We are the culmination of every decision we have made in our lives. We might also consider that we are also the culmination of decisions made by and the circumstances of the generations that came before us (consider the growing science of epigenetics). Good or bad. Minor or major. The actions and inactions of past have shaped who we are—Spiritually, Physically, Intellectually, Emotionally, and Socially.
If the past has shaped our present, then, certainly, the present can shape our future. Carpe momento!
Because of COVID-19, I have been more focused on the Physical—perhaps to the detriment of my “well-centered fitness” (some dimensions have gone less attended too, and the Intellectual focus has been quite narrow). Health is, nevertheless, an important issue. I have been frustrated with the discussion because of the lack of discussion. The focus is on the immediate concern—the vaccine—and little attention is paid on the overwhelming effect of modifiable preexisting health. I might argue that we have been in a bit of denial. It highlights the notion that every action/inaction matters. The choice to exercise or not exercise, dietary decisions, smoking, weight control, etc. all have cumulative effects. If we were to look under the surface (and, honestly, I don’t see too many wanting to go there) of any “healthy” individual who has presented with severe COVID-19 infection, I believe, we will see some preexisting health condition. It may be genetic. It may be the lifestyle prior to becoming “healthy” (I teach my students about Jim Fixx—who, of course, they have never heard of—who can be largely credited with ushering the running craze in the ‘70’s and who died of a heart attack). It may be the lifestyle in becoming “healthy” (e.g., steroid use). It may be the lack of proper recovery and nutrition in “healthy” people (e.g., college athletes compound the effects of intense training with the stress of school, lack of sleep, poor nutrition, etc.). Many “healthy” people are under-fat (and some are also under-muscled). In clinical exercise science, the phase “apparently healthy” is more often applied. Few is anyone is completely “healthy”. Health is generally relative and situational. It is also comprehensive.
Likewise, our “well-centered fitness”—our Spiritual, Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, and Social well-being—is the cumulative effect of our past and present decision. It is, however, modifiable. We can’t change the past, but we can affect the result of the past on our future.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!