The End of 2013

We can prevent Dementia, Heart Disease, Diabetes, and Stroke

In a recent report on the BBC, the University of Cardiff Medical School conducted a 35 year study of Welsh men and concluded that by making five (5) lifestyle choices - 1) No smoking, 2) Regular exercise, 3) Low to no alcohol use, 4) Maintaining a health diet, and 5) Maintaining a low body weight. Selecting just a few of these behaviors can reduce heart disease by 60%, stroke by 70%, full dementia by 60%, cognitive difficulty by 60% and cancer by 40%BBC Science World - Dementia

Honoring Nelson Mandela

Today the world stopped to honor Nelson Mandela at a stadium in Soweto, near Johannesburg, South Africa.  President Obama and Michelle attended with former President George W. Bush and his wife. Also in attendance were President Robert Mugabe from Zimbabwe and Raul Castro from Cuba.  Obama and Castro shook hands.   Desmond Tutu chastised the crowd for being rude and said a prayer, partly in Afrikaans. All in all, the service reflected the love and the sacrifice made by this man and the blessings that come from his noble struggle.  I think the lesson for recovery is that time is long and perseverance is key. Also, it is good in the end - if it is not good, remember that it is not the end.

Mandela - The lessons of recovery

On October 5, 2013, Nelson Mandela, the first black President elected in South Africa, passed away at the age of 95 years.  He had spent his entire life fighting for the freedom of his countrymen of all colors and races.  Equality and freedom were his two passions.

He has so many lessons for those of us suffering from addiction as well as people generally, but the most important lesson is that resentment - lack of forgiveness is fatal - terminal. 

The second and much more powerful message is that love truly is more powerful than and truly does overcome hate.

Choices

SUP - Stand Up Paddleboarding

Despite everything that I have gone through and put myself through, despite all my self-inflicted wounds, I never want to give up trying new adventures.  This week I am going to buy a SUP (stand up paddleboard) and seek this adventure on a regular basis.