(1)Don’t Wait Until Death Knocks at the Door

We have but one body which must last alifetime. Without it, life ends, and we are done and finished. But do we treatour body lovingly and fairly, like valued possessions? Do we appreciate our body’snonstop efforts to function smoothly?

My body never asks for more: water andfood to get energy, rest to function well, and play to lift my spirits. And itsability to self-repair and respond to good care is incredible!

But until recently, I have abused my body with excesses of allkinds. (2)Notonly did I take its resiliency for granted, I was annoyed when a physicalproblem, such as a cold or injury, kept me from doing what I want. (3)Moreover,I was harshly critical when it failed to conform tostandards of beauty in the media.(4)Myovereating, lazy lifestyle, and excessive work had a negative impact on mylife, though not fatal. Foryears I had good intentions to change, but I didn’t follow through. Shall Ijust wait until death knocks at the door?

 I could see my future: increasedmedical expenses, exhausted senses, early aging. And I haveonly this body! (5)OnceI understand that it is in my own interest to take care of it, I begin to makemore constructive choices. Insteadof asking the question “What do I want?”, I ask, “What does my body need?” Andthen I respond accordingly. Positive actions — exercising, eating mindfully,getting enough rest and water, limiting my work hours, and schedulingrecreation — have gradually become regular habits rather than disciplined efforts. And my body now? Yes, itgoes from fat to fit!

Important things need to be repeated forthree times. After all, each of us possesses only one body. So we have nochoice but to appreciate it and treat it well. As a reward, it will give us alonger, healthier and happier life.