Choose a Life. Live a Life. What’s Healthier?

In the movie "The Way" starring Martin Sheen, Emilio Estevez and a host of other fine actors there is a point when Martin Sheen says to his son “I chose my life” at which his son, Emilio Estevez states, “You don’t choose a life, dad. You live one.”

If you haven’t seen this movie it is terrific, in my opinion. I am not a movie buff, but this one was one of my all time favorites. Not just for this line but for the meaning of the movie and more great quotes I can’t even begin to remember. This quote stood out for me from the movie, and it is something I have thought over and over about.

For me I have lived my life. It may not be the life I would have chosen, in fact it isn’t the life I would have chosen but it is the one I have lived and loved at the ripe age of almost 60 in 4 months. Don’t get me wrong I am not claiming over the hill just yet, although some days I feel that way.

What do you think is healthier to do? Should you choose your life or live your life? What’s the difference?  Why wouldn’t you want to live your life?

For me considering I have lived a life, I feel better and healthier about the life I have lived. As I said it may not be the life I would have chosen, but I can’t say I haven’t enjoyed this life and though I could be healthier I am healthy in the way I have lived physically and mentally, even with all of the issues I have dealt with.

Healthier isn’t always to mean health as in your body being fit or mind being fit. Health could also mean, as it does to me what you have received out of your life. What you have fulfilled in your life. What you want to do with your life. The health (fitness and nutrition) can always come later. You need to love your life and all it has to offer you and others. That’s health to me.

Do you ever take a moment during the day to think of what you are thankful for? I was recently asked to do this from my therapist. To make a list daily while drinking my coffee or some other activity that wasn’t using my mind so much so I could think about thankfulness and make a list.

The first time I did the list it was horrible. I really couldn’t think of anything except for being alive that day. Not that wasn’t a bad thing to be thankful for, but I don’t think it was what she was looking for. It took a few days of doing this till I saw the light. I don’t know why but it wasn’t just what I was thankful that happened to me but what others were thankful for because of me. I too should be thankful for being able to give to them.

The idea that health can also mean a totally other dimension rather than fitness and nutrition is something many people can relate too. The thing is it is very simple to understand. Health fits in all categories in life. Health is being happy. Health is sharing a smile. Health is laughing. Health is crying. Health is just about anything you engage in by yourself or with others.

So I ask you again. What is healthier: Living a life or choosing a life?