Due to a recent tragedy that occurred within my own personal life last week I find myself discouraged and unmotivated to write a blog about health, fitness and nutrition this week. As much as I would like to believe that I’m a machine that can function on little to no sleep and push any feelings or emotions that I may have to the side, the fact remains that I am a human being living my life and that life just really sucks right now for me. Without divulging into too much detail as to what occurred last week to make me feel so utterly depressed and upset I will just say that I witnessed the loss of a life of someone who was a very genuine and kind person and whom I had the utmost respect and admiration for. Ofcourse the loss of a friend or loved one is never easy to overcome and even though it’s been said that time heals all wounds, I do not think a day will pass within my own life where I will not think of this tragic event and mourn the loss of someone who was so special to so many people.

So what’s left to write about for this week? I’ve got no tips for you on how to build bigger biceps or how to lose those last five pounds and I sure as hell don’t care whether or not you go to the gym or sit at home on the couch eating chips while watching TV. It’s your life, do as you please. If you’re reading this week’s blog for some kind of motivation or inspiration then I suggest you stop now, because I have no words of encouragement, optimism or comfort to give you at the moment. However as always, I do have something to say and none of which has anything to do with chiseled six packs, toned arms and firm butts. I want to discuss life and how last week’s tragedy has now transformed my own perception as to what’s really important to me and how I would like to conduct myself as a member of society as I continue to try and move forward each new day.

As cliche as it may sound life really is short. I’ve witnessed this first hand first with the loss of my best friend five years ago who died of skin cancer at the young age of 25 and then again last year with the loss of my Step Father from colon cancer at the not as young but not quite old age of 65. The reality is is that people die, this is a fact of life. This ofcourse does not make it easier to accept however we all understand that death is a natural part of life and therefore cannot be avoided as we become older. With that said the tragedy that occurred last week has taught me that anyone of us can pass away at anytime and therefore it’s important to really live your life to it’s absolute fullest. I believe that the person that we recently loss did in fact live his life to it’s fullest. He was a hard working, honest man who was a loving husband and caring father. In my opinion it’s rare to come across an individual who is loved and liked by so many people but this man was just that. And by his passing he alone has taught me what it means to really live your life to it’s fullest.

I had a lot of self reflection last week. Many sleepless nights full of anxiety, depression and thoughts as to what I was going to do next and how I was going to move forward. No I did not find God, nor did I analyze every single component of my own life. I do not want to quit my job and go travel around the world in fear that I may not be able to do so when I’m older. In fact, on the contrary I love my job and enjoy working with every single one of our clients, so why would I ever leave it? I do not feel deprived because of my strict training regime or clean eating/boring diet and I don’t want to “take it easy” because someone tells me I should.

I believe that there is no one definition that describes how every single person should live his or her life to it’s fullest. This ofcourse should be up to each individual. After being alone with my thoughts for the past few days I’ve come to the conclusion that for myself personally, living my life to the absolute fullest now means the following:

Slow Down – Embrace the moment and enjoy your surroundings. There’s no point on trying to get ahead when the finish line remains the same for us all in the end.

Be Kind & Respectful to Each Person You Meet – I may not get along with or share the same views as every single person I interact with however this does not give me an excuse to be rude or disrespectful to them. Treat everyone with dignity and respect whether or not they treat you with the same.

Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff and Don’t Worry About The Big Stuff – Rather then spend the majority of my waking hours stressing about the stuff I can’t control and even the stuff I can control it’s important to keep these emotions under control before they start to effect my life in negative ways.

Don’t Hold Grudges – As stubborn as I may be at times, as I become older I’ve realized to let go of any grudges that I may have. Whether it be with an old friend, family member or ex girlfriend I’ve learned to let go of these feelings and only wish these people the absolute best in their own lives.

Hold Myself Accountable for the Person I Want to Be Remembered As – I think this says it all. When I’m gone from this planet I would like to be remembered as someone who motivated and inspired others to practice and live a healthy and fit lifestyle. I want to be remembered as the person who had an impact on peoples’ lives for the better. Who we are as individuals now will define us when we are gone. So why not try to be the best person that I can be while I’m still here?

Last week I took the necessary time to mourn the loss of a person who meant a great deal to so many people including myself. And even though my thoughts and prayers will continue to remain with his family for years to come, this week I will take the necessary time to celebrate his life by living my own life to it’s absolute fullest.

Will You?

Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove