We have a number of great friends, some going back to our school days and others gained as married adults. We used to spend time together mostly talking about our families and careers. Now, we always start with the question: How are you feeling? [LOL]
I have been quite fortunate to have had a great career. I reached distinguished professor status at Hofstra University’s Zarb School of Business, won a teaching award, co-authored two textbooks that are used around the world, and became a very active blogger. Several of my former students have also become my long-time friends.
I have always enjoyed participating in sports, especially jogging, tennis, and gym activities. I actually started lifting weights for the first time in my 50s!
But not everything has come up roses. It’s how we deal with adversity that matters. When I was sixteen, I broke my collarbone for the third time. As a result, I’ve had an eight-and-a-half-inch screw in my shoulder ever since then. I blew out both of my knees from years of jogging on cement. And I ended up with rotator cuff surgery from falling down stairs.
In 1995, I learned that I had Type 2 diabetes. This led to a significant change in my diet and to my taking regular oral medications. After a few years, insulin was added to my regimen. At first, having diabetes was a downer – until I accepted it, learned that some things are beyond our control, and that the power of positive thinking makes a huge difference in one’s physical AND mental well-being.