Firstly, Erika, who inspires my all too irregular posts, has had to move blog addresses because of all kinds of nasty, weird stalker stuff. But she's here and still blogging and inspiring, so maybe drop in for a diet coke after reading this.
Now I know that many people say that you should be healthy for yourself, because you will feel better and look better and I agree with that. But on Saturday I had a revelation. I need to do those things not only for myself but because I have a responsibility to those around me.
And I think others do too.
On Saturday at my Bronze training we had to do board rescues and carries. And it was hard work. I had to help lift and carry some big burly men, including *Bob.*
And they had to carry me.
I thought I would never feel more self conscious than standing in my bathers doing the weekly run, swim run. Turns out I was wrong. Having other people take responsibility for lifting and carrying me was far more confronting.
Before you say that you won't need rescuing from the ocean, because you don't swim, yes you are right.
But if you collapse in a shopping centre or are injured elsewhere, will people be able to lift you? Will they be able to remove you from the scene of an accident if they need to?
Will they be able to safely (for them) put you into a recovery position?
If the answer is no, then it's worth thinking about. And dismissing it as something that won't happen to you is rubbish.
I know too many people who have had terrible things happen to them to duck the very real truth, that I could have an accident or heart attack.
Just look at what happened to my healthy dad and uncle in the space of six short months last year.
I feel I am being responsible for my kids by learning how to be a lifesaver, but I have a broader responsibility to society at large to step in if needed now at the scene of an accident , but also to make sure I don't make any potential
I know I could lose at least 5 more kilos easily. And believe me, when you are carrying or hauling someone it makes a huge difference.
But the thing is this,
I feel better when I'm fit and healthy and well, lighter.
But I'm also reducing the responsibility others have for me.
What about you?
