Don’t Let Life Pass You By
Author: Ann Cheung
Don’t make age an excuse. I have always been interested in getting out and having a go. At 53 years old, inside I still feel the same – as I am sure most of you do, but most people make the excuse “‘Oh’ I am too old to do that now, or it is too late”.
At the age of 40 I took my son to Taekwondo, I had previously trained in my 20s and 30s and had decided to go back to get my 3rd degree black belt. So every Saturday I went to training with my son, in our class there was a large number of children or teenagers and a few of us more mature students. I was always amazed at the amount of parents that came week after week and sat on a chair to watch their child/teenager do their training and I give them full marks for supporting them and having their children do something beneficial. But I could never understand WHY they sat in a chair and watched – why would you not join in and get the benefits of training, which increased your fitness levels, helped you feel better, gave you a skill and you could actually do something with your child instead of observe.
The worst part, was that most of these sideline parents were bordering on or if not obese. Life is for living and experiencing – throw your chairs away parents and get involved. Of course I don’t ask you to join the under 10s football team or anything like that, but maybe you can volunteer to do some coaching or teaching. Go for a walk with your child, ride a bike with them – book an adventure and go as a family. Do it today, live more of your life.
I did go on to receive my 3rd degree black belt in Taekwondo at an age when most people have given up – you can do it, the only person standing in your way to achieve anything is yourself. Health and fitness is a state of mind – think healthy and you will be healthy. It doesn’t need to be a martial art, it could be joining your local walking club, mountain bike club, even sailing or canoeing, the choices are unlimited.
After obtaining my 3rd degree black belt, I took up the Body for Life Challenge and became a finalist – at age 44. I completely changed my body and was 14% body fat – I did that from diet and exercise and a POSITIVE mental attitude. See picture.
I have also studied the martial art of Wing Chun Kung Fu and won the 1988 Australian Championships at 31 years old. I started martial arts later in life – around 26 and went on to become a Master of Wing Chun Kung Fu, an Australian Champion and a 3rd Degree Black Belt in Taekwondo. So find out what interests you in a physical way and go for it, don’t feel like it is too late, age is not a barrier believe me. Learning an art or becoming involved in outdoor activities is far more interesting and rewarding than walking for hours on a treadmill. Physical exercise makes you feel happier, more energized and improves your appearance as well, not to mention the anti-aging benefits.
My husband and I are now looking forward to a wonderful future of travel, adventure and freedom. We have bought two great sea kayaks and look forward to many adventures and camping out on islands. We have already had a surreal moment with Dolphins that was really special.
My turning point was the fact that I have lots of things I would like to do in my life, and I have had to stop and ask myself, well when are you going to do them. I am now 53 and because of my attitude and background I am healthy and fit, but I don’t want to be doing all these things when I am nearly 70, I want to do them now, and I am sure we all do, so lets start looking at what is more meaningful to us in our lives and not focus too much on being busy. Do something that makes you feel good. Do it Today.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/martial-arts-articles/dont-let-life-pass-you-by-4886667.html
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