Heard a great quote in a book I was listening to -The Body, by Bill Bryson- and my reaction to it may surprise you.
It was this:
‘exercise regularly, eat healthily, die anyway!’ -Anon.
Now you might consider that as a pretty depressing statement. Not one that is inspiring at all. And yet……
Firstly, I found it funny. Then, upon reflection, I actually found it to be a very positive message. Now I don’t think I’m particularly weird, so let me explain my reasoning.
It’s all about choices.
We are all going to die. Nothing we can do can stop that process.
What we CAN do though, is choose what kind of life we lead until that happens.
So let’s break the quote down.
Exercise regularly.
Some people, like me, enjoy exercise. Enjoy the gym. Lifting weights/resistance training/exercise classes – whatever floats your particular boat.
Others, I know, hate the very thought of exercise. For those, substitute ‘exercise’ for ‘movement’.
Keep doing the things you love to do for as long as you feel like doing them. Don’t let age, other people’s opinion, public perception, get in the way of you doing what you love.
CHOOSE to do it because you love it and you know it makes you feel good.
Eat healthily.
Eat a well-balanced diet the majority of the time. But, if you’re like me and have a sweet tooth, enjoy cakes/biscuits/desserts whenever. Just don’t overindulge.
No reason at all that you need to prevent yourself from having something you enjoy if you do it in moderation.
That also includes alcohol. Whilst it is a major problem in society, there’s no need for you not to have a beer when you fancy. Just don’t overindulge.
Die anyway.
Better to get there on your terms if you can.
Not that you need to go kicking and screaming, but at least know you had the best quality of life that you could by exercising/moving regularly and eating healthily.
So there you have it. What seemed like a pretty depressing quote doesn’t actually have to be if you CHOOSE it not to be.
Have a splendid week.
