Spend an Entire Day in Gratitude

June 9, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus

Although this is very simple, it’s not as easy as it seems.

Go 24 hours without complaining about anything; not only to others, but to yourself.

Thank you so much.

Do not complain about politics, the weather, bad drivers, inconsiderate people, high prices, or traffic. Do not disparage customers, clerks, or those with opposing views. Do not think negative thoughts about co-workers, friends, or family.

Most importantly, do not berate yourself for where you are in life or where have you yet to go. Do not put yourself down for your mistakes, your accomplishment, or your appearance.

If you really want to “push” yourself, each time you feel the urge to be negative, find a way to be grateful instead.

Try it for one day.

What’s odd is how the rest of the world seems to change when you do.

Anchors A-Weight

June 4, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

There are “big picture” and “smaller picture” health choices.

A lump in one’s breast is “big picture.” Finding time to take a walk or choosing between deep fried or grilled chicken could be classified, “smaller picture.” Granted making enough wise “smaller picture” health choices is a “big picture” issue in the end. However for discussion sake, “big picture” issues are beyond the control of the every-person, requiring action without delay. “Smaller picture” issues provide choice and possess the luxury of time.

So, although lowering my sodium intake today, a smaller picture issue, will not have a direct affect in the immediate, it could – over time — determine whether or not I get high blood pressure and a stroke, a definite “big picture” issue.

The “big picture” is made of infinite “small pictures.”

“Big pictures” require more knowledge to correct than do “small pictures.” As example, no one has the wherewithal to preform self-administered angioplasty after suffering a myocardial infarction. Conversely, when it comes to the “small picture,” we usually possess enough understanding to know what to do. It doesn’t take a cardio surgeon’s expertise to know that a deep dish, 12-meat-special, 24-inch pizza infused with gooey, dripping, cheese crust is not as healthy as a veggie stir-fry. One need not be an Olympic athlete to recognize that a morning walk is healthier that catching up with gossip on “The View.” Even non-scholars comprehend that reading is a superior way to relax than is the third martini.

We appreciate these to be true. Moreover, unlike “big picture” decisions, we maintain control over our decisions and actions.

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Find Fun Ways To Move More

June 2, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

If you’re able to walk, find excuses to do so.

Don’t worry about how far nor how long; just find a way to move your body a little further.

If you can’t walk, stand up for a few minutes each hour. If you can’t stand, move your arms and hold in your stomach.

Not only does getting out of your chair help you stay (or get) fit, but it burns a few calories, it reduces bone loss, and it holds back a myriad of diseases.

And remember it’s virtually impossible to feel sad or angry when walking briskly.

(Try it the next time you’re upset. You’ll see that’s correct.)

Remember What Matters

May 26, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Make sure your priorities stay top-of-mind.

Not everything is equally important.

One of the main reasons we don’t move forward is we forget that we cannot do everything all the time. We stress ourselves out thinking of how much we have to do. We then get overloaded and shut down.

Take time to remember what really matters by using the “Five Year Rule.”

As yourself if anyone will really know or care about this event five years from now.

If the answer is “No,” let it go. Get to it when you can – if you want to.
If the answer is “Yes,” it’s important. Take care of it as soon as you can. Then take a moment for yourself.

Do not mistake activity for accomplishment.

What can Happen in one Moment?

May 21, 2014 by Scott "Q" Marcus Leave a Comment

Given time and inspiration, what can be accomplished in 100 years?

Just over a century ago, the must-have vehicle was the initial Model T as it rolled forth on rickety spoked wheels for the first time from the Ford assembly line. The traffic signal, invented by Garrett A. Morgan, flashed for the first time 15 years later. (Most likely, although lacking tangible proof, tailgaters, gridlock, and rush hour started when the second automobile hit the streets.)

The radio tuner, allowing listeners to select different stations, transmitted its debut in 1916. Short wave tagged along three years hence. John Logie Baird switched on mechanical televisions, predecessor to modern TVs, in 1925. Frequency modulation (“FM”) first broadcast in 1933 and the earliest color TV flickered to life in 1940. The first cellular phone rang in 1979 (probably in a movie theater).

Medicine marched onward. Sir Frederick Grant Banting invented insulin (1922). Alexander Fleming devised penicillin (1928). Wilson Greatbatch brought life to the internal pacemaker in 1959, followed by Robert Jarvik’s artificial heart in 1978.

Even toys changed. Silly putty bounced and the slinky slinked on to the scene, both in 1943. Mr. Potato Head was appealing in 1952. Cabbage patch kids flew from shelves in 1983.

So much can happen in the passing of a century. Yet, what can one mortal do in only one lifespan?