A walk in the park

I came to realise the numerous benefits of exercise at a very early age. So, I have made a commitment to myself that I will run every morning, from Monday to Friday. There is a football oval near my house where I go to, for a run in the mornings.

During winter time, it is quite dark when I normally run. A few months ago, I was running around the football oval, when I noticed a shadowy figure approaching me from a distance. It was quite hard to see in the darkness. A few moments later, a man walked past me, all rugged up in a hooded jacket! I gave him a quick 'good morning' as he continued with his early morning power walk.

From that day onwards, I kept seeing this man, and we always exchanged a friendly 'good morning'. As winter passed, and spring came, there was more light as the sun was rising. One particular morning I was able to see this man clearly, and I decided to stop and have a friendly chat with him.

He took his hood off, and we spoke! After a few minutes of conversing with this gentleman, I was in awe of what he had taught me, during our first ever verbal interaction which consisted of more than just two words 'good morning'.

This man's name is Theo, he is 73 years old, and he does six laps of the football oval in his power walking session every morning, from Monday to Friday! I was so intrigued by his commitment, that I had to ask him what the impetus for his early morning exercise regime was.
You see, Theo was in a workplace accident almost 30 years ago. He sustained injuries in both his legs, and was told by the medical specialists that he will never be able to walk again! Theo made up his mind, at that very moment that he will walk again, and prove them wrong! He told me that he started to slowly move his legs, and convinced himself that he will be fully mobile. As it happened, he was able to walk again, in just a few months.

Theo does not see this as a miracle. He simply thinks that it was a decision that he made, and no opinion on earth was going to change his decision. Now he walks in the park every morning from Monday to Friday, to remain fit, to maintain the use of his legs, and to be grateful towards being fully mobile! By the way, Theo does not look anywhere near 73 years old! I initially thought that he was in his early 60's when I first saw him. So, if Theo can make a decision to defy the opinion of medical specialists, and choose to maintain full use of his legs, what are you willing to defy to make the most out of your life?

If a 73 year old man can do power walk six laps of a football oval, in the dead of winter early in the morning, what can you do to live a fulfilling life? I mentioned toTheo that most people of his age would be in bed, while he is exercising. He replied 'They are missing out on life!'

Theo has many lessons to teach us:
• Always remind yourself that your attitude is in your control.
• No matter what others say, only you can decide to live the way that you want to.
• To get what you want, you will have to make sacrifices (he doesn't sleep in during winter).
• Your health is your choice!
• You can choose to look younger.

Now, Theo and I have become good friends. My run at the football oval does not feel complete unless I stop, shake hands with Theo, and have a quick chat. Sometimes he will shout from a distance 'You fit young man', if I do not see him approaching.

What a start to the day, I have! I get to exercise , I get to talk to a very inspiring man, whom I consider to be a role model, and I get reminded that I can achieve so much more in life, only if I choose to!

So, thank you Theo . . .