What will the end of my life be like? I don’t often think about my own demise, but can’t avoid it this week. One vibrant friend suffered a stroke as she and her husband were between flights heading west. Just yesterday, another one was planning his son’s funeral for this weekend after having to remove him from life support. None of us want to wither or die incapacitated or in pain, but what can we do?
Rather than focus on my death, however tempting that is today, I will refresh my decisions on how best to live fully. I remember one doctor saying you can accept the notion that life after fifty is a steady slope downhill; or, and I pick this outlook, you can live it as a straight line, then fall off the cliff. Much more picturesque and appealing, don’t you think? I intend to do whatever I can to stay strong.
What does that include for me? I work out frequently. Since I know my own lack of willpower, it works best to commit to classes where people expect me to show up. I attend an hour-long “Body Blast” class at the gym Monday and Wednesday, plus Pilates on Tuesday and Thursday. Recently, I also signed up with a wellness doctor who is assessing my style of living, making suggestions on what to add or delete, and providing workouts weekly on machines that strengthen my muscles and bones. My progress is measured and charted.
As for food, I have eaten way more than normal for the past month, given all the wonderful parties and delicious sweets people sent for Christmas. I won’t beat myself up, just get back on track. Starting Monday, of course!
I don’t want to live forever, but I do want to live as well as I can for as long as I can.