Good morning, Team! It’s Friday!

You don’t know how much you’ve been taking things for granted until they are gone. Is it possible to fully appreciate something without the loss? Even if the loss is temporary?

Short story then, not quite as short of a story

I was at a conference last week that became a superspreader based on the feedback from many. I have what is likely Influenza A. I’m through the body aches but the cough will not abate. Disruptive to all of my conversations and my ability to sleep in my own bed. (Yuck.)

A temporary loss of peace does not compare to a loss of mobility; walking, jogging, running, biking, hiking, etc. Our mobility gets taken for granted and for a variety of reasons, when we slow down, get injured, get lazy or uninspired, we lose out and suffer, many times to the point you can’t or don’t recover. (Double Yuck.)

Few people would define themselves as quitters but many make choices that result in prioritizing things that, in effect, take away from health and well-being. 

•drinking alcohol

•smoking tobacco

•watching countless hours of TV

or maybe it’s less obvious

•golfing instead of a 30-minute strenuous workout

•reading your phone on the couch instead of walking / working out with your spouse

•taking the elevator instead of the stairs

Anne and I are getting closer to the end of our full-time careers (she’s 9th inning and I’m fourth quarter). We live in a community with a variety of ages and approaches to pre-retirement and retirement so we see how some fare very well and some, not so much.

Every financial planner will tell you about the Go-go, Slow-go and No-go years. If you are not prepared, your money might not allow you to go where and when you want. Often underestimated, if unprepared, your health will not allow you to go as far and as often as you’d like.

Exercise and activity is not just for the athletic or the overweight trying to change course, it’s for everybody. It’s never too late to start. Get off your ass!

Have a blessed weekend…on your way to a richer, fuller life! So much to see and enjoy, you’re not going to want to miss…a single day.

Eric