Happines in Life - Or, Where does contentment come from

Today I find myself wondering about what brings contentment in life.  I was taught growing up to go to school, learn all I can, get a good job, work hard, get married, have a family, and that will satisfy.  So I set out to do just that.  In the 80's i finished school, married my high school sweetheart, launched my career, started a family, and began acquiring things like cars and houses  Funny thing, they didn't satisfy.  if anything, the left me feeling more empty. Reading Self Help Books didn't give me any answers, religion confused me.  I remember sitting in my office one day thinking, "There will always be someone faster, smarter, better looking, getting paid more, with nicer things."  I realized if that is what I pursued, I would always be left feeling like I missed out.

If anything, I am learning that life is moving to quickly to sit back and watch it go by.  For me, life is about connection, about relationship, about intimacy.  I truly desire to be known more than I desire to be rich.  I want to have friends more than I want a position.  I want to make a difference in the lives of others, more than I want status symbols.  I am learning that my family brings me more happiness than a job, that time with my wife is more important than a promotion.  I am starting to realize that it is possible to pursue something whole heatedly only to find out it was the wrong thing.  I am coming to this conclusion as I watch others give up what is most important to pursue that which does not satisfy.  As the son of a preacher, I have been told this many times.  However, I am just know coming to realize it for myself. I want to make sure that I live a life of No Regrets.  My goal is to make a difference, to me that will bring true happiness and contentment.  My battle to get it right continues.  It all comes down to the choices I make today.

Blood Pressure Woes- Reduce Naturally

As a kid growing up, I remember my dad constantly having to take pills.  As I got older learned that they were for his blood pressure.  He would complain about the cost of the pills, he would try to lose weight, he would start to exercise and then quit.  What I remember saying to myself, was that I would never go on blood pressure medication.

As a result of my saying that, I avoided the doctors office for almost ten years.  I was putting on weight, I was feeling fatigued, and all I could picture in my mind was my dad and his pills.  After much insistence from those who love me, I reluctantly made and appointment and went in.  I was told I needed to lose weight, that I was at risk for diabetes, and that I had - HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE.  I knew it was coming, I had avoided it as long as I could.  The solution according to the doctor was Blood Pressure Medication to solve the immediate concern, and then to lose weight, exercise, and to become healthy.  I have done as he requested regarding the medication, I have tried to diet a few times, and I start and stop exercise all the time. I sound just like my dad. However, there are now alternatives that were missing when my dad was still alive, and that is Natural Ways to reduce Blood Pressure.  Ways to lower the numbers without filling yourself with medications.  If you are looking for Natural Ways to reduce your blood pressure check out this program by Mike Grafstein.  In my battle I am trying to find ways everyday to win without pills, surgery, or other non natural ways. Let me know if you are successful in your battle.

Thanksgiving Weight Gain isn't Our Real Problem

Thanksgiving has come and gone, and with it a few extra pounds.  Listening to my car radio Friday, Oregon Public Broadcasting ran a feature stating that you shouldn't worry about the pounds you may have put on during the Thanksgiving meal.  The dietitian they were interviewing stated that the Turkey was mainly protein and fat, the potatoes were carbs and fat, the pumpkin pie was carbs and fat, and on he went.  What caught my attention was a statement he made part way through the interview.  He said what we should all be worrying about is not the quick pounds, but the one or two pounds that we put on each year.  He said the quick weight will come off quickly by just going back to our normal routine.  It is the routine that causes us to gain weight slowly over time that we should all worry about.

My long term routine has had the impact of adding about 2 pounds a year over the last 25 years.  That is 50 pounds of gaining weight over time.  My routine just keeps adding and adding.  With it comes high blood pressure and the potential for Type II Diabetes.  That wasn't my plan as I graduated college and started my career.  As a result I find myself once again starting on my yearly weight loss plan.  Most recently I have come across a few plans that sound promising.  I will be taking a closer look at one I recently came across on the internet.  You can check it out if you Click Here!  I have grown tired of South Beach Diet and want to try something different even though I have been successful on SB over the years. I would be interested in hearing what diet you have tried with success. I will continue to battle on.