I don’t believe you have to be better than everybody else. I believe you have to be better than you ever thought you could be. ~ Ken Venturi
optimism
Today’s Inspiring Quote: Love is All
Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything, you will perceive the divine mystery in things. Once you perceive it, you will begin to comprehend it better every day. And you will come at last to love the whole world with an all-embracing love.
In Memoriam A.H.H. ~ A New Year’s Eve Poem by Alfred Lord Tennyson
In Memoriam A.H.H.
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Ring out, wild bells, to the wild sky,
The flying cloud, the frosty light:
The year is dying in the night;
Ring out, wild bells, and let him die.Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.Ring out the grief that saps the mind
For those that here we see no more;
Ring out the feud of rich and poor,
Ring in redress to all mankind.Ring out a slowly dying cause,
And ancient forms of party strife;
Ring in the nobler modes of life,
With sweeter manners, purer laws.Ring out the want, the care, the sin,
The faithless coldness of the times;
Ring out, ring out my mournful rhymes
But ring the fuller minstrel in.Ring out false pride in place and blood,
The civic slander and the spite;
Ring in the love of truth and right,
Ring in the common love of good.Ring out old shapes of foul disease;
Ring out the narrowing lust of gold;
Ring out the thousand wars of old,
Ring in the thousand years of peace.Ring in the valiant man and free,
The larger heart, the kindlier hand;
Ring out the darkness of the land,
Ring in the Christ that is to be.
Today’s Inspiring Quote: What is the Best Day of the Year?
Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.
Thinking Out Loud: Who Are You?
“The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
— Ralph Waldo Emerson
NOTE: Emerson takes away all excuses. It’s up to us to decide who we want to be. There is a huge difference in choosing between what I want to be and who I want to be. What I want to be is a choice of careers. We pursue the what. Often in pursuit of the what our what changes. Who I want to be refers to something much deeper and intrinsic to our being. Only those close to us and our self know the who I am. Other people see us in terms of what I am. Do I choose to listen to the voices demanding I become more of what I am? Or, do I listen to the internal voice that says, “Who are you? And, who are you becoming?” Take time to reflect on those questions. What would those who are closest to you say?
Thinking Out Loud: Become a Spark of Light
“Even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise.”
― Victor Hugo, Les Misérables
NOTE: Every person I’ve known has experienced dark nights. The darkness, at times, can seem to be devoid of any semblance of light. We wander through the darkness with our arms outstretched trying to find our way through. Suddenly, a flicker of light instills in us a great hope that the darkness will end. Where does the flicker of light come from? It comes from each of us when we become aware of a friend, a family member or another walking in the darkness. Each of us has the power to be a new dawn in someone’s life. We can make the day brighter. I am grateful for those who gave me sparks of light during my dark night journies.
Eating Sugary Pastries Can Contribute to Type 2 Diabetes
Eating sugary pastries can contribute to the development of type 2 diabetes through several mechanisms:
- High Sugar Content: Pastries often contain high amounts of sugar. Consuming large amounts of sugar can lead to spikes in blood glucose levels. Over time, frequent blood sugar spikes can contribute to insulin resistance, a key factor in the development of type 2 diabetes.
- Simple Carbohydrates: In addition to sugar, pastries are typically made with refined flour, which is a simple carbohydrate. Simple carbohydrates are broken down quickly by the body, leading to rapid increases in blood sugar levels. This can exacerbate insulin resistance over time.
- Weight Gain: Pastries are also high in calories and fats, contributing to weight gain when consumed in excess. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of type 2 diabetes, as it can increase insulin resistance.
- Impact on Insulin Production: With regular consumption of high-sugar foods, the pancreas is required to produce more insulin to help glucose enter cells. Over time, this can lead to insulin-producing cells wearing out, reducing the body’s ability to regulate blood sugar effectively.
- Inflammatory Effects: Frequent consumption of sugary and highly processed foods can contribute to chronic inflammation in the body. Inflammation is believed to play a role in insulin resistance and the development of type 2 diabetes.
It’s important to note that while eating sugary pastries can increase the risk, type 2 diabetes is a complex condition influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and overall diet. Moderation and a balanced diet, alongside regular physical activity, are key in reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.
