First, and foremost, apologies on this one that in the later third of the episode I succomed to the realities of recently coming down with covid. But here's the deal, I made a commitment to uploading and episode every Sunday and that means overcoming impediments, setbacks, and even, illnesses. When I started, I said I didn't plan to edit episodes. Well, I had to eat those words. I had to edit out some of the worst coughing fits on this one. Oof. 

Anyway, I hope this episode is helpful to those of you who will take the time to download it and listen. If nothing else, it helps me to think through these things. 

BE INTENTIONAL in mind, body, and soul! AMDG

When I think about the totality of health and well-being I consider four factors:

• mindset/stress management/learning/mental health
• Consistent quality sleep
• Nutrition/Diet
• Intentional movement

Thinking of these like legs of a chair or table, they need to be equal to be functional. 

When we are intentional about each of these facets of life, they can positively affect each other in a sort of virtuous cycle. As opposed to when each of them is suboptimal or very bad, they become a vicious cycle of physical and mental health. 

This could have been a much longer episode, because there is much to say about each factor of well-being. God willing, this is of help for someone out there. Please share if you think it would be helpful to someone you know or love. 

Understand you purpose, be intentional, and persevere! God bless!

Dr. Carol Dweck talking about fixed vs. growth mindset: https://youtu.be/hiiEeMN7vbQ?si=xXQsSYUCVOjkLRl0

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer for a reason. It's caused by serious underlying issues, but we usually can't feel them - hence the name. Bottomline, get an inexpensive blood pressure cuff/monitor off Amazon or froom Walmart or a drug store AND USE IT. Regularly! It could save your life, but it will also give you a simple, non-invasive home method of checking on the health of your body. 

Jesus sends out his disciples to "heal the sick." Given that 88% of Americans are metabolically sick - preventable and curable illness - why do we, the Church, say and do next to nothing to address this widespread epidemic? I have some thoughts. 

I should have made clear that I am aware that there is no single organization in the world that has done more to help the sick over time, on a global scale, than the Catholic Church. 

Still, we seem to ignore that Jesus and the Apostles were about taking care of the mind and body, not just the soul. I think that needs to change. We can and should do more to help people live better lives. 

Two people who are trying to address what I'm talking about (among others):

Chase Crouse with Hypurofit: https://www.hypurofit.org

You can follow him on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/coach.chasecrouse/

Matthew Gay's book, Fit Church: https://tinyurl.com/425d5dvk

Matthew's website: https://www.fitchurchunited.com

Matthew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitchurchunited/

Oh, and my Instagram if you want to reach out via DM: https://www.instagram.com/deacon.brad.watkins/

From time to time my senior class will hear one of my "furious rants" related to my observations of our world. So, since it's summer and I have no classes, I figured I could bring them to the podcast for a shorter midweek episode. If the sound is weird, it's because the screen on my laptop crashed, and I had to do this on a spare computer from school. Also, the thoughts I had written down were on my computer, so this was very much off the top of my head. Point of this episode is: be better. Do the right thing because it's the right thing to do. And be about a virtuous life, especially justice towards others. Don't be THAT person. Return your shopping cart, don't litter, and don't park in handicapped spots unless you are legitimately handicapped. Have some freaking honor. AMDG

Before I get too many episodes along, I wanted to talk more specifically about perseverance as it relates to body, mind, and soul. Specifically how incredibly challenging it can be to move from where we are to somewhere better. 

Discussed a lot in this one. I hope something in all of it is of some help to someone out there!

Oh and here's the link to Ethan Suplee's Instagram account:

https://www.instagram.com/ethansuplee/

And this is the link to the Rich Roll Podcast episode he was on:

https://www.richroll.com/podcast/ethan-suplee-918/

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Proverbs 19:21

This week's episode is my rambling thoughts on purpose as an essential aspect of life.

Personally, I think it is critical to know and understand our purpose as a "first thing," because then decision making in life, in almost every aspect of life, becomes much easier. It has become a mantra for me: Know and understand your purpose, be intentional about it, and persevere. 

Also, thank you for bearing with me as I figure out solo podcasting. A little odd effectively talking to myself at lenght, but as with most things, I suspect it will become easier with time and practice. 

Oh, and sorry about the throat clearing. I ate some spicy Indian food right before I hit record. Lesson learned - haha. 

Proverbs 19:21

Luke 21:19

Homily for the Solemnity of Saints Peter and Paul

Readings:

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/062925-Mass.cfm

"Dørstokkmila" (Norwegian) The “doorstep mile” is a metaphor for the idea that the hardest part of any journey is getting started. It refers to the internal resistance and mental hurdle that must be overcome just to take the first step. 

The larger idea of The Perseverance Project has been on my heart and mind for several years. So, this first episode of the Purpose and Perseverance Podcast is both my doorstep mile and the "Start With Why" as Simon Sinek would write. 

It's an attempt on my part, in some small way, to try and fulfill Our Lord's commission to "heal the sick," in mind, body, and soul all to the greater glory of God. 

I pray it might be of help to someone out there.