Our bodies are designed to produce all our needed energy over an amazingly long period of time.  If we takes reasonable care of ourselves from the standpoint of incorporating principles of proper diet, exercise, sleep, and not abusing ourselves physically, our bodies will produce and maintain astonishing amounts of energy and sustain itself in good health.  If we give similar attention to maintaining a well-balanced emotional life, energy will be conserved.  But if we allow energy leaks caused by hereditary or self-imposed emotional reaction of a debilitating nature, we will be lacking in vital force.  When an individual’s mind, body, and spirit work harmoniously there is a continuous replacement of necessary energy.  That individual maintains a completely empowered state.

Mrs. Thomas A. Edison, in discussing the habits and characteristics of her husband, the world’s greatest inventive wizard has stated that it was Mr. Edison’s custom to come into the house from his laboratory after many hours of labor and lie down on his old couch.  She said he would fall asleep as naturally as a child, in perfect relaxation, sinking into a deep and untroubled slumber.  After three, four, or sometimes five hours he would become instantly wide awake, completely refreshed and eager to return to his work. “He was nature’s man,” by which she meant that he was completely in harmony with nature and God.  In him there were no obsessions, no disorganization, no conflicts, no mental quirks, and no emotional instability.  He worked until he needed to sleep, then he slept soundly and arose and returned to his work.  He lived for many years, and was in many respects the most creative mind ever to appear on the American continent.  He drew his energy from emotional self-mastery, the ability to relax completely.  His amazingly harmonious relationship with the universe caused nature to reveal to him its inscrutable secrets…a truly empowered individual.

Have you ever thought about eagles? So proud…so powerful.  I have had the privilege to observe them glide…talk about an amazingly empowered bird.

The eagle has been always been respected for its grandeur.  There is something inspiring about its impressive grace in flight, its great wingspan, its powerful claws.  It glides effortlessly at breathtaking altitudes, seemingly unaffected by the turbulent winds that whip across and between mountain crevices.  Eagles do not travel in flocks nor do they conduct themselves irresponsibly.  Strong of heart and solitary, they represent qualities we admire.

The eagle mates for life and returns to the same nest each year, making necessary repairs and additions.  He takes an active role in providing for his family, protecting it from approaching dangers, and teaching little eaglets to fly.  Responsibility, liberty, beauty, stability, and a dozen other admirable traits seem woven into the eagle’s makeup.  Living like an eagle doesn’t come cheap.  It means rising above peer pressure, laziness, and tapping into our inner desires to become who were designed to be  It takes guts.  It is a rare person who decides to ignore the “average” and fight against the pull of the mediocre magnet.  As the familiar motto says:” It’s hard to soar like an eagle when I’m surrounded by so many turkeys!”

Are you willing to “push through” and soar with the eagles? Or do you prefer the simpler approach.  Do you see yourself as an eagle. or do you prefer the turkey version?

Lately, I have been thinking a lot about value…what we as humans value…what I value and the value that I place on those things or individuals that I value. It has really made me stop and think…it has made me re-evaluate certain things. It has made me ask myself “What If”? Maybe this will make you stop and ask yourself “What If”…

To realize the value of a sister/brother…ask someone who doesn’t have one.

To realize the value of ten years: ask a newly divorced couple.

To realize the value of four years: ask a graduate.

To realize the value of one year: ask a student who has failed a final exam.

To realize the value of nine months: ask a mother who gave birth to a stillborn.

To realize the value of one month: ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby..

To realize the value of one week: ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.

To realize the value of one minute: ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.

To realize the value of one-second: ask a person who has survived an accident.

Time waits for no one. Treasure every moment you have. You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.

To realize the value of a friend or family member: LOSE ONE. Remember….Hold on tight to the ones you love!

This is an empowering thought…Where do YOUR values lie?