Be Careful
A few years ago, I posted a picture of myself. I was showing that even though I had kidney failure, diabetes, and dialysis, I could still build a strong physique. I received many compliments while others encouraged me to keep going. A few asked how they too could achieve these results. I received all this positivity except from one person. She was a transplant recipient like me, but with no disrespect, she was in terrible health. Physically not well. Smoked, drank, couldn’t stand upright and used her medicines and sickness as an excuse. She said to me after seeing the picture, “Be careful.” Be careful?!
One of my heroes is Jack Lalaine. Jack was ridiculed when he explained his workouts and principles to the world. They mocked him when he told them how they should eat and train their bodies to have a better quality of life. Despite all the negativity and public ridicule, he continued to work and preach to those who would listen.
His physical feats included completing 1,000 push-ups and 1,000 chin-ups in 86 minutes in 1959, and in 1984, when aged 70, towing 70 boats 1.5 miles in Long Beach harbour, while he was shackled and handcuffed.Jan 24, 2011
When Jack turned 80, he was interviewed and asked about the people who publicly mocked him. The interviewer asked, “Where are they who mocked you?” Jack responded with a smile; “Dead.”
After her comment for me to “be careful”, I continued to train and treat my body well despite the afflictions. The woman who criticized me has said nothing since that day. Like Jack LaLaine’s critics, she is dead. Don’t listen to people who are mentally and spiritually dead if you want to live.
