“This article was meant to be about how to maintain good bone density, but when I sat down to write, I just couldn’t do it!”        The Uphill Skater

You know, as I literally watched all of the recent storms, earthquakes, and floods destroying people’s lives and property it was so horrible it almost did not register after a while.  Places I had been and things I had enjoyed seeing were simply gone. Images of those just standing in wonder looking at where their property used to be were haunting accounts of uncontrollable events.  If we think  the loss of a home or tree or bridge is so devastating, imagine those who have lost loved ones.

The massive earthquake in Mexico was also devastating for many who could ill afford that tragedy in their lives. Crumbled buildings and infrastructure in the streets surrounded by, again, the bewildered and now desolate will stay with us for a long time.  Many lives lost and so much destruction.

Then, for a change of pace, I watched one of the news stations, then another and finally yet another. It is hard to say that it was actually worse, but it was very close. Missiles, bombs, terrorists and refugees are awful, but how awful too are we? Fighting among ourselves for what? Money, power, influence, greed-I, like you, could go on and on. Hired thugs beat old ladies who are demonstrating for women’s health clinics because they are carrying American flags. Many who have received huge benefits from the American way of life refuse to honor the flag that has flown so proudly over our country.  How in the world are people getting away with this? Where is conscience and gratitude?

The best or worst part of all of this is, as I said, that we get to see it all eye to eye on TV then have it all parsed out and explained to us and for us for the next days on end by a variety of biased people speaking only from their own perspective. They call them “talking heads” but I call them “formers.” Listen to introductions and you will see what I mean. It is the former head of, and the former chairman of, and the former CIA chief, and the recently fired now former leader of and on and on. Don’t you wonder how many of these people they can drag out from their living rooms to pretend they have current knowledge? Well, I do.

Interestingly enough, I am sitting here looking out my window at a truly beautiful sight-trees, flowers, mowed and trimmed lawns and best of all, children playing. Nice cars are driving by, people are walking or jogging, and I have just had a really good lunch.

It is so difficult to know what to make of all of this, but I am going to go back to my basics and back to the reason I write this column: It is all about you and your healthy lifestyle. If you think that sounds selfish, you are wrong. The world is made up of single individuals doing what they do and you are one of them-nothing more, nothing less.

I for one have quite a guilty conscience so I try to do something about it. I have been very blessed so I try to,  in some small way, pay that forward to make a change in someone else’s life to justify all of us using up the planet. I am going to tell you some of the things I do, and this is not meant as something you should do, bragging, or even suggesting. It is simply what I do. You my do much more or much less-that is up to YOU!

I support a student in Cambodia. He is a sophomore in college and it has taken him so long to get to this spot, he has a farm, a wife, and two children. When he graduates he wants to be a teacher.  I am a former teacher so I picked him with that in mind. He writes to me monthly and I get to see his progress and grades. I am comfortable with the fact that he exists and that he is on a good path. His name is Yon Yen. I also help to support a missionary woman in the Ukraine. Usually I like a charity that I can see. I am selfish that way. I like to look it in the eye. That is not always possible though.

Through my church I support most causes that come along as we have giving opportunities for those kinds of things. I love that my church does that. I also help with school supplies for a local Jr. High. I have been on a mission trip to Haiti and I was deeply influenced by what I saw. Anyone who has ever been on a mission will understand the conflicting emotions involved in “helping” people for a week then going home. It is so different, but not the least bit less important, than volunteering at the Boys and Girls Club every week teaching a child to read. Everything helps. Anything helps. Do what moves you.

Enough preaching. I promise to do the bone density article and to talk about the eat clean-stay lean movement and to lose 10 pounds and everything else that is good. I am sure you will be doing the same. So, go to www.skatinguphill.com for discussions about food plans, mental health, product information and some honest advice. This blog is safe, free and I hope interesting. Until next month, Love Judith