HEALTH IS WEALTH
At Override we believe true wealth in this world lies in one’s health, both physically and mentally. Our ability to apply our bodies and minds to this life is one of the greatest, most fulfilling experiences we can partake in.
In order to understand the phrase “Health is Wealth” we must put some thought on the individual meaning and importance of both words.
Health as defined by CrossFit is an increased work capacity across broad time and modal domains (Increased fitness) as we age. And if we look at the sickness, wellness, and fitness continuum health would be considered the absence of disease. While this is a good start we believe there is a large mental component to health as well. True health is both body and soul. You can’t have one without the other!
“In order for man to succeed in life, God provided him with two means, education and physical activity. Not separately, one for the soul and the other for the body, but for the two together. With these two means, man can attain perfection.” Plato
Wealth on the other hand is oftentimes defined as having an abundance of money or valuable possessions.
But is this true wealth?
If you ask some of the Greek stoics they would say we couldn’t be more wrong…Epictetus says “Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.” Seneca adds “All we learn from having all this stuff, is how to desire more stuff.”
For example, try and think of one billionaire who isn’t trying to make more money or one actor who isn’t searching for more fame. When we look at wealth this way we will never be satisfied. We will always be looking for more.
Instead we view wealth in terms of experiences, time spent with those we love and having the freedom to go out and explore this earth. A healthy lifestyle is one of life’s greatest blessings, which must not be taken for granted. It is truly the source of all “wealth” and happiness. Money may buy you all the luxuries in the world but it cannot buy you good health.
We are only on this planet for a short amount of time and we need to make the most of it…if we practice bad habits, if we let our desires steer our decisions, we will surely shorten that time. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle we hold the key to happiness and living a fulfilled life.