Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it.
8.00 am Saturday 17th May 2014, Coogee Beach, NSW, Australia……
Me: ‘Prove me wrong then Dad!’
Dad: ‘I’ll prove you wrong!’
Me: ‘Dad, I’ve heard the same story for 20 years
Dad: ‘I’m determined this time’
Me: ‘I’m writing about it online so everyone else knows you said you are going to prove me wrong
Dad: ‘Ok!’
My father has been visiting me from the UK for 6 weeks. My dad’s brain and wit are really sharp and switched on. The issues he has are hearing loss and also severe deterioration in his hip joint that requires a replacement when he returns to the UK. Apart from that he is in pretty good shape and looks and thinks 10 years younger!
It’s really difficult for me with my dad trying to get the balance right between thinking:
‘He’s 80! Let him eat and drink what he wants
and
‘If he simply made a few adjustments to his nutrition and lifestyle he would lose some kg’s and then the hip operation recovery would be quicker and less painful and he will increase his longevity
My dad loves to eat and loves pints of dark brown beer and apple pies.
My dad loves to eat and loves pints of dark brown beer and apple pies.
My dad loves to eat and loves pints of dark brown beer and apple pies.
Repeat till fade……… Do you get my drift?
When he arrived in Sydney we chatted about how I would cook for him and how simply eating good quality proteins, fats and veggies would help him drop the kg’s he has put on since I saw him last.
He said he was determined and that he would try. I told him he could still enjoy his treats here but we could def get some weight off him in preparation for his operation.
For his 80th birthday, I went out and bought him a cool zipped hooded jacket, polo shirt, a pair of swimming shorts (and Speedos to go underneath……..he requested the Speedos, I requested that he wear them underneath) and a pair of goggles all packed up in a funky new sports bag.
‘Smashing’ he said. ‘I promise I’ll start swimming a couple of times a week at the newly opened pool when I get back home
My dad has drunk, eaten and socialised his way around Sydney during his 5 and a half weeks here. He has actually put weight on and is going back to the UK larger than when he arrived. I started to prepare dinners for him before I left for work in the morning but quickly realised I was fighting a losing battle as lunch was made up of not so healthy choices washed down with a couple of dark brown beers.
He has had an amazing trip. Friends and I have treated him to dinners, lunches and dark brown beers all over Sydney. I wasn’t about to tell him what he should or shouldn’t eat or drink while he is on holiday (and remember he’s 80 right???? grrrrrrrrr)
I’m so happy he has enjoyed himself but feeling pretty blue about the fact that he is returning home larger than when he arrived. I love my dad and worry for his health. If he dropped some body fat the hip wouldn’t be so painful and the hip operation will be easier (I said this already right?)
All of this got me thinking.
In my game, we hear people talk and make promises about their health and fitness all the time. We also hear people make excuses as to why they’re not keeping their promises to themselves all the time.
It’s hard for me to see someone I love so much do the same thing. Especially when I have the tools to help him create change.
At the end of the day guys if you are determined to do something you will do it! If my dad is truly determined to lose some body fat he will do it too.
End of story.
I believe my dad is determined at the very moment he is telling me he is determined but that goes out of the window when faced with the prospect of garlic bread to start, steak for main and apple pie for dessert washed down with 3,4 or 5 dark brown beers and finished with an Irish coffee.
My dad has read this and has given me the thumbs up to share it with you guys. My hope is that having this out in the public arena will encourage him to follow through on his determination and simply eat less and move more.
I’m also invested in this determination, I want my dad around for as long as possible.
FYI:
I’m not perfect. I was ‘determined’ to do my 12/13 tax and books once a month but I left it till the last minute (like I always do) and completed my accounts at the 11th hour (I only submitted them to my accountant last week!)
I didn’t care enough about doing my taxes. I didn’t want to do them. If I was really determined I would have done them earlier. I simply didn’t want it enough.
If you care, if you value something if you really want something enough then you will be determined to do it.
Dad are you listening???????
What do you want? Are you listening???????
Watch this space folks……………
Jibber jabber over n out.
