother’s piano in my basement. My children play it and I love that thing because it holds wonderful memories of visits to her house when I was a child. But it is her I see, and her I think about when I look at it or listen to the kids play on it. I remember that kind, sweet, smiling, funny, tiny lady who was so generous with her time. She took us on bike rides and to yard sales to find “special treasures”. She let my sister and me drink “coffee” from this tiny Santa mug (it was about 99% milk and 1% coffee) so we could feel “grown up”. We would swing together on her porch swing. She made us dresses for dances when we were in middle school and high school. She told me stories about my grandfather who died in World War II before my mother was old enough to go to school. The way she described him to me when I was a senior in high school I could almost feel how much she loved him. I remember that so clearly. Tears came to her eyes remembering him – some fifty years later. It was true love I saw - I felt - when she spoke. I have in my dining room china cabinet these reddish pink drinking glasses that once were displayed in her dining room china cabinet. They make me smile. Because they are pretty? No, although they are pretty. It's because I see her in them and that resultant thought is what makes me smile. Who she was. She set a good example. She made people laugh and liked to laugh. She meant well all the time. She loved us and we felt it. She cared and we knew it. She persevered as a young mother and widow. She was strong in spirit. That was who she was.
The glassware I have that belonged to her is nice and I cherish it but if they were to break they are gone forever. Just a thing that is no longer and that will be soon forgotten. But my Grandma Porter will forever be who she always was. For eternity. She was a true gift. I hope one day my kids and grandkids will remember me as kindly. I want to be remembered that way. I want to be that gift to them the way she was to me.
So, here’s another thought to ponder this holiday season: Who are you today? Is it who you want to be?
Happy Holidays and Peace to All.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I love shopping for people and finding that "perfect" gift. And I love watching the kids rip open packages and seeing the looks of surprise on their faces and the smiles of happiness in response to Santa bringing them exactly what they asked for. Christmas is a time in our house to replenish and update in many ways. As the kids age, they grow so they need clothing and shoes that will fit their changing bodies. They also evolve intellectually and socially thus new and different books, toys and music are requested to feed those interests. We are fortunate to be able to provide these types of material gifts to the kids at Christmas but we also really try every year to make sure they see how important the little and not so little non-material things are. We try to remember to talk about and show them how important it is to be kind, to show your love, to give of yourself, to be gracious and generous - not just at Christmas but all the time.
Mr. Van Dyke is correct – all our ‘things’ will pass on to others one day. They may hold good memories and be special reminders of loved ones for us but they are often just catalysts – catalysts for thoughts of who those people were. For example, I have my grandmother’s piano in my basement. My children play it and I love that thing because it holds wonderful memories of visits to her house when I was a child. But it is her I see, and her I think about when I look at it or listen to the kids play on it. I remember that kind, sweet, smiling, funny, tiny lady who was so generous with her time. She took us on bike rides and to yard sales to find “special treasures”. She let my sister and me drink “coffee” from this tiny Santa mug (it was about 99% milk and 1% coffee) so we could feel “grown up”. We would swing together on her porch swing. She made us dresses for dances when we were in middle school and high school. She told me stories about my grandfather who died in World War II before my mother was old enough to go to school. The way she described him to me when I was a senior in high school I could almost feel how much she loved him. I remember that so clearly. Tears came to her eyes remembering him – some fifty years later. It was true love I saw - I felt - when she spoke. I have in my dining room china cabinet these reddish pink drinking glasses that once were displayed in her dining room china cabinet. They make me smile. Because they are pretty? No, although they are pretty. It's because I see her in them and that resultant thought is what makes me smile. Who she was. She set a good example. She made people laugh and liked to laugh. She meant well all the time. She loved us and we felt it. She cared and we knew it. She persevered as a young mother and widow. She was strong in spirit. That was who she was.
The glassware I have that belonged to her is nice and I cherish it but if they were to break they are gone forever. Just a thing that is no longer and that will be soon forgotten. But my Grandma Porter will forever be who she always was. For eternity. She was a true gift. I hope one day my kids and grandkids will remember me as kindly. I want to be remembered that way. I want to be that gift to them the way she was to me.
So, here’s another thought to ponder this holiday season: Who are you today? Is it who you want to be?
Happy Holidays and Peace to All.
Saturday, December 13, 2008
Exercise & Better Self-Esteem
According to one study in the Annals of Behavioral Medicine, people who exercise regularly have better self-esteem. When exercise stopped, self-esteem regressed. There have been many studies that report improved mental health as well as physical health through exercise. From my own experience I would have to validate this study.
I do excercise regularly. Well, mostly. At times I am more of a sporadic exerciser. It seems to become sporadic in busy times - around holidays, when the workload piles up, when the kids have lots going on. Interestingly, these are the times when it is likely needed more than others - at least mentally. I usually run or ride a recumbant bike for aerobic exercise then do weight training to work my muscles. Nothing major, just some resistance training. Exercise takes time so it's easy for folks to say there is no time. Funny, though, how there is always time to watch that favorite television show or chat online with friends or go shopping or have coffee with a neighbor or do other "me" stuff. All of those things may be good things to do to relax and unwind too but can't we can find time for a little exercise?
If you ask me it is a major player in our feelings of self esteem. Big time. I totally feel better about myself when I am exercising. Whether I look any better in the mirror or not isn't the only thing that causes me to feel better about myself, it's also about knowing that I simply did it; that it's good for me and in some way or another it's benefiting me.
Feeling good about myself gives me confidence. I like myself more when I'm exercising. When I exercise I am taking responsibility for my health and I respect myself for that. It takes determination sometimes to make myself trudge down to the basement for that workout or venture outside for a run. I sometimes have to push myself pretty hard to continue on with a workout when I really feel like going to bed so I have to have perseverance. But it's all worth it for in the end I feel so much better - happy with myself - after that hour - or even half an hour sometimes when I'm crunched for time. My clothes fit. I don't get winded when I climb the stairs. I don't look in the mirror and say "I should really start exercising." It's all good when I'm in my exercise routine.
What do you think? Does exercise help your self-esteem? Why do you think this way? And if you don't exercise, how might your self-esteem be different or better if you did?
I do excercise regularly. Well, mostly. At times I am more of a sporadic exerciser. It seems to become sporadic in busy times - around holidays, when the workload piles up, when the kids have lots going on. Interestingly, these are the times when it is likely needed more than others - at least mentally. I usually run or ride a recumbant bike for aerobic exercise then do weight training to work my muscles. Nothing major, just some resistance training. Exercise takes time so it's easy for folks to say there is no time. Funny, though, how there is always time to watch that favorite television show or chat online with friends or go shopping or have coffee with a neighbor or do other "me" stuff. All of those things may be good things to do to relax and unwind too but can't we can find time for a little exercise?
If you ask me it is a major player in our feelings of self esteem. Big time. I totally feel better about myself when I am exercising. Whether I look any better in the mirror or not isn't the only thing that causes me to feel better about myself, it's also about knowing that I simply did it; that it's good for me and in some way or another it's benefiting me.
Feeling good about myself gives me confidence. I like myself more when I'm exercising. When I exercise I am taking responsibility for my health and I respect myself for that. It takes determination sometimes to make myself trudge down to the basement for that workout or venture outside for a run. I sometimes have to push myself pretty hard to continue on with a workout when I really feel like going to bed so I have to have perseverance. But it's all worth it for in the end I feel so much better - happy with myself - after that hour - or even half an hour sometimes when I'm crunched for time. My clothes fit. I don't get winded when I climb the stairs. I don't look in the mirror and say "I should really start exercising." It's all good when I'm in my exercise routine.
What do you think? Does exercise help your self-esteem? Why do you think this way? And if you don't exercise, how might your self-esteem be different or better if you did?
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