I type this as Memorial Day is winding down. I mowed the lawn, played with my kids, and last night had a cook out at a friend’s house. It was a good time. This all seems normal and fun, but I was struck by some pictures of my my wife’s family in Iowa. They were visiting her grandfather’s grave, to lay flowers and honor his service to our country. I was struck by the simple realization that when it comes to Memorial Day…we miss the point.
It is not yard work, barbecue, boating day. It is a day to honor our heroes. I am just as guilty of this as anyone else, so no judgement from me. I just think we need to start shifting our worldview on this topic. That fact that our freedoms have been earned on the backs of heroes, is something to honor. But how do we honor this? A parade, a day off work? I think these are fine ideas, but the best thing we can do is to live a life worthy of the sacrifice that was given.
No more mediocrity, no more average, no more apathy, or good enough. A life that is lived all out, to its fullest potential is the best gratitude we can give. One of the best ways we can do this is by being healthy. You can’t live to your highest, best level in a broken down body, unhealthy body. Truly, if you want to accomplish anything worthwhile, you have to be up to the task physically, mentally, and spiritually.
My encouragement to you is to live everyday to honor all who put you in a position to succeed: your parents, family, teachers and our veterans. Do this by choosing the best version of yourself and becoming that person. When you do this, everyday is a day of thanks and honor, and thus a life well lived.
In health, Dr. Graham