Joe: “I went to the pet chop and bought a goldfish. The clerk asked me if I wanted an aquarium.”
Pete: “What did you say?
Joe: “I said, “I don’t care what its horoscope sign is.”
Month: June 2023
Thinking Out Loud ~ What Will I Become?
I conclude my reflections on Victor Frankl’s work Man’s Search for Meaning, with Frankl’s affirmation of the human freedom to determine what he/she becomes as Frankl says, “within the limits of his/her endowment and environment.” A human being is not one thing among others; things determine each other, but man is ultimately self-determining. . . . In concentration camps, for example, in this living laboratory, and on this testing ground, we watched and witnessed some of our comrades behave like swine, while others behaved like saints. Man has both potentialities within himself; which one is actualized depends on decisions, but not on conditions. P. 155
NOTE: Hopefully we will never experience the living hell of a concentration camp as Frankl and millions of others have. We, however, are confronted each moment with choices on how to live our lives. Will we be faithful to our commitment to a partner? Will we honor and love our parents as they age? Will we support fairness and justice for all people? What kind of neighbor am I; do help my neighbors when they need help? These are a few examples of the choices that we have to make. How we make our choices determines the kind of man or woman we want to become.
Poem for Today ~ God’s Grandeur
God’s Grandeur
Gerard Manley Hopkins
The world is charged with the grandeur of God.
It will flame out, like shining from shook foil;
It gathers to a greatness, like the ooze of oil
Crushed. Why do men then now not reck his rod?
Generations have trod, have trod, have trod;
And all is seared with trade; bleared, smeared with toil,
And wears man’s smudge and shares man’s smell; the soil
Is bare now, nor can foot feel, being shod.
And for all this, nature is never spent;
There lives the dearest freshness deep down things;
And though the last lights off the black West went,
Oh, morning, at the brown brink eastward, springs—
Because the Holy Ghost over the bent
World broods with warm breast and with ah! bright wings.
Feel Good Tip of the Day ~ Let it Slide
Some folks believe you have to answer each criticism with a strong defense and go on the attack. To me that’s wasted energy. It’s better to let it slide. The moment we give the criticism or the person doing the criticism our attention it becomes the moment we cede control to them. Let the criticism drift on by and get on with matters and people more important and meaningful. You’ll feel better and they’ll get the message that you’re not interested in playing their game.
Thinking Out Loud ~ The Wind Beneath Your Wings
Victor Frankl says in Man’s Search for Meaning, speaks of love being the only way in which we can fully grasp and understand another human being . He says, “Love is the only way to grasp another human being in the innermost core of his personality. No one can become fully aware of the very essence of another human being. Unless he loves him by his love, he is enabled to see the essential traits and features in the beloved person; and even more he sees that which is potential in him, which is not yet actualized, but yet ought to be actualized, furthermore by his life, a living person enables the beloved person to actualize these potentialities. By making him aware of what he can be, and of what he should become, he makes these potentialities come true. P. 116
NOTE: Have you had a person in your life who believed in you and what you might become even when no one else saw your possibilities? I was fortunate to have a person like that in my life. My wife was, as the song lyrics say, “the wind beneath my wings.” When we offer this gift to another, we open up a world they may never thought possible. Will you be the wind beneath someone’s wings today?
Joke of the Day
Joe: “I went to my doctor about my sore knee. He took hold of my leg and said, You have a jammed knee.”‘
Pete: “What did you say?”
Joe: “I said, ‘You’re pulling my leg.'”
Health Tip of the Day ~ Need to Up Your Fiber?
Five highly nutritious foods that are rich in fiber:
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- Chia Seeds: Chia seeds are packed with fiber, providing around 10 grams of fiber per ounce (28 grams). They are also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and various minerals.
- Lentils: Lentils are legumes that are high in both fiber and protein. One cup of cooked lentils contains about 15 grams of fiber. They are also rich in folate, iron, and other essential nutrients.
- Avocado: Avocados are not only creamy and delicious but also a great source of fiber. One medium-sized avocado contains around 10 grams of fiber. They are also rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, vitamin K, vitamin C, and various other nutrients.
- Split Peas: Split peas, which are a type of legume, are incredibly high in fiber. One cup of cooked split peas provides approximately 16 grams of fiber. They are also a good source of protein, folate, and iron.
- Berries: Berries, such as raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries, are packed with fiber and antioxidants. For example, one cup of rasP
Source: ChatGPT
Inspiring Quote for Today ~ It’s Never Too Late
“It is never too late to be what you might have been.”
Health Tip for Today ~ Peanut Butter Is a Healthy Option If . . .
5 Tips to Make Peanut Butter a Healthier Option
- Choose natural and high-quality brands: Opt for natural peanut butter without added sugars, hydrogenated oils, or preservatives. Look for options that contain only peanuts and maybe a bit of salt. These varieties tend to be healthier as they avoid unnecessary additives.
- Practice portion control: While peanut butter is nutritious, it is also calorie-dense. To avoid overconsumption, be mindful of your portion sizes. Stick to recommended servings, usually about two tablespoons, to keep your calorie intake in check.
- Consider the salt content: Some peanut butter brands may contain added salt, which can contribute to excessive sodium intake. Excessive sodium consumption is linked to health problems like high blood pressure. To reduce your sodium intake, choose unsalted or low-sodium peanut butter options.
- Pair it with balanced foods: Peanut butter can be a part of a balanced diet when combined with other nutritious foods. For example, spread peanut butter on whole-grain bread, add it to a smoothie with fruits and vegetables, or use it as a dip for apple slices or celery sticks. Combining it with other nutrient-rich foods helps create a balanced meal.
- Be mindful of allergies: Peanut butter is a common allergen, and some individuals may have severe allergic reactions to peanuts. If you or someone you’re serving has a peanut allergy, it’s essential to avoid peanut butter altogether and choose an alternative, such as almond butter or sunflower seed butter.
