Inspiration, motivation and determination

The 'secret' to longevity and a healthy, happy life has undoubtedly crossed the minds of each of us at least once. We are constantly reminded to look after ourselves; exercise, eat a balanced diet, go out with friends, drink alcohol in moderation... but life can throw hurdles in our health at any time. I have seen a 96 year old who still competes in shot put competitions who eats lots of steaks, bacon and chocolate and hates veges but is still going strong, or a 40 year old who meets all the criteria for a 'healthy' lifestyle yet develops breast cancer. Ultimately our genes play a large part in our health, maybe if the 40 year old was a smoker she would have gotten lung cancer first at 25? Maybe the 96 year old has counteracted her 'bad' diet with a happy and active life? What ever the reasons there are more than one and in reality we never have total control. On the other end of the scale one of my old school friends mother just recently passed away in a car accident which was not in her control. Is there really a 'secret' to longevity? Basically no, this so called secret is in our minds - like body like soul the two cannot go without influencing each other...

Life is like music, it must be composed by ear, feeling and instinct, not by rule. Nevertheless one had better know the rules, for they sometimes guide in doubtful cases, though not often. - Paracelsus

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens. - John Homer Miller

My inspiration... Saturday just been i had the privilege of visiting my mums past nanny in Collie when mum was only around 6. Her name is Nanna Armstrong, she just recently turned 98 years old and is still self functional, cooks, cleans and has the eyes of a hawk and the ears of an owl (well almost!). But she is such as inspiration. Kyle and i visited her for a 'light lunch' in which she made us the best curry i have ever tasted! It was from a recipe she has had since she was 18 and even puts in her own home made jams.... yum! There were also sausage rolls and egg sandwiches made from home made bread. This was completed with a delicious pineapple sponge desert (her favourite). 

We chatted for a few hours and i loved hearing her stories! She had a hard childhood caring for her siblings and helping her mother since she was only 12 and couldn't even get an education. Yet here she is having written poems, stories and a biography! She plays the organ, sews and keeps herself busy. I would love to be like her if i live to 98 :)

 My motivation... Sunday i finally registered for the HBF fun run on the 27th of May in Perth! I am doing the 14km run and am so excited for it! I know i miss running particularly on the track but didn't realise i missed it that much until i registered and felt my excitement of a fun run! I miss the motivation and the direction these events provide, i love the thrill of running particularly with others which you cannot get running by yourself. I also registered for the city to surf 13km which isn't until August but it is another goal in sight!! So i will be keeping you updated with my 4 weeks leading up to the HBF fun run to start with. My excitement took me for a 10km run around Kings park on my supposedly rest day on Sunday which took me around 50 minutes. my determination.... I hope to run the 14km in 1 hour 10 as i have not run that far in a race before (i did a practice half marathon once so i know i can make the distance though :)) 26 days to go!

On another note i have started this week at Osborne Park hospital in the aged mental health unit. It is another different perspective on health with many people aged 60 and onwards with severe depression and dementia. It is quite sad, yet most of them although confused seem comfortable enough in the hospital. It is more like a high level care nursing home with 30 beds. I haven't got to speak to some of the patients yet (of those we can speak to) but i hope to simply sit down with them and do activities to help get conversations going in a more friendly way. I am hear for 2 weeks before i am back at Graylands and am interested to see what the prac will bring.