Eric Suddoth's Blog, page 11

Walking Under the Moonlight

I left work this evening not to late. I have been working quite a few extra hours lately to help with our March 15th deadline tomorrow, but tonight I was tired.

Maybe it was the time change with spring forward causing the affect. Or maybe it was just my body telling me to rest.

I thought about going to the gym to workout some of the stress knotted in my back, but as I was driving I decided walking outside tonight was a much better option.

And it was a much better option.

I cranked up my Hillsong worship music and walked up and down my dark, lonely street with only a few cars passing me by as company. I let my mind drift around to various topics: spiritual gifts, neighboring Pharisees, stop just going to church, and then I looked up.

The moon was shining brilliantly.

I’m often fascinated by astronomy. The spinning planets, the shooting stars, the billions of known galaxies. There is so much to stand in wonder about with these sometimes tiny dots scattered on a black canvas.

There is something magnificent about the bright, burning sun. There is something outlandish with the rings of Jupiter. There is something a little comical about the Pluto debate that have stretched through the ages (is it or isn’t it?)

But one thing that truly amazes me is the simplicity of the moon.

But our little moon is something that can sometimes be overlooked. It’s just a rock that doesn’t shine its own light. It is held onto its rotation by the gravitational pull of the Earth. It cycles through its stages not on its own accord, but the shadow of something else.

The moon isn’t anything special on its own. Just a rock.

But when you combine it with the earth, tides are tossed around thanks to this sphere. With the earth we can see its stages and is used as a calendars tool.

But even more fascinating is what it does with the sun.

Have you even shined a flashlight in the dark on a mirror or something shiny? The light bounces. The object that was once in the dark now shines. But when you look at the moon it doesn’t look like anything shiny. It isn’t covered in mirrors to bounce the light off of its surface. It is just a blank canvas.

It’s funny isn’t it, how God can take our lives which we think are blank canvases with nothing special and use it. Just like the moon. He can take our unshiny life and make it shine. He can take our mediocre self’s and make it remarkable. He can take a blank slab and turn it into something that people will look at in wonder.

Yes, the moon isn’t anything special, but on nights like tonight, the light from the sun reflects gorgeously.

It is truly amazing that a shadow can be cast from reflected light.

So my question goes up into the void, what shadow are you casting with your reflection of His light?

Are you shining positive words, encouraging accolades, heartening compassion, merciful actions, joyous smiles, faithful devotion, peaceful stillness, patience in suffering? Are your actions and words clearly seen and heard, but not from your own light but His?

Are you truly reflecting?

Look at where you are shining and see if you see any shadows. Well, can you?

God’s light is always shining. If you can’t see any shadows it may mean you’re not truly reflecting. It’s time to be the reflection of Christ for anyone to see. And then they will see the shadows.

And maybe, you will too.

Peace

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New Orleans – It’s More than Mardi Gras

There is so much to say about the lively city of New Orleans. So much.

This city has something for everyone. And I mean everyone.

Everyone knows New Orleans as the Big Easy. Bourbon Street with their adult only entertainment. Walking in daylight down the street you can hear some of the intrigue in the bars and clubs. If you look up you can see the overhanging balcony’s, or gallery, with their intricate ironwork in every direction. But as the sun goes down, the music is amped, the windows are lit, and the smell of alcohol fills the streets.

You cannot experience New Orleans without seeing Bourbon Street or the French Quarter at various times of day and night.

Each shines a different vantage point of this bewitching city.

During the day you can walk through the city listening to street performs at the various parks and plazas. Jazz is what New Orleans is known for, but there is more than jazz.

Whatever your musical taste, there is a place to sit back and listen from the House of Blues, Hard Rock Cafe, or a country-western bar. You can almost feel the musical atmosphere in the streets.

A day in New Orleans is not complete unless you take a stop at Cafe du Monde. This place quickly became my favorite go-to to sit and relax whether early in the morning or late at night. Here you can get a plate of the sugary treats of beignets which is like a cross between a donut and funnel cake. This truly is my happy place with their layers of powder sugar and deep fried pastry. If you come to New Orleans, this famous staple should not be missed. There are a few locations, but you need to go to the one near the French Market. Just look for the green and white striped building, and follow the sweet aroma of coffee and beignets.

I’m not a big foodie, but New Orleans has a plethora of options. Po’ Boy shrimp sandwiches, fried alligator, red beans and rice, crawfish meatballs and jambalaya. If you are looking for some Cajun flare to ignite your tastebuds, you won’t have to look far. You can go to the homey-family owned establishments lining the streets or check out one of Emeril Lagasse’s famed restaurants.

Take a tour through one of New Orleans many cemeteries with their above ground tombs and mausoleums. You can get lost in these plots of land for the dearly departed with their maze of paths that interweave and circle. Take a stroll and read some gravesites. You may find a few famous names. But once again, you need to experience these grounds in daylight and in the evening. The two times contrast gravely. It’s eerie walking through the cemeteries under the moonlight envisioning voodoo priests or priestess conjuring spells from years ago.

But it’s not just from years ago. Voodoo is still revered and practiced in New Orleans. There is a large amount of black magic, voodoo, witchcraft swirling this area. You don’t have to search long before seeing a shop with voodoo dolls and potions in glass bottles. They don’t hide their cauldrons here…they showcase them.

The history of New Orleans isn’t all beautiful, but it is mesmerizing with pirates, scandals, tragedies and folklore that may cause chills to run down your spine. The many tales and urban legends are what many books and movies are based upon. Many great authors and movie producers have resided in this creative town and have used their beloved home as the backdrop for their stories.

Every city has their secrets, but New Orleans has more than the typical one. If you are thinking of visiting New Orleans check out one of the many tours. Hear the history from the locals. Let them tell you their story and the story of their beloved home.

A trip to New Orleans requires a trip to the bayou. Take a ride on one of the boats and get lost in the ambiance. The quiet waters. The Spanish moss hanging from the trees. The pair of gator eyes skating on the water coming closer to your boat. It is like stepping into another world.

If none of these sounds interesting there is always the various trolley rides, Canal Street, Audubon Zoo, various sports teams, the affects and rebuild of Hurricane Katrina, the riverfront of the Mississippi River, Museums, Aquarium, Universities, shopping and local markets just to name a few of the other highlights of this outstanding travel destination.

New Orleans has a little bit of everything for the lighthearted or dark souled. Whatever you are looking for, you can find it here.

Peace and happy travels

It’s Lent – Chapter 1

I started a podcast last year to encourage people to chase their dreams. And occasionally I read a chapter out of some of my books.

Since it is Lent I decided to read Chapter 1 of my fictional account of what happened between the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

If you are interested you can find my podcast on Anchor, Spotify, Apple Podcast.

https://anchor.fm/eric-suddoth5/episodes/Its-Lent—Chapter-1-e1fd62m

If the story interests you, look into it on Amazon.

Peace and hope you have a blessed period of Lent

Tax Savings Tip – Health Savings Accounts

I’m pretty sure only a small percentage of people enjoy tax season. But it doesn’t have to be all bad if you learn how to save money while doing it.

With the growing cost of health insurance, it is pretty easy to find insurance that qualifies for high-deductible plans.

For 2022, the IRS defines a high deductible health plan as any plan with a deductible of at least $1,400 for an individual or $2,800 for a family.

So, if your annual deductible are at those levels you can open a Health Savings Account (HSA).

Most of us pay for healthcare whether it is doctors appointments, glasses or contacts, or prescription drugs. With a HSA you can pay for these items with that account. And the best part is the funds deposited into your HSA are an instant tax deduction.

Let me explain it this way.

Billy goes to the dentist and finds out that he has to have a crown put in. He has insurance, but he still has to pay $500 for the procedure. He writes a check and $500 leaves his account. When tax time comes he remembers he spent $500 at the dentist, but sadly, he doesn’t have enough deductions to make this expense count. So he is out $500.

Joel goes to the dentist and has the same procedure done. But before he pays his bill, he writes a check and deposits it into his HSA. Then he pays the dentist from his HSA. He also writes the check and $500 leaves his account. Tax time comes and he reports he contributed $500 to a HSA which is a deduction on his tax return. Depending on his tax rate, he could save between $50 to $200 on his taxes.

Who wouldn’t want an extra $100 on your refund?

You may think, $100 isn’t very much. (Which I scoff at because $100 is $100).

But if you want some bigger bang for your buck you can contribute more money each year and it all be a tax deduction.

In 2022, a single individual can contribute $3,650 and a family can contribute $7,300.

If you’re in the 10% tax bracket that is a $365 or $730 tax savings for money you put into an account that you will use later.

This is a great tax savings tool.

I love retirement plans and contributing to 401ks, IRAs or other retirement accounts which is a great tax savings. But many people don’t fund these accounts fully because retirement seems like a long time away. Sadly it isn’t.

But the good thing about HSAs is that it is like a retirement account that can be used when your older, but the funds can also be used today without penalty for medical distributions. There is no maximum balance for a HSA so you can contribute the max every year if you have the funds. And watch the account grow if you don’t use the funds. It is a great tool to save for when you may have a medical emergency.

Just like people have Christmas Club Accounts for gift giving, which are not tax deductible. HSAs are for giving peace of mind when financial worries shouldn’t take frontline to your physical health.

I see plenty of times with clients who have a HSA and they let their account go to $0 and then they bring in medical receipts for expenses paid out of their normal checking account. Most of the time these medical expenses will not be deducted on their tax return because they didn’t have enough in medical expenses to start deducting.

To put it into perspective, you have to spend 7.5% of your income on medical expenses before it can be considered for deductions. And the kicker is, the first 7.5% cannot be claimed. You have to spend over 7.5% of your income before it can even be considered a possible deduction.

Then if your deductions such as medical expenses, property taxes, mortgage interest and donations to name a few don’t exceed the standard deduction, you automatically get the standard deduction.

For the 2022 tax year, the standard deduction is $12,950 for single filers and married filing separately, $25,900 for joint filers and $19,400 for head of household.

Most people will take the standard deduction.

So, do the smart thing and fund your HSA when paying your medical expenses and never let your account go to $0. Many HSAs earn interest and there are some where you can use your HSA and invest it in the stock market. All interest income and gains are tax free.

Tax free! That is a beautiful sound when it comes to taxes.

I hope this post hasn’t bored you, but has given you something to save some money.

There are many things that can be used with your HSA funds.

Here is a long list if you feel like looking through it.

https://www.cigna.com/individuals-families/member-resources/hsa-fsa-hra-payments/eligible-expenses

If you have any questions, message me. And if you haven’t considered a HSA before, it’s time to consider it.

Peace

PS and it’s not too late to find your 2021 HSA. You have until April 18th.

Isn’t Everyone Tired?

I had plans of going to the gym after work tonight. I left work this evening and had supper and returned to work for a little while longer. I went to supper earlier so I wouldn’t be eating supper at 9:30 after leaving the gym. I finished up with the motivation of going to the gym. But 10 seconds behind the steering wheel, I felt the need to go home instead and rest.

I feel spoiled.

There are many people throughout this world that would love the option to go home. Whether it’s in a war torn country in Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Middle East or central Africa. People are much more tired than me.

There are people working two full-time jobs to make ends meet. Mothers working to keep their children fed. Fathers working to keep roofs over their families head. Kids working to help out with the family bills. People are much more worn out than me.

There are people who haven’t visited their family in years due to COVID, travel restrictions, economic downturns, or even because loved ones have passed away. People are much more worse than me.

There are people who have no reliable homes or addresses, but a different coach, a different sleeping bag, a different alley, a different cardboard box to sleep in each night. People are in much more dire situations than me.

There are people who are hanging by their last thread. There are people who are clinging to a last hope. There are people wishing for another chance. There are people begging for another shot.

There are people who will never read this blogpost for multiple reasons due to lack of resources, no internet coverage, no technology in their hands, no knowledge of how to read. There are people who are in need of so much.

Tonight I was working on a clients tax return wondering if they are going to be around to sign their tax return due to their cancer death sentence. I said a little prayer and felt humbled by looking at life from a different perspective.

I may think I am worn out….but I’m only a little worn compared to so many other peoples lives.

May we see the blessings scattered throughout our lives. May we discover the overlooked, forgotten, downtrodden, outcasted, pushed aside, thrown to the curb, and look at them as if looking in a mirror. Because it only takes a split second to come face to face with our own worst fears.

But it takes years of dedicated searching to see the beauty in God’s mysterious ways.

You may be tired, but please rest in the solace that He’s with you now. He’s with you in your dead-end job. He’s with you during your next chemotherapy treatment. He’s with you during your midnight cram sessions. He’s with you during your loneliest hours. He’s with you in your darkest valleys. He’s with you in your war zone heart and home.

He is with you always.

Peace

I Just Don’t Get It – Ukraine

Well, everyone probably knows by now that Russia has invaded Ukraine. And as I write those words, I am speechless.

I cannot fathom what the Ukrainian people are feeling. I cannot begin to understand how their world has quickly been turned upside down.

How one day they are living their lives in a peaceful country, going to work, getting an education, raising their kids, paying their taxes.

And then suddenly. It changes.

It saddened me to see the mass exodus from Ukraine to neighboring countries. People carrying suitcases not as tourists, but refugees. Those suitcases don’t just hold a week’s worth of clothes for sightseeing or dinners out, but their entire history and identity.

A lifetime of belongings shrunk down to bare essentials.

Children holding stuffed animals and their parents hand in train stations. Adults crying and calling home to see if their parents who didn’t want to escape are still alive. People who once called themselves citizens of their homeland are now questioning, where is home now?

As I was driving to work this morning the news images replayed in my mind. Those images that seem a world away, but to the Ukrainians, they probably would have thought the same thing a few months ago.

If I was in their spot, if my native land was being invaded, what would I do?

Would I stay and fight? Would my lack of military experience scare the soldiers? Would my Hyundai Santa Fe SUV cause their tanks to quiver? Would my butcher knife and baseball bat arouse concern from their missiles and bombs?

Would I hide? Would I escape into the woods or up into my attic? Carry some rations of food and water and hope to wait out the ambush for a peace treaty.

Would I flee? Would I leave everything I call mine and leave it like was a donation at a thrift store? My house. My furniture. My photographs and heirlooms. Would I walk away with only a suitcase in hand?

My heart sunk at the visualization of being in their predicament. Because that fear, uncertainty, shakiness is crippling.

That feeling of having the rug swept from under you is debilitating. That disillusionment that this chaos isn’t really happening and the nightmare will end soon is heartbreaking. The realization that it isn’t a dream is paralyzing.

But as I was driving I felt a wave of peace as if God was speaking.

Even though you may lose your job, you won’t lose Me.

Even though you may escape your country, you won’t escape Me.

Even though you may walk away empty handed, you won’t walk away from Me.

Even though you may have abandoned your home, you won’t abandon Me.

Even though you may hide from the enemy, you won’t hide from Me.

Even though you feel this is the end, you will be with Me until the end and then after.

“Though the fig tree should not blossom, nor fruit be on the vines, the produce of the olive fail and the fields yield no food, the flock be cut off from the fold and there be no herd in the stalls, God, the Lord, is my strength; he makes my feet like the deer’s; he makes me tread on my high places. To the choirmaster: with stringed instruments.”
‭‭Habakkuk‬ ‭3:17, 19‬ ‭ESV‬‬
https://bible.com/bible/59/hab.3.17-19.ESV

Even though…

Peace and prayers for you, Ukraine

Prince Edward Island – a Canadian Overlooked Beauty

About 7 years I started a road trip and headed north from Kentucky. We crossed over into Canada at Niagara Falls and continued to head north all the way to Prince Edward Island (PEI). I knew I was going to experience a treat when the Canadian Passport Agent praised PEI.

This island was like stepping back into a simpler time. There are multiple ways to get to PEI from planes, ferries and automobiles. You can cross Canada’s longest bridge over (8 miles) to enter the beloved island. It is free to enter the island, but there is a stiff toll to leave. Maybe that is their way to keep you on the island.

PEI, the smallest Canadian province, is a fairly small island you can drive fully around in half a day, but it will take much longer if you want to take in all the sights of this quaint island.

Some of the iconic sights are the Lighthouses scattered throughout the beautiful island that are still used to warn sailers of the rocky coast. We traveled along the coast, circling the island, stopping at many of these towering structures that were in various shapes and sizes.

As I stood beside the coast I could almost envision the lightkeeper keeping the oil lamps burning day in and day out. Keeping a watch at the sea for incoming boats. Taking pride in their duty to keep the light shining in the darkest of nights.

If you drive along the coast, you will see many of these houses that may or may not be in use. But it is fascinating to daydream of the time when these structures were highly regarded and essential.

How quickly times can change.

A trip to PEI is not complete without experiencing the stunning red cliffs and rocks along the northern coast. The cliffs are beautiful, but the water is cool or frigid year round – often frozen in the snowy winters. If you are looking for a place to sunbath and take a dip, this is not your Caribbean getaway. But it is a nice story to tell of when you jumped into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

But I wasn’t brave enough for that. Maybe next time I will dip my toes into the water.

Another favorite tourist attraction of PEI is Green Gable Heritage Place which is where Lucy Maud Montgomery got her inspiration for her beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables.

At this spot you can walk the grounds where the author walked and see the places mentioned in her timeless classic. You can tour through the house of green gables or walk through the Haunted Wood trail in daylight when it’s not scary at all.

But who knows what lurks there after sun the sun goes down.

All in all PEI is a beautiful island that welcomes and amazes with its simplicity and wide open spaces. It has the charm that will cause you to want to return and a colorful landscape that will entice you over and over again with the luscious green hills, patchwork fields, and the white or red coastlines.

If you are looking for a vacation spot that is not over crowded or commercialized, PEI may be the place for you.

Who knows, I may return one of these days. And I’m pretty sure I won’t regret it.

Peace

Boston – I Could Move There

I have been to Boston three times in the last 15 years and each time I go, I fall in love with this charming city.

I love old, historical cities, and this city is truly a gem. If you have never considered going to Boston…start considering it. It has the big city life with great restaurants, aquariums, shopping and nightclubs, all the while keeping their roots tied to their history.

Boston is famous for various reasons through the history of United States, but the #1 reason has to be the Revolutionary War era. Boston has an intriguing Freedom Trail red brick path that weaves you throughout Boston highlighting 16 iconic sights through the 2.5 mile path.

2.5 miles may not seem much, but it takes about a day to see all the sights. So be prepared.

It starts at the Boston Common, the oldest park in America. This is a large park in downtown Boston where you can relax on the large grassy field or enjoy yourself with their ponds, playgrounds or other typical park features.

The Freedom Trail takes you past famous sites such as Paul Reveres House, Faneuil Hall, Old North Church, and it closes at the Bunker Hill Monument. These are the places you read or heard about in school or in movies. You will also pass churches, state buildings, cemeteries and the harbor where the history comes alive.

If this doesn’t hook you, don’t forget about the other charms of Boston. Check out the Red Sox and see the Green Monster. Or cheer on the Celtics or Bruins. But if you prefer college sports, there are many schools to choose from.

You can tour the grounds of some of the most well known educational institutions: MIT, Boston College, and of course Harvard. But there are many other schools to consider if you are looking for some further education.

If you prefer something more sophisticated there is the Boston Pops Orchestra, multiple museums, and the theater district.

Another highlight is the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. Learn all about this former President from the time of his birth to his untimely assassination.

But one of the best things about Boston is the close proximity to other worthy landmarks.

About 30 minutes away is the bewitching whimsical town of Salem. Take a step back in time and tour this lovely town with a tarnished history of false claims and innocence lost. But this town doesn’t just pander to their witch history for tourists, they embrace it.

Other towns nearby to consider touring is Plymouth, Lexington, and the Cape Cod region.

If you are feeling the need for some beach time with the rich and presidential, take a ferry to Martha’s Vineyard or Nantucket. While on these islands rent a bicycle and take your time experiencing these beautiful islands. I would highly recommend not renting a vehicle or bringing your vehicle over on the ferry, due to traffic and congestion. Stroll through the islands and imagine yourself throwing the football around with the Kennedy’s or catching some sun on one of their Sandy beaches. It truly is a beautiful island.

If you want to go a little further out from Boston, some great sights are a days trip away. You can trek up to Canada, or head south to New York City with each about 4 hours away.

If Boston still doesn’t sound interesting to you, I don’t know what to say. When I went went to Boston about 15 years ago, I walked through the town and was in awe how skyscrapers where beside the old cemeteries where some of our founding fathers are buried.

It also doesn’t hurt that Cheers is here. Maybe that is why I loved Boston. But even when I went to Cheers I didn’t see Norm, Sam or Carla. Maybe the 4th time I go there I may get a glimpse of these beloved friends and television characters.

Peace and happy travels

Las Vegas – You Need to Try It

I will never forget my first adult vacation after I graduated from college. I had never flown. And I was determined to knock that off of my lists to do.

I graduated college in 2004 and during this time it seemed like Las Vegas commercials were everywhere. The Travel Channel was constantly showcasing the positive side of the city that never sleeps. The World Series of Poker seemed to be on ESPN every night and even the Food Network was joining in the spotlighting of the delicacies of this gambling oasis.

It was my first trip so I was looking for affordable places, and a friend recommended Las Vegas because you can usually find cheaper flights and hotels. I started looking and there was a hotel for everyone’s budget. From the cheapest of cheap to the priciest penthouses. Las Vegas had it all with their flare of theme hotels.

I booked the Excalibur Hotel which was nestled between the New York, New York and Luxor at this time. (I returned to Las Vegas about 5 years ago and was surprised how much had changed on the strip).

I was told Excalibur was a family friendly hotel themed around King Arthur with their medieval looking castle shaped hotel, drawbridge entrance and free entertainment of magic shows, court jesters and puppet shows throughout the day. It is a hotel on the cheaper side of the spectrum, on the south side of the Las Vegas strip.

The interesting thing about Las Vegas is there is possibly a theme hotel for everyone’s taste. If you want to experience Europe you can visit the Eiffel Tower at Paris Hotel and Casino, the canals of Venice in the Venetian, the Italian culture at the Bellagio, or the exciting city of Rome at Caesars Palace.

If you want something more tropical you have the Mirage, Treasure Island, Cancun Resort, Tahiti Village, and Mandalay Bay just to name a few.

If you want to experience the charm of old Las Vegas you have the famous Fremont Street with Four Queens, Golden Gate, the Plaza, and the Golden Nugget. And while you are there check out the light show overhead and the secret menu items of steak and lobster that are an incredible deal.

If gambling is your idea of fun take your choice of many casinos and their plethora of slots, video poker games, card tables, dice games or roulette. It doesn’t matter how much you are willing to gamble because there is a spot for every price level. If you don’t know how to play or don’t want to lose your money, it is just as much fun watching strangers and cheering them on.

If you want to enjoy the nightlife, clubs and bars are as numerous as the many types of restaurants that are open 24 hours a day. You can eat anytime you want, eat anything you want, and then dance the night away until the sun comes back up. In Las Vegas, anything is possible any hour of the day.

If entertainment is more your speed most of the bigger named hotels have multiple shows including famous headliners giving their fans a nightly concert. Or you can find the best comedians that have been working their craft for decades or the up-and-coming newbies. There are magicians, animal acts, circus routines, acrobats and of course the Elvis impersonators. There is a show for everyone at every price level. You can spend thousands on one show or you can enjoy the many free shows scattered throughout this entertainment city.

But if Las Vegas isn’t your cup of tea, there are many other things to do outside the city life. Hoover Dam is a short drive away. You can tour the famous dam and uncover the history of this great modern achievement. The Grand Canyon is a great day trip to the southeast, Zion National Park is to the north, Death Valley is to the west. Mickey Mouse snd Disneyland is 4 hours away. If you want to ski, the mountains are a few hours away. If you want to experience the old west, old ghost towns and abandoned mines are a short drive away. Golf courses, fishing holes, scenic drives and relaxing spas are all within reach.

Whatever you want to see, you can find it near Las Vegas.

Las Vegas has cleaned up its image in recent years and is now attracting families with its museums, recreational places, world class shows and dining. There is still a dark stigma that hangs over Las Vegas, but you don’t have to experience that side of it.

Las Vegas is one of those places that you can return to every few years and experience something new. You can spend as much or as little in this exciting city and have a great time either way. Some people may leave Las Vegas with more money than when they arrived through luck and skill, but visiting this city doesn’t have to break your bank.

For more tips on this city, ask me your questions.

Peace and happy travels

The Dark Side of Olympics

“Citius, Altius, Fortius – Communiter” Faster, Higher, Stronger – Together.

This is the Olympic motto. But is it true?

Yes, as the years go on athletes are getting faster, going higher and are much stronger. If you put an athlete today against an athlete 50 years ago, there would be no competition. The athletes today are better.

But together? Are the athletes together?

It seems like there are some people who will try to achieve this out-of-this-world standard no matter the cost. Cheating, doping, self-harm training, eating disorders, and shortcutting results to one up the other.

And sadly, it’s been like this for years. But it seems like it just keeps getting worse.

But it’s not new. Doping in the Olympics has knowingly been happening since the 60s when the first athlete was caught. Then the infamous wave of East German athletes in the 70s and 80s. Russia has even been banned for the last couple of Olympics, even though the athletes are still allowed to compete.

But the United States isn’t innocent. There have been scandals mixed throughout the years in various sports. Even though there hasn’t been a scandal with doping as large as other countries, there are still some athletes, coaches, trainers and family members encouraging them to sneak a little extra in.

The everyone else is doing it mentality. You gotta keep up with the Jones even if it’s wrong rationalization. The no one will find out lack of character and integrity inner voice.

Maybe the Olympics should change their motto to Faster, Higher, Stronger – At all cost.

But is a gold medal worth it? If it causes harm to your body? Athletes training and starving themselves to be in peak condition. Coaches pushing their protégés to push through the pain and if you need a little something, I know a guy to get you what you need. Parents demanding perfection from an early age in brainwashing fashion.

A gold medal may be nice, but is it worth all the physical and mental damage that may not be discovered until years later?

Maybe if we want the Olympics to be better for the world the motto should be changed.

Cleaner, Safer, Truer – Together

Yeah…I like the sound of that.

But there will always be one person who won’t follow those rules and then once again the beautiful image will grow tarnished with more and more people secretly following to keep up to the untruthful standard.

Good luck athletes in being true to yourself and the people looking up to you.

Peace