Healthy.....TIPS

        Eat a variety of nutrient-rich foods. You need more than 40 different nutrients for good health, and no single food supplies them all. Your daily food selection should include bread and other whole-grain products; fruits; vegetables; dairy products; and meat, poultry, fish and other protein foods. How much you should eat depends on your calorie needs. Use the Food Guide Pyramid and the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels as handy references.
        Enjoy plenty of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Surveys show most Americans don't eat enough of these foods. Do you eat 6-11 servings from the bread, rice, cereal and pasta group, 3 of which should be whole grains? Do you eat 2-4 servings of fruit and 3-5 servings of vegetables? If you don't enjoy some of these at first, give them another chance. Look through cookbooks for tasty ways to prepare unfamiliar foods.
        Maintain a healthy weight. The weight that's right for you depends on many factors including your sex, height, age and heredity. Excess body fat increases your chances for high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, some types of cancer and other illnesses. But being too thin can increase your risk for osteoporosis, menstrual irregularities and other health problems. If you're constantly losing and regaining weight, a registered dietitian can help you develop sensible eating habits for successful weight management. Regular exercise is also important to maintaining a healthy weight.
        Eat moderate portions. If you keep portion sizes reasonable, it's easier to eat the foods you want and stay healthy. Did you know the recommended serving of cooked meat is 3 ounces, similar in size to a deck of playing cards? A medium piece of fruit is 1 serving and a cup of pasta equals 2 servings. A pint of ice cream contains 4 servings. Refer to the Food Guide Pyramid for information on recommended serving sizes.
        Eat regular meals. Skipping meals can lead to out-of-control hunger, often resulting in overeating. When you're very hungry, it's also tempting to forget about good nutrition. Snacking between meals can help curb hunger, but don't eat so much that your snack becomes an entire meal.
        Reduce, don't eliminate certain foods. Most people eat for pleasure as well as nutrition. If your favorite foods are high in fat, salt or sugar, the key is moderating how much of these foods you eat and how often you eat them.
        Identify major sources of these ingredients in your diet and make changes, if necessary. Adults who eat high-fat meats or whole-milk dairy products at every meal are probably eating too much fat. Use the Nutrition Facts panel on the food label to help balance your choices.
        Choosing skim or low-fat dairy products and lean cuts of meat such as flank steak and beef round can reduce fat intake significantly.
        If you love fried chicken, however, you don't have to give it up. Just eat it less often. When dining out, share it with a friend, ask for a take-home bag or a smaller portion.
        Balance your food choices over time. Not every food has to be "perfect." When eating a food high in fat, salt or sugar, select other foods that are low in these ingredients. If you miss out on any food group one day, make up for it the next. Your food choices over several days should fit together into a healthy pattern.
        Know your diet pitfalls. To improve your eating habits, you first have to know what's wrong with them. Write down everything you eat for three days. Then check your list according to the rest of these tips. Do you add a lot of butter, creamy sauces or salad dressings? Rather than eliminating these foods, just cut back your portions. Are you getting enough fruits and vegetables? If not, you may be missing out on vital nutrients.
        Make changes gradually. Just as there are no "superfoods" or easy answers to a healthy diet, don't expect to totally revamp your eating habits overnight. Changing too much, too fast can get in the way of success. Begin to remedy excesses or deficiencies with modest changes that can add up to positive, lifelong eating habits. For instance, if you don't like the taste of skim milk, try low-fat. Eventually you may find you like skim, too.
        Remember, foods are not good or bad. Select foods based on your total eating patterns, not whether any individual food is "good" or "bad." Don't feel guilty if you love foods such as apple pie, potato chips, candy bars or ice cream. Eat them in moderation, and choose other foods to provide the balance and variety that are vital to good health.

Life

Life is a balance of Work and Play, Family and Personal time. You have to decide how you want to balance your Life. Define your priorities, realize what you are able to compromise but always let some of your decisions be based on your instincts.

Happiness is the meaning and the purpose of Life, the whole aim of human existence.
So, take it easy, do what you want to do and appreciate nature. Life is fragile, Life is short. Do not take Life for granted. Live a balance lifestyle and enjoy Life!

Past is Experience...!
Present is Experiments....!
Future is Expectations...!
Use your Experience in your Experiments to achieve your Expectations...!!!

HAVE A NICE DAY

Top 8 Foods for Healthy Bones

As we age, our bones start becoming thinner and lose their density. The process starts pacing up especially in women after menopause. However, eating the right diet can give you the maximum defense as well as boost your bone mass and bone density at any age.

Here are the top eight must have foods that should be included in your daily diet for healthy, stronger bones:

1. Milk
Perfect Strong-Bone Food Our bones need calcium to stay healthy and strong. Milk is one of the richest sources of calcium.
A single eight ounce cup of milk, whether skim, low-fat or whole, contains 300 milligrams (mg) of calcium. It is said that kids, teenagers, and adults younger than 50 years, need 1000mg of calcium everyday and adults above 50 need 1200mg a day.

2. Yogurt and Cheese
Not a milk lover? Nothing to worry, you have plenty of other options. Dairy products like yogurt and cheese could be the next best foods for healthy bones.

A single cup of yogurt has as much calcium (300mg) as a single eight ounce cup of milk.

Likewise, one ounce of Swiss cheese contains the same amount of calcium and can be used in cooking or on salads.

If you are lactose intolerant, you can go in for other milk products that are lactose-free. It is said that removing the lactose from the milk products does not in any way affect the calcium content.

3. Sardines
Sardines are another rich source of calcium as well as omega-fatty acids needed for healthy bones. Sardine is a type of fish that can work wonders to enhance bone-health.

These days, canned sardines are also available in the market. Eating three ounces of the canned sardines can deliver a little more calcium than a single cup of milk.

4. Green-leafy Vegetables
Not a non-vegetarian? Green-leafy vegetables may be a great option for the vegetarians. Many vegetables like Chinese cabbage and broccoli are great sources of calcium as well as protein required for healthy and flexible bones.

For instance, half a cup of Chinese cabbage can deliver calcium equivalent to a single eight ounce cup of milk.

A single cup of turnip greens or chopped broccoli, whether boiled or not, contains 200mg of calcium.

5. Soy Foods
Recent studies have shown that calcium isn't the only nutrient needed for strong bones. Plant-based chemicals called isoflavones are also needed to strengthen bone density.

Soy foods like tofu are plentiful in these chemicals. Tofu is also rich in calcium mineral content. Half a cup of tofu is said to contain 250mg of calcium.

Those who have lactose-intolerance or are past milk or green leafy vegetables can bank upon soy foods for healthy bones.

6. Fortified Foods
If you don't like dairy products, sardines, or green leafy vegetables, you can go for fortified foods enhanced with varying amounts of the essential mineral.

These supplement foods that make a good nutritious breakfast could be a good source of calcium needed for healthy bones. Fortified orange juice contains up to 240mg of calcium and fortified cereals contain up to 1000mg of calcium per cup.

7. Calcium Supplements
You may also opt for calcium supplements which help in building strong bones. However, you may not need these supplements, if you are getting enough calcium from the food you eat, say experts.

Some reports suggest that taking 1500mg calcium per day is sufficient for healthy bones.

The calcium supplements should be taken with meals. To maximize the absorption of these supplements, take no more than 500 mg at a time.

One should always consult a doctor before taking the supplements on his own.

8. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts like almonds, pistachios, and seeds like sunflower seeds, seaweeds are very rich in calcium content as well as minerals such as iron, boron, selenium, phosphorus, and magnesium.

They are also a great source of bone-healthy fatty acids as well as plant protein.

A handful of nuts and seeds taken every day can go a long way in promoting healthy bones.

No doubt our bones begin to thin out as we age, but there are ways to ensure peak bone mass and bone density at all ages.

Eating the right type of diet, including a lot of calcium-rich foods, and undertaking physical workout are two vital lines of defense that may keep your bones strong and healthy.

HOPE

When all about you is black with gloom,
And all you feel is pending doom.
When your bones are racked with grim despair -
When every breath is a gasp for air.
Keep on going, though you need to grope,
For around the bend is a ray of hope.

A ray of hope is perhaps all that's left,
As your will to live have been bereft.
You've lost it all, it's just no use!
You can end it all, you need no excuse.
But throw away that piece of rope,
And give yourself a chance of hope.

Just give yourself another day,
Brushing aside what your thoughts may say.
This is your life and you can make a new start,
By ignoring the brain - just follow the heart.
Taking baby steps in order to cope,
And minute by minute you'll build on your hope.

Build on your hope, one day at a time,
Though the road is steep and hard to climb.
The hurts of the past - they should be dead.
The fears of the future are all in your head.
Just live in the present and refuse to mope
Your life will sparkle for you're living in hope.!!!!

SO YOU HAVE TO DECIDE YOU WANT TO LIVE OR DIE WITH A REGRET..!!!!

Keep Your Hopes Alive!!

HAVE A NICE DAY

Running is good form of Exercise

Running is good form of Exercise for people of all age groups, including children and those in the older age group. It involves almost all the muscles and strengthens them. It has a salubrious effect on the heart and multifarious advantages. 

Those who have adopted it seriously have not only been able to lose weight upto 10 to 12 kilograms in 12 week's time, but have also been able to run a half marathon, that is, 22 kilometers at a good tempo. 

How will I benefit from running?

For starters, it tones muscles in your legs, hips, and abdomen. The jarring nature of jogging also wards off osteoporosis; all that pounding strengthens your bones. And, as an aerobic exercise, it builds cardiovascular health by working your heart muscle and improving oxygen supply to your muscles. What's more, running reduces your risk of heart attack, develops your endurance, relieves stress, and burns calories quickly. Depending on factors including your weight, pace, and how hilly your route is, you'll burn 500 to as much as 1,000 calories an hour.

How do I get started?

Find routes that you can use year round (you'll want a well-lit option when the days get short) and that have smooth, relatively soft surfaces, like asphalt or dirt. Variety is the spice of life, and it'll do the same for your workouts. But if you're a beginner, you'll probably be happiest at the local high school's track -- at least until you get to know your limits.

The right shoes are vital to comfort and safety; a pair that fits poorly can cause blistering, soreness, even knee and back trouble. Well-made running shoes have padded, flexible inner soles, a forgiving, breathable material for the upper body, and good traction on the outer sole. Your arch should be well supported (if you have high arches, you may need to buy inserts). Ask a salesperson at a store that specializes in running shoes to help you choose, and be sure to replace your shoes every 400 to 500 miles.

How often and how far should I run?

Three times a week is plenty. Start with a slow pace on easy terrain, and jog for only about 15 minutes. You should be breathing hard but still able to carry on a conversation. If that means you have to stop and walk every so often, fine. Give yourself six to eight weeks to build up to a 30-minute session, and rest at least every other day.

According to the American Running and Fitness Association, you shouldn't increase your mileage by more than 10 percent a week. Concentrate on jogging smoothly, and don't worry about how fast you're going. Though you may be tempted to run daily once you're comfortable, give yourself at least two days off each week (all that pounding can lead to shinsplints or stress fractures). Remember that three days a week is all you need to gain and maintain good health, especially if you mix in other exercise (weight training is an excellent complement). You can also experiment with hilly courses or alternate your runs between short routes to build speed and longer ones to increase endurance.

What's a good running technique?

Warm up first with a brisk walk or slow jog. Drop your shoulders to keep them relaxed, and swing your arms easily at your sides. Your foot should land heel first and roll forward, and then push off with your toes. (If you decide to mix up your pace occasionally, try sprinting on your toes for 15 to 30 seconds.) Cool down afterward by walking for a few minutes and then stretching your ankles, calves, and thighs.

:Cautions:

If your route takes you by any streets, run facing traffic. When you reach an intersection, make eye contact with drivers to insure that they see you before crossing. Most running organizations discourage jogging at night. But if that's your only option, wear light-colored clothing and consider purchasing reflective vests and armbands; a lightweight blinking bicycle light will also make you more visible to drivers. For safety, try to run with a partner and vary your route.

Running puts a great deal of stress on your bones and joints

-- about three to four times your body weight with every step --

so if you have a history of back, joint, or orthopedic problems, check with your doctor before getting started.

Pappu ki Kavita .....!!

Pareshaan thi Pappu ki wife
Non-happening thi jo uski life
Pappu ko na milta tha aaram
Office main karta kaam hi kaam

Pappu ke boss bhi the bade cool
Promotion ko har baar jate the bhul
Par bhulte nahi the wo deadline
Kaam to karwate the roz till nine

Pappu bhi banna chata tha best
Isliye to wo nahi karta tha rest
Din raat karta wo boss ki gulami
Appraisal ke ummid main deta salami

Din guzre aur guzre fir saal
Bura hota gaya Pappu ka haal
Pappu ko ab kuch yaad na rehta tha
Galti se Biwi ko Behenji kehta tha

Aakhir ek din Pappu ko samjh aaya
Aur chod di usne Appraisal ki moh maya
Boss se bola, "Tum kyon satate ho ?"
"Appraisal ke laddu se buddu banate ho"

"Promotion do warna chala jaunga"
"Appraisal dene par bhi wapis na aunga"
Boss haans ke bola "Nahi koi baat"
"Abhi aur bhi Pappus hai mere paas "

"Yeh duniya Pappuon se bhari hai"
"Sabko bas aage badhne ki padi hai"
"Tum na karoge to kisi aur se karaunga"
"Tumhari tarah Ek aur Pappu banaunga"

Same Difference .....!!

20 years back - School bag. Today - Office bag.   20 years back - Lekhak Note book. Today - HP Note book.   20 years back - Hero Ranger. Today - Hero Honda.   20 years back - Half pants. Today - Full pants.   20 years back - Playing with plastic car running on battery and remote. Today - Playing with metal car running on petrol and gear.   20 years back - Scared of Teachers and exams. Today - Scared of Bosses and targets.   20 years back - Wanting to be class topper. Today - Wanting to be 'Employee of the month'.   20 years back - Quarterly exams. Today - Quarterly results.   20 years back - Annual School Magazine. Today - Company Annual Report.   20 years back - Annual exams. Today - Annual appraisals.   20 years back - Pocket money. Today - Salary.   20 years back - Waiting for Diwali crackers. Today - Waiting for Diwali bonus.   20 years back - Running after grades and prize cups. Today - Running after incentives and promotions.   20 years back - Craving for the latest toy in the market. Today - Craving for the latest gadget in the market.   20 years back - Eager to watch the latest cartoon show. Today - Eager to watch the latest blockbuster.   20 years back - Crush on class mate. Today - Crush on colleague.   So essentially nothing has changed!!

Drink your way to Good Health

check the benefits of these healthy juices. Lets start off with the various contents and juices that could benefit your health and improve it.

Ginger (adrak)

Qualities: In Sanskrit, ginger is called Vishvaushadha. It is anti-rheumatic, stimulates gastric fire and therefore is a good appetizer, laxative and digestive. It is nutritious and is good for the eyes and throat.

Use
Small piece of ginger soaked in lemon water, with a little salt, may be a good appetizer if taken half an hour before a meal. It is believed to be helpful in digesting food and it also expels gas. In fact it is also said to be a boon for old age. People over the age of 50 are recommended to take ginger regularly in the above mentioned way, in order to keep away from diseases related to old age.

Benefits
Ginger dislodges kapha, and expels the gases. It seems to be helpful in reducing edema and also decreasing the level of uric acid. A spoon of ginger juice taken on a daily basis may reduce the risk of developing tongue and throat cancer.
Ginger juice, when used as nasal drops may provide relief against headache. As far as toothaches are concerned, rubbing a piece of ginger on the ailing tooth is believed to be very helpful in relieving pain. Not only this, ginger also gives relief in problems like catarrh and sinusitis.

Grapes (draksh)

Qualities
Grapes are sweet in taste, stimulative to the neuro system, soothing, and act as an appetizer. On the contrary, ripe grapes are said to be mild, diuretic and moderate aphrodisiacs. They are said to be cooling and refreshing.

They are believed to be of help in eliminating thirst, burning sensation, fever, asthma, leprosy, tuberculosis, irregular menstruation, voice trouble, vomiting, obesity, edema, chronic jaundice (hepatitis) and other disorders. They are also said to decrease gastric acidity.

Grapes are said to be capable of retaining youth and delaying the symptoms of old age. Grapes are nutritive and act as a preventive for wasting diseases. As they are stated to be cooling and have an alkalinizing effect, its fresh juice is said to be capable of soothing burning sensation in the epigastric region. Abdominal gases are also said to be eliminated with grapes, due to its ability to digest food.

Grapes give relief in burning micturition, decrease the level of uric acid, and thereby give relief to people suffering from gout. It is also helpful in regulating the menses.

Benefits

Since grapes have a high water content, its regular usage is believed to be capable of relieving constipation.
It is also considered to be good for piles, as it makes the passing of stools easier without any friction with the anal wall; thereby avoiding any pain and bleeding piles. Grape juice is balvardhak, i.e. it grows strength by increasing the level of blood sugar and also increases the hemoglobin count. Because of its high sugar value, grapes are said to be very helpful while recovering from an acute illness.

Regular consumption of dry black grapes, also known as resins; or the juice of black grapes, both are said to be a well known cure for heat sensation in the body. Grapes are said to be able to do so, because of its ability to decrease the pitta (acid) content of body, which is responsible for the increasing heat in the body.

Guava(peru)

Qualities
Guavas are palatable, astringent and sweet. They are said to promote semen, and are also believed to be beneficial in constipation. Guava is cool and keeps a check on the excess flow of bile in the body. It is also stated that they work as an appetizer. It gives relief in burning sensation, and also cures delusion and hysteria.
They also have the ability to quench thirst. Other benefits of guava are that they are anti-helmenthic; they provide relief in insanity and also eliminate constipation.
Use
 Guava may be consumed directly by masticating it well; however, in order to obtain more nutrients, the juice of guava is recommended. Every 100 ml. of guava juice is believed to contain about 70 to 170 milligrams of vitamin C.

Benefits

As stated above, guava is believed to be beneficial in constipation, purifying the impurities of blood, leprosy and various other diseases.

Jambul

 Qualities
According to the Ayurveda, jambul is a stimulant to gastric fire, diuretic and constipating. It is also believed to keep a check on bile and soothe burning sensation.

Use

A word of caution has been dropped that milk should not to be taken, one hour before or after the consumption of any sort of sour and salty food including jambul. Jambul or jambul-juice is also said to be forbidden for people suffering from edema and vomiting.

Benefits

Jambul is believed to be very effective in spleen and liver disorders. They are also said to be capable of activating the liver and eliminating pain in the abdomen. Jambuls are believed to aid in toning up the heart, and also help in curing anemia. They are further even said to be capable of providing relief in burning sensation felt in the kidneys.

Jambul juice is said to be an excellent medicine in the treatment of gonorrhea and diabetes. Its other benefits include purifying the blood by removing its impurities, helpful in leprosy and kidney stones. They are also believed to be helpful in curing dysentery, diarrhea and indigestion.



Lemon (nimbu)

Qualities

Lemon has been stated to act as a good appetizer, expectorant, and flatulent. Its high acid content makes it a good anti-bacterial. However, the consumption of lemon in its concentrated form may destroy the tooth enamel.

Use

Consumption of lemon is recommended after diluting it with four parts of water.

Benefits

Lemon juice is believed to act as a shield against catching cold, malaria or flu. Lemons are said to act as an anti-bacterial and thus people are recommended to take advantage of these antibacterial and resistant properties of lemon juice particularly during the rainy season.

Lemon juice, when applied on the face is believed to aid in decreasing the marks on the face. However, it has also been stated that this juice should be diluted with water, and then gently massaged over the face. This application is recommended to be left on the face for a period of 20 minutes before taking a shower.
Following this pattern for a period of 10 days; boasts of getting rid of 90 percent marks, pimples, and acne on the face. Its other benefits include its ability to decrease heartbeats, which may prove to be helpful for cardiac patients having palpitations.

Lemon is said to be a rich source of vitamin C. It is also said to contain Vitamin P, which gives strength to the blood vessels and thus may be helpful in preventing internal hemorrhage. Because of its ability to protect the blood vessels, it is believed to be good for patients having a higher risk of blood vessel rupture.
Other than the above mentioned qualities, the second most valuable content of lemon is said to be citric acid. They are also believed to have higher potassium content as compared to apple or grapes. Lemon is also said to be useful in destroying intestinal worms.



Melon (kharbuza)
Qualities
Melon juice is cooling and a good diuretic.

Benefits
As melon has both cooling and alkaline properties, it is said to be able to soothe gastric burning. Its high mineral content gives a feeling of freshness in people. Other than this, its high water content is believed to have certain properties which aid in relieving constipation.

In fact, the pulp of this fruit is believed to be a powerful diuretic which even allays kidney diseases. Since melon juice is believed to promote cough, people suffering from cold, asthma or catarrh are recommended to use it discreetly, or slightly warm it before use.

Onions (pyaaz)

Qualities
They are cardio-protective, aphrodisiac, digestive and believed to promote good sleep.

Benefits
Onion juice is stated to be of great help in reducing cholesterol and triglycerides, thereby preventing high blood pressure and also reducing atherosclerosis.

Onions are even said to have the ability to enhance semen and sperm production, which in turn makes onions good for virility. Its other benefits include its ability to dislodge mucus, which again in turn makes it beneficial in cough and cold. They are also stated to be useful in indigestion and biliousness. More so, onion juice mixed with sugar is believed to be an instant cure for bleeding piles.

Orange (santra)

Qualities
They are high in citric acid and therefore are a good antiseptic. Oranges are also said to be useful as a blood purifier. In fact, they are also believed to be a regimen in illnesses like fever. Benefits
The high vitamin C content of oranges, gives them the property of a mild laxative, which makes it good for people suffering from constipation. Oranges are also said to be useful for people with asthma and other bronchial troubles.
It has been stated that a cup of orange juice provides as many calories as three-quarters of a cup of milk.
In conditions like chronic dyspepsia, it has been stated that food may not be properly digested, which in turn causes putrefaction in the digestive tract which further gives rise to gas. Here, orange juice steps in and helps in eliminating this putrefaction of food in the stomach. It is believed to have the ability to cleanse the tracts of the stomach and intestines, which increases the digestive power of both these digestive organs.

Papaya (Papita)

Qualities The ripe papaya is sweet, diuretic, vayu nashak, and virya wardhak. This fruit is said to have high zinc content, and is beneficial to the heart and liver. More so, papaya is said to have certain properties which may be of help in cases like insanity. It is also said to be a good medicine for constipation and urinary disorders.

The white (milky) secretion of raw papaya is believed to contain the papain digestive enzyme in significant amount. In addition to papain, papaya is also said to contain certain enzymes like arginine (for male fertility), carpain (good for heart) and fibrin (necessary for blood-coagulation).

Benefits

Raw papaya juice is believed to be very helpful in expelling round worms from the digestive tract. Because of its high zinc content it is stated to be of great help in shrinking an enlarged prostate and is therefore believed to be good for benign prostate hypertrophy. Papaya is also believed to be useful for any infection pertaining to the mucous membrane. They are also said to have the ability to bring a spleen back to its normal size in the case of an enlarged spleen. Other than splenomegaly, papaya is also said to have proved its usefulness in conditions like anemia.

Besides these properties, papaya is also said to be of help in relieving a person from chronic constipation, other than relieving an individual from abdominal pain and hyper-acidity. They are also believed to be of help in securing a proper menstrual flow. More so, papaya seeds are said to be a good anti-helmenthic.

Papaya is also believed to be of great help in kidney disorders. In fact, ripe papaya is believed to be a sure remedy to treat constipation. The ability of papaya to give relief in cough and cold may be credited to its function of protecting the mucous membrane.

A paste made out of the skin of papaya is believed to aid in getting rid of pimples and comadones, which further gives luster to the face. It has further being stated that, a poultice made out of the leaves of papaya plant is believed to be beneficial in conditions like neuralgia (nerve-pain) and elephantiasis. Having said this, it is also been stated that papaya causes heat in the body and thus should be avoided during pregnancy or fever. This claim has been made by Ayurveda.

Pineapple

Use
Since pineapples have a very high content of citric acid, their consumption should be avoided on an empty stomach. Having them on an empty stomach is believed to lead to more acid secretion and hyper-acidity. It has further been stated that pineapples, being a good antiseptic, its juice may prove to be good for the throat.

Benefits

The antibacterial properties present in pineapple, make them very useful in throat infections like laryngitis and pharyngitis. This anti-viral property of pineapple juice is even said to have been confirmed by the Ayurveda experts.
As per their opinion, pineapple juice holds the ability to allay bile, destroy intestinal worms and prove to be beneficial to the heart. If you thought this is the end of the Juice Therapy article, then think again! As we intend on returning next week with the concluding article that spotlights the benefits of the various juices.

Sweet Facts About Sugar...!!

A New day

                     This is the beginning of a new day.

I have been given this
day to use as I will.
I can waste it, or use it.
I can make it a day long to be remembered for

its joy, its beauty and its achievements, or

it can be filled with pettiness.

What I do today is important because
I am exchanging a day of my life for it.

When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever,
but I shall hold something which I have traded for it.

It may be no more than a memory,
but if it is a worthy one I shall not regret the price.

I want it to be gain not loss, good not evil,
success not failure. 

Amazing Facts

Great collection of amazing and interesting facts about any thing in the world. Amazing facts about animal, universe, weather, human body, language, insects, birds and many other amazing and funny facts.

• Tuesday is considered as the most productive day of the week.
  
• In human body the right lung takes in more air than the left one.
  
• The sun is 330330 times larger than the earth.
  
• Bill gates house was designed using Macintosh computer which is a brand of the microsoft’s rival company.
  
• Almost all varieties of breakfast cereals are made from grass.
  
• In the 1930’s America track star Jesse Owens used to race against horses and dogs to earn a living.
  
• There is a great mushroom in Oregon that is 2,400 years old. It Covers 3.4 square miles of land and is still growing.
  
• Jimmy Carter is the first USA president to have born in hospital.
  
• Elephants are the only animals that cannot jump.
  
• Cleopatra married two of her brothers.
  
• It is illegal to own a red car in shanghai china.
  
• Tru to spin an egg, Its strange that a hard-boiled egg will spin but an uncooked or soft-boiled egg will not.
  
• Astronauts cannot burp in space.
  
• People with blue eyes see better in dark.
  
• The snowiest city in the USA is Blue Canyon, California.
  
• Lake Nicaragua in Nicaragua is the only fresh water lake in the world that has sharks.
  
• Kite flying is a professional sport in Thailand.
  
• The gasoline cannot freeze no matter how cold the temperature falls.
  
• Human stomach produces a new layer of mucus every two weeks otherwise it will digest itself.
  
• Every person has a unique tongue print.
  
• Donald Duck comics were banned in Finland because he doesn’t wear pants.
  
• A tiny amount of liquor on a scorpion will make it go mad instantly and sting itself to death.
  
• By raising your legs slowly and lying on your back, you can’t sink in quicksand.
  
• Guinness Book of Records holds the record for being the book most often stolen from Public Libraries.
  
• The Polar Bear can can reach 25 miles / hr of speed.
  
• Leonardo Da Vinci could write with one hand and draw with the other at the same time.
  
• Chocolate affects a dog’s heart and nervous system. A few ounces will kill a small sized dog.
  
• Most lipsticks contain fish scales.

The Most Beautiful Heart

One day a young man was standing in the middle of the town proclaiming that he had the most beautiful heart in the whole valley. A large crowd gathered and they all admired his heart for it was perfect. There was not a mark or a flaw in it. Yes, they all agreed it truly was the most beautiful heart they had ever seen. The young man was very proud and boasted more loudly about his beautiful heart. Suddenly, an old man appeared at the front of the crowd and said, “Why your heart is not nearly as beautiful as mine.” The crowd and the young man looked at the old man’s heart. It was beating strongly ... but full of scars. It had places where pieces had been removed and other pieces put in ... but they didn’t fit quite right and there were several jagged edges. In fact, in some places there were deep gouges where whole pieces were missing. The people starred ... how could he say his heart is more beautiful, they thought? The young man looked at the old man’s heart and saw its state and laughed. “You must be joking,” he said. “Compare your heart with mine ... mine is perfect and yours is a mess of scars and tears.” “Yes,” said the old man, “Yours is perfect looking ... but I would never trade with you. You see, every scar represents a person to whom I have given my love..... I tear out a piece of my heart and give it to them ... and often they give me a piece of their heart which fits into the empty place in my heart ... but because the pieces aren’t exact, I have some rough edges, which I cherish, because they remind me of the love we shared. Sometimes I have given pieces of my heart away ... and the other person hasn’t returned a piece of his heart to me. These are the empty gouges ... giving love is taking a chance. Although these gouges are painful, they stay open, reminding me of the love I have for these people too ... and I hope someday they may return and fill the space I have waiting. So now do you see what true beauty is?” The young man stood silently with tears running down his cheeks. He walked up to the old man, reached into his perfect young and beautiful heart, and ripped a piece out. He offered it to the old man with trembling hands. The old man took his offering, placed it in his heart and then took a piece from his old scarred heart and placed it in the wound in the young man’s heart. It fit.... but not perfectly, as there were some jagged edges. The young man looked at his heart, not perfect anymore but more beautiful than ever, since love from the old man’s heart flowed into his. They embraced and walked away side by side. Physical perfection is not always beautiful.

Life's Choices

Life is full of choices
Make sure you pick the right one
Don't listen to the voices
Hear only yours and you have won

Many people will tell you
You need to change your looks
Don't take to heart their view
Fabulous bods are found only in books

There is only one voice
That you should listen to
It will help make the right choice
That is perfect just for you

Your looks are your own
Someone will always love you
You will never be alone
Look in the mirror and you'll see who

by Rose

Healthy Steps to a Longer Life

One of the biggest factors that determines how well you age is not your genes but how well you live. Not convinced? A study published in 2009 in the British Medical Journal of 20,000 British folks shows that you can cut your risk of having a stroke in half by doing the following things: being active for 30 minutes a day, eating five daily servings of fruit and vegetables, and avoiding cigarettes and excess alcohol.
While those are some of the obvious steps you can take to age well, researchers have discovered that centenarians tend to share certain traits in how they eat, move about, and deal with stress—the sorts of things we can emulate to improve our own aging process. Of course, getting to age 100 is enormously more likely if your parents did. Still, Thomas Perls, who studies the century-plus set at Boston University School of Medicine, believes that assuming you've sidestepped genes for truly fatal diseases like Huntington's, "there's nothing stopping you from living independently well into your 90s." Heck, if your parents and grandparents were heavy smokers, they might have died prematurely without ever reaching their true potential lifespan, so go ahead and shoot for those triple digits. Follow these 12 habits and check out Perls' lifetime risk calculator to see how long you can expect to live.


 1. Don't Retire

"Evidence shows that in societies where people stop working abruptly, the incidence of obesity and chronic disease skyrockets after retirement," says Luigi Ferrucci, director of the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. The Chianti region of Italy, which has a high percentage of centenarians, has a different take on leisure time. "After people retire from their jobs, they spend most of the day working on their little farm, cultivating grapes or vegetables," he says. "They're never really inactive." Farming isn't for you? Volunteer as a docent at your local art museum or join the Experience Corps, a program offered in 19 cities that places senior volunteers in urban public elementary schools for about 15 hours a week.

2. Floss Every Day

That may help keep your arteries healthy. A 2008 New York University study showed that daily flossing reduced the amount of gum-disease-causing bacteria in the mouth. This bacteria is thought to enter the bloodstream and trigger inflammation in the arteries, a major risk factor for heart disease. Other research has shown that those who have high amounts of bacteria in their mouth are more likely to have thickening in their arteries, another sign of heart disease. "I really do think people should floss twice a day to get the biggest life expectancy benefits," says Perls.

3. Move Around

"Exercise is the only real fountain of youth that exists," says Jay Olshansky, a professor of medicine and aging researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago. "It's like the oil and lube job for your car. You don't have to do it, but your car will definitely run better." Study after study has documented the benefits of exercise to improve your mood, mental acuity, balance, muscle mass, and bones. "And the benefits kick in immediately after your first workout," Olshansky adds. Don't worry if you're not a gym rat. Those who see the biggest payoffs are the ones who go from doing nothing to simply walking around the neighborhood or local mall for about 30 minutes a day. Building muscle with resistance training is also ideal, but yoga classes can give you similar strength-training effects if you're not into weight lifting.

4. Eat a Fiber-Rich Cereal for Breakfast

Getting a serving of whole-grains, especially in the morning, appears to help older folks maintain stable blood sugar levels throughout the day, according to a recent study conducted by Ferrucci and his colleagues. "Those who do this have a lower incidence of diabetes, a known accelerator of aging," he says.

5. Get at Least Six Hours of Sleep Each Night

Instead of skimping on sleep to add more hours to your day, get more to add years to your life. "Sleep is one of the most important functions that our body uses to regulate and heal cells," says Ferrucci. "We've calculated that the minimum amount of sleep that older people need to get those healing REM phases is about six hours." Those who reach the century mark make sleep a top priority.

6. Consume Whole Foods, Not Supplements

Strong evidence suggests that people who have high blood levels of certain nutrients—selenium, beta-carotene, vitamins C and E—age much better and have a slower rate of cognitive decline. Unfortunately, there's no evidence that taking pills with these nutrients provides those anti-aging benefits. "There are more than 200 different carotenoids and 200 different flavonoids in a single tomato," points out Ferrucci, "and these chemicals can all have complex interactions that foster health beyond the single nutrients we know about like lycopene or vitamin C." Avoid nutrient-lacking white foods (breads, flour, sugar) and go for all those colorful fruits and vegetables and dark whole-grain breads and cereals with their host of hidden nutrients.

7. Be Less Neurotic

It may work for Woody Allen, who infuses his worries with a healthy dose of humor, but the rest of us neurotics may want to find a new way to deal with stress. "We have a new study coming out that shows that centenarians tend not to internalize things or dwell on their troubles," says Perls. "They are great at rolling with the punches." If this inborn trait is hard to overcome, find better ways to manage when you're stressed: Yoga, exercise, meditation, tai chi, or just deep breathing for a few moments are all good. Ruminating, eating chips in front of the TV, binge drinking? Bad, very bad.

8. Live Like a Seventh Day Adventist

Americans who define themselves as Seventh Day Adventists have an average life expectancy of 89, about a decade longer than the average American. One of the basic tenets of the religion is that it's important to cherish the body that's on loan from God, which means no smoking, alcohol abuse, or overindulging in sweets. Followers typically stick to a vegetarian diet based on fruits, vegetables, beans, and nuts, and get plenty of exercise. They're also very focused on family and community.

9. Be a Creature of Habit

Centenarians tend to live by strict routines, says Olshansky, eating the same kind of diet and doing the same kinds of activities their whole lives. Going to bed and waking up at the same time each day is another good habit to keep your body in the steady equilibrium that can be easily disrupted as you get on in years. "Your physiology becomes frailer when you get older," explains Ferrucci, "and it's harder for your body to bounce back if you, say, miss a few hours of sleep one night or drink too much alcohol." This can weaken immune defenses, leaving you more susceptible to circulating flu viruses or bacterial infections.

10. Stay Connected

Having regular social contacts with friends and loved ones is key to avoiding depression, which can lead to premature death, something that's particularly prevalent in elderly widows and widowers. Some psychologists even think that one of the biggest benefits elderly folks get from exercise the strong social interactions that come from walking with a buddy or taking a group exercise class. Having a daily connection with a close friend or family member gives older folks the added benefit of having someone watch their back. "They'll tell you if they think your memory is going or if you seem more withdrawn," says Perls, "and they might push you to see a doctor before you recognize that you need to see one yourself."

11. Be Conscientious

The strongest personality predictor of a long life is conscientiousness—that is, being prudent, persistent, and well organized, according to The Longevity Project, coauthored by Howard Friedman and Leslie Martin. The book describes a study that followed 1,500 children for eight decades, collecting exhaustive details about their personal histories, health, activities, beliefs, attitudes, and families. The children who were prudent and dependable lived the longest, Friedman says, likely because conscientious types are more inclined to follow doctors' orders, take the right medicines at the right doses, and undergo routine checkups. They're also likelier to report happier marriages and more satisfying work lives than their less conscientious peers.

2012 career predictions

 

Education, career, or job – what concerns you? When did you finish your education and find yourself sitting in the office staring at the computer screen working for a company or running your business? These three aspects are very important because one leads to another for the formation of a perfect life and if you lose any string, your hard work may not pay as per your expectations. Let's see what 2012 brings for your education, career and job.

Aries- Teamwork will help you complete your projects on time. Avoid any delays and negligence in your work. Your career will get a big boost when a pending business deal gets finalised. Sales and marketing professionals will have a very good time in 2012 as you will meet your month`s target in advance. This time you need to work at maintaining order at your workplace.

Taurus- Your chances of getting a promotion are quite high. In 2012, media professionals are likely to get some challenging assignments at work. Challenges that you face this time will bring out the best in you. Good work opportunities are indicated for graphic and web designers. You are at your creative best and impress others with your unique designs.

Gemini- You will feel quite lucky about the opportunities that you get. Your business will be progressing at a speed that you will be satisfied with. You can also expect to be sent overseas for an important assignment. Everyone at work will appreciate the pace at which you get your work done. Use the assistance of your seniors to sort out some tricky problems at work.

Cancer- Your ideas are appreciated and you make a good impression on your seniors and colleagues alike. Teamwork will help you achieve much better results and also achieve your goals on time. Collective effort of your team members will help you achieve targets and enhance career prospects as well. Work will progress smoothly and you will be able to complete some important projects.

Leo- Those of you who are working under pressure will perform well and live up to expectations. Your career front will benefit as you take some very good decisions. You manage to get some important projects for your company. Meetings are likely to progress smoothly and your negotiation skills will be impressive. You must plan your work and get good results.

Virgo- Challenges that you face this time will bring out the best in you. Good work opportunities are indicated for graphic and web designers. You are at your creative best and impress others with your unique designs. Make sure you meet all your deadlines. It`s time to get busy wrapping up agreements and expanding your reach in the marketplace.

Libra- Some of you may have to face some disappointments. All your efforts may not bear fruit. Additional work is likely to be piled up during this time. Designers in particular will have to sweat it out and finish off your given tasks. Overseas offers are indicated. Do grab them by all means, as it will give you better monetary profits not only now but also in future.

Scorpio- During this time you will make progress at work through sheer determination and team member support. This period will be excellent for those of you who are in the field of publishing and creative writing as you get a lot of new employment opportunities being offered to you. In 2012, you will not only reap the awards of all the hard work you have put in for the past few months but you will also get due recognition from all quarters.

Sagittarius- Make sure that you take advantage of this wonderful opportunity and show your best at work. However, to be a consistent performer you need to work on your technical skills too. Keep your confidence high and you will not be far away from success. New hopes and aspirations arise in business as you recruit enthusiastic people in direct marketing. You impress your seniors with your hard work and achieve set targets. Success is also on the cards for people aspiring to join an interior-designing course.

Capricorn- The year 2012 begins on a perfect note and you find your ruling planet Venus favoring you thoroughly. Your love for luxury and practical nature will help you carve a niche for yourself in the field of finance, cosmetics or IT. This year, ensure that you look very carefully at how your decisions will impact those close to you before you jump for the kill. You will only benefit if you were to work harmoniously with others.

Aquarius- In 2012 you will have a much more positive attitude, thanks to Jupiter and will be in a position to make the most of any opportunities that come your way. There are less chances of your getting distracted or losing sight of your goals, which will help you get your priorities right and achieve success in your professional endeavours. Those of you who are unemployed will get more opportunities than usual to appear in interviews and try for the position of your choice, between July and November.

Pisces- This is a year when some of your career goals and dreams are surely going to be true. You have so far taken the right decisions and made the right choices. Your career reflects that! You make more efforts in the year 2012 to make things even better. Some of you will however, need to take criticism on your stride. Get a hold on your emotions without losing your determination to achieve your goals.

TEN Ideal Habits for a Better Lifestyle

The urban lifestyle that you lead comes at a cost.
And it takes much more than your spending power. Most people caught in the urban trend of life lack a lot of things in their daily life, like time, freedom, peace and, most importantly, happiness. When your demanding lifestyle starts taking a toll on your mental, physical or emotional state of being, you know it's time for a change.
We bring 10 small but ideal habits which can help you lead a better lifestyle.

1. Opt for juice over coffee

Whether its a persistent migraine or lack of sleep or even a bad day at work, the urban man actually depends on coffee. Not everyone knows that the dependence is actually a bane and poses health hazards. Substitute your daily cup of coffee with a glass of fresh juice. It will not only bring a marked improvement in your health but might also reverse the ill-effects of your lifestyle on your body.

 

2. Writing over typing

With most offices embracing the concept of going paperless and the convenience of typing, people have forgotten the essence of writing. Just like an artist needs his canvas to paint, the experience of writing can only be a fulfilling one with a pen and a paper. It will be a sort of re-discovery for you and will add a freshness to your daily, boring, routine.

3. Plant a tree every birthday

Though this is not something that will bring immediate changes to your lifestyle, it is definitely something that will bring you a sense of satisfaction in the long run. By planting a tree every once a year, you pledge your support to help the environment in a small way. You might also feel a lot happier than you did before with all the heavy-duty partying or boozing.

4. Ditch your car, once a week

You've heard about the benefits of car pooling, taking the public transport, etc. If you cannot bear to take the trouble everyday, do so just once a week. Forget about the environmental factors. When you pool your car, you get the opportunity to mingle with your colleagues. Using the public transport serves as an excuse to enjoy the journey as opposed to concentrating on reaching the destination when driving yourself to work. This way, you can appreciate the little things that usually go unnoticed in the light of your busy schedule.

 

5. Have some 'Me' time everyday

You probably have not realized it till now that in your daily run around your job, wife/girlfriend, friends, family and dogs, you lose out on the most important part of you i.e. yourself. When your priorities are everything else but yourself, it is a desperate cal for some 'me' time. Extract at least half an hour a day for some self-introspection. You will be amazed at how refreshed your mind feels and following this everyday will contribute to your mental and emotional well-being.

 

6. Sunday= Holiday from gadgets

I wouldn't want to start the whole debate about how man is becoming a slave to technology, etc. You surely know that you are, indeed, dependent on gadgets to get through your day. Though I agree that they are crucial in today's fast paced world, spending one day without them isn't exactly a mission impossible. Your Sundays should not only mean a holiday from work but from gadgets too.

 

7. Laugh more often

Whoever said laughter is the best medicine, most definitely said it right. Laughter is an antidote to pain, stress and heartache. Go back to the time when you were a little man in a world where you could laugh your heart out without any worries. Shed those burdens that come in the way of your happiness and give in to laughter whenever it comes calling.

 

8. Explore the magic of classical music

I'm sure you enjoy listening to music like most people but have probably not thought about using it as a tool to find some mental peace. Of all genres, classical music is said to have the most soothing effect on the human mind. It enhances relaxation and lowers the levels of stress hormones. Perhaps, you can already imagine the importance and benefits of music in your life.

 

9. Walk

Walking is, perhaps, the best exercise ever because it not only helps the body but also rejuvenates the mind. Walking is said to help you more than any doctor or his medicine can. While you can choose to walk on your treadmill, I would suggest you opt for an open space. An early morning walk improves your mood, reduces anxiety, improves blood circulation and makes you more sensitive to your surroundings

 

10. One good deed a day

Instead of only thinking about benefitting yourself, think for the benefit of others for a change. By one good deed a day, I do not expect you to go distributing food or clothes to the needy every single day. A good deed can be something as small as offering someone a lift, helping the elderly cross the road or taking an injured animal to the vet. Anything that makes you feel humane is a good deed and will tremendously help your growth as a real man.

You are unique!

Think what a remarkable, unduplicatable, and miraculous thing it is to be you! Of all the people who have come and gone on the earth, since the beginning of time, not ONE of them is like YOU!
No one who has ever lived or is to come has had your combination of abilities, talents, appearance, friends, acquaintances, burdens, sorrows and opportunities.
No one’s hair grows exactly the way yours does. No one’s finger prints are like yours. No one has the same combination of secret inside jokes and family expressions that you know.
The few people who laugh at all the same things you do, don’t sneeze the way you do. No one prays about exactly the same concerns as you do. No one is loved by the same combination of people that love you – NO ONE!
No one before, no one to come. YOU ARE ABSOLUTELY UNIQUE!
Enjoy that uniqueness. You do not have to pretend in order to seem more like someone else. You weren’t meant to be like someone else. You do not have to lie to conceal the parts of you that are not like what you see in anyone else.
You were meant to be different. Nowhere ever in all of history will the same things be going on in anyone’s mind, soul and spirit as are going on in yours right now.
If you did not exist, there would be a hole in creation, a gap in history, something missing from the plan for humankind.
Treasure your uniqueness. It is a gift given only to you. Enjoy it and share it!
No one can reach out to others in the same way that you can. No one can speak your words. No one can convey your meanings. No one can comfort with your kind of comfort. No one can bring your kind of understanding to another person.
No one can be cheerful and lighthearted and joyous in your way. No one can smile your smile. No one else can bring the whole unique impact of you to another human being.
Share your uniqueness. Let it be free to flow out among your family and friends and people you meet in the rush and clutter of living wherever you are. That gift of yourself was given you to enjoy and share. Give yourself away!
See it! Receive it! Let it tickle you! Let it inform you and nudge you and inspire you! YOU ARE UNIQUE!

A man must constantly exceed his level!

This inspiring story is about Bruce Lee, a legendary martial art master.
“Bruce had me up to three miles a day, really at a good pace. We’d run the three miles in twenty-one or twenty-two minutes. Just under eight minutes a mile [Note: when running on his own in 1968, Lee would get his time down to six-and-a half minutes per mile].
So this morning he said to me “We’re going to go five.” I said, “Bruce, I can’t go five. I’m a helluva lot older than you are, and I can’t do five.” He said, “When we get to three, we’ll shift gears and it’s only two more and you’ll do it.”

 Bruce Lee

I said “Okay, hell, I’ll go for it.” So we get to three, we go into the fourth mile and I’m okay for three or four minutes, and then I really begin to give out. I’m tired, my heart’s pounding, I can’t go any more and so I say to him, “Bruce if I run any more,” –and we’re still running-” if I run any more I’m liable to have a heart attack and die.”
He said, “Then die.” It made me so mad that I went the full five miles.
Afterward I went to the shower and then I wanted to talk to him about it. I said, you know, “Why did you say that?”
He said, “Because you might as well be dead. Seriously, if you always put limits on what you can do, physical or anything else, it’ll spread over into the rest of your life. It’ll spread into your work, into your morality, into your entire being. There are no limits. There are plateaus, but you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. If it kills you, it kills you. A man must constantly exceed his level.”

From The Art of Expressing the Human Body
By Bruce Lee, John Little

Face difficulties positively

This parable is told of a farmer who owned an old mule. The mule fell into the farmer’s well. The farmer heard the mule praying or whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together, told them what had happened, and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.
Initially the old mule was hysterical! But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back, a thought struck him. It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load of dirt landed on his back, HE WOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!
This he did, blow after blow. “Shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up…shake it off and step up!” He repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or how distressing the situation seemed, the old mule fought panic and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!
It wasn’t long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, stepped triumphantly over the wall of that well! What seemed like it would bury him actually helped him . . . all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.
THAT’S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity.

DON’T HOPE,…DECIDE!

While waiting to pick up a friend at the airport in Portland, Oregon, I had one of those life-changing experiences that you hear other people talk about — the kind that sneaks up on you unexpectedly. This one occurred a mere two feet away from me.
Straining to locate my friend among the passengers deplaning through the jet way, I noticed a man coming toward me carrying two light bags. He stopped right next to me to greet his family.
First he motioned to his youngest son (maybe six years old) as he laid down his bags. They gave each other a long, loving hug. As they separated enough to look in each other’s face, I heard the father say, “It’s so good to see you, son. I missed you so much!” His son smiled somewhat shyly, averted his eyes and replied softly, “Me, too, Dad!”
Then the man stood up, gazed in the eyes of his oldest son (maybe nine or ten) and while cupping his son’s face in his hands said, “You’re already quite the young man. I love you very much, Zach!” They too hugged a most loving, tender hug.
While this was happening, a baby girl (perhaps one or one-and-a-half) was squirming excitedly in her mother’s arms, never once taking her little eyes off the wonderful sight of her returning father. The man said, “Hi, baby girl!” as he gently took the child from her mother. He quickly kissed her face all over and then held her close to his chest while rocking her from side to side. The little girl instantly relaxed and simply laid her head on his shoulder, motionless in pure contentment.
After several moments, he handed his daughter to his oldest son and declared, “I’ve saved the best for last!” and proceeded to give his wife the longest, most passionate kiss I ever remember seeing. He gazed into her eyes for several seconds and then silently mouthed. “I love you so much!” They stared at each other’s eyes, beaming big smiles at one another, while holding both hands.
For an instant they reminded me of newlyweds, but I knew by the age of their kids that they couldn’t possibly be. I puzzled about it for a moment then realized how totally engrossed I was in the wonderful display of unconditional love not more than an arm’s length away from me. I suddenly felt uncomfortable, as if I was invading something sacred, but was amazed to hear my own voice nervously ask, “Wow! How long have you two been married?
“Been together fourteen years total, married twelve of those.” he replied, without breaking his gaze from his lovely wife’s face. “Well then, how long have you been away?” I asked. The man finally turned and looked at me, still beaming his joyous smile. “Two whole days!”
Two days? I was stunned. By the intensity of the greeting, I had assumed he’d been gone for at least several weeks – if not months. I know my expression betrayed me.
I said almost offhandedly, hoping to end my intrusion with some semblance of grace (and to get back to searching for my friend), “I hope my marriage is still that passionate after twelve years!”
The man suddenly stopped smiling.
He looked me straight in the eye, and with forcefulness that burned right into my soul, he told me something that left me a different person. He told me, “Don’t hope, friend… decide!” Then he flashed me his wonderful smile again, shook my hand and said, “God bless!”