Free Writing - Take 78

I thought about writing an in depth entry about this, but might need a little more research or at the very least have a handful more examples to point to, but it seems to me there is a trend among the people I know. The people who exude happiness publicly are all into some sort of fitness craze. Whether it be the fad of the month of the older varieties, all of these people are nothing but smiles and sunshine. What I've also noticed about this group is their one common trait. Money. Whether through hard work, inheritance or sheer dumb luck, they all have disposable income. This also means they are granted time. Free time. What I have gathered, mostly from direct interactions is that all of these people were at one time financially strapped or at the very least, struggling to have what they personally needed to feel "one" with the world. But here's where it gets tricky. When they stop talking about their exercise routine, their jobs or whatever it is they do to pass the time, they change. When they speak of their families and relationships, it's not what they say, it's the body language. Their taught postures seem to disappear like a punctured balloon and while the words stay positive, the message is clearly the opposite of what they are saying. I've also noticed that these people tend to have children and family members who are suffering, in some way, constantly. Which leads me to the basis for this little babble. Why is it that the parents I know, who are without a doubt (not simply my opinion, but lauded by friends), out of shape? Not fat or obese necessarily, but toned would not be used to describe them. Now, I fully admit, I'm making a huge generalization, because one of the best parents I've ever know in a workout fiend, but I'd say 80-90% of the best parents and by far the ones with the happiest children, are soft. Maybe well rounded isn't just a term for someone's interests, but an exemplary picture of the complete package. The one trait that almost all of these people have is meals and quiet connections. While others are attending a class for meditation, these parents seem to find this quiet time while with their children. It may be reading together, while snuggled on the couch or bed. It may be a movie together, sharing a bowl of popcorn. It may simply be a walk and a chat, where as it's very hard to connect to your five year old while spinning or doing yoga. The people I've known over the years, who have the healthiest mental and physical (not getting illnesses, chronic problems) makeup, are the ones who don't appear to the eye to be fit. I know what people will say, but I am broken physically, but I refuse to let myself get sick. I haven't had a cold in almost three years and what do I do when I feel something coming on? Math or history or science. I read whatever I can about something I don't know about. Then I try and share it with someone else. I try and communicate and then I eat something, not healthy, but something that makes me happy to eat. Sweets don't make me happy, because I understand the mental aspect of the ups and downs of sugar. Here's the funny thing. This blog which many find to be a waste of time, might be an elixir of sorts, because since, I got back to writing almost every day, I've not had so much as a sniffle. In the end, what is health. Being loved for your aura and your abs might make you feel good, but I don't see how it can compare to a family dinner, followed by some serious couch time. Why are we alive anyway? To look good or to make others feel good? I know that in forty-four years, making someone else laugh even once made me feel better than any single physical accomplishment I've attained. I've won many games, races, events in my day, but none compare to a dinner where someone says "thanks for being here." Sorry if aesthetically that doesn't please you.