Later on, IRL

Last year, my son related to me a metaphor he read in a book written by comedian Jimmy Carr. In the metaphor, Carr deconstructed a famous Warren Buffett quote, “Let’s say a genie appears. And that genie said, ‘Warren, I’m going to give you the car of your choice. It’ll be here tomorrow morning with a big bow tied on it. Brand-new. And it’s all yours. There’s only one catch. This is the last car you’re ever going to get in your life.’ “

Carr’s observation goes like this:

“Imagine taking care of your body and mind like you would a car. Just like Warren’s car, fill it with the right fuel and keep it moving. Even if you take the wrong exit or go off-road, you can always get back on track. Some may keep their car in the garage, but that doesn’t lead to an exciting journey. Some choose the safe well-used route, while others go off-road to explore. You’ll pick up passengers along the way, and maybe enjoy the scenic route. While others might choose to be driven and sit in the passenger seat.

Remember, you only get one body and mind, so treat it with care and make the journey worth it.”

That resonated with me in a way nothing had ever before. It’s no secret to anyone who knows me that after years of therapy to deal with a traumatic childhood, I prioritize my mental health. But after reading Carr’s words and mulling over the decades of my broken relationship with food and fitness, I told my personal trainer, Chris, about it. The day I met him, back in 2012, I began looking differently at my physical health. It’s been a gradual process of understanding what my body needs and wants, how much I can do, and the belief that I can do hard things, so why not fitness? He’s been a huge source of support, inspiration and influence. I can’t imagine what my life would be like had I not met him all those years ago. It really feels like that day was many lifetimes ago. I need to write more about him and the work we’ve done. And I will. But for now… Discussing Carr’s words and how they resonated, I saw Chris’ face light up. Soon he was beaming, and a huge smile rose out of him – out of his whole body. He told me about another person he works with who had recently retired. She told him that her ‘fitness had become her job’, and that Chris should feel free to quote her and use the quote in any way he’d like, to influence others.

The conversation shifted my perspective. This is the only body I’ve got. I’d better pay attention. PHYSICAL FITNESS IS MY JOB and it’s JOB #1. Those words continue to influence me. Hopefully, forever.