By David Tepera, February 4, 2021

Of course, we all are descendants from past generations. The goal of each new generation is to accomplish or add more than the previous generation. This doesn’t just pertain to financial status. There is so much more in bettering yourself.

So, you know, Tepera is a Czech name, and I’m third-generation American born. The first family of Teperas who crossed the ocean on boat moved to Central Texas and became sharecroppers. They were adventurous and shared a strong work ethic. Education was not part of their childhood because everyone had to work the farm.

My grandma was the oldest of eight children and was forced to quit school in the seventh grade. But, believe me, grandma’s lack of school education didn’t identify her. To me, she had a doctorate in hard work ethic, including strong religious values and discipline. Grandma was the backbone of the entire family, and that’s why I continue to reference her in my articles.

Even though my dad grew up extremely poor, he embraced all of grandma’s lessons and experiences. Dad continued his birthright, along with his twin brother, and became the first Teperas to graduate college. Now, that put plenty of pressure on my sister and I, but we accepted the challenge and conquered. I chose to add health and fitness to my family.

OK, enough about me. What can you add from your past generations? What are the lessons learned and experiences past on to you? Are you striving to be better and accomplish more?

Remember, those before you had to take on a set of different challenges with less technology. Today, the world of knowledge is at our fingertips. There’s no excuses for not giving your best. Yes, you will fail, but that’s just another lesson to take a different direction or to get back up and give a bigger fight.

I don’t know your current situation, but can you teach others to be kind, give up prejudice, volunteering, anything to make this world a better place? How will you impact your children so they can pass this among their kids?

With an extreme obesity rate of 42 percent, maybe you can be the health and fitness expert in your family. Whatever you choose, it’s your turn to add from past generations.