Today is another one of those days that was supposed to bring “big news.” I’ve seen a lot of those days.
More often than not, the “big news” ends up being one more version of a “nothingburger.”
And let’s just say that today’s news actually leads to some “big” news. Okay. Sometimes news can be big, and sometimes it can be positive, no doubt. And sometimes it can affect the whole society in a good way. Okay, great!
But even when that is the case, how much time and energy do you really need to spend on it (unless you are a politician, member of the media, etc.), in comparison to the time and energy you should use for your work, your family, your finances, your social, and civic life?
I think about this a lot.
My Declaration of Independence
Four years ago this coming New Year’s Eve, I moved my family from the heart of Los Angeles to rural Middle Tennessee. Culture shock? I’d say.
Why did I do it? I wanted to get them away from a badly deteriorating situation, caused by blind, selfish politicians, and a self-satisfied, sleeping population. I wanted physical room for us to stretch out on, learn and grow; and have a fair chance to build a life, and a dream.
Perhaps it was the same search for independence and opportunity that caused the pioneers and settlers to move out West to begin with. Ironic, isn’t it, to be moving away from the West for the same reason.
Anyway, I digress.
I’ve learned a great deal about myself in this process. I’ve been a big consumer of news ever since I was a kid, and watched my dad consume it day and night. It’s not that he cared that much about what was going on, it was really a distraction from the pains of everyday life—life that undoubtedly got tougher for him as he aged. Since coming to Tennessee, I have begun to pay more attention to my own news—that which I can most directly influence in my own life.
I find this a much more satisfying place to be.
Consumed with Bitterness
I’ve seen old friends let the news consume them. Make them bitter. Seek out fights with others regarding it. I have my beliefs, most people know them, and that’s fine. I will not shirk my responsibility to stand up for the things that matter most in life.
Yet I will not be pulled into senseless arguments about who is good and who is bad. I certainly support those I believe are doing good, and don’t support those I believe are destructive—but I do not believe in degrading those I disagree with. This isn’t right, and just causes bad feelings with people who don’t see things my way, but who perhaps I can help in some way. Who knows, they may be able to help me too. I’m not too proud to receive help if I need it.
Why shut a door unless it has to be shut? (which I have had to do occasionally)
I used to pridefully shut doors on people who didn’t see it my way. I see a lot of people doing that now. How unfortunate.
The Golden State
I grew up in the 1960s in Southern California. It was a simple, middle-class existence, attending Catholic school, playing lots of sports (particularly basketball) and generally enjoying my life.
My parents were “New Deal” Democrats, but back then, no matter one’s political persuasion, we had respect for each other as fellow Americans, and we didn’t define our friendships by our political opinions.
I long to see those days again.
I believe that if we begin to focus on the things we can control, such as spending quality time in prayer, reading and viewing spiritually rewarding content, exercising and eating right, learning to discipline our spending, reaching out once in a while (or more—I’m working on this one myself!) to family and friends, improving our skills, enjoying the freedoms God has given us, and yes, watching our elected officials and seeking to improve our political and social institutions, then we will begin to return to the satisfying “Old School” way of life that helped grow and sustain us.
The Part I Play
I’m doing my (perhaps) small part. As one of my favorite movie lines says, “What I have are a very particular set of skills, skills I have acquired over a very long career…” No, I don’t kill people! I help people regain their health and fitness, in a very natural way, by returning to a natural and sane way of living.
I’m a health and fitness consultant, and am building a natural health, fitness, and lifestyle blog I believe people will find quite useful.
Living this life is not hard, and believe me, I don’t knock myself out every day trying to stay “in shape.” I just apply the guidelines to natural living, do a little “work,” and reap the benefits. I’ll be (God willing!) 60 this coming year, and I’m not doing bad at all—I’m still pretty dang healthy!
I’ve tried to keep my prices very reasonable for people in most economic situations. I know I’m offering a great deal for the value I provide.
But I’ve decided to offer a service that almost anyone can afford….
Right now, you can purchase a 30-minute Health & Fitness Consultation for just $25! I will consult with you via phone or Zoom (available worldwide). I will help you find ways to overcome specific health and fitness challenges, or just provide you with the best natural health and fitness recommendations possible.
I’ve spent my life overcoming health difficulties, injuries, and even surgeries. I can help you too.
Here are some testimonials from satisfied Clients.
Come on, now, I can’t do better than that, and perhaps I’m out of my mind for even considering offering this!
You can buy these sessions in multiples—you can even order 12 and make it a full Old School™ Regeneration Program for just $300!
And here’s the kicker—you can buy an Old School™ Gift Card of from 1 to 12 Sessions ($25 to $300) for a super-useful Christmas Gift for a friend or family member! No offense, but think about how many Christmas gifts are actually pretty useless. This will be a gift they will never forget, because if they’re willing, I will teach them practices they can use to stay healthy and fit their entire lifetimes!
Alright, I’ve said enough. If I’ve convinced you to concentrate on making your own news and life instead of hoping somebody else’s news will fulfill you, then I’ve done my job. If not… I’ll keep working on you!
I wish you the very best in health and fitness… and a life well lived.
Patrick Rooney is the Founder of OldSchoolUs.com. Its focus is natural health and independent living. Patrick is the author of GREEK PHYSIQUE: The Simple, Satisfying Way to Sculpt Your Body—Even if You’re Old, Weak, or Broken Down; and is also the creator of Greek Yoga™ and the Greek Yoga for Beginners video. He offers health and fitness consulting in-person in Middle Tennessee and worldwide via phone, Zoom, and Skype. To reach Patrick, email him at [email protected].