Jennifer Garner is one of the most loved celebrities because of how relatable and approachable she seems. Her Instagram account is brimming with wholesome content about being a mother and navigating through life.
Patricia English Garner is Jennifer Garner’s mother. As a young girl, Patricia had a lot of sweet memories of growing up at a farm in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
She even recalls how her parents bought the piece of land that has stayed in their family for generations. Her parents bought the piece of land in 1936, with a bonus her father had received from fighting in World War I.
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The family had only $700 to purchase the land at the time. She recalls how her veteran father and mother did not even have a car at the time they bought the land. They had to hire someone to take them to the property.
“My parents didn’t even have a car, so when they heard about the land that was for sale, they hired someone to drive them to the property. The farm consisted of a two-room house and 20 acres–minus 1 acre at the heart of the property, which was a Native American cemetery,” Patricia said.
Mother told me the story of Dad leaning on his heels and negotiating all day over $20. When they finally agreed on a price, the deal was sealed, and the land was purchased. It’s been in our family ever since,” she ended.
Over the years as everyone grew up and moved away, the farm did not have one set of owners. It kept switching ownership from one family member to another as it was bought and sold repeatedly. Then finally, in 2017, Jennifer Garner decided to purchase the farm herself.
And she did not just purchase the farm for the sake of memory but she had the vision to turn it into a profitable business once again. To do so, she hired her uncle Robert and aunt Janet, who had previously owned the farm to help her with it.
It had been 40 years since the farm had been planted and tended to. In the past, her mother and her siblings had been avid farmers and sold pecans as well as grew lettuce, radishes, and potatoes.
And Jennifer wanted to bring that back. She established “Once Upon a Farm” with co-founders Ari Raz, John Foraker, and Cassandra Curtis. The idea was to grow organic fruits and vegetables that could be made into nutritious food for children.
She said she had been dreaming about the project for a while, “once upon a time… we dreamed of bringing baby food back to the roots with organic fruits and veggies harvested from local farmers, blended with love and served fresh from the fridge. We dreamed of feeling less stressed about mealtimes because we could feed our little ones foods that give them all the nutrients they need – and then some!”
Jennifer says giving busy moms access to nutritious food is important to her.
The company was started in 2018 and since then has been majorly successful. Their products are stocked at some of the biggest retailers in America and are also sold online on the company’s website.
What Gives People Power? Money, Status, or Mitochondria?
In the pursuit of power, people often focus on the tangible and obvious sources: money and status. These two elements have been historically associated with the ability to influence, control, and lead. However, there’s another, less obvious factor that plays a crucial role in powering human action and resilience: mitochondria. Yes, the tiny organelles within our cells, often referred to as the “powerhouses” of the body, could be more influential than we think. So, what truly gives people power? Is it money, status, or is it the unseen, microscopic machinery inside our bodies?
The Traditional Sources of Power: Money and Status
Money: The Classic Power Symbol
Money is undeniably a classic symbol of power. With wealth comes access to resources, influence, and the ability to shape the world around you. Those who possess significant wealth can control industries, fund political movements, and support causes that align with their interests. Simply put, money gives you the means to acquire almost anything. It opens doors to opportunities and grants control over how you live and, in many cases, how others live.
But money alone doesn’t guarantee power. In fact, some argue that money is only as powerful as the status that accompanies it.
Status: The Influence Beyond Dollars
Status is closely linked to money but represents a different kind of power. It’s not just about how much you have, but about how others perceive you. Status can elevate you in the eyes of society, granting you the ability to sway public opinion, gather followers, and even become a leader in certain spheres. In cultures around the world, people with high social standing are respected, trusted, and often sought after for guidance or collaboration.
However, status alone can be fleeting, especially without the backing of tangible resources or authority. Without money or personal achievements, status might feel empty or unsubstantiated.
Mitochondria: The Hidden Powerhouses
The Science Behind Mitochondria
Mitochondria are often overlooked when discussing power, but they play a vital role in our ability to function at our peak. These microscopic organelles are responsible for producing the energy that fuels our cells. Without mitochondria, our bodies would not have the energy to perform even the most basic tasks, let alone excel in areas that demand focus, stamina, or resilience.
Video : Money isn’t the most important thing in life, but it’s reasonably close to oxygen
Think about it: power, in the most basic sense, requires energy. The more efficient our bodies are at generating this energy, the more powerful we become in how we live and operate. Mitochondria help determine the energy available for every aspect of life—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
The Impact of Mitochondria on Performance
What makes mitochondria particularly fascinating is their connection to our performance. High-performing individuals—whether in business, sports, or academia—often display an impressive level of endurance and mental clarity. While this is often attributed to genetics or training, an important factor lies in mitochondrial health.
Research suggests that the more mitochondria a person has and the more efficient those mitochondria are, the better their performance can be across a variety of tasks. For instance, athletes with higher mitochondrial density often have better endurance, and people who maintain a healthy, active lifestyle tend to have better mitochondrial function. This increased cellular energy can result in higher productivity, sharper decision-making, and improved overall performance—leading to increased personal power in the long run.
Money and Status vs. Mitochondria: Which Is More Powerful?
Now, let’s get to the big question: What gives people real power? Is it money and status, or could it be the seemingly humble mitochondria? The answer isn’t as straightforward as we might think.
While money and status give us the means to influence and control our environments, mitochondrial health fuels the very ability to make those moves in the first place. Let’s consider an analogy:
Imagine a car. The engine (representing mitochondria) needs fuel to run effectively. If the engine is weak or malfunctioning, the car (you, in this case) won’t perform well, regardless of how fancy the car’s exterior is (money and status). No matter how much money you have to buy the car or the status that comes with driving it, without a powerful engine, you’re stuck.
The Link Between Physical and Mental Power
Let’s take this idea further. The better your mitochondrial health, the more energy you have. This energy isn’t just physical; it also extends to mental clarity. Mental power is essential when facing challenges, making decisions, or leading others. If your mitochondria aren’t functioning properly, your mind and body will feel sluggish, which limits your potential for success.
In other words, mitochondria don’t just make you physically strong—they help make you mentally strong as well. This is where they hold an edge over money and status. While those can offer short-term benefits and external influence, mitochondrial health offers the power to endure, adapt, and thrive over time.
Building and Protecting Your Mitochondrial Power
How to Keep Your Mitochondria Healthy
The good news is that mitochondrial health is something you can actively work on and improve. Here are a few simple yet effective ways to boost your mitochondrial function and unlock your personal power:
- Exercise Regularly: Physical activity is one of the most powerful ways to enhance mitochondrial function. Both aerobic exercises (like running or swimming) and strength training can stimulate the production of new mitochondria, boosting your energy and performance.
- Eat a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish provide essential vitamins and antioxidants that support mitochondrial health. Additionally, reducing sugar and processed foods can prevent mitochondrial damage.
- Sleep Well: Sleep is vital for cellular repair, including the repair of mitochondria. Ensuring you get enough rest allows your mitochondria to function optimally, supporting both your physical and mental health.
- Avoid Toxins: Chemicals and environmental toxins can damage mitochondria over time. Reducing exposure to toxins, such as pollution or harmful substances in food and cleaning products, can help maintain mitochondrial health.
Video : The mitochondria IS the powerhouse of the cell!
The Balance of Power: Mitochondria, Money, and Status
In conclusion, while money and status are certainly powerful tools in the modern world, they are only as effective as the energy driving them. Mitochondria, though often forgotten in discussions of power, play an integral role in sustaining the energy required for success, both mentally and physically.
To truly harness the power that lasts, we need to care for our mitochondrial health just as we do our finances or social standing. Strengthening our cells provides us with the fuel to achieve our goals, overcome obstacles, and maintain our power, long after money and status fade.
So, next time you think about what gives people power, don’t just focus on the material—remember the energy that drives it all: your mitochondria.
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