What is the State of My Union?

by Connie Pierce

As you can easily guess, this article stems from listening to the President’s State of the Union Address this evening.

 Union has several meanings including “the growing together of severed parts; a unified condition.”  It definitely can apply to our individual lives as well as the state of our Country and government. 

 I started looking at my life and asking the following:

• Does my marriage reflect a growing together or severing apart?
• Am I single-minded in my approach to health, financial security, relationships, etc.?
• Am I living responsibly and with accountability by balancing my budget and not living beyond my means?
• Do I consider each day a privilege and blessing and consequently treat it with respect?  And do I treat others with the same respect that I want to be treated?
• Is education a continuing process?  Being a senior citizen isn’t an excuse for not growing and learning.  Like the middle age woman the President spoke about who is back in college…what am I doing to increase my knowledge and set an example for our young people?
• Am I employed or unemployed?  In other words, am I active and productive?

 “State of My Union” is really about the state of my thinking!  It all starts there and the more I focus on what I am thinking and doing…the better I will be which helps make a better world.  The President and Congress can’t do this for me!  I am the one who must make the changes that will bring unity, harmony, well being, financial success, etc.  Otherwise I become a victim with little hope for the future.

 How does this help those who are struggling with obesity?  All of the above questions I started asking myself apply.  To be successful with any endeavor, I have found that I must be honest in my assessment and be accountable for finding and implementing a solution.  I need to love and respect myself each and every day and be committed to the discipline that will ultimately bring me freedom.

I lost over 190 lbs. by following these principles (remember my previous articles on Guiding Principles?).  It required discipline, honesty and a willingness to change my thinking and committing to a lifestyle that would support these ideals. 

 So how is the state of your union today?  Take time to assess where you are  and then go about making the changes that will support what you want. 

 We all love our Country.  We all want to see our Country continue to set the standard and lead the world in science, technology, the arts, etc.  Without sounding to simplistic, to see a better country or world, it starts by seeing a better me (you).

 Our work is cut out for us, but the rewards are limitless.  As the President said this evening, “The future is ours to win. But to get there, we can’t just stand still.”