Good Intentions

Shaming People Into Submission

Vegans, vegetarians and celiacs are not the only people eating quinoa, and it’s the 'nons', those trendy, fashionable eaters who have made it more popular than ever, thus the increase in price. I like this particular example as stated by a commenter… "It's a bit like oysters, which were a working class food until their popularity caused a supply and demand situation that drove up the price, and now they are the food of the rich."

I do appreciate this article and it’s an important read, but this story also exploits and attempts to justify criticism of vegans, vegetarians and celiacs for trying to live a healthier lifestyle, and that is a fact!

I try to be a mindful eater, and succeed more often than not. It’s unfortunate I have dietary restrictions. I am sympathetic to the argument. However, I will not deny myself quinoa. I might be validating my consumption, but it’s not like I am eating large quantities. It’s all about balance and moderation.

It’s easy to make an argument for anything we eat, drink, wear, etc. I must admit, I am getting tired of the 'shaming' – Facebook shaming, fat shaming, etc., and now quinoa shaming. This list is long and I am just tired of how critical we have become.

I can only ride the bandwagon for so long, especially when it comes to certain causes. Don’t misunderstand me because I do fight passionately for what I believe, but I don’t shame in the process (well, that is never my intention). At least I am honest with this endeavor. I have too many friends who stress themselves out over causes. Dare I say they can be annoying, at times. I don’t want to be like them because they are wearing themselves thin, while irritating friends and the rest of the world.

I approach everything in life with balance and moderation, and with mindful consumption. I suggest you do the same, dear reader.

Live and let live. We must stop the judging. We must stop being obsessive. More importantly, enough with shaming people into submission. – paerki  (Reference: Quinoa)

Searching 

A must read! Many are looking for answers, desperate to know what's really going on. There is always time for a new beginning. Choose quality to quantity, in all things. Think moderation and balance. Healthy food is a must. Think holistically when treating your aches and pains. Exercise (walking will do)! – paerki  (Reference: Lost In Drugs)

Continue To Keep It Real

It’s amazing how many people I know who aren’t keeping it real. Sadly, this includes some of my friends. On occasion I have to ask myself, what is that saying about me? It’s a valid question through association and an important one to ask on occasion. A little introspection never hurt anyone. It’s the perfect barometer for assessing our mental health.

'Real' requires us to be ourselves at all times, holding true to our beliefs. 'Real' is remembering where we came from so our personality stays positive and intact without change. Regardless of fame, fortune, money, education or success, we hold true the principals and values instilled in us by our mentors, which includes family, teachers and countless others.

I’ve made it clear and now need to make it clearer on my intentions for preserving my values. Simply moving through life with the status quo is unacceptable. My goals are straightforward. Enjoying the day is fine, but absorbing the day is better. Hopefully, that includes sharing it with people who care more about getting out of the car to explore instead of using it to get from point A to point B, sitting and then doing nothing. It needs to be more than situated on the couch, consuming, computing and never exercising. Most importantly, it’s about meaning what you say and saying what you mean, eating healthy instead of eating just for the sake of eating, masking an underlying problem, and communicating with honesty without being malicious. However, the listener must accept the outcomes because it might not always be what you want to hear. I consider this one of the biggest obstacles in keeping a relationship (friendship) thriving.

We must always be open to all people, being fully present, participating in light banter and constant contributors to communication where appropriate. Are we being any less real if we don’t give our all to these small conversations in life? Absolutely not! These conversations are a blip on the screen, practice for when those meaty ones come along to enhance our lives and nurture our spirits.

Keep it real by maintaining a perspective of what really matters. Too many times we are confronted with situations that require us to sacrifice our integrity and identity. It’s at these times we are tested. Don’t look for temporary gain. Remember perspective and act accordingly.

I’ve learned, and on occasion have found it challenging, to stay true to commitments. Those delinquent times are related to pleasing others, but you can’t please others unless you are pleasing yourself. Do what’s right for you. The truest of friends will understand.

Always remember, keeping it real means staying true to your roots. That’s not to say a person doesn’t evolve over time. It just means you need to remember those experiences that have shaped the person you are today.

Lastly, being real with yourself and others creates a balance to your karma. If you keep it real, simple and limit your drama, good karma will follow you forever and ever. – paerki