The following is called "The Optimist's Creed." I'm not sure who wrote it, but it is an important message and applies to what we are trying to accomplish in our quest for health.

Be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. Talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. Make all your friends feel there is something special in them. Look at the sunny side of everything. Think only of the best, work only for the best, and expect only the best. Be as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. Forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. Give someone a smile. Spend so much time improving yourself that you have no time left to criticize others. Be too big for worry and too noble for anger.

Poor nutrition negatively affects us emotionally, mentally, socially, and physiologically. Exercise is the most powerful medicine known. Our muscles, bones, blood, nerves and brains all function better if we exercise. Our bodies are genetically wired for movement. If we don't develop that capacity, we lose it. Just like people who have never driven a truck before, are not good at it. The more we do it, the better we get.

Exercise and proper diet require discipline though, and that is reflective of our life's goals and values. We need to know our goals and align our principles to a higher standard to be able to develop the incentive to realize our fullest potential. And then ask ourselves, "What are the benefits?" "How bad do we want it?" "What are we willing to do for it?" Then break down the goals into steps that we can accomplish one at a time.

I lost 175 pounds and got into good shape, at the same time, learned just what I am capable of doing. I had no idea what my limits were until I tested them. By exercising and eating the right things at the right times, my mental state turned from negative influence to positive influence, thus positive results.

Still, I take time to relax, have pizza once in a while. I even ate nachos while watching the Super Bowl. The thing to remember is to know when to say when. Denying yourself from everything fun will rob you of all the joy of life. Doing nothing at all will also rob you of all the joy of life, so we are back at that theme of "balance" again.

In my book "Nineteen Wheels" I illustrate an exercise and nutrition program that I designed just for truck drivers. You can view details on my website at www.safetythruwellness.com or order by phone at (406) 855-3582.

Jack Kelsh