Everyone wants to get rich, hit the jackpot, or win the lottery. Here’s my question to you. What if you do hit the jackpot and become a millionaire today, but in return you won’t live to see your 50th birthday? Would you do it? I have noticed that many people in my life are on the pursuit of chasing the money train—without regards to their health. My best friend Shaun had a job with an annual salary over 75k. More than double what I make as an Airman. He works long hours, eats junk food regularly, and doesn’t exercise.
Shaun is no small man: he’s 6’6, 325 pounds and reminds me of a big teddy bear. I give him a call every once in a while to see how he’s doing and I see him once a year since I no longer live close in Cali. For years, it has been the same pattern with me and Shaun. I go home once a year, I hang out with him for a few days and off I go…into the wild blue yonder (cue the Air Force song!). I’ve worried about Shaun’s health and weight since I’ve known him but since he’s 6’6, the weight seemed more forgivable.
I met Shaun when I was 20 years old. Fast forward 14 years and Shaun is still 6’6 325 lbs. The problem with that number is that he’s not 25 anymore. He’s about to hit 40 and a baby on the way. When we talk, I frequently ask him about his health and what he’s doing to manage his weight. I get the same answers every time.
“I work long hours dude” or “I have no time.” I asked Shaun why he doesn’t just hire a personal trainer because it’s not like he’s hurting for money. I told him this because with a personal trainer, he had to go to his training sessions or lose his coins. Let’s call it “promise tokens.” It has a good ring to it right? Shaun’s my best friend and I’m worried about him. The money train is fast charging and it’s so hard to catch. Some people catch it and die a few years later.
Why be rich if we’re too busy spending our money on medicine and treatments? According to CDC the average person in America lives up to 79.3 years. Comedian Bernie Mac died at 50. The King of Pop: Michael Jackson died at 50. NFL sack master Reggie White died at 43…in his sleep. These people had money, fame, and fortune but none of that could save them. Health is wealth. Do you know what the #1 killer in America? Cardiovascular disease. I hope these tips will help some people out there achieve the base foundation of good health. Great wealth starts with good health. Maybe my friend can finally flip the switch and live a better lifestyle too.
Exercise: Our body is meant to move. Not sit in a computer chair surfing the internet, playing PlayStation 4, or watching movies. Our body is made to run, jump, dunk, swim, crawl, roll, spike, juke, and salsa. Are you more of a beginner? Take a brisk walk every night for 30 minutes. When that gets easier, make it 45-60 minutes. Intermediate you say? Go for a jog and do sprints in between for 30-60 minutes. If you’re a pro…well you know what you’re doing so keep it up. Walking and running getting too boring? Add a ball into the equation for maximum fun. Soccer, football, basketball makes for good cardio and you’ll probably meet some new friends too. Don’t be afraid of lifting weights. I have a pair of adjustable dumbbells at home and they do wonders for my strength.
Eat well: Get all the processed food out of your house! If it’s in a box, it’s processed. I love me some rice but now I don’t touch it (my mom almost disowned me.) Bread? No way Jose! Honey Bunches of Oats? Get it out of here! Soda? Drink water instead. The greener the food, the leaner you get. Lean, mean, green machine. No red meats unless it’s a special occasion. Fish are great though. I love tilapia with vegetables on the side.
Mentally relax/stimulate: Meditation and yoga works well to clear the mind. Breathe. Life is not always fast and furious. Word puzzles or even trying something new like replacing your oil filter will get those synapses firing to figure things out.
Social base: You have thousands of Facebook friends! Wow what a popular person you are! So if you hit one up right now to get some lunch, which person would go with you? Do any? Real connections and real friends in the real world that cares about you are what matters. Social activities like basketball and soccer becomes crucial since it can be so tough to make new friends after high school. In Hawaii, “Ohana” or family means a lot and are one of the key foundations of living life together. As an Islander myself, I would have to agree. My family is the base of my social foundation and I know that they will always be the one to be there for me 100%.
Spiritual base: Notice how I didn’t say religous base? Because it doesn’t have to be. It can be yoga or even natural meditation. The purpose is to find a deeper connection with the world and realize the true meaning of our existence.
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