Jared Akers

How to Be Happy

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Health & Fitness Articles

Health and fitness can certainly add to our happiness. After all, we take care of things we're grateful for. That doesn't mean we have to become triathletes; but just think about how we're treating ourselves.

How to Start Running When You’re Out of Shape

by Jared Akers

runningIf you’re out of shape, or looking for how to start running from scratch, read on. I was really out of shape for years and hated running. But with a little time and small steps, anything is possible. Here’s how I started slow and within a few months was running in my first 5K.

Having run Cross Country in High School, I knew I hated running; really, I’m serious. I remember standing at the starting line with 100 other guys thinking “I’m about to run 3 miles as fast as I can, this sucks!” Although I was pretty good at cross country, I quit before my senior year and vowed to never run again.

I recall the coach pleaded with me not to quit, but I remember something my dad asked me when I went to him for advice, “If you hate it, why keep doing it?” It seemed simple enough.

So skip ahead to my late 30’s. I’m 41 as of writing this article and in the last 3 years I’ve finished 2 5K’s, a half marathon, and 2 short course triathlons. But all that’s another story, and the only thing I really “enjoy” while doing it, is the triathlons. The half marathon sucked, but I’m glad I did it. The 5K’s are alright, but short and all you’re doing is running which is kind of boring.

[Read more…]

The Spiritual Power of Running (and why running and reading are keys to Life)

by Jared Akers

Just to make certain we’re all on the same page, I’m talking about physical running here; with your feet and legs. Not running emotionally… for anyone who was looking for validation to run away from your problems. Sorry, won’t find that here.

One of the side-effects of living a life filled with spiritual love is the desire to live a healthier life style. To be healthy spiritually, we should exercise not only our mind and spirit, but also our physical bodies.

Leather interior and heated seats are nice, but those features won’t get you to where you need to go if the car is out of gas.

As a cross-country runner in high school, I hated running. I remember standing with my foot along a white chalk line with 100 other guys thinking “I’m about to sprint for three miles, this sucks!” [Read more…]

Mindfulness In Plain English and the Benefits of Meditation

by Jared Akers

Love yourself and love for others becomes automatic.

“My religion is very simple. My religion is kindness.”
-Dalai Lama

While researching the term mindfulness as it relates to kindness, I came across an amazing little book titled Mindfulness in Plain English (Amazon *see bottom of post to find out how you can read it online for free) by Ven. Henepola Gunaratana.

Henepola Gunaratana was born in 1927 and became an ordained Buddhist monk at the age of 12 in Sri Lanka and has been teaching and learning ever since; let’s just say he’s qualified.

Since mindfulness is an essential aspect of practicing kindness and meditation facilitates mindfulness, I figured what a better time and place to talk about mindfulness and the benefits of meditation. Plus I couldn’t wait to share all the amazing things I discovered in this great book! [Read more…]

It Ain't Easy Being Me: Avoiding Self-Destruction

by Jared Akers

Today I first want to encourage everyone to go check out Dena’s blog, Evolution You. Dena asked me to write a guest post on my experience with addiction and alcoholism. More specifically, how I overcome addiction each and every day. So please check it out, Overcoming Addiction Through Spiritual Growth.

Now let’s talk a little about self-destruction.

When I was in an alcoholism treatment center, I always had my guitar with me. One of my favorite songs I would play is, It Ain’t Easy Being Me by Chris Knight. The music video is shot in the middle of a demolition derby and presents a interesting visual as to the theme of the song. Self-Destruction. Most of the patients and myself could relate. I still play the song today when I share my story at treatment centers, but as a reminder of how I used to be. [Read more…]

The Greatest Gift

by Jared Akers

During the summer of 1989,  just out of High School, I spent three weeks in the USSR. The above picture is a note my mother hid in my luggage that I found while on the trip

March 12, 2006 was the darkest among many dark days for me.  Later it would be defined as the catalyst that led to my shift or sometimes referred to as a moment of clarity.

It was the day I left behind my perception of the world and my place in it. After a failed marriage, a job I resented, and a friend who had recently passed away, I was depressed and overwhelmed with life. From a loft apartment in downtown Kansas City I would make my final stand. With money in the bank and a liquor store three blocks away, I was in heaven, and hell. This is how I remember those last few days.

[Read more…]

About Me

Jared & Emily Akers Hello, I'm Jared Akers. And that lovely lady next to me, that's my wife Emily. This photo was taken in 2009 while on the island of Curacao SCUBA diving. We're happy, and want you to be happy too.

Learn more about me.

Recent Posts

  • 31 Quotes About Love to Ignite Your Relationship
  • The Pain and Joy of Discovering Who You Are (and are not)
  • 5 Tips on How to Stay Positive no Matter What the Circumstances. #3 Saves me Everyday
  • How to Take an Awesome Vacation Every Six Months, 4 Tips on Finding Travel Deals
  • How to Be Happy Everyday: 10 Tips (#8 is golden)

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