Health, Happiness, and Jack Lalanne

I was on a flight last week from warm, sunny Phoenix to the wind and cold of Chicago. It was late at night, and there were delays as we waited for a gate in Chicago due to the de-icing of planes waiting to take off. Faced with the wait beyond our control, it was fascinating to see how some people were jovial and laughing while others, tired and miserable, were barely able to smile as they sank into (and for some, overflowed out of) their seats on the plane or in the lounge. 
Let's face it, we are all busy and it takes energy every day just to keep going, smile or have patience. And, it seems, some people have more of the energy resource than others. I think Jack Lalanne was on to something...


Yesterday I learned that Jack Lalanne had passed away at the age of 96. To many he was known for his own physical fitness as well as his advocacy of fitness for all on his TV shows in the 50's and 60's.  Since the advent of the infomercial there have been many who have tried to follow in his footsteps, from "Stop the Insanity" with Susan Powter in the 90's  to the multitude of people trying to market the latest fitness gadget on the air and online today. Jack Lalanne, however, was unique. At the age of 41 he swam from Alcatraz Island to Fisherman's Wharf while handcuffed. At the age of 60 he did the swim again, this time handcuffed and towing a 1000 pound boat. 

But what really made Jack Lalanne unique was his genuine, sincere interest in people (vs. profits), and his belief in the link that exists between our physical health and happiness. His contagious attitude was obvious - and I certainly agree that one factor facilitating our emotional state of happiness is having a vibrant healthy body. Regardless of what's going on in our lives, the commitment to improve our physical health will pay big dividends in our attitude, as well as our personal and professional interactions with others. Given the choice, why would you not take steps to increase your happiness quotient?

Here's Jack sharing his thoughts about unhappy people:

Here's to your health - and your happiness.