Happy Independence Day - July 4th

STAND TALL, YOU ARE AMERICAN

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe, to assure the survival and success of liberty."
John F. Kennedy

"Those who desire to give up freedom in order to gain security will not have, or do they deserve, either one."
Benjamin Franklin

With our beliefs, our society , our very way of life being assaulted from so many sides, this 4th of July is truly one to celebrate that The United States of America is the home of the brave, land of the free. We remember the Founding Fathers who worked so hard to give us freedom and a way to express it. We think of our young and what we can do to pass on to them the values of this great country. We wonder about those who try to exploit our charity and we resist those who would destroy us if we would weaken in our resolve to defend our country. With all our shortcomings and faults, we know we are the greatest country on earth.

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Driving Tips from Our Member

Just in time for the holiday week, but important all year long, our member, Doris, sends in some ways to make the drive a safe one. Doris is a professional driver and knows these points are sometimes ignored, but are the basis of good driving skills. Thanks, Doris!

A little something :

Look ahead 15 seconds - it helps with reaction time (if traffic is slowing down, or an accident is ahead).

6 second minimum following distance - space from the car in front of you is very important for breaking distance. If the car in front of you slows down, it allows you to adjust.

Check your mirrors every 5 to 8 seconds - (this will help with lane changes), to give you an out.

Make sure they see you - (make eye contact, use your horn or lights). This will help to communicate with the other driver.

In my opinion, If people spent more time being aware of how they drive, we would have less accidents, maybe be home sooner and use less gas, which is so expensive. Doris

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The Good Citizen

Can one be a good citizen and be successful personally as well? I'm sure the answer is "yes." "Yes" because a good citizen has the support of a community that gathers its strength from each individual in it. A community cannot be strong unless its citizens are strong.

What makes a good citizen? Goodcitizen.org, an organization dedicated to this goal, lists these traits, paraphrased and expanded here:

1. A good citizen knows the heritage of our country.

S/he knows the events that helped build this country and the people who helped make it. A good citizen honors the past and strives to build on it for a good or even better future.

Go to any Memorial Day function or 4th of July parade and you will see the pride in the citizens as they remember what it is we are honoring.

2. A good citizen is involved in the democratic process, depending on his/her age and station in life.

Children are good citizens of their neighborhoods and schools. They know that friendliness and helpfulness is a contribution and that vandalism and bullying diminishes the neighborhood and school.

Adults know that voting is a responsibility of citizenship and that involvement in community work and committees is important to the community, even as their work is important to them personally.

3. A good citizen supports organizations that are key to a strong America, like elected government officials, the school system, the police and fire fighters, and the military.

Sometimes, voicing opposition is part of good citizenship. Dissension and public debate are crucial to a democracy, but are the personal barbs necessary, too? Good debate is focused on the issue, not the person. When the good citizen wins, s/he wins with humility. When s/he loses, s/he does it graciously, accepting responsibility to support the winning side.

4. A good citizen makes an effort to understand the government at the local, state and federal levels.

In this way, we can understand its role and ours in it and we can be sure that government uses well the powers we have given over to it and does not take on more than it is given. Poor oversight has made many governments too powerful to contain.

5. A good citizen helps promote a sense of community.

Desperately bad communities have been turned around after some of its citizens have decided that no longer would they live with crime and filth. There are neighborhoods in New Orleans that are coming back better than they were before the hurricane and others that will probably never come back. The difference - good citizens who care and had invested energy in their neighborhoods before and now are determined to reclaim them. Others were disenfranchised before the hurricane and have nothing to draw on now.

6. A good citizen does all he/she can to be the best and the strongest and to make his/her family the best and strongest, knowing that these are the building blocks of good and strong communities and countries.

Individuals and families make the units that make the community and the country. Pride in self leads to values that make personal success and the desire to be part of great communities. Sometimes we take for granted who we are and what we have. This holiday is a time to remind ourselves that we have the opportunity to live great lives. We are American.

Be well,

Dr. M.
 

About Dr. Marie Mastria

Dr. Mastria is an author, consultant, psychologist and coach to those who wish to make life good. If you are seeking help with new beginnings or old habits that don’t work any longer, you may reach her at 570-839-6394 or at drm@commuter-assist.com.
 

Dr. Mastria is founder of Commuter-Assist.com, which publishes e-books, CDs and cassettes to help commuters get the most out of their commute and life in general.  Dr. Mastria speaks, offers workshops, and consults to businesses.  She also provides life, wellness, and executive and business coaching to groups and individuals.  To contact Dr. Mastria email info@Commuter-Assist.com or call 570-839-6394. 

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