October 10, 2021
Good morning friends. I hope you are doing well, while staying healthy and happy. It’s been just a bit over two weeks since I moved into my new home. I forgot about all the details that go into moving from one house to another. I had no idea what moving from the west coast to east coast would entail. The factors associated with that became extremely evident. The vast majority of my furnishings and personal items made the transition safely and in one piece. Inevitably there are always a few items that come up bruised or damaged to varying degrees. The article that appears to have suffered the most trauma, has been me. Let me be a bit more specific with this startling development. Relocating is tough on the body, both physically and mentally. In this particular case, my body has taken the brunt of the damage. I have to say that my mental and spiritual health are fine and thriving in my new environment. The physical beating my body has endured, is both in metaphorical and literal terms. At this moment, I feel the literal part of that punishment. I’m not complaining, just stating facts. Life is full of changes. Let’s face it, as we age, our bodies continue to change too. I wasn’t fully prepared for the down side of that fact of life to be thrown into my face just yet.
Since I became a “senior citizen” (whatever the correct definition to that is today), I believe I’ve maintained my physical health as good as anyone. I know a few people, my age, in better health; and then are many who appear to be a hundred years older. I’m not being mean, but haven’t you experienced that too? You find out a person’s age, younger than yourself, and think, “OMG they look so old, used, beat up or just worn out.” I suppose some of that has to do with genetics, how you’ve lived your life and where you spent those years. I grew up in SoCal, eat fairly healthy and have done pretty well at taking care of myself. I routinely exercise, typically doing something physical six days a week. I enjoy lifting weights a couple days a week, to maintain my physical strength. I incorporate running two or three days for cardio health. I enjoy riding my bike, for a different form of cardio, that has far less impact on my body and joints. {On a quick side note, I’m currently waiting for movers to delivery my bikes (and other possessions). I can’t say I’m happy with these guys, as my items were packed over three weeks ago and still haven’t made it here. That fiasco is an entire story in itself.} Getting back to exercise; I enjoy hiking or just walking. Being out and about in nature is not only beneficial for your mind and soul, but wonderful physical exercise too! I stretch, including some yoga, every morning when I roll out of bed. These past several mornings I’ve been literally doing just that. I’m happy my body continues to hold together and function to get me through each new day. I’ve been on the road the last four months, after selling my home in SoCal. Driving down the east coast, through California and across the country, didn’t help my body much either.
The last two weeks have been spent unpacking, organizing and arranging the new home. Now my body, for the first time in my life, is telling me something I have never heard before. It’s yelling at me loud and clear, and in some instances insisting, that I slow down or fall down. I haven’t fallen, but have definitely saved myself with some stumbles. I am a believer that the “saves” were from outside intervention. I know my Dad, and guardian angels, have saved my rear a few times. This feeling of being worn out and beat up isn’t completely foreign to me. I’ve been there a few other times in life. Working the fire lines on Hot Shot crew, long nights and critical incidents with the LAPD and at various times as a parent, have brought on that feeling. There have been other moves, other circumstances, that created intense and laborious days. My current physical situation is by far the most difficult. I’ve been there before and know how my body typically reacts and bounces back. This time, bouncing back isn’t so easy. When I go to bed at night, I expect to wake up refreshed and ready to start the new day. I am always grateful to wake with the new sunrise and more opportunities to thieve. Now, however, I wake up sore and tight; from over used muscles, far too many days in succession. The multiple trips up and down stairs, carrying heavy objects, up and down and back and forth aren’t doing me much in the way to assist. The first week ended with me nearly falling or tripping several times on last weekend. I decided it would be best to add some rest and relaxing time. Sunday afternoon, I thought I could hang some pictures. My mistake was in attempting to hang the largest picture first. That proved to be a damaging error, especially for the art work. I was heartbroken when I lost my balance and nearly lost this precious piece. A scratch several inches long made me want to cry. I realize I’m not as strong or as fast as I was years ago, but geez this isn’t right.
This coming week I fly to Texas for another Ragnar trail team relay run. I’m excited for the event and thrilled to see our team from Zion Ragnar (from May). I’ve been running nearly every morning, these past two weeks, attempting to get my body ready. Too many days of not running over the last two months have taken a sever toll on my stamina. I’ll updated next Sunday on the race and me. Hopefully I’ll survive to post on October 16th. Wish me luck. I not playing the “old age” or “victim” card. I am neither. I refuse to engage in that silly and exhausting behavior. Technically, I’m considered a “senior” because of my age. I don’t feel like I’m old. My mind works as good as ever and my body has endured life. I’m still happy and excited to greet each new day. I don’t think or act like the current “younger” generation, because that’s not them. That’s fine with me. What matter most is how I treat myself and others. I continue to reach for the stars and my dreams every day. Age is just a number. Don’t let it hold you back.
Like everything else in life, you can be positive or negative about your circumstances or abilities. You can believe in yourself, have self-confidence and know you can succeed. You are your only limitation. Negativity is not an option for me (and it shouldn’t be for you). It never should be! Always maintain a positive and strong outlook about yourself and life. Yes, life changes and there can be difficult times. There may be situations when life doesn’t go the direction we want. If that occurs; don’t ever give up, say “I can’t” or become disillusioned. Change is constant, but it brings new opportunities to learn, grow and succeed. I maintain my gratitude and happiness with each new sunrise. My positive attitude, determination, discipline and drive keep me focused and pushing forward. I’ve incorporated some extra rest time into my days, while I stay fueled for success. Self-care is self-love and does wonders for my body, mind and spirit. Believe in yourself; I do. Follow your dreams. They know the way.
ps…October is breast cancer awareness month. Show kindness and respect to everyone, as you never know what others are silently dealing with in their lives. Be grateful. Life’s a gift. Enjoy it.
Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more! The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation. Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!
Thanks for your love and support! Embrace Life! Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!
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