“I took out all of my teeth, Mara,” were the words that my 84-year old Uncle Butch said to me as he recounted his parachute jump from a plane that day. He had plastic teeth that would not have made the trip with him. So rather than fretting over it, he simply took them out and handed them to my father for safekeeping. I remember smiling as he told of his jump with all of the excitement of a young child discovering something new.
Leonard Palmer following his dreams!
My uncle was a truly a remarkable man. Not because of any significant material success or name recognition, but rather because he was all about “getting back to the basics.” His motto was always “everything in moderation.” He took that seriously when it came to his own health and wellness. His pearls of wisdom came back to me when thinking about how to right on overall health and wellness.
Uncle Butch’s “Everything in Moderation” Approach to Health and Wellbeing:
- Healthy Diet. Mostly fruits, vegetables, protein and all else in moderation. Uncle Butch’s “all else in moderation” was a Miller’s High Life beer at the end of the day – just one.
- Move your body. Uncle Butch would take a nightly walk around the neighborhood and enjoyed a bowling league but really it is about moving his body. Take time each day to move – however that feels best to you.
- Life is short so follow your dreams and live doing what you are most passionate about every day. The rest will follow through hard work.
- Social Engagement. Find your community. Enjoy your family and friends, let go of grievances and appreciate all that you have right here, right now.
- Laughter is contagious and healthy for all of us. Find a way to find that lighter side of life in your daily routines.
My uncle was 86-years old when he passed away. He lived independently until he died, had a large circle of family and friends and was known to be involved in everything and anything in his community. He lived a full & healthy life – one centered on life’s basics.
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