The American Dream or Nightmare?

When I climbed the ladder hard and fast in corporate America and reached upper management, I couldn't have been more disappointed. What I had been sold was a complete lie! You don't "enjoy" your job but rather get eye-ball deep into the red tape, politics and everything BUT what you love to do. I often think the American Dream has become many people's nightmares. Our pursuit of happiness has caused us blood, sweat, tears, pain, confusion and lots of stress. Am I saying the dream is dead? Absolutely not! Hear me out...

I believe each person should dream their own dream, not one sold or pushed upon them by our society. For me, a corporate job was not my dream. Once I understood that and created my own business, I have lived my dream. Others may find owning a home sheer work...then don't! Even obtaining "perfect" health and fitness may be overwhelming to some...so settle for "good enough."

My point, CHOOSE your own dream. Go after it with zest and quit living what someone else told you to pursue, which can become your nightmare.

Exercising in the heat

Although the American Pediatrics Association is correct in stating that youth can exercise in heat, let us NOT forget that the part of the brain which houses discernment does not fully develop until one is in his or her 20s. That means as parents, YOU need to monitor their exertion for them. And the answer "fine" in reply to how they are doing shouldn't cut it. Ask kids "on a scale of 1 to 10, where are you?" In extreme heat, they shouldn't be above an 8. Check their coloring, ensuring they aren't going pale or white. Make mandatory water breaks a norm. And if your child is overweight, they will overheat faster. Also know that everyone is different. Some people have excellent cooling mechanisms while others do not. So yes, exercising in the heat is "okay" but watch carefully and help them understand their limits.