Lately, I have been reflecting more and more about the value of health, particularly as I see those around me start to face health challenges ranging from worn-out knees and hips to the daunting reality of cancer. These issues don’t discriminate by age; they affect us all. Even though our life span has lengthened by a good twenty years from the 1950’s to today, the pursuit of good health is top of mind for creating the quality of life most all of us desire. For those of us reaching a certain age, we find our conversations quickly merge towards different ailments we all face. It’s almost laughable how fast this happens!

One of the jobs I have enjoyed for a number of years is to play the beautiful piano in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Hotel in Southern California. It is one of my favorite places for people-watching. During a recent engagement, I observed a young mom in a wheelchair spending time with her daughter, not yet two years old. The little girl was entranced by a small battery-powered votive candle, repeatedly removing it from its glass container, inspecting it with wide-eyed wonder at the flickering electronic flame, then putting it back. Her mother sat patiently by her side, assisting her with the task. Even though I had no idea of what specific challenges the mother faced due to her wheelchair, at the end of my set, I felt profound gratitude for the ability to stand and walk away from the scene.

For those of us fortunate enough to have enjoyed relatively healthy lives, it might be challenging to recall moments where we simply sat with a child, guiding them through a moment of wonder, whether it be in nature or something as simple as a battery-powered candle on a table. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life—rushing to appointments, events, and work—we often take our health and time for granted. Yet, it’s the daily habits we cultivate and maintain that typically contribute to a higher quality of life. Observing the young mother in a wheelchair, I recognized the tradeoff she made, ensuring her health didn’t detract from the quality time spent with her daughter. While many of us would be dashing off to the next engagement, she remained rooted in one place. This experience underscored two key lessons for me: gratitude for my own health and the importance of nurturing good habits and routines to sustain it. In the following discussion, I’ll delve into some of the essential daily practices we should all prioritize. Incorporating these habits into your daily life can enhance your physical, mental, and emotional well-being, paving the way for a more joyful and fulfilling existence