The Weekly Word: March 6th, 2022

What I've Been Thinking About...
Early this week I had a walk and talk with a friend who works with the NYFD. As we were discussing our thoughts on things, he brought up the idea that human nature looks for "the path of least resistance". I agreed to a point but then I looked at him and said, "You don't". He is the guy who runs INTO the burning building, not away from it. If he chose the easy route, he might be sitting at a desk doing some trivial, meaningless work. But that is not who he is. In my opinion, he had a calling to serve and he answers that every day.   

Even though it is hard at times, I will not lose hope on human nature and say people always choose the easy route. Unfortunately in some cases, it takes an awful catastrophe to bring people together and serve one another. It happened during WWII during the Blitzkrieg, it happened here in America after 9/11 and now, it is happening in the Ukraine as they defend their country from invasion. The Ukrainians did not choose the easy route. The did not hand down their arms and capitulate to an invader. They chose the hard route and in the end, I hope they are rewarded for their courage with freedom. 

What I've Been Reading...
Common Sense by Thomas Paine
This legendary pamphlet was published in 1776. In it, Paine made a persuasive and impassioned plea for the colonies to gain independence from Great Britain. His writings spread through the colonies like wildfire. As George Washington wrote, "I found that Common Sense is working a powerful change there in the minds of many men. Few pamphlets have had so dramatic an effect on political events". According to some historians, this document sparked the American Revolution. 

One of my favorite quotes is in the opening pages as he writes, "a long habit of not thinking a thing wrong, gives it superficial appearance of being right". He knew, hundreds of years ago, that accepting what is the norm as right can lead to problems. In order for progress to occur, customs must be challenged and as let time and reason decide what is truly right and wrong.  

Fitness Tip of the Week
While in California, we met with a friend whose mother recently had a weight loss surgery. She was doing well and is working hard to stay on track but her daughter mentioned that often times, those who suffer from something like food addiction often struggle post-surgery. Sometimes it is with continuing unhealthy food habits, or as is often the case, they replace one addiction with another (alcohol, shopping, excessive dieting, etc.)

This led me to think that it is not exercise programs, weight loss surgeries or gadgets that will bring you the satisfaction or peace of mind that we are all searching for. It is working on the self and recalibrating your mind that leads to transforming your life into what you aspire it to be. Growth and transformation require constant attention. It is not easy but what is life without a good challenge?  

What I've Been Watching...
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel season 4
Marisa and I have been eagerly awaiting the release of this season. I am always a little worried when a new season of something comes out that it will not live up to your expectations. After watching four episodes, I am no longer worried about that with this show! The humor is great (often times a little dirty), the dialogue is always entertaining and the situations these characters find themselves in are almost unbelievable. It is a great show and would recommend starting at season 1 and getting ready for some laughs!

Quote of the Week
"Keep some room in your heart for the unimaginable" -- Mary Oliver

I hope you all have an awesome week!
Chris Fluck