By: Brian Keith Shrewsbury
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     Ah, Mother’s Day-a special day to honor the remarkable women who bring us into the world and guide us through life with unwavering strength, patience, and love. From the earliest days, when we were tiny people making messes and learning about the world, our mothers have nurtured us, shaped us, and helped us grow into strong, capable adults.

     Today, we celebrate these incredible women with flowers, heartfelt cards, and the simple gifts and drawings that express our gratitude. It’s a day when families come together, and partners make sure the mothers in their lives feel cherished and appreciated.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the strong, loving women across this land. May you feel wanted, valued, and deeply appreciated-not just today, but every day. May God bless you with the love and recognition you so richly deserve.
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#MothersDay #HappyMothersDay #Mom #Family #Love

A LACK OF EMPATHY AND CLOSENESS
​By Brian Keith Shrewsbury

The rise of social media, smartphones, and constant digital connectivity has profoundly altered the way we interact, work, and relate to one another. While these technologies offer convenience and instant access to information, they have also introduced a subtle but pervasive erosion of our ambitions, emotional well-being, and the quality of our relationships.

In many households, the glow of a phone screen now replaces the warmth of face-to-face conversation. Family dinners, once a time for sharing and connection, are often interrupted by the buzz of notifications or the silent distraction of scrolling. Research shows that parents absorbed in their devices talk less to their children, respond more slowly, and may even overreact to interruptions, missing crucial moments to nurture and guide their kids. This phenomenon, sometimes called "technoference," doesn’t just affect young children; it reverberates through all relationships, leading to feelings of neglect, frustration, and sadness among family members. Over time, these small moments of disconnection can weaken the bonds that hold families together.

The consequences extend beyond the home. In the workplace, digital distractions can undermine productivity, fragment our attention, and reduce the quality of our work. Social media, designed to capture and hold our focus, often leaves us feeling more isolated and less motivated, as we compare our lives to the curated highlights of others and chase fleeting digital validation. The constant pull to check our phones creates a cycle of anxiety and fear of missing out, further distancing us from meaningful, in-person interactions.\

Perhaps most concerning is the impact on our capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence. Digital communication strips away the subtle cues-tone of voice, facial expressions, body language-that are essential for understanding and connecting with others on a deeper level. Without these cues, misunderstandings multiply, and our ability to relate to one another with compassion and nuance diminishes. Children, especially, are vulnerable; when parents are distracted by screens, children may feel ignored or undervalued, leading to emotional and behavioral problems and a greater reliance on their own devices for comfort and connection.

While technology is not inherently harmful, our over-reliance on it is quietly reshaping the fabric of our lives. It is making us less present, less connected, and, in many ways, less caring. The challenge before us is to reclaim our attention, prioritize real conversations, and set boundaries around our digital lives. By doing so, we can rediscover the richness of face-to-face connection and ensure that technology serves to enhance, rather than diminish, our humanity.

#SocialMedia #MentalHealth #DigitalWellbeing #Family #HumanConnection #ScreenTime #Technology #Parenting #EmotionalIntelligence #Technoference #briankeithshrewsbury #mgagymnastics #mga-gymnastics

The Rise of Artificial Intelligence
By Brian Keith Shrewsbury
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     The rise of artificial intelligence, smartphones, and digital media is rapidly reshaping daily life-and not always for the better. Even before AI reaches its full potential, we’re already seeing major changes in our communities, families, and especially in our children. The signs are everywhere: people walking through public spaces, eyes glued to screens, disconnected from the real world and one another. Our posture suffers, real conversations fade, and the art of genuine human connection is slipping away.

     As a gymnastics coach, I see this shift firsthand. Kids who once loved movement and play now ask, “When are we done?” or beg for my phone, craving iPads and screen time. This isn’t just nostalgia-it’s a measurable change. In the 1980s, television and video games competed for our attention, but today, screens follow us everywhere: on the couch, at the dinner table, in the car, even in the bathroom. The line between work and home life has blurred, and our “magic glowing boxes” are constant companions, often harming our physical and mental health.

     The consequences for families are stark. Nearly half of U.S. smartphone users admit to being addicted, and this addiction is eroding family bonds. Parents and children alike are absorbed in their screens, and real communication is replaced by silence or shallow exchanges. Research links excessive screen time to developmental delays, behavioral problems, and reduced social skills in children, especially preschoolers and boys. The constant presence of technology-called “technoference”-disrupts parent-child interactions, undermining attachment, empathy, and healthy development.

     The digital age also brings instant access to harmful content like pornography, posing serious risks to children and teens, including negative impacts on mental health, social integration, and relationships. The anonymity and ubiquity of smartphones make it hard for parents to know what their kids are exposed to, even at home.

     Artificial intelligence is set to accelerate these trends. Experts warn that AI will bring “deep and meaningful” changes to essential human traits-diminishing our social and emotional intelligence, deep thinking, and even our sense of identity and purpose. As AI-generated content floods our screens, our attention spans shrink, and our ability to engage with the real world erodes. Technology addiction affects our brains in ways similar to substance abuse.

T.    his is not just a technological issue-it’s a cultural and existential one. If we don’t act intentionally, we risk “sleepwalking into an AI future we never intended.” The challenge is urgent: to reclaim our time, relationships, and humanity from screens and algorithms. We must set boundaries, model healthy behavior for our children, and prioritize face-to-face connections. Only then can we preserve the empathy, creativity, and community that make us truly human.
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#ArtificialIntelligence #ScreenTime #MentalHealth #Parenting #HumanConnection #briankeithshrewbury #mgagymnastics #mga-gymnastics

NEVER GIVE UP: PERSISTENCE IS KEY
​Bry Brian Keith Shrewsbury

Never Give Up: The Struggle and Triumph of GymnasticsGymnastics is a sport that tests both body and mind. Every gymnast faces tough challenges-whether it’s learning a difficult skill, overcoming a fall, or dealing with performance pressure. At times, it can feel easier to quit than to keep going.
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But the most inspiring gymnasts are those who persevere. Champions like Simone Biles and Suni Lee have faced injuries, setbacks, and even mental health struggles, but they refused to give up. Instead, they used their challenges as motivation to come back stronger.
Setbacks are a part of every gymnast’s journey. Progress can be slow, and fears can be tough to overcome. But with patience, support from coaches and teammates, and a positive mindset, gymnasts can push through their toughest moments.

The lessons learned from not giving up in gymnastics-resilience, determination, and self-belief-last a lifetime. Every time you get back up after a fall, you prove to yourself that you are stronger than any obstacle.
So remember: The struggle is part of the journey. Don’t give up-your greatest triumphs are yet to come.

#gymnastics #persistance #mgagymnastics #briankeithshrewsbury #champions

​     A healthy weekly diet for young athletes-especially gymnasts and children-should focus on balanced nutrition, steady energy, and optimal recovery. Here’s a practical guide with meal ideas and key principles to help fuel performance and growth

How Gymnastics Builds the Physical Foundation for Boys-and Sets Them Up for Athletic SuccessGymnastics is often seen as a sport of flips and balance beams, but for developing boys, it’s much more: it’s a powerhouse for building a strong, capable, and athletic body. The benefits of gymnastics go far beyond the gym, shaping boys into well-rounded athletes who can excel in any sport they choose.
Strength, Flexibility, and Strong BonesAt its core, gymnastics is a weight-bearing activity that develops muscular strength and endurance throughout the entire body. Boys who practice gymnastics build lean, powerful muscles and significantly improve their flexibility-two qualities that are essential for athletic performance in any sport. Regular gymnastics training also strengthens bones, increasing bone density and reducing the risk of injury and conditions like osteoporosis later in life.
Coordination, Balance, and Body AwarenessGymnastics is unique in its focus on body and spatial awareness. Boys learn to control their movements precisely, developing balance, agility, and coordination through activities like tumbling, vaulting, and swinging on bars. These skills transfer directly to other sports, making young gymnasts more agile on the soccer field, quicker on the basketball court, and more stable in football or baseball.
Injury Prevention and LongevityThe flexibility and strength gained in gymnastics help protect joints and muscles, reducing the likelihood of common sports injuries. Gymnasts learn how to fall safely, absorb impact, and move with control-key skills that keep athletes healthy and active for years to come.
Mental Toughness, Discipline, and ConfidenceBeyond the physical, gymnastics instills discipline, focus, and perseverance. Boys learn to listen to coaches, accept feedback, and work through challenges-traits that make them coachable and resilient in any team environment. Mastering new skills builds confidence and a sense of achievement, fueling their motivation to excel in all areas of life.
A Launchpad for All SportsPerhaps most importantly, gymnastics provides the perfect foundation for any athletic pursuit. The strength, coordination, and mental skills developed in gymnastics give boys a head start in sports ranging from football and basketball to swimming and tennis. Whether as a primary sport or as cross-training, gymnastics equips boys with the tools to become outstanding, versatile athletes.
In summary:
Gymnastics is more than a sport-it’s a comprehensive training ground for the body and mind. For developing boys, it lays the groundwork for lifelong health, athletic excellence, and personal growth, ensuring they’re ready to take on any sport-and any challenge-that comes their way.

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​The Powerful Benefits of Gymnastics: Building Strong Bodies and Confident Minds**
Gymnastics is more than flips, tumbling passes, and balance beams—it's a foundation for lifelong strength, coordination, discipline, and confidence. Whether practiced recreationally or competitively, gymnastics provides an impressive array of physical, mental, and social benefits for children, teens, and adults alike.
1. Total Body Strength and Flexibility**
Gymnastics develops both upper and lower body strength through bodyweight movements like pull-ups, handstands, and core exercises. It also emphasizes flexibility, which helps prevent injuries and supports mobility in daily life and other sports.
2. Improved Coordination and Balance**
From walking on a balance beam to executing a cartwheel, gymnasts develop exceptional coordination, spatial awareness, and balance. These skills transfer to virtually every sport and physical activity.
3. Discipline and Mental Focus**
Mastering gymnastics skills takes patience, practice, and persistence. Athletes must set goals, take corrections, and focus deeply—fostering strong discipline and mental resilience.
4. Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem**
There’s nothing like the feeling of landing a new skill. As gymnasts grow stronger and more capable, they develop a sense of pride and accomplishment that boosts their confidence both in and out of the gym.
5. Encourages Social Interaction and Teamwork**
Even though gymnastics is often an individual sport, gymnasts practice in groups, support one another, and share in victories and challenges. Team programs also foster camaraderie and communication.
6. Healthy Habits and Lifestyle**
Gymnastics instills healthy habits early, such as staying active, eating for energy, and valuing rest and recovery. Many gymnasts carry these habits into adulthood, forming a strong foundation for lifelong health.
7. Fun and Creativity**
Gymnastics combines structure with creativity. Whether choreographing a floor routine or learning a new skill progression, gymnasts have room to express themselves through movement.
Final Thoughts**
Gymnastics isn’t just a sport—it’s a transformative experience that shapes strong, focused, and confident individuals. Whether your child wants to compete or simply have fun staying active, gymnastics offers a wide range of benefits that support growth in every area of life.