Living Intentionally

FYI: Our walking group started last Saturday and we had a wonderful morning of great weather! We'll be meeting again tomorrow morning (Saturday Sept. 19) at 9:00am beside the washrooms in the arboretum (off Prince of Wales). Come one, come all for a social walk through a beautiful area! Bring anyone you like (including dogs) - hope to see you there!

Dr. Bishop's Team

LIVING INTENTIONALLY

Coming back from Conroy Pit a few weeks ago after walking our dogs, we saw a lady of about 80 years of age walking across Hunt Club road. Walking is not the proper word, she was striding. She had her Nike runners on and she was definitely out for a power walk. Purpose and positivity could be seen in her demeanour. I was awestruck at her balance, her speed, her determination. She could have been home watching TV or reading, but here she was at her age out for a power walk. I don't know why it struck me in such a positive way, but I felt that I was seeing a person who felt alive, who had a purpose, and most importantly was striving to enjoy life and keep herself fit.

If she could do this at 80, then why do so many of us struggle with vibrant living in our 30's, 40's or 50's? I doubt she would make any excuses of pain, age or time. She simply wanted to feel alive.

It lead me once again to ponder about what makes some people find purposeful living while others feel overwhelmed or time constrained? Is it simply that this lady was blessed with good genes, and simply woke up each day feeling like she ‘wanted' to go for a power walk? Unlikely! She determined who she wanted to be, and how she wanted to live.

Once again, it leads me to believe that living a healthy life, or creating a healthy life is very much a daily decision. You must determine what you want for yourself. It is not up to others to decide, nor are any of us going to wake up in the morning with magic motivation. You must create your own motivation, and you must work on it daily. Change your inner negative voice and you will create a positive outcome every day.

We all experience an array of emotions that influence how we think, act and feel. Within each of us exists many conflicting voices competing to be heard. One voice might be loving and supportive, but the more powerful voice is likely harsh and critical. Unfortunately we tune in to the critical one too easily. The good thing is it's only a thought; it has no basis in reality. We must learn not to listen to that critic and regularly tune in to positive messages. Each of us can literally train the brain. However, this takes as much work as training physically for a marathon. You need to work on this voice daily. Visualize where you want to go with yourself. See yourself in the future at your goal size and achieving regular fitness. (Maybe it's walking the 10 km next May). See yourself eating small portions, and not snacking when you're not hungry. Believe that you can do it. Eliminate any voices that want to negate your goals.

Ultimately, believe it's possible to improve your situation no matter how long or how many times you have been in the same situation. Realize that you can affect change, and that change will be permanent.

Be persistent. No matter how long it takes, never give up trying. Refuse to give up.

Go for a walk tomorrow, even if you missed today because of ‘fatigue'. (You will feel energized afterwards). Wake up tomorrow with determination to have no snacks after dinner even if you had two bowls of ice cream last night. Create your own positive future by ploughing though obstacles, frustrations and setbacks!

You can do it. Never give up!

Dr. Doug