Focus on the Good

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We all have our ups and downs, good days and bad. The world is filled with peaks and valleys, just like life. As we travel on a road or through time, we experience, and never escape, those every so present undulations.  
With the constant bombardment of negativity on the network airways and in the printed press, you would assume the sky has fallen and the end of the world is near. Are those scare tactics and gloomy methods new? No! It has been that way since man first walked upright. 

For every negative aspect of life, there is a good one. The world is filled with goodness. Where you decide to look is up to you. Do you pay attention to the downers and pessimists, or do you notice what is positive and optimistic. The choice is yours and that choice is the very essence of free will. 
Sometimes we just need a simple reminder to look with fresh eyes, to see the good, and not listen to the bad. One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:8:

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

The apostle Paul, 2000 years ago, challenged the people of that time to seek out and dwell on the positives in their lives and not focus on what is negative. We all need that reminder from time to time because we aren’t perfect and our emotions and thoughts can be easily hijacked by the utterances of others. 

So today, try to refocus your mind and attitude. Take Paul’s advice, and, at least for a little bit, see the good and the bright in life. Leave the negativity to those that are comfortable with, and seem to love and dwell in it, to them for their warped pleasure. Focus instead on what is good, and pure, and right….it is all around you if you only focus, look, and listen. 

Being Fit Does Not Mean You are Healthy

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Struggle. Lack of knowledge. Determination. These words closely summarize my continuing attempt to live a healthy and fit life. Over the years, I have grappled to find the best programs to develop my physical self. Some have worked, some have failed. But I haven’t given up, nor will I. Like most of us, my education in this area continues to be greatly tempered with obligations and things that pull us in different directions. I hope to share with you my journey and what I have learned; take what you want and leave the rest.

I have always been physically active. My parents were athletic; Mom played industrial basketball and Dad received a scholarship for baseball in their younger years. From them, I received the importance of physical fitness and healthy competition. I played different sports as a child, and ran track and played football in high school. In college, I swam and played intramurals. I even played rugby until I broke my wrist. I tried to stay active in college, doing the best I could with what I had.

During my Senior year of college, I got very sick and tried to press on. I was about to learn a life lesson from that decision that has stayed with me to this day. Instead of taking the time to heal and get over a cold, I kept up my normal schedule; I didn’t rest or slow down enough to allow my body to recover. I ignored the symptoms as the cold got progressively worse. As a result, I developed pneumonia and then pleurisy and ended up in the infirmary sleeping for 24 straight hours.

Laying in that sick bed, I realized that my health was a vital part of existence; as vital a part as my mental development. I saw that physical movement does not equal health. Somehow, that part of learning was not being emphasized by systems of higher education. I concluded that it would be up to me to stay fit and healthy.

I had to drop some courses to recover at a new pace and with a new attitude. As I resumed my studies, I focused a little more of cardio development and building my lungs back up by running. Physical fitness would now be a part of my daily activities. I started jogging the trails around campus and it felt good both physically and mentally. A new activity was born.

As I entered the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate School, physical fitness was emphasized along with mental and spiritual development. The obstacle courses, swimming, long runs, marching, and attention to detail was what I had been looking for and didn’t know it. I flourished there and enjoyed every minute. I couldn’t get enough. Fitness was an integral part of development– something I had not truly incorporated prior to that time.

Fast forward 30 years. I was flying for a major airline, was a Captain on a B-767, and traveling internationally. I weighed 226 pounds. I had bursitis in my shoulders. My knees ached and I had sinus infections several times a year. I ran into a classmate of mine that had gained a lot of weight since we were hired– I didn’t recognize him. He barely recognized me. When I walked away, I had another epiphany. It was time for another change. I had forgotten what I had learned.

I had always wanted to run a marathon. But how does an overweight, out of shape, 226 pound man with bad knees do that? I knew I needed help and sought out a coach. Not just any coach, but I wanted to invest in the best and make it worth my time and effort. So, I contacted Chris Carmichael, Lance Armstrong’s coach.

He was limited and very expensive for what I needed, so he referred me to one of the other coaches that worked for him, Katie White. Katie was a cyclist and she soon changed my life…again. She took the time to listen to my needs and explored my physical abilities. She put me on a diet, and I started water running of all things.

Slowly, I lost weight, the bursitis disappeared, my knees improved, and my mental fog disappeared. Instead of going for a marathon, see introduced me to triathlon. My first sprint was scheduled and I showed up weighing 176 and feeling fit. That first race was eye-opening. Whatever could go wrong did. But I loved it. A new stage of my life was born and a new way of living emerged.

But the story doesn’t stop there. I have learned a lot during the last ten years about health, fitness, what it takes, and where I want to go. It is an ongoing education and I will share more with you soon. In the meantime, please don’t settle and allow yourself to get out of shape. A little determination, self control, and discipline practiced everyday will make you stronger. And a stronger, healthier you is what we should all be seeking.

Go Rest High On That Mountain

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Two years ago today, my Mom said her last goodbyes. Her final words were spoken with love, dignity, and seemingly without fear. Somehow, the huge pain I felt was lessened by her bravery and acceptance. Yet, I stood dumbfounded as life slipped from her body.

The week before, I called her from my car on the way to to do a swim. I called my Mom everyday when I could, usually in the morning, to catch up and tell her about my life and adventures and she about her’s. She loved to get up, fix coffee, and sit watching the birds feed as she enjoyed the morning brew. I usually called in the middle of that morning ritual, and she always enjoyed it.

While we were talking she got sick–very nauseous and had to excuse herself. I told her I’d call back in a minute of so. I called and she was still very sick, vomiting and light headed. She said she was going to lay down to see if it went away. I told her I’d call her again after I swam and she said that would be fine.

When I called a little over an hour later, she was still very sick. She was not a complainer, but something didn’t seem right this time. I tried several times to contact my Dad, who was working on a project about an hour away, to have him check on her. Unfortunately, I could not reach him and left messages. I called my sister to let her know and she attempted to call Dad. I had to fly to Manchester England early that afternoon.m and was running out of time.

I was driving to the airport when Dad arrived home and took Mom to her doctor. The doctor had her rushed in an ambulance to the hospital. As I was briefing, my Dad let me know that she was being examined and they thought things would be alright and that I should fly my trip.

When I got to Manchester England, I learned that Mom had suffered a heart attack and was admitted to the ICU. Over the past year or so, she had complained of heartburn and tightness in her chest. The doctors missed the obvious, and diagnosed lung problems, and had her gall bladder removed– the problem was her heart all along. Hearing of her condition, I felt helpless and alone. I didn’t want to be in England at that moment, nor did I want to be around strangers that I barely knew doing things I didn’t feel like doing; I wanted to be home with her and Dad. I had to wait until the next day to fly back to the States.

When I arrived in Atlanta, I repacked and then drove up to Asheville and immediately went to the hospital to see her. She was conscious and, as always, glad to see me. But, she looked so frail and little and didn’t have the enormous energy she usually had. I knew something was very wrong.

We learned that she had suffered a massive heart attack from complete blockage of her left anterior descending artery– the widow maker in common usage. But her innate physical strength prevented it from taking her despite 60% destruction of her heart tissue. She was not going to recover, and if she did, she would never be the same.

My sisters were called and my son, her only grandchild, arrived to be with her. Hard decisions were made, and the palliative doctors did their magic. She was able to say goodbye to each of us, although deep down, she was fighting to stay alive and return to her home. She still had things she wanted to accomplish.

At 1:44 p.m. on June 4th, she took her last breath. Cindy, Kim, Sam and I were standing around her bed. Dad was holding her hand. I looked at my Mom and knew her earthly journey was done and her new life had begun. Then I looked at my Dad.

My Dad and Mom had been married for 61 years– they were best friends. They grew up together and never thought they would marry each other. But they did and had so many adventures with great ups and downs. Their love was deep and true. As Mom passed away, I saw a little of life leave my Dad at that moment as well; his hurt and pain was obvious. He cried and was in disbelief, a state in which I hardly ever saw him. Seeing him, my sisters, and my son hurting so much pounded my very core.

It was if part of me left the room and would never be back. She was a great Mom that taught me how to live. She instilled in me the power of fight, to never give up. She pushed me to try new things and not be afraid. She showed me that I was as good as anyone else, yet owed it to others to help them out. She opened my eyes to beauty, art, and music. She felt strongly about being spontaneous and feeling the joy of living through my senses. She loved people, cared deeply, yet didn’t take lip from anyone. She loved her big and extended family deeply. The list of traits she past to me is long and meaningful. And she still had more, I am sure, she wanted to teach and share.

In the end, some of her final words were, “It came so fast.” It did. We never expected it to end like that. None of us know how or when it will end. But it will end. My Mom lived a full life with meaning and fought the good fight. She died peacefully and with faith that she would be stepping into a new and glorious world promised to her as a Christian. She was beautiful in life and death. Her lessons will remain with me as long as I live and breathe. She wouldn’t want it any other way.

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear.

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“’Come to the edge,’ He said.

They said, ‘We are afraid.’

‘Come to the edge,’ He said.

They came. He pushed them…

and they flew.”  – Guillaume  Appollinaire

Fear. The distressing emotion associated with real or imagined feelings of dread or apprehension. We have all felt that powerful emotion and often become paralyzed in its grasp. The strong hold of fear often prevents us from moving forward; moving in the direction our goals and away from impending danger. We can become immobilized by its power if we aren’t aware of our innate ability to overcome it. Fear often prevents us from realizing our own inner strength and wealth.

Where do you think the most wealth in the world is found? In banks? In art museums? In the world’s biggest cities? Nope, none of these. The place where the overwhelming wealth of the world is located is graveyards. Generations of would-be entrepreneurs, inventors, artists, writers, and so many others that did not fulfill their dreams lie buried there along with their possibilities. They took their ideas, wishes, and opportunities with them, never sharing them with the world or developing their own true wealth. Why? For the most part…fear.

Fear of rejection, misunderstanding, criticism, and other’s opinions prevented them from sharing their inner wealth with the world.  The world is a poorer place because they let their imagined fears get the best of them. Don’t let fear control you. Embrace its energy and intensity to compel you to greater heights. Learn to be uncomfortable and experience its power. Repeated exposure to the things you fear will deplete its grip over you.

Do not let your dreams and wishes die with you because of imagined fears; don’t let others rob you and the world of your inner wealth.  Take inventory of your fears, embrace them, go to the edge, and jump.  Don’t be afraid. Take charge and overcome your fears. Your wings will allow you to fly; they just need to be spread and used.

 

Seize the Day as Jealous Time Flees

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“How did it get so late so soon? It’s night before it’s afternoon. December is here before it’s June. My goodness how the time has flewn. How did it get so late so soon?” – Dr. Seuss

As I was growing up, I had a very successful great-uncle that believed, “Most people live for the weekend.” At the time, I really didn’t understand what he meant, nor did I really care. But as I grew older, his philosophy and insight made more sense to me. The average person has a mindset that struggles through the week and looks forward to Friday night, Saturday, and Sunday to bring them relief from the burdens of the world.

People seem to hate Monday, see Wednesday as “hump day” and “Thank God it’s Friday.” They wish away time and squander it living for the future. They seek pleasure in mind-altering ways, strive to find companionship among the equally lost, and skim across the surface of life without purpose or vision. I’ve been there and know of what I speak. Seeking pleasure without true inner purpose leads to a vacuous life. But as we grow older, we often grow wiser.

With wisdom and experience, we can realize that self-actualization is possible and time management is essential. Through honest self-examination, we can see that time is the one resource that we cannot create or purchase. Take my great-uncle’s advice to heart and don’t waste your life away living for the weekend. Live with purpose and conviction and discover what you truly love to give depth to your life.

Are you doing what you really want to do, or are you speed skating on the surface of unfulfillment and pleasure? Prioritize your activities, live every day to the fullest, invest your time in the things you love, and enjoy your accomplishments and the ones that love you. Time and health are our most valued of gifts; please don’t give them away.

The Magnificient Olmstead Linear Park of Atlanta–a great place to run

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“The beauty of the park … should be the beauty of the fields, the meadow, the prairie, of the green pastures, and the still waters. What we want to gain is tranquility and rest to the mind.” – Frederick Law Olmsted

One of my favorite places to run near my house is Olmstead Linear Park (originally called Ponce de Leon Parkway); it was designed by famed American 19th century landscape architect, Frederick Law Olstead. Among Olmsted’s many other notable works are New York City’s Central Park, the Capitol grounds in Washington, D.C., Boston’s Emerald Necklace, and the Biltmore Estate.

Many people pass by the Park daily without knowing its history or tranquility. Olmstead designed it for as a place for Atlantans “to go after the day’s work is done.’ Unfortunately, many in the traffic that hurry along Ponce de Leon never pause to take in the parks beauty. That is why running through it is so refreshing and peaceful.

In the following pictures, I have tried to capture some of the early Spring time essence of the Park. The Park is divided into unique areas, beginning with Springdale. Springdale is the western most segment of the park (he corner of Ponce and Moreland) where concrete meets rolling pastures and aged oaks. It is also the home area of The Atlanta Boys Choir.

The next segment is Virgilee, named after ]oel Hurt’s daughter. Mr. Hunt was the developer of the Druid Hills area of Atlanta and the site of the Park. Virgilee is an open meadow with magnificent old trees and plants along the edge.

Oak Grove is next. It’s name is fitting since the area is filled with many old Oak trees. Among the Oaks is found the open pastors Olmstead loved.

Shadyside has additions supplied by 1930s WPA work efforts such as an old well, a bridge, and waterfall, and pool. Dellwood is named after a depression, a dell, in the pastor at the eastern end of the Park. Across from this area is Fernbank Center and the Druid Hills Country Club. Finally, Deepdene concludes the park with 22 acres of wooded tract with a stream flowing through it.

A great place to run or stroll, or even sit and read, if you are ever in Atlanta and looking for a relaxing place to visit.

 

 

Up and Running with an eLawyer office

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Looking for legal help at an affordable price and with access twenty-four hours a day? You don’t have to depend upon traveling to a law office and then spending time and money waiting around for advice. I offer you estate planning and divorce services online. Simply go to http://www.GlennCookLaw.com and follow the links to the service you desire. It is that simple.

I know it is often difficult for many to travel to a lawyer’s office or to find the time for an appointment. No longer. Because of the Internet, it is now possible for those needing legal help to find and receive it twenty-four hours a day, no matter where they are in the world. It is efficient, extremely affordable, and backed by my personal input.

Why spend thousands of dollars when the same product is available for much, much less? When your options are to hire a lawyer and his staff at hourly rates or to take a chance with do-it-yourself forms, it makes more sense to use modern technology and a lawyer equipped to provide personal service online at greatly reduced cost for the same value.

I spent years in a Georgia office charging my clients not only for my time, but to cover overhead. I always felt there had to be a better way to serve those in need and to reach those that could not afford my rates. As I traveled the world, I saw the great value of the internet and the ability to reach others around the clock. So, I have moved my practice from a brick-and-mortar establishment to an eLawyer office.

Now you can have access to my services 24 hours a day and year round. You will receive great value for the money you spend in an innovative and timely manner. I personally review all documents before they are e-mailed back to you in a secure and confidential manner. If needed, I can meet you for one-on-one consultation in person, on the phone, or via Skype. Please, take a look. If you have any questions or concerns, I will gladly answer them.

Divorces and Estate plans available to Georgia residents only. Aviation, Veterans, and Mediation services available nationwide. http://www.GlennCookLaw.com