Vitality Check

Vitality refers to ones life, life force, health, youth, or ability to live or exist. 

We all go through a certain amount of pruning in our lives.  When a plant is badly pruned, it loses its vitality.  The same thing can happen with people.  Some pruning is self-inflicted -- we cut ourselves off from the world or retreat from the adventures awaiting us.  Other types of pruning come from circumstances beyond our control.  Regardless of the source, some people have something inside of themselves that allow them to bounce back.

Earlier this year, a young man I know from my hometown in California was shot down while flying a helicopter over Thailand.  His body was covered in burns.  He lost a limb.  His wife started an online journal about her husband's recovery.  Every day, she posts progress reports.  Bryan Forney is the ultimate example of vitality.  He refuses to complain about the pruning.  His life force is stronger than ever.  Yesterday, he walked 120 ft. with his walker.  "Amazing!"  his wife cheers.  He is headed home this week once he is discharged.  

If you're assessing your own vitality and you're not satisfied, here are three ideas that may help you raise the bar:

1. Stop complaining about your situation.  Complaining focuses on the problem.  You need to concentrate on what you have, not on what you are missing.
2. Surround yourself with loved ones.  Show them what you're made of.
3. Put one foot in front of the other.  You have one choice: forward.  Keep going.

 It's a good idea to do a vitality check every morning when you wake up.  On a one to ten scale, how do you rate your vitality?  Do you believe you can change that number?  What are you going to do today to increase your vitality?  Email me and let me know or leave a comment below.