To BE or not to BE...

That is the only question!! And, I don't mean "to be happy" or "to be a space monkey", but TO EXIST. I woke up one morning to discover that I am at an age where the people I love will go through some difficult and trying times, especially as it relates to health. And, I realize that NO ONE is immune, not even me!! 


Unfortunately, revelation and realization often comes at a terrible cost - an early morning call announcing the passing of a loved one, and another informing of a medical emergency - a close call.  For me, I've experienced both within a few weeks! What an eye-opener; a kick in the face from Mr. Harsh Reality who's decided that's it's time to start visiting me and my family... how dare he?  Well, how dare I be so naive?


Mr. Harsh Reality first came to visit me 3 years ago when I was 37 -  At that time, I called him Mr. Death's Door, 'cause that's where I was - not a pretty thought! So, after a few days of crying and building up my courage to admit my fate to my family, but mainly to myself, I took that less-travelled road.  You know the one? "Two roads diverged in a single wood... I took the one less travelled, and that has made all the difference". AMEN! How true?


So, now 60 pounds lighter, Mr. Second Chance has given me a new lease on life.  I am healthier than I've been in years, but I still get angry at the thought of my ignorance and blindness, and what I did to myself.  I was a lucky one!


There I was in the boxing ring, Ms. Stupid Ignorance going head-to-head with Mr. Harsh Reality.  Who was in my corner? Who cheered me on?  What helped me make that strong left hook that blew Reality out of the ring?

1. a loving and caring family who kept me in check - getting mad when necessary.  You know that old habits die hard?!?!
2. a good group of devoted fans cheering me on from the sidelines - "You can do it - Yes, you can... Rah! Rah! Rah!"
3. a healthy and balanced diet - the "quartered" plate really works (Canada's Food Guide - http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index-eng.php)
4. exercise, especially lots of cardio.

It's getting easier now than it was at first, and I've learned to be disciplined.  My main driver, though, was Mr. Death's Door who scared me to my senses.  Mr. Harsh Reality then showed me my great stupidity - "Don't you want to see your son grow up into an awesome young man?"

While I'm fine today, I find myself wondering how I could tell others NOT to take the easy road?!?  Well, what I can do is write this post and say that my mother has just had a heart attack at 60, but it could have easily been me at 37.  Does that scare anyone?  It scares me now more than it ever did when I was visited by Mr. Second Chance and began my new journey on that branch-covered, weed-infested road in that loving, embracing wood...

It was the struggle that paid the dividends! Anything worth having or keeping is never a smooth sail on a calm sea... you learn how to be a good captain from maneuvering the rough seas.

Now, who's next?