If you are like millions of people – as I am – then you spend many, many hours on the internet, either related to what you do for a living, or just in a recreational way.

Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest are just a few of the popular websites so many of us gravitate to on a daily basis, but, of course, there are dozens more out there to keep us busy.

Why, you may be asking yourself, am I even bringing this up in the first place?

My response is that, with each passing year, the amount of free time we all have for ourselves to accomplish and enjoy such important activities as exercising, eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and spending quality time with family and friends has consistently been dwindling.

Chasing the almighty dollar has become so widespread, especially in such a competitive country as America is, that greed and selfishness are at an all-time high.

I am not trying to imply that working hard to support oneself and family is any less important now than it was at any other time in the past, but am just amazed at how some people have become so ruthless that they lose focus on what’s really important.

At least once a week I am forced to avoid someone who is walking down the street, head down, texting or talking into their smartphone (ironic name, isn’t it?!) or other gadget, coming straight in my direction as if they are the only person on the face of the planet.

My point is, what’s the use of working so hard and becoming so competitive, that it takes away from what is really important in life?

After all, if one doesn’t have their health, then all of the money and material things one possesses in the world will not matter, nor buy true happiness.

Just something to think about for a while.

Or at least until my next blog post!

If you haven’t read my book, “Jew in Jail” yet, I hope you do.

It is chock full of insightful information on how I was able to recover from my past addictions to alcohol, drugs and gambling while incarcerated, and go on to lead a happy and healthful life myself.

http://www.jewinjail.com/

If you or anyone you know is in need of a motivational and inspirational speaker, I sure hope you tell them about me!

In addition, I also always welcome comments from you, my readers, about my blog, book or website, because receiving feedback from you is what drives me to be my best and help others.

Until next time, everyone, have a great day, and week ahead!

We are now two weeks into 2014, and it is a good time to gauge where you are, as far as new year’s resolutions are concerned.

Millions of people vow to start each year by working out, eating healthy, quitting smoking, etc., but the majority give up on those commitments.

Why is this so?

Well, I am certainly no expert, but can only speak for myself.

First of all, I don’t even make any new year’s resolutions, because, quite frankly, I live the way I want to all throughout the year, and, therefore, don’t need to start doing anything from scratch from day one.

That is not to say that I have my “house in order” completely, but do by best to live the right way on a daily basis.

Perhaps it is because I spent nearly six years behind bars from 1998 to 2004, and do not want to chance returning to the negative lifestyle that I was involved in for so long back then, and now always maintain my focus on my top priorities in life.

Exercising, healthy eating, waking up with a smile on my face, and being grateful for where I am now in my life, are just a few of the constants that continue to keep me grounded and content these days.

Writing this blog, maintaining my sobriety, and delivering motivational & inspirational speeches to help others in their recovery, or anyone not living up to their full potential, are things I began doing once I came home from prison, and have truly become almost as important to me as breathing, since they are my personal ingredients for a happy, productive life.

Now, back to you, my readers.

For those of you who have made new year’s resolutions, and are now having a tough time keeping them, here’s some advice from me.

You might want to start off slow, rather than bite off more than you could chew.

For exercise, try walking a block every day for a week, and then each time after that, increase your distance by small increments until you arrive at a satisfying mark. If you feel that your stamina has built up to a good level, then by all means begin jogging.

As far as eating healthy, start your day off with a nutritious breakfast that will keep you full and energized until lunchtime.

Consuming a lunch that is high in protein will insure that you won’t get hungry and have to grab that unhealthy candy bar at around 2:00 in the afternoon.

For dinner, have a sensible meal that will carry you over to breakfast the following morning, including vegetables and a piece of fruit as a snack.

I find that drinking water all throughout the day not only keeps me away from binging on chocolate and chips, but also does wonders for the skin.

If you are a smoker – and I hope you are not – then quitting this nasty habit could very well be the toughest task of your entire life.

However, like anything and everything else, you have the power and the choice to accomplish this!

You weren’t born to lag behind anyone else in the world.

You are a winner and role model to others.

So, start to shine like the star you are!