The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/27337
Jim Koury Healthy mind, healthy body We often hear the phrase “healthy body, healthy mind.” So, if we keep our bodies in good shape, our minds will follow suit. This certainly is true to an extent, but when you think about it, the con- verse is much more appropri- ate. The mind directly deter- mines the state of our physical and emotional health. How many times have you been immersed in stressing over drama in your life? How did you physically feel? Don’t you feel drained and lifeless? I know when I am under stress and worrying about “stuff,” I tend to feel tired and burned out and just want to take a nap. Other physical I was plagued with panic attacks at one point in my life, which I believe was one of the reasons that propelled me forward to come out of the closet and live my life the way I was supposed to. loneliness and a feeling of abandonment. Taken to an extreme, these feelings can cause sickness and mental instability. abnormalities tend to occur such as headaches and upset stomachs that intrude on my physical health. Constant worry, fear and stress will eventually take their toll on the body. So when you think about it, the health of one’s mind clearly determines the physical well- being of the body. Being in the closet is a horrific experience, char- acterized by helplessness, I was plagued with panic attacks at one point in my life, which I believe was one of the reasons that propelled me forward to come out of the closet and live my life the way I was supposed to. I finally got tired of feeling like I was going to die and sequestering myself in my home out of fear that some- thing was going to happen to me. I had to be near a phone in case there was a need to call someone for help. Fear and worry had a tight grip on me, so much that it was adversely impacting my health. A mind based in fear can play severe and often devas- tating tricks on one’s psyche to the point where illness and, in some cases, suicide is inevitable. Stop and think about the thoughts you harbor in your head. Think about how you feel when you are worrying about things that usually never happen. Take charge of your mind and think uplifting thoughts. You will be amazed at how your physical condition improves. You deserve no less. The power to change is within. Summon that power and live your life in peaceful harmony with your true self. Jim Koury was born and raised in Oneonta. He is a gay activist, and the city clerk of Oneonta, a position he has held for 18 years. He can be reached at editor@ diversityrulesmagazine.com. LGBT Events Thurs. 3/17 Trash Thursday with Katrina, 9 p.m. Merlin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. Fri. 3/18 College Night at Merlin’s, 8 p.m., 201 State St., Binghamton. College ID’s in free before 11:00 p.m. Sat. 3/19 Fri. 4/1 Divas to the Dance Floor: The Irish Mist, 8 to 11 p.m., 285 Second St., Troy. George Walsh, 9 p.m., Back to Human Tour: Black Box Theater at the Stone Mill, Little Falls. Sun. 4/17 STAP’s Rock Star Celeb- rity Bartending Bash, 4 to 7 p.m., Tranquil Bar and Bistro, 36 Pine St., Binghamton. A fundraiser for the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Sat. 3/19 24 O-Town Scene March 17, 2011 Divas to the Dance Floor, 8 to 11 p.m., The Irish Mist, 285 Second St., Troy. Comedy night, with Jamie Lislow from the Tonight Show and Chet Wild, 8 p.m., Black Box Theater at the Stone Mill, Little Falls. Tues. 3/29 Fri. 4/1 Piano Bar with Lukus Wells, 9 p.m., Merlin’s, 201 State St., Binghamton. George Walsh Back to Human Tour, 9 p.m., Black Box Theater at the Stone Mill, Little Falls. Sat. 4/2 Star Crazy – Celebrating with the Legendary Ladies of the Silver Screen, 7 to 10 p.m., The Lost Dog, Violet Room, 222 Water St. Sun. 4/17 STAP’s Rock Star Celeb- rity Bartending Bash, 4 to 7 p.m., Tranquil Bar and Bistro, 36 Pine St., Binghamton. A fundraiser for the Southern Tier AIDS Program. Sat. 4/30 Southern Tier AIDS Walk/ Run, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Recreation Park, Beethoven Street, Binghamton. the Diversity Scene March 17-23