I was at Joshua National Park yesterday and as we walked around the Joshua trees I started to hum the music from a classic movie with Clint Eastwood called The Good The bad The Ugly. If you have never seen it you should. In my mind a classic!
It also made me think about what happens when we consider going on a vacation. For some they jump at the chance for others they are unable due to health issues.
The excitement of planning the trip, the thrill of getting to destination and having that first day wherever it might be is what I would call the GOOD part of the getaway! Packing the suitcase with far too many things because we might need them may be a little tedious yet it comes with excitement of whats to be!
For me on this trip I was going from the cold to the hot with promises of golfing, swimming, dinners out with family and sight seeing.
Reconnecting with family can be the best part of a vacation. I believe that we have friends for reasons and seasons but that family should be there for our lifetime. We are all uniquely different with a common thread. I respect and admire that about my family and honor the opportunity to share time with them. This the really GOOD part of a vacation!
I have found since my hip replacement that my connection to family is stronger than ever. Being acutely aware of the fragility of the human body, l have a stronger sense of time and how little we have.
In every vacation there are some not so good or BAD situations. Delays at the airport, credit card issues, line ups, and more line ups are part of the process. Some might even say that family are part of the BAD…I will say right here that no matter what it can be the GOOD. I accept my family for their unique selves as they do me. Park the ego’s at the door and be in the moment. You don’t have to take them home with you!!
It is seldom a smooth road when travelling.
If flying there can weather delays, mechanical issues and although frustrating remember to be part of the problem. Things happen and that is the story of life. Roll with them and you will feel better no matter how frustrating.
I like to remind myself that for every BAD situation there are others having a worse one! We can be the giant or the midget all by how we view and react to situations. Be a giant!
Eating can be challenge when on a vacation. The tendency is to eat rich and maybe have a few alcoholic beverages. The old adage everything in moderation should be followed.
Our bodies are our best indicators. I was feeling a little sluggish and acidy so I started to drink more water which I neglected and then got back to my normal routine of a healthy protein shake to start the day and my daily vitamins. Getting out of routine can cause me to miss taking my vitamins, however once I get back on track I start to feel better.
The third part of my topic is The UGLY.
What could I possibly have to say that would be fitting in this topic?
I believe the ugly part is not being able to take a vacation because of our health.
Statistically the North American population is doing it to ourselves. From heart disease, cancer, type II diabetes, stroke and so on, most of these are diseases of poor lifestyle choices. The burden on the health care system is becoming more and more taxing as the baby boomers become older and older.
There are challenges in hospital space and timely care.
The aging population, our parents are being put in care facilities in hopes that they will be cared for properly. Although these facilities do their best there is more pressure on them as the demand increases.
If you can afford to take a vacation and health is good then what are you waiting for? There is so much to see and do. It is a blast to see different parts of North America and meet interesting people. Time is tickin
It is a GOOD thing to do!
In health,
Your OneHipGuy