Promise me.

Back in November of 2005, a good friend of mine sent me an email regarding her parents' declining health and mental capabilities, after a recent visit she'd had back to her childhood home. She discussed their denial and difficulties and her frustration. She ended it with this:

oh my katie, you asked. let me not trouble you with more. i think some of how they are can be avoided by living healthy, authentically when you're young and middle-aged. not being afraid of what life hands you. believing that the truth will always set you free. eating well, exercising our little hearts out, laughing, loving big.

like you do.

you will not grow old that way, katie, if you keep being katie. promise me you won't let anyone dissuade you from optimism. promise me you'll practise moving. promise me you'll seek the truth."

It really encouraged me a few years ago, and I think it's always been in the back of my mind since then. I recently found it while searching through my computer for other files. I just thought that I would pass it on and share it with you.

promise me.