don's report archive

by Donald B. Ardell, Ph. D.

Wellness in the Headlines
(Don's Report to the World)

On an NPR radio show the other day (Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me), a store clerk who whacked a would-be robber with a tip jar was asked why he took the risk? Wouldn't it have been simpler and much safer to just give the robber the money? He said he feared the incident might end up on YouTube - and he did not want to look like a dork. 

In response, one of the panelists said this could be the wave of the future, and a huge way to influence behavior. From now on, at least for secular types, rather than ask, "What would Jesus do"? (WWJD), people facing an important decision might ask themselves, "What would YouTube do - with a video of the encounter?" I'm thinking of mass-producing bumper stickers and maybe some jewelry inscribed with the initials, WWYTD? Soon, everyone will know this stands for "What Would YouTube Do" (with the video)?

Think of the applications of WWYTD for motivating healthier lifestyles.

You're at a fast food joint. The clerk asks, "What will it be?" How do you know this person is on the up and up, that is, is who he appears to be - an ordinary fast food employee? He could be a college kid less interested in earning a few bucks from a dead-end part-time job than creating a show for You Tube -- featuring losers who come into his "Obesity Emporium" to make bad nutritional choices -- and you are about to play a key role as a typical reckless food deviant who orders something like a double Mac with fries? You ask yourself, WWYTD (with this video). You pause, ponder the question and reply, "You know what? I care about MY body and what I put into it. Me? I'm going to choose wisely, make a decision here that will support my wellness lifestyle. I going to pursue my best potentials for physical, emotional and existential well being -- and the highest possible quality of life possible, given my considerable potentials." And you turn around and march out, wondering how long it will take before you're a hero in this guy's YouTube time of glory.

Later, you walk into a Starbucks and, instead of ordering your usual decaf mocha Grande with half-soy, half-low fat, iced vanilla, double-shot, gingerbread cappuccino, extra dry, light ice, with one sweet-n'-Low and one NutraSweet" (thanks, Bill Maher), you ask yourself, WWYTD (with this video). You pause, ponder the question and reply, just audibly enough to be heard by everyone in the store, "You know what? I'll have one dollar's worth of plain coffee -- and I'll add my own milk and sugar, thank you very much. I can't believe there are so many pretentious people in this country who would pay $4.65 for an insane mix of chemicals that could not possibly taste good if their brains were not addled by pretentious fat cells." After acknowledging the applause of the admiring patrons, you accept your half-cup of plain but quite tasty coffee, add the milk and sugar, put the lid on and go home to watch the latest YouTube shows. You somehow know it won't be long before your latest boffo performance for wellness is featured by yet another wannabe moviemaker.

So remember, make lifestyle choices that reduce your exposure to the risks of diabetes, heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer's and a hundred or so other possible decrepitudes. Make choices with your commitment to wellness in mind, knowing that you are selecting a richer and more positive, fulfilling and exuberant existence in this manner, one that is based upon reason and joy, community and the pursuit of your best possible self for as long as nature, good fortune and sensible decisions allow.

And good on you. You manage to live well everyday, all the time, by being informed, having a positive environment and a creative culture and almost artfully employing the secret mantra for spiritual guidance, the willingness to ask, WWYTD -- with this or any other little episode in life. Little by little and bit by bit, you do the right thing because, well, you just never know. Somebody might have a video camera aimed at you.
  
Be well. Smile and always look on and talk about the bright side of life.

(Note: This essay will be filed in the archives in the MENTAL DOMAIN under the skill area of mental health. Additional articles related to this theme may be found there.)

(Ed. Note: Views expressed in this and other columns are those of the author and not necessarily those of the SeekWellness Editorial Board.)

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