I was actually the opposite of it. I have a few health condition (asthma, PTB, anemia, MVP) when I was born and others developed as I age. Though active as a kid, I knew I had limitations. I couldn't play more, couldn't stay in the water long as my siblings and playmates could, and I couldn't join in any sports activities as my grandma wouldn't allow me. (I have a lot of funny stories about this,
like having to disguise myself just to play volleyball but she still recognized me from afar and called me out. XD)
It was in my last years in College when I was juggling work and studies that my health really hit low. Moreover, it was then that I've had a Mitral Valve Prolapse (MVP), a heart condition that limited my physical activities more. I was advised to do nothing more than walking for exercise. That's why I have this strong desire to be strong. I didn't want to stay weak and sickly. So, despite all that, I still decided to work abroad. Now, it's a greater challenge to keep a healthy lifestyle as an EXPAT (I'm sure every expat would agree!) But, I simply kept that advice from my doctor to walk everyday. I am also amazed to tell you that I have been doing that for 8 years now, a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Eventually, I felt stronger. Less to no more asthma attacks, and now I can carry my 5 and 8 y/o nephews whom I struggled to carry for more than 10 minutes when they were babies because I quickly felt tired back then. And would you believe that just recently (April 2021), I participated and completed a Triathlon, the first ever race in my life! That was my craziest dream, ever! Behind that dream is simply a desire to become healthy and strong. How my life has been more alive, from walking simply 30 minutes a day, to running 10k, to swimming, and cycling, to playing with my nephews untiringly, to being a triathlete, while working as an expat in the UAE and serving the Lord and His church. For me, God is the ultimate source of strength and good health. Appreciating that is taking care of ourselves and keeping fit.
