Health is Wealth

Recently I had a stark reminder of the fact that true wealth is good health, and everything else is a far second to this fact of life. Not only was I set back by a diagnosis that scared me into submission and opened my eyes to the way I approached work every day, but I know of many who have suffered far greater experiences and mostly due to where health was low on their list of priorities. There are always the shocking ones that throw us off balance the most (someone who seems to eat right, exercise, etc. but still gets hit hard), but there are ailments that have become all too common, and some can be prevent­ed. I am by no means a medical professional, but as a fellow achiever, I felt a warning was due and hope that you can benefit from hearing it. 

Successful people work hard, as they know this is one of the keys to success, and there is truly no other way to achieve great things without putting in great effort. But what are we really working for? 

How we handle emotions like stress, anger, anxiety, etc. is not thought of much in the perspective of achievement, especially in busi­ness. But I can assure you that these things can impact your body (and mind) in a negative way if you do not handle them well. Any busi­ness includes risk, and this can amplify many of the aforementioned feelings. Like any obstacle we must address, considering the impact of negative emotions is critical as they can creep up on us and be­come debilitating.

One of my mentors who died in his 80s struggled the last few years of his life with health issues. He said to me, "I spent my health in my youth saving for my older years, and I spent my wealth in my older years trying to restore my health'.' This hit me at the time, but not hard enough. I have to say in some areas I am slow to learn, and my methods have always included pushing through difficulties no matter the physical toll. This has all changed for me as I heed the warning of a health event that has changed my life forever, but by God's grace, I am here and on the road to recovery with enough strength to share with you my lesson. 

Guard your health, take good care and don't drive yourself to an early grave. This is not an excuse to stop chasing your dreams, but do so in the way where you are watchful to protect your mind and body - not only for you but for your family, friends and those you work with that depend on you and wish to spend many happy and healthy years ahead with you making great memories together.

"For he who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything," -Owen Arthur