Shame is a complex and universal motion. It can find its way through the fabric of our lives. Shame often leaves both subtle and profound marks. It can either be a fleeting pang of embarrassment after a social gaffe or a crippling sense of worthlessness stemming from past experiences. 

With a rise in mass shootings, COVID, and war, there seems not to be a day without the news media focusing on traumatic events that may influence children’s development.

From an early age, I was capable. In elementary school, I won my school’s spelling bee. Later, I learned how to pull apart, clean, and reassemble an M-16 air-cooled gas operated semi-automatic assault rifle in the U.S. Army. Even when I got into some trouble as Army grunts usually do, NCOs noticed how tidy, clean, and organized a utility closet I was ordered to clean became.

One of the dimensions of wellness is spiritual wellness, according to the University of California, Riverside. The university’s definition of spiritual health is “the ability to establish peace and harmony in our lives.” It is a personal matter binding us to a special purpose in life, and without spiritual wellness, the individual suffers in both body and mind.

It was on September 4, 1971, that “Smoke on the Water”, the signature song by the band Deep Purple was conceived through a tragic accidental gunshot flare fired by a fan.

Where should I begin, with the start of picking up a smoke or the end when I ultimately crushed out my last cigarette? Face it. Quitting a habit that has been a part of you for over 20 years is hard to break.

People inherit a lot from their parents: money, eye color, homes, yes, even a sense of humor for some. But could people also inherit certain other behaviors from their parents?

There are many charitable organizations that collect and distribute clothing to the homeless including the Salvation Army and individual city missions. I can see why, given the gravity of the situation.

As my cameraman Garrett and I left to interview veterans managing their Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD), we had no idea what to expect. Were they open to talking about their personal demons? Would they talk to strangers who would ask them questions about their time with horses?

We CAN provide food for all. Children do not have to be malnourished preventing the onset of many adult diseases like diabetes and cancer. We have the power to feed the hungry. All it takes is community action.