Not Quite Double Nickels

Tomorrow I turn 54.

To say it sneaked up on me is a bit of an understatement.

I’ve burned some bridges and mended some fences. My biggest failures, like that unflattering angle inside the fitting room or that picture of yourself that makes you react in surprised horror: “I look like THAT?!”, taught me what I most needed to know about myself, but didn’t really want to learn.

My bank account isn’t as plentiful as the time I spend with my kids and the woman I love. And that’s just fine.

My body doesn’t look like it did 30 years ago, but, quite frankly, I appreciate it a whole lot more than I did then.

My business provides me the honor of helping people in a direct, visceral way they share with me and I look forward to the day ahead of me every weekday the alarm goes off at four-something in the morning.

So, yeah, I’m pretty fortunate. And so are you, because you’re around to read this. You can still shift your attention from what you think you should do (with your time, your money, your physical energy and capabilities) and what you want to do. You can feel great and embrace the gifts bestowed upon you, not the least of which is the “house” that allows you to get up every morning, stand in line at Starbucks, clean out your garage, plant a garden, swim in a lake or climb a flight of stairs.

And, if you pay attention to your body, you’ll hear its call, as it moves through this both mysterious and predictable continuum. Because it’s not over till it’s over. But it doesn’t last forever. Nor should it.

So whenever you think about turning your attention and your energy toward living more healthfully, don’t do it because you think you should. Don’t do it because you want to look a certain way others have defined as worthy of praise or admiration.

Eat the apple because you’ll have more to contribute than the pastry would have allowed. Do the strength training because picking up the suitcase and crouching down to play with your kids or grandkids will be easier.

And look into the eyes of those who think you’re pretty great and see that they know what they’re doing when they choose you as someone who matters.

Then get off your rear end and justify their investment by showing yourself the same care and respect.

Have a good year.

Dan Taylor, ACE, NASM-CPT, is owner and head trainer at Pleasanton-based Tri Valley Trainer. They offer personal training and small group fitness solutions and an innovative, medically endorsed web-based group healthy eating coaching program.