Today’s Poem: Next Time by Mary Oliver

Next Time

Mary Oliver

Next time what I’d do is look at
the earth before saying anything. I’d stop
just before going into a house
and be an emperor for a minute
and listen better to the wind
or to the air being still.

When anyone talked to me, whether
blame or praise or just passing time,
I’d watch the face, how the mouth
has to work, and see any strain, any
sign of what lifted the voice.

And for all, I’d know more — the earth
bracing itself and soaring, the air
finding every leaf and feather over
forest and water, and for every person
the body glowing inside the clothes
like a light.

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Health Facts: Often Feeling Angry? It May be Your Diet

Here are two lesser-known but important health facts about the relationship between anger and diet:

  1. Omega-3 Deficiency Can Worsen Anger and Mood Swings: A diet lacking in omega-3 fatty acids, commonly found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, has been linked to increased aggression and anger. Omega-3s are critical for brain health and emotional regulation, and studies suggest that a deficiency may lead to irritability, mood swings, and difficulty managing anger.
  2. High Sugar and Processed Food Intake Can Trigger Aggressive Behavior: Diets high in refined sugars and processed foods can cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, which impact emotional stability. These rapid changes in glucose levels may contribute to feelings of irritability and anger. Additionally, processed foods can affect gut health, which is linked to mental well-being through the gut-brain axis, further influencing emotional responses.

Being mindful of these factors can help in managing anger through dietary choices.

Source: ChatGPT

Today’s Joke: Joe Had Life Figured Out, Until . . .

Joe: “Pete, I once had a handle on life.”

Pete: “What happened, Joe.”

Joe: “It broke.”

Today’s Thought: Creating Our Lives One Day at a Time

“What you do today can improve all your tomorrows.” — Ralph Marston

A happy and successful life is slowly built one day at a time. It’s built by the habits we cultivate, the values we set as our foundation, and the small acts of courage that define who we are. It’s never too late to begin building the life we want. It’s up to us to create it beginning today. Do you dare to begin creating a happy and successful life? What are three foundational values that support everything you will build?

Can You Solve this Anagram?  

Daily anagram challenge! Sharpen your brain with today’s anagram puzzle. Unscramble the letters to reveal the hidden word or phrase, and submit your answer to see if you’re correct. Happy puzzling!

Today’s Anagram:  

Today’s Quote: Dare to Step Out

“You can’t cross the sea merely by standing and staring at the water.” — Rabindranath Tagore

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Today’s Poem: Snowball by Shel Silverstein

Snowball

Shel Silverstein

I made myself a snowball
As perfect as could be.
I thought I’d keep it as a pet
And let it sleep with me.
I made it some pajamas
And a pillow for its head.
Then last night it ran away,
But first it wet the bed.

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Health Facts: Are You Getting Enough Collagen?

Here are two important but lesser-known health facts about collagen:

1. Collagen Supports Gut Health

While collagen is widely known for its role in skin, hair, and joint health, its impact on gut health is less recognized. Collagen contains high levels of the amino acid glycine, which has been shown to support the integrity of the gut lining. This is crucial for people dealing with conditions like leaky gut syndrome, where the gut lining becomes more permeable, allowing toxins and undigested food to leak into the bloodstream. Collagen helps strengthen and repair the gut lining, potentially aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.

2. Collagen Production Declines Rapidly After Age 20

Although many people know that collagen production decreases as we age, it’s less known that this decline starts as early as our mid-20s. Studies suggest that after age 20, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases by about 1% per year. By the time we reach our 40s, collagen levels can be significantly reduced, contributing to visible signs of aging, joint discomfort, and slower tissue repair. Proactively supporting collagen production through diet, supplements, or other strategies can help mitigate these effects.

Source: ChatGPT

Today’s Joke: Joe and His Landlord Have an Issue

Joe: “My landlord sent me an email saying he needs to talk to me about cutting back on my heat.”

Pete: “What did you say?”

Joe: “I emailed my landlord that my door is always open.”

Today’s Thought: What You See May Not Be What You See

I’m at the gym today. I’m working up a sweat on the elliptical. My mini iPad is in front of me and I’m reading the latest Daniel Silva book. A guy walks behind me. I caught a glance of him. He says, “How’s it going, Ray.” He went on an elliptical machine four machines to my right. I turned and said, “Great, how are you doing?” He replied, “Great.” That all sounds normal, but I didn’t recognize him. I’m really good with remembering names. I couldn’t place him. I didn’t think I ever met the guy. If I didn’t meet him, then why did he sound so familiar to me? My book was exciting, but my brain wanted to solve the mystery of the man 4 ellipticals down from me. I tried not to be too obvious as I glanced his way. I saw a tattoo on his left arm. I looked at his face. I figured it out. I knew who it was. I’ve only known him with his full beard. And, he always wears a ball cap and sweatpants. Today, he was clean shaven, no, I mean zero facial hairs. He wasn’t wearing a ball and he was mostly bald. No sweatpants either. He was wearing workout shorts. When he left I called to him by name. His appearance lay hidden behind a beard and a hat. How often do we hide important aspects of our identity? What are we hiding?

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