do more, feel better, live longer...

A couple of years ago when I started this blog, I put on the title 'do more, feel better, live longer...'

I nabbed this from my company's mission ' to improve the quality of human life by enabling people to do more, feel better and live longer '.

It sounded pretty good at the time and I felt that I should shape my life around it.

Last night I was in a reflective mood and starting asking myself if I am living up to this goal? Am I using my good fortune to help others do more, feel better, live longer?

I think so...

Every day at work I am a contributor in a large group people working hard to eliminate or reduce the impact of serious health issues like Cervical Cancer, Swine Flu, Lymphatic Filariasis, Malaria, Aids, and so many more - www.gsk.com. This is a big one for me. I've worked in a lot of industries before, and while Big Pharma gets a bad rap sometimes, the reality is that there are tens of thousands of good hearted people working with incredible passion every day to create medicines to help improve the quality of life and save lives.

In my view, a pill or a shot should be used only when necessary and after already living a healthy lifestyle. So, in my personal life, I focus much more of my time on 'the healthy lifestyle' side of things...

Outside of work, I informally coach people, and challenge riders, runners, triathletes to become stronger / better.

I like to praise people for their achievements, small and large - I am constantly humbled by those less capable individuals working so hard every day just to stay healthy or participate in a race or set an example for their children.

I try to lead a healthy life and share my experiences, and hope to inspire those around me as I have been inspired by others.

My hierarchy of needs starts with good health as my foundation, and I firmly believe that I am much more capable of being a positive influence in the world if I am healthy.

Many of life's pleasures are healthy (riding a bike, going for a walk, eating fresh berries) and I balance that with a moderation of things that are of dubious health benefit (an occasional beer or glass of wine, spicy food, red meat). Keeping things balanced should keep one healthy whilst enjoying life.

...it will never be enough, but I'll keep trying in my own small way... and keep asking myself - am I doing enough?