Wonderful Quality of Life

While at IHRSA 2013, International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association, I was talking to my bff Terrell about what is behind my passion for fitness. Having a wonderful quality of life was among my 10 reasons for being passionate about health and fitness. My dad died less than a year ago at the age of 55. I remember my dad being vibrant, athletic, funny, patient, loving, talkative, and extremely outgoing! He always seemed to enjoy life and not worry about too much of anything. The only time I recall him being sad was when his mom and dad died. He lived his life fully and out loud. He often traveled to visit his friends and family in Greenwood, Kansas City, and Toledo. He never missed a funeral or class reunion or homecoming. He loved his children, and he had many - Fifteen! In the last five years of his life, there was a dramatic decline in his health. My dad went from a strong and athletic to morbidly obese. As his weight went up his quality of life declined. He never talked to me about his inner thoughts, always keeping his persona of strength, but I knew things were not as they seemed. He often confined himself to one area of the house, because climbing the stairs were too much of an obstacle. I would often encourage him to stick to eating a healthy diet, and take a walk down the block. I would acknowledge his strength and ensure him he could turn things around. It was hard living over 2,000 miles away. I felt helpless. Eventually, health complications and an overworked heart took my dad out. I was devastated. I spend my days supporting people as they are on their journeys to better health and my own dad dies from unhealthy living. Life can be so ironic. I had to come to the realization, that we are given the gift of life and choices of how to live. Every choice has it's effects. We can support our fellow brothers and sisters in this life but the ultimate choice belongs to each of us. I value having a wonderful quality of life. Because it is in my value system, do things to increase my chances of having a wonderful quality of life. I want to have the energy, courage, and capacity to do whatever I want in life. I went skydiving because I thought it would be fun! I hike regularly because I enjoy being in nature and I find it soothes my soul. I am eager to learn to prepare vegan and raw foods. I love taking random fitness classes and attending workshops and conferences to learn new things and meet new people. I enjoy traveling the world and experiencing different cultures. My dad's life has affected me in such a way that I have no desire to be ordinary or conventional, I am more than inspired to do whatever it takes to live life, my way, led by the spirit God has placed in me.