I’m Alive: V2.55
When I opened my eyes this morning, I knew I had another year to do what I was created to do: teach people how to be healthy and fit. For those of you who are new readers or those who need a refresher, here’s the story: when I wake on May 10th every year, my superstitious belief is that I have at least one more year to live. My dad died on May 10, 1969. In case you’re wondering, I’m version 2.0 (my father was the first Chester John Zelasko), and it’s been 55 years since my father died. It makes no sense in the real world, especially for a guy who’s a scientist, but every May 10 is a milestone for me.
Last weekend as I pulled into the parking lot where I work out, there was an SUV with a number of plastic bags on the roof arranged in no particular order. As I walked past it, I couldn’t help but notice the car was packed to the ceiling, including the passenger’s seat. In fact, it encroached on the driver’s seat. I don’t know how anyone drives without being able to see the rearview or sideview mirrors, but I guess that person somehow managed. I could speculate whether they were moving or living in their car, but here’s how I saw it.
We all carry the baggage with us—memories of every time we didn’t complete a goal we set, especially health goals. We know the foods we should eat and the ones to avoid. We know that exercise will make us fitter, stronger, and more flexible. We know we have supplements and/or medications we should take for our health or to deal with conditions we may have. In retrospect, we ask ourselves why? Why don’t we do that?
It may not be the only reason or reasons, but I think we carry the baggage of past failures with us. And we continue to lose fitness, strength, and on and on. You know the worst sentence I can think of? “What difference will it make now?” It will make a huge difference. Can you walk your daughter down the aisle, or will you need a walker? Will you need a wheelchair in five years, or can you postpone that? Will you still have the flexibility 15 years from now to take care of your own personal needs, or will you need someone else to bathe you and clip your toenails? In 20 years, will you still be chugging along, or will you be so heavy you can’t stand up without help? I can think of hundreds of examples, but insert your own. It matters.
The important point is that you can change your trajectory. Joining a workout group or taking charge of your diet can make a world of difference in your future, so stop putting it off till next month.
I have my own baggage to deal with, so this version is going to overcome as much of it as I can this year. I’m going to spend the year encouraging you to do the same. We have things to do, and we just have to find a way to drop the baggage and get out of our own way to be the next version of ourselves. All the people who need you will be glad you’re making the effort.
What are you prepared to do today?
