If You Believe You’re Going to Die, You Will

I feel like a lucky person, I take care of my health and I intend to be in my son’s life for decades to come, I want to get to know my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It's about how we choose to age. Time doesn’t have to be running out. Everyday is a new day.

I often tell the stories of residents I came to know in healthcare facilities, there were those who got together and talked about their ailments and those who made the best of everyday. Those that chose to enjoy their days seemed to be happier people than those that lived in their problems. As time went by, I noticed that those that lived in a happier state lived longer. Unhappy residents with negative health beliefs became ill and passed away sooner. Who knows people who are in their 90’s or 100’s who look at the glass half empty, I don’t.

Our subconscious mind has triggers; they trigger our bodies to react to what we're telling the brain, this is known through the science of epigenetics. Our body is getting one of two signals: the signal to live or the signal to die. The body takes those signals and produces what it needs to live, or to begin the process of deterioration. There are "signals" that impact life, our thinking, our level of exercise, our diets, our social lives, and our mental engagement. We don’t know our future or when our end will come, but I think it's important to manage our thoughts and feed the right triggers, so that no matter our chronological age, we don't trigger ourselves into a dying mode.

It Is About Training Your Brain

Be careful when thinking negative words, when I have a cranky back or a pain, I don't utter anything age-related. Instead, I simply tell myself, I want to work hard at not accepting physical limitations. After all, they may be genetic and age-related but are usually worsened by the lack of something else, like, proper diet or proper exercise. I do everything to help my health rather than just accepting limitations.

Six years ago, I discovered multiple challenges with my back, it was painful, and it slowed me down. I refused surgery and kept going to professionals until I studied and learned that there were other ways to address the issue. As a result, I enhanced my yoga, learned mind-body wellness techniques, and have a daily practice of qigong. Now through further studies, I am also able to help others as well.

You Become What You Think About

What you talk about, what you spend your time on, is what feeds your mind. I try to avoid talking about my health, and I try to change the subject when friends start sharing their aches, to positive solutions.

My answer is that you should assume you have unlimited amounts of time. The key is being engaged mentally and physically. Don't place limits on yourself about how much time you have left. Assume you have a lot, because you can. I am not insensitive to major health challenges, I am saying that your attitude can make a significant difference.

Reconsider your thought patterns, include behaviors and a lifestyle that supports your energy level and health. There is so much to accomplish throughout our lives. Feed your mind to trigger a long healthy life. I ask myself, what am I doing that is sabotaging my ability to live a strong, healthy, long life, then I take appropriate action. You might want to ask yourself: “What am I doing or thinking that is threatening my longevity?”