I was in the local gym working out the other day and while on the stationary bicycle, an older man sat down beside me and began his workout. He was obviously in pristine shape. Even for a man half his age.
He told me that he was 74 years young. He was muscular and fit and strong. I told him that at the rate he was going, he would probably live forever. He told me “I am going to live forever; it’s just that this old body won’t”.
When we think of being stronger, it may be in the physical sense or in the mental sense. When I am faced with a difficult situation that doesn’t quite go the way I want, I on occasionally think, “I wish I were stronger”.
The mind has a remarkable ability of controlling our strength. There are stories of people doing extraordinary things that would normally be physically impossible.
If I had to choose between the physical and the psychological, I would choose to be mentally stronger. To be mentally stronger would lead to greater understanding, greater discipline, greater compassion and far more patience.
The children are all taking karate classes. It is a wonderful way of getting rid of some of their excess energy. They have a wonderful instructor who cares a great deal about all of the kids. They don’t know it, but they are learning a great deal more than how to do a front-kick and a side-kick.
He is introducing them to mental toughness and mental discipline. It is a great age for them to get started. They are young and willing to learn.
I want to be able to take on challenges that will be fruitful for my mental well-being as well as physical until it is my time to bow out. I too, am going to live forever…
Shannon R Killman
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