This reflection paper explores the four core components the author identifies as central to a meaningful and successful life: physical and mental health, family and friendship, career satisfaction, and faith and spirituality. Drawing on personal experience in the U.S. Navy, a visit to family in Ethiopia, and work as a retail manager, the author argues that success is not measured by material wealth but by the quality of one's relationships, professional fulfillment, and spiritual grounding. The paper also cites practical health resources and highlights the value of multicultural exposure gained through military service.
My world view has been shaped by my family, my education, and my experiences in the United States Navy. For me, life has four important components: health, family and friends, career advancement, and faith and spirituality. Every person has to measure his or her success in an individual way. I believe success has little to do with material wealth, but everything to do with one's physical and mental health, job satisfaction, and meaningful relationships with family, friends, and a higher power.
Without physical and mental health, one cannot enjoy life to the fullest. When one is blessed with good health through genetics, I believe it is a personal responsibility to do everything within one's power to continue to take good care of it. There are many things that an individual can do that do not cost a great deal of money. In fact, abstaining from alcohol, cigarettes, and recreational drugs actually saves money. It is important to eat right, exercise, and get enough rest. There are a number of publications and websites that can assist an individual in planning a healthy lifestyle.
Mayo Clinic's Healthy Lifestyle pages offer a free, reputable source of information on all matters of health. One can read about healthful meal planning and access hundreds of recipes, including specialized options such as vegetarian or low-sodium meals. The fitness section includes a wide variety of articles on topics such as strength training, aerobic exercise, and stretching and flexibility. There are also articles on stress management, which can help an individual function more effectively during the day and enjoy more restful sleep at night. According to the Center for Sound Sleep, getting enough quality sleep each night is essential for optimal health. People who do not sleep well are said to experience "sleep fragmentation," which "interferes with the replenishment of the immune system, the production of growth hormone, and the regulation of glucose metabolism, among other things" (Lawler, n.d.).
Another good resource for healthy lifestyle information is WebMD, which features an A-to-Z guide covering topics from ab exercises to the Zone Diet, along with links to special sections on men's health where one can access expert articles and discussion forums. The advantage of WebMD, as with Mayo Clinic online, is that one can access information anywhere, at any time. It is a good way to maintain focus and motivation for healthy living, which, in my view, is one of the keys to a successful life. For someone seeking a solid print guide, the U.S. Navy SEAL Guide to Fitness and Nutrition offers practical instruction; it was developed especially for SEAL trainees to help them prepare for the rigorous duties they would be required to perform.
Any good book or website can provide the guidance one needs to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. There is a great deal of information currently available to anyone who wants it. It is the responsibility of the individual to take control of his or her own health. The tools are available for anyone who is determined to make the commitment.
Good relationships with family and friends are also important to one's sense of well-being and satisfaction with life. I was fortunate enough to visit my father's family in Ethiopia four years ago. I stayed with his family for one month, and it was an extraordinary experience.
Ethiopia is a country of extremes, from tall mountains to some of the world's lowest points below sea level. Since the 1970s, the country has passed through a number of governmental systems. In the 1980s, it saw widespread famine and civil wars; hundreds of thousands of people died. The country is slowly recovering, but life is still quite hard for many people. Fortunately, my father's family is middle class and lives well. They have their own home and enjoy good meals of meat stews and vegetables. The Ethiopian people are hospitable and generous, and it is this spirit that enables many of them to find happiness in a country that has suffered so much in recent history and even today continues to be somewhat fragile politically. Relationships with family and neighbors matter deeply. The Ethiopians are genuinely friendly people, and it is important to them to build and maintain bonds of family and friendship. One does not need much in the way of material goods when one has the safety and security of these close relationships.
"Navy service, promotions, and civilian management career"
"Personal relationship with God and prayer"
My world view has been shaped by the good health that I enjoy and the lifestyle that good health enables me to lead. My view has been shaped by my experiences in the Navy and in my civilian career. I am grateful to family and friends for the relationships we share, which have also shaped who I am. I have been profoundly influenced by my faith in God. I will continue to look to these four components of my life as they guide and shape my future.
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