Report to the one in the mirror

This is the time of year to map our health, wealth and happiness goals for the next year.

To find out where we want to go, we must know where we are now. To find where we are now, we must know where we have been.

June 2006 is when I started this journey to happy, healthy living. First, let me tell you where I had been for 74 years. I had become a mess. I drank too much and ate terrible food. I sat around and got fatter and fatter. My blood pressure was off the charts and I was out of shape. I very seldom walked or exercised, and my sleeping habits were terrible. I knew where I had been, and I knew where I was going. I looked at the one in the mirror and said, “if you stay on this road you will be dead in the next five years.” I am a public speaker, and if I do not have an audience, I talk to myself.

We are born crying, scared and helpless. Happy people are more healthy people. You must decide to be happy. Why? Abe Lincoln said we are about as happy as we want to be.

Our body must have two fuels, water and food. The one in the mirror says you can continue to eat bad food and sugar drinks because that takes no decision. An yet some people feel they must drink water and eat at least seven fresh or fresh frozen fruits and veggies and nuts every day. Why? They choose to be happy and healthy.

Our body needs us to do two things to keep it going before it shuts down and quits forever. The body needs to be in motion and it needs to sleep. There are many ways to do this, and my choice of motion is walking. That gets this old body moving every day. The body also loses its oomph every day and needs about seven or eight hours of shut down for sleep.

Of course, you don’t have to do anything. You are not required to get up from the TV and walk briskly. Nobody forces us to turn out the lights, get into bed, take deep breaths and get some deep sleep. And yet, some people look at the one in the mirror and tell themselves they need to walk for 20 to 60 minutes every day and sleep seven or more hours. Why? They choose to be happy and healthy.

On June 12, 2006, I started this passion. I have walked every day and haven’t been sick since.  As a public speaker, I inform, educate and inspire by writing and speaking about happy healthy living.

Service clubs are always looking for speakers to give a 15 to 20-minute talk. My story fits the bill. No charge, but I do accept honorarium and reimbursement for travel. I also conduct workshops for companies and groups.

Decide now to map out the next 12 months and change your life forever. They will be the most happy, healthy days of your life.