Two weeks ago, I told the story of an 86-year old client who came to me because he wanted to walk straight, and discovered we could help him think straight.
Today, the next installment.
Meet Catherine Hill.
Her story could easily be another topic, and indeed was the focus of an entire chapter in Linda Grant’s book, The Thoughtful Dresser.
(Holocaust survivor, came to Canada as a refugee, and went on to become a sort of fashion icon…one of the first to bring young-at-the-time designers like Versace and Armani to Toronto.)
When we first met she was 87.
At the time, I ran my business in a old boxing gym called Florida Jack’s, on the corner of Yonge and Bloor. At FJ, you’d open a door on Yonge St. and the first thing you’d encounter is a giant set of stairs.
This was intimidating to Catherine.
We even mused as to whether it would prevent her from training with me.
Well, she decided not to let that stop her.
90 days later she was leg pressing 110 pounds.
And bounding up those stairs.
You see, things most of us take for granted can become a source of anxiety to seniors, especially if they haven’t done the required maintenance work while ticking up the miles. It gets to the point where their perceived physical limitations factor into the decision of whether to go somewhere or not.
Now that’s a problem.
But one which Catherine proved was solvable.
Over the years I’ve had many success stories like her, folks who started in their late 70’s or 80’s.
And I want more.
I can think of few things more rewarding than helping someone get back quality years in their life.
So who do you know with that many candles on their most recent birthday cake?
Maybe it’s a parent or grandparent even.
If they’re anywhere near downtown Toronto (and still relatively mobile), I’d love an opportunity to meet with them and see if I can give them the same gift.
Pass along my number, 416 826 4844.
It’s literally the best thing you could do for them.
Oh, and in case you missed it, the not-so-subtle undertone of this story is, if she can do it, what excuse do the rest of us have?
For realz.
(As my five-year-old told me yesterday. Hahahaha)
Happy Fear-Conquering,
Conor Kelly