I'm reading The Body in the Library by Agatha Christie and ran across an interesting line that really hit home. One of the key characters is an older gentleman confined to a wheelchair due to a tragic accident in which he lost his wife and both children. He was a friend of the murder victim and during the investigation, the police superintendent is questioning his doctor. Here's an excerpt with emphasis added by me:
"Yes, Mr. Jefferson's health is in a precarious state. For several years now the man has been driving himself ruthlessly. In his determination to live like other men he has lived at a far greater pace than the normal man of his age. He has refused to rest, to take things easy, to go slow, or any of the other phrases with which I and his other medical advisers have tendered our opinion. The result is that the man is an overworked engine. Heart, lungs, blood pressure - they're all overstrained."
"You say Mr. Jefferson has resolutely refused to listen?"
"Yes. I don't know that I blame him. It's not what I say to my patients, superintendent, but a man may as well wear out as rust out. A lot of my colleagues do that, and take it from me, it's not a bad way. In a place like Danemouth one sees most of the other thing. Invalids clinging to life, terrified of overexerting themselves, terrified of a breath of drafty air, of a stray germ, of an injudicious meal."Think about that for just a minute. Wear out or rust out - which do you choose? Now don't get me wrong - I'm not advocating being hard on your body or ignoring your doctor's advice. Quite the opposite, in fact - I firmly believe everyone has a personal responsibility to take care of their health. But as we age, it is easy to allow our fears to separate us from people, places and activities that would enhance our lives and the lives of others. So make a commitment to go forth and really live your life. Do what you can while you can - and don't let that rust start building up!
Please note: The image above is an Amazon affilitate link but please, go to your library and borrow this book if you want to read it.
Very nice analogy Crystal. I liked this and to tell you the truth, I'd prefer to over do it. That's just my way...guess we'll see. ;-)
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed this, Marcus - it was one of those rare pearls of wisdom that pops up when least expected. And following your example from over at The Sales Lion, I just had to share:)
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Crystal.
ReplyDeleteI would have probably miss it. But I love that you have pointed out to it because I am the person that wore out. Although just 29, I have had so many sport injuries and should not be doing anything but rust. Not in this life :) still pushing to the limits.
Doctors can help now, but when we come to an end who will give us back the missed opportunities?
Welcome to TheBest50Years, Brankica. From the sounds of it, I doubt you will ever be in danger of rusting! And you're right, at the end, missed opportunities are gone for good and there's no going back. So don't put things off until tomorrow unless they really aren't that important.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Crystal :)
ReplyDeleteI guess I'm a wear-out type of guy. Even if I wanted to rust-out, I wouldn't have the chance. See, I'm about to get married, so my daily routine for the past few month has been, work from 9 to 5, then head to my future apartment to do some work in it, until I could work no more (that's usually by 8 - 9pm), then head home, which takes 45 minutes driving, cause my new apartment is so far from my old one :D
Wish I could go back to the rust-out days! :D
Thanks for stopping by, Amr, and congratulations on your upcoming marriage! Sounds like you're really busy but in a good way. Love your site - my husband wants to learn German so I'm sending him a link:)
ReplyDeleteLovely post Crystal, never been a fan of Agatha Christie but now I might just change my mind ;-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this with us, hope you have a happy holiday period!
Thanks for visiting here on Christmas Eve, Stuart - hope you had a great holiday, too! I enjoy Agatha Christie once in a while and happened upon this book when I was in need of a quick, light read. I NEVER expected something so profound as the wear out vs rust out line. What a treat!
ReplyDeleteHey Crystal,
ReplyDeleteYou probably already know my stance - but I'll tell you anyway. ;)
I've always been somewhat of an overachiever. I tend to set goals that will force me to overwork myself, get all excited about those goals, look at the work involved, and then procrastinate. It's a HUGE weakness of mine, but still I try to complete them to the best of my ability.
So, to answer your question - I'd rather wear out, pull myself to my limits, and experience life to the fullest. :) Though, what gets actually done depends on my endurance and determination.
Christina
I hear you on the procrastination problem, Christina - sounds just like me. And just when I think I might break my cycle, low and behold I find myself in another situation where procrastination actually paid off. Kind of a disincentive for improvement, don't you think? So I guess we'll both eventually wear out - but maybe we can procrastinate on that, too:)
ReplyDeleteLol, I love your reasoning Crystal. Totally not healthy - but can't say I couldn't agree more. ;)
ReplyDeleteChristina