Rich is 78 years old. He sold his pharmacy business 5 years ago but still covers an occasional shift for his friend. He plays pickle ball at least 3 times a week. He pitches in a men’s senior baseball league, baseball not softball, and steals the occasional base because he can still sprint. He travels to exotic locations every
year with his wife and friends.
He and his wife have a very active social life with their old, dear friends and his pickle ball and baseball buddies. He still worries about his kids and grandkids.
About 15 years ago he got serious about his health and lost 20 pounds and made a commitment to exercise. He tells many involved, elaborate stories and laughs a lot.
Rich still runs into a roadblock now and then. Whether it is a pulled muscle or a virus infection he bounces back quickly. Even the grief and sadness from the tragic loss of a loved one is lessened by the support and love of his extensive network of friends and family.
This seems like a good way to live your life. Without physical limitations and actively engaged in purposeful pursuits you enjoy.
Rich works hard to foster and maintain this quality of life. It is a conscious decision to stay healthy, to engage in healthy behaviors, to do the work to stay strong and healthy. He maintains a positive mindset and nurtures his relationships.
How is your quality of life? Where are you on this spectrum? Can you move pain free? Do you have boundless energy? Are you sleeping well and deeply and waking up refreshed and ready to go? Are you living, loving, doing all you want?
If you are falling short on this spectrum of quality of life, if your life experiences are diminishing instead of expanding, realize you can improve. Just like Rich you can make a conscious decision to get strong and healthy.
You’ve got a lot of life left to live. Don’t wait to make the decision to improve. If it feels like your body is letting you down or you are struggling with a sense of overwhelm don’t give up. Start with small steps and keep going.