September 2013

 

In July of this year Annette Fredskov, a 41-year-old Danish mother of two, shattered the Guinness World Records for Most Marathons Run on Consecutive Days and Most Marathons Run in a Calendar Year by a female. Fredskov ran 366 marathons in 365 days -- Amazing!  You realize just how amazing when you learn that Fredskov was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 3 years ago. "We humans can do much more than we think," she wrote on her blog. "We are the ones who set the limits of our body and spirit.”  She added, " I would also like to provide evidence that, even with a diagnosis (Multiple Sclerosis in my case), people shouldn’t be held back from living life to its fullest and fulfilling ones dreams."

Actress Valerie Harper didn’t go into hiding after announcing to the world that she had been diagnosed with a rare, terminal brain cancer.  Who would have blamed her if she had chosen to hide away at home out of the Hollywood spotlight?  Instead she has chosen to challenge herself physically and mentally and appears to be thriving.  In fact, ABC just announced that Valerie Harper is a contestant on the 17th season of Dancing with the Stars.

And then there’s 64 year-old endurance swimmer Diana Nyad who made history earlier this month when she swam 110 miles in shark and jelly fish infested waters from Cuba to Key West.  Nyad swam for nearly 53 hours fulfilling a 35-year dream of being the first person to accomplish this incredible feat without a shark cage. She never gave up even when she failed publicly, several times, or when others told her that at her age it might not be possible.

Three incredible women – three inspiring stories – three female heroes.  Next time you are afraid to try something new or you think that you are too old to try something new I encourage you to remember Annette, Valerie and Diana. Don’t let perceived limitations or the fear of failure rob you of the tomorrow of your dreams. Whatever your dream -- to start a new career in your 50’s, climb Mount Kilimanjaro or learn to play the piano -- there are no limits to what you can accomplish. Don’t let society hold you back.  Surround yourself with people who believe in you and support your dream(s). Could there be anything healthier or more personally fulfilling than to be able to say that you lived your life without regrets?

Make the time to be good to you and be your own hero.

Good Health!

Terry

"When life asks you to dance, you have to dance.”

~Valerie Harper

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