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Think THRIVAL, instead of just survival.
When we can learn to thrive in life, instead of just surviving the daily grind of life we can often have more joyful moments in life.
I’ve grown to believe that daily practice of consistent actions will eventually create the results you desire. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? But for many, including me, it’s not that simple.
A Personal Journey
- I considered myself fit for someone in their 60s, despite teetering on the “overweight” category of the Body Mass Index (BMI) guidelines.
- Since moving to Goderich in 2020, my husband and I developed a habit of walking at least 2 kilometers a day.
- Then, my husband—a lifelong athlete and avid cyclist—had a heart attack.
- He maintained a perfect BMI, regularly went to the gym, and had an active lifestyle.
- His heart attack came as a shock.
Recovery and Reflection
- I’m happy to share that he’s recovering well, though not as quickly as he’d like.
- For someone defined by tireless action, the “enforced” slowing down has been difficult.
- Nearly losing my husband of 30 years forced me into deep introspection.
- Life has a way of making us pause, even when we’d rather keep moving.
A Lesson from Jeff Timmermans
- One of my favorite radio interviews was with Jeff Timmermans, who, at age 74, cycled across Canada to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
- His wife, Toni, had been diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s and was in long-term care at a young age.
- Jeff visited her every day for years; they had been married for nearly five decades.
After completing his “Miles for Memories” journey, Jeff and I met for lunch.
I told him how much I admired his discipline to cycle every day – especially after the gruelling journey across the Country that he had just completed.
He laughed and asked, “Do you brush your teeth every day?”
When I said yes, he replied, “Then why wouldn’t you exercise every day? It’s just as important for your health.”
Jeff’s legacy of resilience extended beyond cycling:
- He climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro twice—once at 78, then again at 79!
- He earned numerous accolades, including Stratford Citizen of the Year, the Golden Jubilee Medal, and the Governor General’s Award.
- Jeff passed away in 2023 at the age of 95, but his life continues to inspire me.
In loving memory of Jeff and his “Miles for Memories” legacy, I’ve reflected on a few practices that help us not just survive but thrive in this challenging world:
- Be grateful for everything, even challenges.
- Be filled with love and compassion—starting with yourself.
- Be kind, especially when it’s hard.
- Be disciplined—small, consistent actions matter.
- Develop a healthy response to life’s uncertainties.
- Accept that certainty doesn’t exist.
- Maintain hope that you can handle whatever comes your way.
- Understand that people follow their own paths, not the ones you wish for them.
- Cultivate self-awareness and resist self-defeating impulses.
- Take responsibility for your mistakes and strive to learn from them.
There are countless tools, techniques, and strategies to help you on your journey to better health and well-being.
If you’d like to take the first steps toward a life of greater awareness, acceptance, and joy, I’d love to hear from you!
May the force be with you and, remember…
YOU are the force!