Balancing the Wheels of Life …
Jun 01, 2016 07:34PM ● By Annette Briggs (Owner/Publisher)
Hey Readers … Back By Popular Demand!
“Just as your car runs more smoothly and requires less energy to go faster and farther when the wheels are in perfect alignment, you perform better when your thoughts, feelings, emotions, goals and values are in balance.” These are the words of TV host Brian Tracy, reflecting on the topic of balance—this month’s editorial theme. The fact is that many individuals either don’t understand or underestimate the importance of maintaining proper balance—mentally, emotionally and physically. How important is balance? Consider our amazing planet, the Earth.
As the Earth orbits around the Sun, it must make minute adjustments to conform to its elliptical “track.” It digresses from a straight line one-ninth of an inch every 18 miles. If the change were a 10th of an inch, the Earth would be too cold for life. If the adjustment were an eighth of an inch, the Earth’s surface would be a blazing oven. What an amazing (and … yes, a little scary) display of precise balance. The Earth’s axis measures 23.5 degrees away from the Sun’s axis of rotation. Because of this precise tilt, we enjoy defined seasons—again, balance on display.
What about the oceans that we flock to, even in our great state? They play a critical role in regulating the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, absorbing nearly one-third of human-caused carbon dioxide emissions. In fact, approximately 93 percent of the Earth’s carbon dioxide is found in its oceans. They also regulate the weather and form the clouds that bring fresh water, vital to our existence. Ocean plants also produce half of the world’s oxygen.
As our natural world clearly reveals, balance is crucial. I know that I often center my thoughts on women …but what about men, specifically those in our lives? I feel it’s no coincidence that Tracy used the example of a car when reflecting upon the topic of balance. Most men love their automobiles, often caring for them better than they do themselves. They wash them, wax them and meticulously service them, maintaining good running condition. However, when it comes to finding balance and maintaining good personal health, wellness and relationships … the tires of life are often “flat” with no oil left in the engine.
In fact, health and wellness statistics reveal that many men are in great need of a “tune up” or “realignment.” According to the Centers for Disease Control, the percentage of men 20 years and older impacted by obesity is 34.6 percent. Likewise, the percentage of men suffering from hypertension is 31.6 percent, with cancer and heart disease being two of the three leading causes of death for men. Many men also find it difficult to process and communicate emotional hurts, struggles and personal challenges correctly and effectively, often resulting in strained and broken relationships.
On behalf of wives, kids, friends and families everywhere, I declare to our beloved men, “Man up!” For the sake of all in your world, I encourage and challenge you (whom I greatly esteem) to take a good look “under the engine” and make the tough but necessary choices related to health, wellness and relationships. Find that elusive balance, as Tracy observed, to go farther fully-aligned.
Happy Father’s Day,
