Were you like me, a late bloomer? Did you blossom later in life? Did you find your mojo not hiding under a bushel but positively incognito with years of being told how “satisfactory” you were at a subject or that you “tried hard” and “could do better.”?
My school reports were littered with the above comments which I now understand helped to keep me stuck, to continue to believe this was true, and as far as P.E goes meant I would do anything to avoid it. Many a time my friend Jane and I would start the cross country run from school, then detour to her auntie’s house for cakes and squash and then rejoin the run near the end to return to school. Not much exercise there.
P.E. – “Not very keen.”
The image above is from my school report 1973. As you can see, Physical Education was not my forte. The teacher’s comment was “Not very keen.” (neither art and craft as you can see and although I still don’t profess to be the greatest artist, my attempt at a beautifully decorated christening cake many years ago had everyone quietly saying it must have been done by someone else as it was so good. Thanks for that. Harrumph!)
However, let’s focus on the physical education side. Fast forward to 2020. Today I went to one of my sessions at the fit20 studio in Exeter to train with the owner Duncan Atwood. Each week Duncan pushes me further and each week I’m proud to say I don’t disappoint. A colourful graph shows me my progress in case I feel Duncan is just dishing out praise undeservedly and I realised this week that I can begin to see body contours that have been hiding for decades! The determination in me is palpable.
“I like to practice what I preach.”
At 57, I decided that Optimal Health – Aging Well, sounded like a great idea and that the Mind-Body Connection, was a great title for a series of webinars I could deliver with Duncan. I like to practice what I preach so following what and how I advise and work with my clients, I’m now a healthy size 10/12 (a size 16/18 at one point), who loves excercise (of the right sort that suits me) and I know I am making a positive impact on my health just as I impact the health of my clients.
As a Practice Nurse for 35 years, I worked with many patients with what is termed chronic disease. A dreadful term which implies it is forever and will inevitably get worse. Now as an independent integrated therapist I work with a number of Type 2 Diabetic and Pre Diabetic clients and cannot help but rejoice in the amazing changes they make. The food choices, the exercise, and above all else, the Mindset. Mindset is key and also one of my favourite mantras.
Diabetic and Pre Diabetic clients reducing their HbA1c sugar levels, achieving weight reduction, becoming more mobile, feeling emotionally better, having a great relationship with food and by doing this positively impacting their families and relationships, makes me proud to be part of their journey.
So can you teach an old dog new tricks or maybe in my case an old bird? Yes, of course, anything is possible with the right mindset, education, support, and encouragement. Find what’s right for you and you too will blossom no matter how late.
If you think you are too old or you have had a chronic disease diagnosis for many years and that you have to just ‘manage’, rather than positively change, think again.
If you have young children or young adults, please encourage them, get them to play to their strengths. I often wondered if my school experience would have been different if the teacher had actually asked me if there was anything I felt I might do well in or would like to try, or even encourage me just a bit. Was there a positive form of P.E for me to discover?
Duncan and I are delivering a series of free health webinars over 2020/21. If you would like to find out more, please email me at info@kate-guest.co.uk or phone 07790303806.
Alternatively, if you would like to book a taster session with Duncan at his fit20 studio or have a complimentary call with me discuss how I can help you with Mindset and food choice/education please contact us.
Duncan – duncanattwood@fit20.co.uk Kate – info@kate-guest.co.uk
Here’s to the rest of your healthier life. Cheers!
