Author Archives: Edward Brownlee

Just One More Year’

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When contemplating retirement, the scarcity mindset can lead to a common rationalization: If I work another year (or two, or three …), it will ensure that I have enough retirement assets to last in retirement.

The “Just One More Year Syndrome,” stresses that while retirees should continue work if they find it rewarding, but “each additional year of work only guarantees that you’ll die with more money.” More money to pass on to your heirs and the Internal Revenue Service.

You are trading life energy (which is limited) for money that you did not need. Will it be worth it?” he asked. More importantly, will working one more year ease your scarcity mindset and help you sleep better at night? What about more workplace stress and less time with your family?

Practicing Gratitude Can Benefit Physical Health, and Mental Well-Being

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Practicing gratitude and being thankful can lead to greater success in just about every area of your life.

Researchers have found that gratitude impacts physical and mental health, correlating to lower blood pressure and heart rate and even better sleep quality. Other studies have found that gratitude builds stronger relationships and emotional well-being.

You can spend 40 seconds a day being consciously thankful and grateful. At a certain point, that thankfulness will start to become second nature—your brain can be rewired to find the positive in every situation and with less conscious work on your part.

Granted, it’s much easier to be positive when everything feels and is going great. The challenge is to figure out how to be grateful when things feel horrible and then train your brain to find that the positive in every situation.

Source:  https://www.success.com/practicing-gratitude/

 

$15-Billion VA Budget Shortfall

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Congress must immediately fund the looming $15-billion VA budget shortfall

This shortfall is primarily due to an increase in military veterans using VA services, driven by the PACT Act, which expanded eligibility for VA health care and benefits. The VA expects a $3 billion shortfall for the rest of this year and a $12 billion shortfall for fiscal 2025.

Multiple veterans service organizations gathered in the nation’s capital to draw attention to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ massive budget shortfall and call on Congress to pass before Sept. 20 supplemental legislation in what is expected to be a government budget stopgap continuing resolution.

Earlier this week, Military.com reported that in addition to a $3 billion shortfall for the rest of the fiscal year,

VA officials have confirmed they are asking Congress “to include an extra $12 billion for the department’s 2025 medical budget in the upcoming stopgap spending measure –  which must be passed into law by the end of the month – to ensure outreach to veterans and growth of the system can continue apace without compromising wait times and staffing levels.”

Veteran organizations called for immediate passage of supplemental funding legislation authored by Ohio U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown and California U.S. Rep. Mike Garcia.

“This financial crisis will affect disability compensation, caregiver compensation, community care payouts, everything,” American Legion Legislative Director Julia Mathis said. “We’re calling on Congress to immediately pass the legislation offered up by Senator Brown and Congressman Garcia. Every day we get closer to September 20 is another 24 hours of uncertainty for thousands of veterans whose financial lives depend on it.

“Every member of Congress has a moral obligation to protect these crucial benefits that our nation’s veterans have earned through their service to our great nation.”

Gratitude is a Powerful Emotion

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Gratitude is a powerful emotion and mindset that has been extensively studied for its positive effects on well-being and health.

Gratitude is about recognizing the good and appreciating what you have in your life. It’s means everyday, thinking, believing and saying, “Today, I’m thankful and grateful.”

Key insights from recent gratitude research found:

Neuroscience of Gratitude: Gratitude activates brain regions associated with dopamine and serotonin, the neurotransmitters responsible for happiness. This activation can lead to improved mood and overall well-being.

Psychological Benefits: Practicing gratitude can enhance mental health by reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. It also promotes resilience and strengthens social relationships.

Physical Health: Grateful individuals tend to have stronger immune systems, lower blood pressure, and better sleep quality.

Social and Emotional Well-being: Gratitude fosters positive emotions, enhances life satisfaction, and boosts self-esteem. It also encourages prosocial behavior, which can improve relationships and social bonds.

Practical Applications: Simple practices like keeping a gratitude journal, writing gratitude letters, or regularly reflecting on things you’re thankful for can significantly enhance your happiness and life satisfaction.

There is always a reason to be grateful!

 

 

 

7 HABITS OF A GRATEFUL ATHLETE

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7 HABITS OF A GRATEFUL ATHLETE by Brian Smith published by Athletes in Action

Studies show that people who practice gratitude are generally more happy, healthy, and optimistic about life.

Athlete who practice gratitude have better results during practice, coaching and in the arena of competition.

There are many reasons athletes specifically have to be grateful. Yet, it can be hard to practice gratitude in the midst of the daily grind of our sport. Our ability to be grateful often ebbs and flows with the circumstances in front of us.

Gratitude is like a muscle—it gets stronger if we consistently give it attention and push it beyond it’s level of comfort. Conversely, if we fail to exercise it consistently, our ability to be thankful atrophies.

Here are seven habits of thankful athletes, mental choices that athletes can incorporate into their daily lives to grow and maintain their gratitude “muscles.”

GRATEFUL ATHLETES TAKE TIME TO SOAK IN THE MOMENT

Before a practice or competition, they stop, take a deep breath, and make it a point to appreciate what they are about to engage in. Who else on this earth gets to play a game they love in front of fans who cheer them on in the process?

Is there pressure involved in that? Sure. But grateful athletes make it a habit to pause and enjoy, if only for a moment, the unique opportunity they get to experience.

GRATEFUL ATHLETES :
> TAKE TIME TO SOAK IN THE MOMENT
> RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED
> FIGHT AGAINST ENTITLEMENT
> ARE COACHABLE
> LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS
> JOY IS NOT CONDITIONAL
> RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR OPPONENT

GRATEFUL ATHLETES RECOGNIZE PEOPLE WHO GO UNNOTICED

They shake the hand the of maintenance worker who helps cut the grassy field that they are about to tear up with their cleats or the janitor who mops the floor so their feet won’t slide on the dust. They write their athletic trainer a thank you note for taping them up, helping them rehab, or stretching them out before practice. They give a hug to the die-hard fan that is at every game and cheers for his/her team regardless of the outcome.

GRATEFUL ATHLETES FIGHT AGAINST ENTITLEMENT

They recognize every blessing they receive as a gift they are not entitled to. Entitlement stands in direct opposition to gratitude.

Per diem money on a road trip. New shoes. New gear. Laundry being done on their behalf. Water or Gatorade received from a trainer. Tutors helping them pass their classes. Teachers giving them grace because of their travel schedule.

Grateful athletes fight against the “I deserve” mentality that is so pervasive in our culture by thanking the giver of these gifts and frequently checking the posture of their heart.

GRATEFUL ATHLETES ARE COACHABLE

They listen to advice and instruction from their coaches and, when appropriate, from their fellow teammates. They realize they do not have all of the answers. Even if they disagree with input that is given, it will not keep them from at least testing it out on the field. Grateful athletes have an appreciation of the authority they currently sit under and a desire to soak up any knowledge given to them.

GRATITUDE IS LIKE A MUSCLE—IT GETS STRONGER IF WE CONSISTENTLY GIVE IT ATTENTION AND PUSH IT BEYOND ITS LEVEL OF COMFORT.

GRATEFUL ATHLETES LOOK FOR SILVER LININGS

They understand that life is not always going to be rainbows and butterflies. There will be hardships in the form of injuries, losses, poor performance, and team conflict.

Grateful athletes do not pretend these circumstance do not exist or pretend they are not affected by them. They do, however, constantly ask themselves “What good can come of this or has already come of this?” in the midst of the struggle.

In difficult times, gratitude can be tough to grab onto. Grateful athletes make an effort to step back, look at the bigger picture, and cling to any silver lining they find.

GRATEFUL ATHLETE’S JOY IS NOT CONDITIONAL

They do not need a win or an epic personal best to be thankful. Gratitude for a grateful athlete is not birthed from good results, nor is it circumstantial.

They understand that lasting joy cannot be found in a game that delivers both the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. How do they set themselves on a trajectory of consistent gratitude?

They put their hope in the one who does not change. God. They read—no, devour His Word. They participate—no, are actively involved in a community of like-minded people to sharpen one another.

  • They pray.
  • They confess.
  • At all costs they stay connected to the one who calls Himself “The Rock.”

GRATEFUL ATHLETES RECOGNIZE EXCELLENCE IN THEIR OPPONENT

They have an appreciation for their competitors. Have you ever noticed that rivals tend to bring their best to the table when they play? Grateful athletes practice gratitude towards a rival on two levels.

  • One, they are thankful that their rival will ultimately bring out the best in their own performance.
  • Two, because their joy is not dependent on winning, they are able to appreciate and look forward to the competition itself. Grateful athletes have a unique ability to want to beat their opponent while at the same time appreciating the intensity that is about to ensue.

References:

  1. https://athletesinaction.org/articles/7-habits-of-a-grateful-athlete/
  2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704243904575630541486290052

Visceral Fat

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Visceral fat is a type of body fat that lies deep within your abdominal walls and surrounds your organs.

Some levels of visceral fat are healthy and help protect your organs. However, too much visceral fat can be dangerous for your health.

Visceral fat is sometimes called “active fat” because it plays an active role in how your body functions. Too much visceral fat can lead to serious health issues such as diabetes, heart disease and stroke.

Difference between visceral fat and subcutaneous fat

  • Subcutaneous fat is fat that’s stored just beneath your skin. It’s the kind that you can pinch between your fingers. Visceral fat is different.
  • Visceral fat is behind your abdominal muscles and can’t be seen. It surrounds your stomach, liver, intestines and other organs.

Visceral fat and subcutaneous fat are both types of belly fat.

Reducing visceral fat is crucial for overall health, as it surrounds vital organs and can increase the risk of serious conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.

Several effective strategies to help you rid yourself of visceral fat include:

Dietary Changes:

Reduce Carbohydrates: Cut down on high-carb foods like rice, starch, and sugary items.

Increase Protein and Healthy Fats: Focus on a diet rich in proteins and healthy fats2.

Avoid Processed Foods: These are often high in trans fats, which can contribute to visceral fat accumulation.

Eat Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Include high-fiber fruits, vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, seafood, low-fat dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds3.

Regular Exercise:

Cardio Workouts: Activities like swimming, jogging, and brisk walking can help burn visceral fat

Strength Training: Building muscle through resistance exercises can also be beneficial.

Lifestyle Adjustments:

Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water can help with metabolism and fat loss2.

Manage Stress: High stress levels can increase cortisol, which promotes visceral fat storage1.

Healthy Habits:

Get Enough Sleep: Poor sleep can lead to weight gain and increased visceral fat

Avoid Sugary Drinks: Replace soda and juice with water or green tea

References:

  1. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24147-visceral-fat

Earl Nightingale’s Success Formula

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“Gratitude is one of the strongest and most transformative states of being. It shifts your perspective from lack to abundance and allows you to focus on the good in your life, which in turn pulls more goodness into your reality.” —Jen Sincero

1. Give yourself a definite goal.

2. Quit running yourself down.

3. Stop thinking of all the reasons you cannot be successful and instead, think of all the reasons why you can.

4. Trace your attitudes back through your childhood and try to discover where you first got the idea you couldn’t be successful – if that’s the way you’ve been thinking.

5. Change the attitude you have of yourself by writing out the description of the person you’d like to be.

6. Act the part of the successful person you have decided to become.

― Earl Nightingale

Source: https://www.brilliantread.com/52-best-earl-nightingale-quotes-advice-and-thoughts/#google_vignette

Gratitude and Success

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“Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy now. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored.” ~ Earl Nightingale, American radio host and writer

Nightingale emphasizes the importance of gratitude in achieving success. He believes that by expressing gratitude for what we have, we attract more positive experiences into our lives.

Nightingale suggests practicing gratitude daily by writing down three things we are grateful for. He believes that by focusing on the positive aspects of our lives, we can cultivate a mindset of abundance and attract more success.

Source:  https://leaderself.com/summary/the-essence-of-success-earl-nightingale/