“You can count how many seeds are in the apple, but not how many apples are in the seed.” ~ Ken Kesey
Month: December 2021
👊 Today’s Power Thought ~ Where is Your Focus?
The wise ones don’t get trapped by pettiness or revenge. They focus on getting better and making a contribution.
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ Be Kind to Your Gut
The bacteria in your gut, collectively called the gut microbiota, are incredibly important for overall health. A disruption in gut bacteria is linked to some chronic diseases, including obesity and a myriad of digestive problems. Good ways to improve gut health include eating probiotic foods like yogurt and sauerkraut, taking probiotic supplements — when indicated — and eating plenty of fiber. Notably, fiber serves as a prebiotic, or a food source for your gut bacteria.
Today’s Smile 😃
Joe: “My wife accused me of being immature.”
Pete: “What did you say.”
Joe: “I was kind. I asked her to join me in my tree house.”
🤗 A Better Life ~ What are you Talking About?
If all you talk about is what’s wrong, dangerous, or threatening, I imagine your anxiety level is high and you might feel angry. What if you talked about what can be done, good experiences, and optimistic dreams for the days ahead? I imagine you’ll feel a lot better. The negative stuff is a big weight tied to our waist and holds us back.
🌾 Today’s Poem ~ Lesson 1
Lesson 1
Julie Hill Alger
At least I’ve learned this much:
Life doesn’t have to be
all poetry and roses. Life
can be bus rides, gritty sidewalks,
electric bills, dishwashing,
chapped lips, dull stubby pencils
with the erasers chewed off,
cheap radios played too loud,
the rank smell of stale coffee
yet still glow
with the inner fire of an opal,
still taste like honey.
Life doesn’t have to be
all poetry and roses. Life
can be bus rides, gritty sidewalks,
electric bills, dishwashing,
chapped lips, dull stubby pencils
with the erasers chewed off,
cheap radios played too loud,
the rank smell of stale coffee
yet still glow
with the inner fire of an opal,
still taste like honey.
💡 Something to Think About
Life is tough enough without me adding to someone else’s problems. Most days my plate is more than full taking care of myself.
👊 Today’s Power Thought ~ A Better Focus
Learn from the times you’ve been hurt, don’t dwell on them, don’t give energy to getting even. Focus all energy on getting ahead and doing good.
🍎 Today’s Health Tip ~ Run Away from Ultra Processed Foods
Ultra-processed foods often contain additives like added sugar, highly refined oil, salt, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, colors, and flavors as well. Ultra-processed foods are easily overeaten, and activate reward-related regions in the brain, which can lead to excess calorie consumption and weight gain. Studies show that diets high in ultra-processed food can contribute to obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic conditions. In addition to low quality ingredients like inflammatory fats, added sugar, and refined grains, they’re usually low in fiber, protein, and micronutrients. Thus, they provide mostly empty calories.
🌾 Today’s Poem ~ Christmas Bells
Christmas Bells
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Their old, familiar carols play,
And wild and sweet
The words repeat
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And thought how, as the day had come,
The belfries of all Christendom
Had rolled along
The unbroken song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Till ringing, singing on its way,
The world revolved from night to day,
A voice, a chime,
A chant sublime
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
Then from each black, accursed mouth
The cannon thundered in the South,
And with the sound
The carols drowned
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
It was as if an earthquake rent
The hearth-stones of a continent,
And made forlorn
The households born
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!
And in despair I bowed my head;
“There is no peace on earth,” I said;
“For hate is strong,
And mocks the song
Of peace on earth, good-will to men!”
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead, nor doth He sleep;
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men.”
