Good Health Equals Wealth

Good Health Equals Wealth

Good health equals wealth.  As I approach mid-life, I realize the importance of good health.  Practicing good stewardship of mental, physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual health results in joy and happiness.  Financial gain maybe a significant by-product to this holistic approach to life.  Yet, good health is a prerequisite to material fortune. 

You may recall an African-American businessman who died nearly twenty years ago.  His net worth was $400 million.  He possessed means to summon the best doctors in the world.  However, all of his money could not reverse progression of an inoperable brain tumor that eventually ended his life.  Interestingly, he ruined his health by doggedly pursuing his wealth.  His seemingly unlimited financial resources proved powerless in providing good health.

As it relates physical health, disease prevention is key to success.  Early detection empowers patients to become cancer survivors rather than victims.  Annual physicals and follow-up on sound medical advice equals proactive stewardship.  Maintaining an exercise regimen and eating a balanced diet are other significant components.  As I write, I challenge myself to practice what I preach.  Good physical health yields incredible supplementary benefits: mental agility and stamina, greater retention of complex material, and reduced susceptibility to self-pity and depression.

Good health also extends to mind and will.  Mental illness unfortunately has become fodder for comedy.  As a result, many people will not seek counseling.  Sustaining good mental health requires balanced perspective towards life.  Lack of balance equates with a type of mental illness.  Speaking, reading and studying assist in the process of acquiring mental soundness.  Of themselves, they will not always yield good mental health.  Guidance from a spiritual advisor or pastoral psychotherapist greatly aids achieving balance.

How’s your love life?  The love of a good wife definitely results in good health.  She insists upon examinations and preventative disease measures.  Giving and receiving love with spouses, family and friends contributes to holistic well being.  We zealously guard emotions; we do not waste them on undeserving people and unproductive purposes.  Good health necessitates investments of time, energy and emotion in worthy causes. 

Has your past recently blind-sided you with lingering hurtful memories?  Psychological health requires peace with the past.  Whereas we do not bolt the door on the past, we learn from it as we move forward in life.  We do not define ourselves today by who we were yesterday.  Also, we do not allow others to label us by past actions.  Healing from past pain is central to holistic health.