"First Things First"

There's nothing to make you feel old quicker than another birthday!  Well unless it's the birthday of one of your children, and being around that child makes you fell younger all by itself.

I can't believe he's 28, but I've done the math and it works out.  We of course went to his favourite restaurant, (and mine) for a little celebration, and he tells me that it's the 4th year in a row that we've done so.  He also tells me that he still has all 4 of the little keepsake photos that they give you.

Here's this years.

Michael has such enthusiasm for life, and while that in itself rubs off on me, he also constantly reminds me that he doesn't know many people who can run 22 kms on any given day, let alone people nearing 60 years of age.  His pride in me reminds me to be grateful for the health I have.

But I think the thing that I cherish most about Michael is that in many ways his perspective on the world is different than mine.  Rather however than being a detriment to a strong relationship, those differences are often the catalyst that brings us together.  I take pride in the fact that he has the courage to speak his mind on issues that he considers important, and that has led to regular provocative discussions between us.  Discussions that I at least learn from. Like with all my children, my relationship with Michael is unique, and for that I am immensely grateful.  Happy birthday son!!

And whether it's the birthday dinner with Michael last night, or the subsequent good sleep, or the fact that my workout went well today, I don't really care, because right now I feel pretty good!

I started reading a new book by a guy named Deepak Chopra, a fairly well known author, speaker, and alternative medicine advocate, if a somewhat controversial individual.  I generally avoid reading stuff from "serial" authors like this guy, because I find that although they may have had one bright idea when they wrote their first book, that everything after that is just fill. and intended exclusively to make money.  Never the less I was intrigued by the title; Ageless Body, Ageless Mind, as it seemed fitting for me at this point in my journey of life.  I will keep you posted as I work through it, but what intrigues me so far is his philosophies on the power of the mind/body connection, and the consequential effects on ageing of this undeniable relationship.

It's an area I need to explore because I find myself in a constant struggle between my philosopher self, and my scientist self.  Rather than being a complimentary struggle as it should be, (like my discussions with Michael)  I think this battle tends to limit my potential.  I swing back and forth between trying to "feel" better, and trying to "make" myself better, where as the answer lies somewhere in between.....I think.....

basement ride 100 mins, 75 mins @ 165 

"We must go beyond the constant clamor of ego, beyond the tools of logic and reason, to the still, calm place within us: the realm of the soul."---Deepah Chopra

Love

Peter