It is never a surprise to think that your parents are getting old, but
it is somewhat of a shock when you realize that they could be close to
death.
My mothers recent, and ongoing, experience with breast cancer, and an
old colleagues recent death from lymphoma, have both highlighted the
naiveté that we display when thinking about how "much" we know about
our bodies. And it still amazes me to see what some people put
themselves through with complete disregard to their health.
Regardless of what people say, we only get one chance. Only one
opportunity to live our lives in this particular iteration of
ourselves. It's in our nature to move forward, within many contexts of
our lives, yet so many of us seem to be stuck. In particular, it
amazes me how many people are stuck in unhealthy patterns of living.
Our bodies are the vehicles that carry us through life, and the care
and concern with which we treat it directly contributes to the quality
of our experience as we move through the world. Yet people punish
their bodies with excesses and seem surprised when things go wrong.
I'm not advocating abstinence, but I am hoping that people put more
thought to the consequences of their actions and inactions.
Choose to be healthy. Choose to make a difference in your health.
Choose to help others make a difference in theirs.
