Motivation Today

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Monday January 3rd 2005 Fun with the family

The woods were alive with the sound of people today. Couples of all ages and whole families were out for a holiday walk.

One family were making a lot of noise but were having great fun instigated mainly by their dad. He was running along with his youngsters especially downhill. Yells and shrieks of excitement echoed across the land.

He reminded me of my uncle who played hide seek with me and my brother and sister on the hills in the north of the Isle of Man. He had spent much of World War II in Changi concentration camp and must have been delighted to get back to ordinary life.

Sadly my uncle was dead from cancer not too long afterwards but I will always remember the happy time he spent with us.

Spending time with your family has to be a priority. No one knows how long they will be there.

Thursday 6th January 2005 The Three Blondes

Today a young blonde on a white horse trotted past me near Coopers' School.

Then a young blonde walked past me with her grandmother at Botany Bay Lane.

Finally as I was nearing the Marlings Park exit a young blonde came jogging past.

All three were young and good looking but the grandmother's face was one of the most striking I have ever seen. It was shining with wisdom, friendliness and good humour.

My other preoccupation today was whether my new boots would cause any more damage. They had rubbed my little toe raw the last time I wore them.

Today I had surrounded the toe with plaster and it was fine. New boots, like new habits, take time to become comfortable.

Thursday 13th January 2005 Wave at the gargoyle

The boots are feeling better.

I waved at the gargoyle in the oak tree today as I walked past.

My friend V was not far behind me and saw me waving

I commented that I should have looked behind me first to check there was no one watching in case they thought me mad.

On reflection, I think we are too worried about what others will think about us. A little harmless madness and eccentricity adds a bit of colour to life in general.

Monday 17th January The power of an audience

The forecast promised rain at about midday. Faced with this deadline, I was motivated to get into the woods early. I was also successful in avoiding the rain.

Near Flushers' pond I met a lady who commented on how nice it was to see an expanse of clear water on the pond alongside the green gunge. The wind blows the gunge up stream leaving clear water for a short while.

A soccer match was going on as I walked past Cooper's School. One spectator had his back to the match. Some inspiration to the players!

Mind you people who can play and work hard even when no one is watching them usually do really well. The players seemed enthusiastic enough even with a tiny audience.

Those who can work or train hard when no one is watching them can conquer the world.

Saturday 22nd January 2005 Treat your neighbour as yourself

Today I solved the boot problem in Eltham. I discovered a fine pair of boots in a sale going at half-price for £35.

A fine gentleman in the hall pointed them out to me and insisted that I try them on to make sure they were comfortable.

"I am 70," he said "and take my life one day at a time."

"I am 65," I replied, " and do the same."

He smiled:"Man, I believe in treating others the way you would like to be treated."

"Love your neighbour as yourself," I replied.

I told the owner of the sale what a great salesman this man was. He showed how to treat any customer. Treat them like you would like to be treated. Show them a good product but make sure it suits them.

Tuesday January 25th 2005 The value of walking

I took my digital camera in to the woods today and took photos of my daily anti-clockwise route. I'll give you the grand tour by putting some of these up here and describing briefly which part of the route they are from.

Remember that if you are not a regular walker, it is worth becoming one.

Joann Manson, Chief of Preventive Medicine at Harvard's Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, writes:

"I'm convinced from the research that a sedentary lifestyle kills you, and moderate activity like walking can be life saving. A little exercise is better than none, but more is better than a little."

Saturday January 29th 2005 An encouraging word

I have lost a little weight recently by eating less before going to sleep. I was delighted to receive confirmation of this as I walked through Tong's farm.

The farmer, who is no lightweight himself, patted his stomach and said "You are losing it."

"Thank you," I replied, "That will encourage me for the next 6 months."

It is amazing what a little encouragement can do.

Monday January 31st 2005 "I dare you!"

As I was walking towards Tong's farm today I passed the brook just below the farm.

Two schoolboys were at the bridge by the brook. One of them dared the other to do something a little challenging.

I couldn't hear exactly what the dare was but I think it was to cross over the brook by walking on the log which stretches over it.

How many adults go round daring each other to do things? I think we are missing out!

Wednesday 2nd February 2005 An advertisement for walking daily

I was passed by a man walking down Botany Bay Lane today. He was striding along at speed.

As I approached Tong's farm I saw that he had stopped to look at the cute 'spring' lambs which had arrived early this year.

We walked on together until he had to cross the railway to head for home. It turns out he was five years older than me at the age of 70 although he was walking much faster than me and he was holding down a job as a business consultant.

We discussed the fact that early retirement can often mean early disaster as people suddenly find themselves on their own with little to do except potter around in the garden.

This state of affairs probably contributes to an early death or even alzheimer's disease.

He, like me, walks for two or three miles everyday and looks as fit and lively as anyone could wish for - a great advertisement for walking daily.

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Walking in Petts Wood and The Hawkswood Estate Page 19