Wellbeing

I encountered an elderly man in the gym. I had met him before. He was a regular – in fact a daily user. I was not sure what age he was. But he intrigued me.

He alternated each day, doing aerobic exercise on the bike, the rower and the treadmill one day, and weights training the next.

I was impressed with his dedication and commitment to exercise. I asked what motivated him. He answered – well-being. When I sought what he meant, he explained further.

Well being is being happy, satisfied and positive - mentally, emotionally and physically.

Is that why you’re in the gym each day? I asked.

Partly. He answered.

Why only partly? I asked.

Because achieving well being is a complex process. It means working on your body, your mind, your emotions, your social relations with the world, all at the same time. Not an easy task.

Rather challenging, I remarked.

Life is challenging, my friend. It throws you in all sorts of situations, some of your own making, others, perchance. You have the choice of meeting life on its terms, or dictating, to the extent possible, your terms.

‘Your terms’? I asked.

You have control over a lot in your life, my friend, he replied. In the friends you make, the way you look after your body - through nutrition, exercise and sleep, the extent to which you allow your thoughts and emotions to control you, the time you take off to be with your family and enjoy their company, the grit and resolution with which you strive for your goals.  

The bottom line is – you need to take control of your life. Take accountability for it. Well being does not descend on us as a gift. We need to make it happen. Stop blaming others, circumstances, and bad luck. Make your own destiny.