Growing older slows us down some, but it doesn’t mean giving up the sports or activities we enjoy! Steve is in his 70s and he still plays tennis 4 or 5 times a week. Last Summer he played in a local tournament and I had a chance to watch one of his matches. Incredible wouldn’t come close to describing his match. Here is this 70-something gentleman running around a tennis court playing singles on a hot 90 degree afternoon in July!
Several times in the course of a game he forgot the score! I think he won that game 2 or 3 times! Amazing! He may not chase down balls like Rafael Nadal or hit serves as fast as Andy Roddick. But he sure smiles a lot! And it is obvious he is having a blast! For as far back as I can remember Steve has always been one of those people who always seem to be in good spirits. A quick smile and kind word for everyone he meets. Growing up, we all admired Steve.
Steve was an optimist! Every glass was half full1. Every child he came across was a good kid. Every person he met – young or old was deserving of a kind word and a genuine smile! Steve always manages to see the good in everyone. And, I suspect, Steve has a very good life! He wasn’t raised with a golden spoon in his hand. He made the most of every opportunity that came his way!
So what if we can’t run as fast as we did in our teens or twenties. We can still have fun playing! Who cares if you can run a five minute mile? As long as you get out and get your heart pumping and your lungs working you can still manage to burn off as many calories as you want. If it takes five minutes longer than it does for an average teenager – well – that can be five more minutes of fun!
Whether you want to lose two pounds or twenty-two – the quickest way to lose weight and keep it off is with a steady regimen of daily exercise and eating healthy! And have fun while you’re at it! Steve is living proof – optimists tend to live longer, happier lives. I think I’d like to grow up to be just like Steve!
