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So I must begin by saying that I have never studied Latin and my knowledge of the law is limited to what I have garnered from the many years I have watched "Law and Order". Having said that, I felt compelled today to write about a Latin and legal phrase that we have heard quite a bit about in recent weeks - "QUID PRO QUO". The legal dictionary defines the term as "the exchange of valuable consideration", in other words - the exchange of something of value in which both parties agree to adhere to the contract agreed upon between them. Explained in even plainer language - THIS FOR THAT or SOMETHING FOR SOMETHING.
You may notice that nowhere in the definition is the word BRIBE mentioned. That is because while all bribes involve a Quid Pro Quo, not all Quid Pro Quo are bribes. A bribe is asking someone to do something that they shouldn't have or wouldn't have done on their own. Like the many times I promised my kids dessert if they ate all of the vegetables on their dinner plate. There was no way they were going to eat every brussels sprout without an added incentive!
Quid Pro Quo isn't necessarily someone asking you to do something that you are not supposed to do in the first place. Every contract between two or more parties is a Quid Pro Quo. You have one with me...you agree to read my blogs and emails, I agree to do my best to give you insight and information on health issues that are worth your time. I know that I do not have to offer a bribe or an added incentive to get you to eat more vegetables, try some new foods, or get more sleep.
While you may be tired of hearing the political analysts debate Quid Pro Quo as it pertains to current events, I suggest that we all adopt the principle of living "something for something" or doing "this for that". It is only when we fully comprehend the consequences of our actions that we are able to make significant and positive changes in the way we are living.
Allow me to offer some examples. I know quite a few people who enjoy a large bowl of ice cream or a thick milkshake before bed every night. They have yet to make the connection between how congested they feel in the morning with what they consumed the night before. How about your friends who have been diagnosed as gluten and lactose intolerant, yet they are the first ones in your office to reach for the pizza slices at lunchtime? They probably end up missing the afternoon meeting because they are in the bathroom! In both of these cases, it is time to negotiate a new contract! The "something for something" arrangement needs to be adjusted. That pepperoni pizza needs to be replaced with a Greek Salad and an almond milk & fruit smoothie should show up in place of the ice cream sundae. The items in question need to be traded in return for something of great value - an improvement in your health!
Another popular Latin term is "Ipsa Scientia Potestas Est" which means "knowledge itself is power". So as we continue to immerse ourselves in knowledge about using nutrition to heal ourselves, we will become stronger, healthier and more powerful. Now that is the kind of contract that we can all embrace!