Marcus Aurelius, the philosopher-emperor of Rome, wrote his private reflections in Meditations, offering timeless wisdom on living a meaningful life. Despite ruling one of history’s greatest empires, he grappled with anxiety, frustration, and the search for purpose. His insights reveal profound lessons most men understand only after years of struggle.

1. You Control Only Your Thoughts and Actions

“You have power over your mind — not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius.

Most men waste years attempting to control circumstances beyond their influence—worrying about others’ opinions, market crashes, or political developments. Marcus understood that your only absolute authority is your own mind. Your response to events, not the events themselves, determines your experience. This distinction between what you can and can’t control is perhaps the most liberating realization a man can have.

2. Your Time is Limited — Stop Living for Tomorrow

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius.

The tragedy isn’t that men die, but that they never truly live. They postpone joy and authentic connection until after the next promotion or retirement. Marcus, who faced death daily, recognized that deferring life is ultimate self-betrayal. Each moment is the only moment you possess. Those who learn this late find themselves surrounded by regrets for experiences never had.

3. Your Perception Creates Your Reality

“If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself, but to your estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment.” – Marcus Aurelius.

External events are neutral. A job loss or betrayal becomes painful only through your interpretation. This doesn’t mean denying genuine hardship, but understanding that between stimulus and response lies your power to choose meaning. Two men experience the same setback, yet one finds devastation, while the other discovers opportunity. Most men realize too late that they’ve been torturing themselves with their stories about reality, not reality itself.

4. Character Matters More Than Reputation

“I have often wondered how it is that every man loves himself more than all the rest of men, but yet sets less value on his own opinion of himself than on the opinion of others.” – Marcus Aurelius.

Men sacrifice integrity daily for others’ approval—taking soul-draining jobs, suppressing authentic beliefs, abandoning values to maintain a favorable image. Character is who you are when no one watches. Reputation is merely what others think they know. One provides genuine self-respect and is within your control. The other is a shadow you’ll never catch.

5. Anger and Resentment Poison Only You

“How much more grievous are the consequences of anger than the causes of it.” – Marcus Aurelius

Holding anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. The damage you inflict through sustained rage far exceeds whatever harm initially provoked you. When you harbor resentment, you grant your offender permanent residence in your mind. Forgiveness isn’t excusing bad behavior; it’s freeing yourself from carrying hatred. This lesson, learned too late, leaves men looking back on years wasted in anger that accomplished nothing.

6. Your Obstacles Are Your Opportunities

“The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.” – Marcus Aurelius.

Every obstacle contains seeds of equivalent or greater benefit. The challenge blocking your path forces you to develop new capabilities or discover alternative routes. Marcus understood that obstacles aren’t the interruption to your path; they are the path. Men who grasp this early transform setbacks into stepping stones. Those who learn it late realize they spent years avoiding the very difficulties that could have forged their most significant growth.

7. Simplicity Brings Freedom

“Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking.” – Marcus Aurelius.

The emperor of Rome, surrounded by unimaginable wealth, understood that happiness requires very little. Modern men chase bigger houses, more impressive titles, fuller schedules. They mistake accumulation for achievement and busyness for importance. Marcus recognized that contentment springs from internal alignment, not external acquisition. Simplicity isn’t deprivation; it’s liberation from the tyranny of endless wanting.

8. Everyone is Fighting Their Own Battle

Marcus began many days acknowledging that he would encounter difficult people. Rather than being surprised, he prepared with compassion. Every person is fighting battles you know nothing about. This understanding doesn’t excuse poor behavior, but transforms your relationship with it. Judgment becomes curiosity. Frustration becomes empathy. Men who learn this late realize they wasted enormous energy taking things personally that were never about them.

9. Your Thoughts Become Your Life

“Our life is what our thoughts make it.” – Marcus Aurelius.

Life quality is determined by habitual thought quality. Marcus practiced rigorous mental discipline, knowing that unchecked thinking patterns create your experienced reality. A man who thinks in terms of scarcity perceives lack everywhere. One who trains their mind toward gratitude discovers abundance in even the simplest moments. Your thoughts are patterns you’ve reinforced through repetition. Most men don’t realize until late that they’ve been their own worst enemy through decades of toxic self-talk.

10. You Must Die to Ego to Truly Live

“When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive — to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.” – Marcus Aurelius.

The ego builds elaborate defenses, creating a false self that demands validation and fears criticism. Marcus, despite holding absolute power, practiced humility and gratitude. Surrendering your ego isn’t about losing yourself; it’s about finding yourself. When you stop defending your self-image, you become free, actually to live. This is perhaps the hardest lesson and the one most men learn last, if at all.

Conclusion

Marcus Aurelius left us a manual for practical living. His lessons aren’t difficult to understand intellectually, but require humility to accept and discipline to practice daily. These insights can’t be learned from books alone; they must be lived through experience. Yet awareness can save years of unnecessary suffering. The question isn’t whether you’ll encounter these lessons, but whether you’ll recognize them when they appear.

The post 10 Lessons Men Learn Too Late In Life, According to Marcus Aurelius appeared first on Good News!.

#PlanetHollywood #TimesSquare #StevenIncammicia #EliMarcus

The post Planet Hollywood, a Great Venue in TIMES SQUARE 42nd Street, Steven Incammicia speaks to us at an Eli Marcus Event appeared first on Good News!.

PlantCon International

How Parking Lot Meetups of 50 People Became the Nation’s Largest Plant Convention with 10,000 people.

This August 2025, PlantCon is traveling to New York City backed by some of the largest global names in the plant industry, including Kunzo Nishihata, a legend in the rare plant world from Hyogo, Japan; Summer Rayne Oakes, a renown YouTube star who pioneered the trend of bringing greenery into industrial spaces; and even The New York Botanical Garden. But, this grassroots movement didn’t always start with big names or major venues, it began with parking lots, tent weights, passionate hobbyists, and plant cuttings.

In 2020, when the world was shutting down, small online communities were seeing hoards of plant enthusiasts hit the scene. Loss of connection was so tangible that a household hobby like plant care was seeing a rise. Plant enthusiasts would join online marketplaces to meet up, sell plants, and share plant care tips – Kenny Nguyen, founder of PlantCon International, being one of them.

Kenny began to organize local meet ups in a furniture store parking lot for the community to gather, trade plants, and connect. What is usually an isolating indoor hobby, became a space for those who craved connection. Quick parking lot exchanges quickly became full day events. People lingered, laughed, and formed lasting friendships. As mass layoffs began and financial insecurities burdened families, plant sellers began relying on the income from the popups. In the midst of a global crisis, plants brought a sense of stability, comfort, and togetherness.

From there, the Houston Plant Market was born, helping local sellers sustain their businesses year-round. A scrappy team of three began hosting pop-ups in breweries, parks, and creative spaces across the city. Then, in 2022, PlantCon made its official debut, a 60 booth convention with no sponsors, no keynote speakers, and just four staff members. Over 2,000 people showed up. It was clear that this passion project had evolved into a movement.

Today, PlantCon steps into New York City for the very first time and will have over 10,000 people in attendance. The same familiar faces will travel for miles to see the show and new enthusiasts join the PlantCon community each year. From its humble beginnings in Houston, to New York City, and now scoping new cities to expand to next – PlantCon’s story is truly a reminder that with vision, community, and a whole lot of heart, you can grow something small into a movement that touches thousands.

“PlantCon has been such a labor of love,” says Kenny. “Building it up block by block over the years within our local community in Houston to bringing it all the way to Manhattan is unbelievable. I’m so thankful that so many people have found profound value in what we’re doing, and that the reception has been overwhelming no matter where we’ve been.”

Event Details

What: PlantCon International – New York

Where: The Seaport Level 4 at Pier 17 | 89 South St, New York, NY 10038

When: August 30–31, 2025

Tickets: plantcon.org/tickets-purchasenyc

About With Heart Collective

With Heart Collective is a non-profit event and production team focused on creating inclusive spaces and opportunities for small, minority-owned businesses and their customers. Their mission is to provide educational resources and support in areas such as tax compliance, branding, marketing and more, while fostering connections and promoting diversity within the community. Under With Heart Collective, the nonprofit organization includes Houston Plant Market, PlantCon International, Heart of Hou, The Vendor Alliance, and The Little Plant Library. As a proud AAPI, BIPOC, and Queer-led organization, With Heart Collective is dedicated to empowering underrepresented voices and promoting equity in entrepreneurship.

Press Contact

Eli Marcus

motivatea2z@gmail.com
plantcon.org/nyc-home
withheart.co

https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/nychappenings

The post NYC’s first ever PlantCon announced at South Street Seaport Aug. 30 & 31 appeared first on Good News!.

City Vineyard presents Mother’s Day Brunch With The Music Of Bill Withers feat. Kori Withers with Marcus Machado & Everett Bradley and Special Guest, Valerie Simpson on May 12th at 12:00 PM! Join us in celebrating the book release of Bill Withers’ new children’s title, “Grandma’s Hands”.

Celebrate an unforgettable Mother’s and Grandmother’s Day featuring the songs and stories of Bill Withers as performed by his daughter Kori Withers feat. Marcus Machado and Everett Bradley with very special guest Valerie Simpson. Join us as we honor all mother and grandmother figures in our lives with the release of “Grandma’s Hands”, a new illustrated children’s book by Bill Withers based on the timeless, universal song originally featured on his 1971 album, Just As I Am. A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to SAY: The Stuttering Association For The Young.

Date: Sun May 12 at 12:00 PM / 11:00 AM Doors

Address: 233 West Street (Pier 26), New York, NY 10013   646.677.8350

Purchase tickets for the show here!

Pre-Order your copy of “Grandma’s Hands”, at a special price, and pick it up at the event here!

The post Sunday, May 12th: NYC Mother’s Day Brunch With The Music Of Bill Withers Feat. Kori Withers With Marcus Machado & Everett Bradley And Special Guest, Valerie Simpson appeared first on Good News!.

Multi-Platinum Global Superstar Khalid

Coca-Cola made its official TikTok debut with the launch of the #ShareTheMagic challenge, an invitation for creators to showcase their personal expressions of the brand’s new “Real Magic” platform, which reminds people that magic lives in the unexpected moments of connection when people unite over what they have in common or embrace unique perspectives.

Coca-Cola partnered with multi-platinum global superstar, Khalid, whose newly released song, “Open,” is the soundtrack to the challenge, and Atlanta-based dancer, artist, and teenage TikTok star, Jalaiah Harmon, who choreographed the official dance for the challenge. In 2018, Jalaiah became a TikTok sensation when she created the “Renegade” dance.

In early December, Jalaiah returned to her former middle school in Fayetteville, GA., to share her Real Magic with the next generation of creators. She taught students her new “Open” dance and encourages them all to participate in the challenge by capturing their own expressions of Real Magic, set to Khalid’s news song, and using the #ShareTheMagic when they post.

DOWNLOAD WILL INCLUDE EXCLUSIVE KICKER

B-ROLL & SOTs:

· B-roll of principal introducing TIKTOK Star Jalaiah

· B-roll and sound of TIKTOK Star teaching Bennett’s Mill Middle School students the new dance

· Soundbites with Jalaiah, (Principal) Dr. Marcus Broadhead & Richard Toranzo of Coca-Cola

· Soundbites with multi-platinum global superstar, Khalid

TO DOWNLOAD B-ROLL AND SOUNDBITES,

CLICK ON THIS LINK:

https://vimeo.com/a1broadcast/review/656686927/98bb48170b

TIK TOK DANCES ARE HOT – AND GETTING ATTENTION FROM CELEBRITIES AND NOW A WORLD-WIDE BRAND.

A TIK TOK DANCE SEEN BY BILLIONS – WITH A ‘B’ — WAS CREATED BY 16-YEAR-OLD JALAIAH HARMON — WHO HAD FRIENDS AT BENNETTS MILL MIDDLE SCHOOL DANCING RECENTLY.

THIS WAS ALSO THE OFFICIAL TIKTOK DEBUT FOR COCA-COLA WITH THE LAUNCH OF ITS HASHTAG #SHARETHEMAGIC CHALLENGE.

THE CHALLENGE IS AN INVITATION FOR CREATORS TO SHOWCASE THEIR PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS OF THE BRAND’S NEW “REAL MAGIC” PLATFORM.

COCA-COLA ALSO PARTNERED WITH MULTI-PLATINUM GLOBAL SUPERSTAR, KHALID, WHOSE NEWLY RELEASED SONG, “OPEN,” IS THE SOUNDTRACK TO THE CHALLENGE.

JALAIAH TAUGHT THE STUDENTS HER NEW “OPEN” DANCE AND ENCOURAGED THEM ALL TO PARTICIPATE IN THE CHALLENGE BY CAPTURING THEIR OWN EXPRESSIONS OF REAL MAGIC — SET TO KHALID’S NEW SONG, AND USING THE SHARETHEMAGIC HASHTAG WHEN THEY POST.

HARMON IS AN ATLANTA-BASED DANCER AND TEENAGE TIKTOK STAR WHO CHOREOGRAPHED THIS OFFICIAL DANCE FOR THE CHALLENGE.

Shot List

Capture the Dance demonstration –with approximately 50 students participating and learning the new Tik Tok dance.

SOUNDBITE VERBATIM

#ShareTheMagic B-Roll FOR TIK TOK SCHOOL DANCE

Jalaiah Harmon

Soundbite Verbatim

4:36 – 4:53

So, I’m here at my old middle school, Bennett’s Mill Middle School, and I came here to teach the students my dance challenge that I made for Coca-Cola, #ShareTheMagic. And I really just came here to, you know, to be fun, to have fun, you know, share real magic on TikTok, and all you have to do is use Khalid’s new song “Open”.

4:56 – 5:16

So, it was really fun being here at my old school. Um, I just really liked how everyone was really supportive. Everybody had fun – they seemed like they were having fun. Um, you know, it was kind of challenging, but I think everybody – you know – they were just cool at the end of the day. They had fun. They were glad that they were here to learn the dance, and I feel like that’s real magic.

5:19 – 5:37

I partnered with Coca-Cola because, you know, it helps us – it helps me bring people together really just to create a fun a challenge and to share my real magic through a dance that I created for this challenge. And it’s just very fun, natural, and even if you can’t dance, it’s always just something fun to do for your, like, free time.

5:39 – 6:01

I’m here at Bennett’s Mill Middle School because this was my former school when I was in middle school, so it’s really fun to be back here. It’s really cool to see, you know, different people, different students here. And you know – it was really fun teaching the kids the dance, and you know, seeing them, you know, learn the challenge, and maybe be able to create their own challenge to the song. So it was really fun at the end of the day.

Dr. Marcus Broadhead

Soundbite Verbatim

6:06 – 7:03

Having Jalaiah come back to Bennett’s Mill Middle School to participate and teach our students in the Share the Magic Challenge was an exceptional experience for our students because 1) they definitely participate in TikTok challenges all the time – good, bad, or indifferent – so I was glad that Coke provided a positive option for our students. But 2) they were super excited to be a part of whatever Jalaiah’s doing because they follow her

#tik #tok #dance #jalaiah #harmon #khalid #coca-cola #coke #share #magic #real #tiktok #marcus #broadhead #richard #toranzo #school #bennett’s #mill #bennett

The post ***BEST KICKER OF THE WEEK*** OF THE TIKTOK SEEN BY NEARLY 3 BILLION PEOPLE, COCA-COLA MAKES ITS OFFICIAL TIKTOK DEBUT WITH THE LAUNCH OF THE #SHARETHEMAGIC CHALLENGE appeared first on Good News!.

Measuring blood pressure is one of the most common procedures performed at a medical office. Yet, studies have shown that numerous mistakes are made when taking readings.

For example, if you’ve ever had a conversation while getting checked you may have added an additional 10-15 mm Hg to a measurement. Having a full bladder can tack on 10-15 mm Hg, while putting the cuff over clothing, rather than a bare arm, can add 10-40 mm Hg. These errors may lead to higher readings, which may lead to a misdiagnosis.

In this interview Dr. Michael Hochman, Spokesperson for the American Heart Association, shares the most common mistakes (whether taken at home or at your doctor’s office) and 7 simple tips to ensure an accurate blood pressure reading. Dr. Hochman will also talks about the updated high blood pressure guidelines and what to do if your numbers are now borderline. In addition, Marcus Whitehead, a police officer and high blood pressure patient shares how not knowing his numbers almost lead to serious health complications, and what he now does to stay in a healthy range.

The post Dr. Michael Hochman & Officer Marcus Whitehead, Know Your Numbers: Is Your Blood Pressure Being Taken All Wrong?, Click Here for Video & Podcast… appeared first on Good News!.