MY 2 CENTS
As most will agree, life can be very complicated. Although CENTS may be of little value, they should not be confused with SCENTS, SENSE or SENTS. In this blog I have chosen to concentrate on some of the people or experiences we meet along the road to the end.
Coming up: THE SENTS
THE SENTS THAT HELP FORM MY 2 CENTS
Coming up: THE SENTS
THE SENTS THAT HELP FORM MY 2 CENTS
Among other things we are forced to deal with the following.
1) WE ARE SENT TO COPE WITH WORLD ISSUES
2) WE ARE SENT TO DEAL WITH THE PASSAGE OF TIME
3) WE ARE SENT TO FACE FRIENDS AND ENEMIES
4) WE ARE SENT TO DEVELOP OUR VALUES
5) WE ARE SENT TO FACE DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOURS
6) WE ARE SENT TO FIGURE OUT WHERE WE ARE HEADED
THE BLURB:
The people of Ontario are fortunate to have good schools; teachers who dedicate their time to the betterment of students and programs designed to encourage and expand inquiring minds.
The elementary schools provide exposure to language, culture and discipline. Students are introduced to programs in mathematics, science, history, drama, music, physical education and athletics where they develop their skills, meet new friends and learn empathy for others.
The Secondary School education is an opportunity for teenagers to mature and discover themselves. They socialize, specialize and experiment in various classes and continue their exposure to core subjects. They can choose combinations of art, music, drama and extra curricular activities. Friendships made in secondary school can remain friends for life. Many students discover their future here and make decisions that will impact their future.
A University or Community College education is readily available to students who meet the academic requirements. Grants, government loans and scholarships help to defray costs for those that need help. Finding satisfactory employment is made much easier with a solid educational background.
2. WE ARE SENT TO GET A JOB AND WORK
Some jobs are difficult because of the pressures applied. The office can be a place where chaos reigns or judgements are rampant or the boss feels he must micro manage his staff or he shows favouritism to certain staff members or dress codes are unpleasant.... yada yada yada. Hours spent at work can be rewarding or boring. Certain working staff can be annoying. Some believe that others are not pulling their weight. Shift work is often necessary but incompatible with a life at home.
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| A HAPPY STAFF |
3. WE ARE SENT TO CARE ABOUT OTHERS
The Prime Minister of Canada constantly refers to looking out for the middle class. Well just what constitutes the middle class? I believe that an important consideration is a 'guaranteed family income'. In order to be eligible for help, a family must have at least one working member with a steady job. A family's income that falls below a minimum level should be subsidized by the Federal and a Provincial governments.
A problem exists in determining what a fair and reasonable level should be. It must be tied to an hourly wage, the cost of living, the rate of inflation, affordable housing, an acceptable standard of living and basic human dignity.
A problem exists in determining what a fair and reasonable level should be. It must be tied to an hourly wage, the cost of living, the rate of inflation, affordable housing, an acceptable standard of living and basic human dignity.
4. WE ARE SENT TO SEEK FITNESS AND HEALTH
As generations pass, life expectancy increases. We are encouraged to not smoke, do drugs, or use alcohol to excess. It seems the caveats proposed change regularly. Avoid excessive carbs, cut back on coffee intake, give up red meat, begin a low fat diet, use vitamin supplements, talk to your doctor....yada yada yada.
One thing that I found to be a worthwhile accompaniment to aging is physical fitness. Some families have home workout rooms with modern equipment, Some visit a gym or club regularly. Others, just walk for their exercise while others run, jog , swim or engage in racket sports. An active lifestyle is encouraged by advertisements and our own guilty feelings about appearance.
5. WE ARE SENT TO A PLACE 'OVER THE MOON'
When a person falls in love it is an experience beyond description. It is certainly easy for one to become afflicted! True love is a feeling that can prevail through differences, arguments, disappointments, depression and even bouts of selfishness. True love is a strong and lasting affection between spouses or lovers who are in a happy, passionate and fulfilling relationship.
Some people think they are in love and end up getting married too soon. Their values and experiences continue to evolve, often in different directions, and this results in decision to separate. Today there are a myriad of wrong reasons that result in doomed marriages. These unions seldom last and any resulting families are torn apart.
6) WE ARE SENT TO USE 'HAPPY TOOLS'
7) WE ARE SENT TO EXPERIENCE AND OVERCOME SADNESS
READING
On top of the joy that comes from reading a good novel or the awareness that learning is enhanced through research and discovery in books; there are physical and mental benefits to be derived from reading that can improve our life experience:
- It can develop better sleep patterns.
- It can decrease the risks of Alzheimer's disease.
- It can improve memory and concentration.
- It can relieve stress.
- It can train the brain to organize reflections, thoughts and concepts.
RECREATION AND LEISURE
It will provide opportunities:
- to relax and enjoy life.
- to develop new friendships
- to meet with old friends
- to feel a part of your community
- to feel empowered
- to improve see awareness
Nassim Nicholas Taleb in his book Fooled By Randomness discusses the theory of the 'Black Swan'.
It is an event with the following three attributes.
First, it is an outlier that lies outside the realm of regular expectations. Nothing in the past can convincingly predict its possibility.
Second, it carries an extreme 'impact'.
Third, in spite of its outlier status, human nature causes us to concoct explanations after it occurrs.
What are the 'roadside bombs' along the route to happiness?
AWARDED TO Brett Ryan, 35, charged with three counts of First-Degree Murder related to deaths in Scarborough, Ontario where three people were killed with a crossbow. A Toronto man was formally handed a life sentence Friday after pleading guilty to the so-called “crossbow killings” of his mother and two brothers last August.
THE QUOTE:
"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." Carl Jung
THE CLIP:
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