Generalization

 When you speak about a group of people, do you group them all together? For instance, "Those black people" or "Those Democrats" or"Those people in the South side". If you do, you are generalizing that ALL 'those' people are bad or good. Categorizing a group of a certain group, religion, color, race or affiliation is wrong. What you are saying is ALL people in that particular group is bad or wrong. That is usually not true. Yes, there are radials in every group.

Nancy and I have trip all over the world meeting many cultural groups from Muslims, to Indian to Orientals, to Blacks, browns, to LGBT and, yes many whites. We have many good friends in ALL of these groups. Anytime we have been with people from any of these groups, we have always been treat with friendly open arms and kindness. We have been offered and excepted an invite to stay in their homes, and share a meal with them. In turn, we have offered them to do the same.

I believe each person should be judged on their own characteristics and personality, not the color of their skin, religion or political believes. Determining whether you want to be friends with them or not in a personalized 'gut feeling'. Just because the other person does not like the present politician, or share your views on religion, or who should be your team's quarterback, does not mean you can not be friends, or feel passion for their efforts.

So many times I hear a reference of "those people in the MOB" or because someone has many tattoos you automatically think they are in a gang or a biker. Get to know the person before making up your mind. Preconceived opinions often come from childhood and escalate as we get older. Parents or friends may have convenient you to believe the way they see the world and people. Most people naturally believe opinions that see a group or person in a bad light. Just watch the political commercials. They always show someone's mistakes or find something bad about that person or group in hopes of turning you against that person or group.

You must be better that, and do your homework or research to find the true facts. Just following someone else lead does not show well on you. Be that fact checker before you decide if they are good or bad. One of my favorite quotes is, "Opinions are like butts, everyone has one. Some smell and other are clean." Also we all hear, "Never judge a book by its cover." 

And finally, just because you associate with someone, does not necessarily mean you share the same ideas, opinions or philosophy. So beware of others grouping you in that crowd. Association does not mean your are guilty, unlike you are.

The bottom line is, just because you are black, brown, Muslim, Republican, Democrat, or whatever, you can make your own determination about groups and individuals. You ARE SMARTER than the per-judging people.😏

I invite you to comment.

What is your REAL age?

 Yesterday was my birthday. Yup, another year older, 74. Scary huh? I am getting closer to the three quarter of a century mark. What worries me, and I am sure, most people is that I can't do what I use to do when I was 30 or 40 or maybe 50... well maybe 30. 

Anyone that is around me lately knows I still do a lot of stuff I did when I was 40 or 50. I don't know if most people can say that. Some think they can, and when they do, they are hurt for the next week. I am not bragging. I am just saying I am fortunate and driven to be active and have the drive to do things.

I see men younger than I who look and act ten years older than me. So when I am down on myself, I think 'That is what I COULD look like'. 

I truly believe staying active, both physically and mentally is how you keep yourself young. Not sitting around watching TV or just being lazy. I will admit there are times when I am hurting and just have to sit and do nothing. But when I can, I am up and going (mostly in my shop working on cars or trucks, or maybe building stuff, hiking or on my gym equipment).  I will also admit, there are people who can not be that active because of injuries or health issues. That is a given. There are 74 year old men and women that can leave in their dust. I have seen them in action, and they are awesome. They are truly driven in a sport, or working.

My point is, being 50, 60 or 74 does not give you permission to be a couch potato. We live in a very privileged country which has a lot of distractions from participating in physical activates such as running, hiking, walking, biking, softball, swimming or volunteering. 

Our country, on an average, is one of the most overweight countries in the world.  The advantage to being active, it is good for your heart, it is good for your lungs, it builds muscles, and you'll lose weight. Some people actually get a 'high' from exercise, especially if they push themselves. But don't push TOO hard. Just a brisk walk in the morning as far as you can go, then try to increase it a little more each day.

Before you do any exercise, stretch your legs, back and arms. loosen those muscles first, and drink water during and after your exercise.

You'll feel better about yourself mentally and physically. But as always, consult with trainers, and or with your doctor if you have health considerations.

Just one little brag on my part, when I was 15 years old I weighed 178 pounds... I still do. But gravity has shifted some parts around, unfortunately.

Take care, stay safe and go out there.