I’ve read many books over the years that promise that, by following their advice, you will become a highly effective, engaged, happier, stronger, wiser, connected, motivated, trusting person who is excellent at winning friends and influencing people. You’ve read some of the same ones.

There is one principle that comes up repeatedly in these books, and that is the importance of Gratitude. I will admit that taking some time every day to be grateful for some aspect of my life has been a great way to start the day. And, truth be told, I have A LOT to be grateful for. I’m not sure if, how or why I deserved it, but I’ve led an admittedly charmed life. Modesty prevents me from listing out the reasons.

I know; you’re saying “Frank, you write a blog all about yourself; how freakin’ modest can you be”?!  

And to that, I say “Fair point.”

But I’d like to focus on just one aspect of Gratitude, and that’s the importance of being grateful for one’s Health and Well-Being.  One major driver of retirement for me was the strong desire to be active and energetic in my retirement before illness or aging limited my choices.  But it goes further than that. More and more, I’m thinking that decent health is actually the key to a happier life. Of course, people with health issues achieve happiness every day, but it’s a damn sight easier for healthy people!

And I’ve recently had an adventure that drove home the importance of appreciating good health. A couple of months ago we took our annual Caribbean vacation; something that I am grateful we can do. I was having digestion issues the whole week, which is unusual for me. But on the last day, I ingested something that really put me over the top (and bottom). Miraculously, I managed to contain myself during travel home. Again, very Grateful. But that night began a trying 4 days filled with chills, fever, malaise and never-ending attempts to expel the offending intruders. With no end in sight, I broke down and did a medical telehealth session. I somewhat sheepishly explained my situation and the doctor’s computer image said:

               OK. Go to the closest Emergency Room immediately

What!??

               Yes, this may be serious

No, I think that maybe it’s bacterial and I could use an antibiotic…

               Well, I can’t give you an antibiotic because we don’t know what the bug is.

Fair enough, but can’t you make an educated guess and prescribe something broad-spectrum that might hit the most likely pathogen?

               Nope. You need to go the ER immediately.

She proceeded to lay out all sorts of doomsday scenarios where my electrolyte imbalance would lead to kidney failure, brain damage, death, and global warming. She wanted to know which ER I was going to so she could call in advance! I said no, thanked her for time and hung up before making a mad dash back to the bathroom.

As I sat there in frustration, I changed my mind and decided to follow her advice. But I broke my ER rule which is: If you can drive yourself to the ER, you don’t need to go the ER. The closest hospital was a large community hospital in the city.

I walked slowly through the electronic doors that swiftly parted as I perused the diverse humanity populating the waiting area. The place was packed and I was instantly reminded that this was a city hospital. I imagined gunshot wounds, stabbings, broken bones and worse. Policemen were present. One guy had a bandage around his head. One kid had his arm in a homemade sling. Mothers held babies. I eyed the no-nonsense looking nurse behind the thick glass of the reception area. The ridiculousness of walking up to her to say “Uh, I’m here because I have diarrhea” made me laugh, and turn around to drive home.

On the way, I still felt like crap so decided to see what the ER looked like in a more suburban location. Sure enough, I was the only one there and not only didn’t the receptionist laugh at my predicament, she treated me like I could die at any moment. I was on an IV in less than 10 minutes. The doctor asked if I could provide a sample for testing. “Sure, that’s all I’ve been doing for 5 days. In fact, can I get a colonoscopy now, because I’ll never be better prepared?”

Of course, in short order, I made a miraculous recovery. But during the 5 days or so of this malady, I was absolutely miserable. It was far more than an intestinal issue. The point being that it was during this latest illness that I was reminded just how much health impacts happiness. Once fully recovered, I spent days in gratitude. Every day now I take time to be grateful for my good fortunes in life, and my health is near the top.

Maybe this is a good reminder for you?

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