It is hard to admit, but most of us did some pretty dumb things when we were growing up. We knew better but we got caught up in the times. We are smarter today than we were yesterday, but can that help us now? Is it possible to repair the damages?
Things might not be quite as dire as you think. You might not be able to reverse all of the damages, but just the fact that you are still going strong is in your favor. My observations tell me that if you live to be 80 that your chances of making it to 90 or even 100 are pretty good. They will be still better if you stimulate your brain and take care of yourself.
Believe it or not, some of the vices from your younger days did less damage than you might have thought. This doesn’t completely let you off the hook but it still gives you a fighting chance. What is life without a good battle anyway?
It is time to assess the damage done. If you were guilty of serious eating disorders, heavy smoking, heavy drinking, spending long hours in the sun or in a tanning booth, yo-yo dieting, poor relationships and a stressful job…well, help!
You already know the bad news, but there is good news too. The body has an amazing ability to regenerate itself. It is still possible to improve on your status quo. It will take effort on your part but it is still something that you have control over. Cellular turnover is slower in old age so you will be pleased to know that a healthy diet and plenty of exercise actually does work. Of course it all has to do with exercise, tamping down stress, eating properly and avoiding all of those things that you knew weren’t good for you the first time around.
What is your independence worth to you? Are you willing to take control over your health and well-being? There is no magic wand or special potion that you can take. It takes work. You also have to realize that worry, unhappy relationships and debt took as big of toll on you as the physical abuses. Exercising and eating your veggies are not enough. You have to rework your lifestyle to include good company, relaxation, vacations and fun. That doesn’t sound so bad does it, except maybe the eating veggies part?
Leave a Reply