I’ve been doing a lot of remodeling lately up at the fitness center, to better utilize our space. When I’m working, I like to catch up on Dave Ramsey’s radio show on their iPhone app. That means I’ve been hearing a lot of good wisdom quotes lately.
One thing he said was similar to something I’ve heard many times before. It was so good that I had to write it down: “Your ‘what’ never works unless your ‘why’ is big enough.”
I’ve often used the line myself too, especially with our Biggest Losers, but I’d never heard it said quite this way before. “Your ‘what’ never works unless your ‘why’ is big enough.”
Battle With Addiction, Part 8: “What Can We Do?”
Posted: October 29, 2015
I often write about light-hearted things, like motivational topics and health and fitness. But I couldn’t get away from this issue. So I decided to do some research on the local drug problem.
I interviewed four recovering addicts ranging from 17 years drug free to just 5 months. I talked to the family of a girl whose promising life was cut short by drinking, drug use and a heroin overdose. I talked to the addiction experts at the Human Resource Center (HRC), our local police, and also our State’s Attorney.
Along the way, I had quite a few other conversations with people and frankly, I was overwhelmed by some of the things I heard. After some of the interviews, I had to go back to my office, wipe my eyes and catch my breath. Throughout the process, I couldn’t escape the feeling that young lives are hanging in the balance.
Battle With Addiction, Part 7: “Justice.”
Posted: October 22, 2015
Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard from former addicts that are now in recovery. We also heard from a brother who lost his little sister to a heroin overdose. We heard from the counselors at the Human Resource Center, and last week, from our local police about the law enforcement effort.
This week, I talked with the person responsible for prosecuting local drug crimes, our State’s Attorney, Mark Isaf.
Mark has been a member of the Illinois Bar since 1991 when he joined Asher & Smith, later becoming a law partner in Asher, Smith and Isaf.
“Do The Next Best Thing”
Posted: October 21, 2015
You know the old saying, “When the student is ready, the master will appear?” I must be ready, because I keep hearing great Max Lucado quotes. Last month I wrote about his “Belief leads to behavior” message.
This week, I just happened to tune in and catch a show where he was talking about finding hope during a storm. While everything he said was packed with meaning, one statement just jumped out at me. Even when there wasn’t much you could do, “Just do the next best thing.”
That really caught my ear. If you’re not sure what to do, “Just do the next best thing.” If you’re not sure what you can do, “Do the next best thing.”
Battle With Addiction, Part 6: “Local Law Enforcement.”
Posted: October 15, 2015
Last week, we talked with the professionals at the Human Resource Center (HRC). This week, I wanted to get the perspective of local law enforcement.
Since starting this series on drugs in our community (and really, before), I’ve seen and heard many comments like, “Why don’t the Police do anything?” Or, “The cops know where the drug houses are; why don’t they just shut them down?” And, “They keep arresting them, and then they just get right back out.”
First of all, you need to know that I’m unashamedly very pro-law enforcement. I’ve been a police officer and still have a heart for it. It’s a tough and (mostly) thankless job they do, with great risks, but they’re doing it. I can tell you they’re working on it.