Unfortunately, as a physician that has practiced for over 45 years, I have seen way too many people that died suddenly or had a catastrophic medical illness occur that took away their ability to enjoy the activities, family time and many other happy occasions that we all enjoy. We are all guilty of taking for granted the healthy times when nothing would get in the way of engaging in the activities we love.
I am certain that you have either read or had someone provide the following exhortation: “LIVE EVERY DAY AS IF IT WAS YOUR LAST ONE”. Well, if you knew this was your last day alive, would you?
- Go to work
- Send your children off to school
- Worry about world events
- Be concerned about spending lots of money
- Fret over your cholesterol or blood sugar levels
I am certain your answers would be the same as mine: Do whatever provides you with immediate gratification and basically “Eat, Drink and Be Merry”. Do NOT worry about tomorrow because there will be no tomorrow.
BUT, we all have lots of obligations, debts, and other circumstances that require us NOT to “live every day as if was the last”. Therefore, we do need to go to work, conserve money, attend to our daily obligations etc etc.
Let’s focus on health initiatives such as weight control: If you knew today was your last one, would you care about what you ate and what the scale stated the next morning? Of course not. However, our attention to a healthy diet and lifestyle can impact the duration and quality of life going forward.
I recommend that a “Balance” is achieved: If all we do is obsess about health, weight etc and do not allow ourselves to enjoy the occasional glass of wine, dessert, high carb meal etc., then we will not enjoy life as much. However, if we overindulge then we could diminish the fun times in the future due to poor health.
Say the loving things to the important people in your lives as if today was the last one. However, do not eat and drink ss one would if it was the last day.
Anyone out there see the old Broadway show “Miss Saigon”? Here is the showstopper from the show, “Last Night Of The World”.
