Turning Forty

T is for
Turning Forty
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I got the letter/card from my doctor on the day of my fortieth
birthday.I t invited me for an M.O.T. a general look at my health.My
God I needed one Overweight by at least 3 stones, drinking too much and
eating the wrong foods.I was a dead man in training.At the checkup I
got nothing but bad news so when I came away I promised myself that
life would begin at forty.That old cliche.Everyday I walked or cycled.I
went on a diet.But in the true sense of the word.A different attitude
to food and system of eating.I moved into a small flat and left my
job.No more stress.Not as much money but that,s not important.I gave up
drinking binges.Once a fortnight I had three bottles of beer at my
local.I began to feel better and more importantly fitter.The weight
started to come off.I put a chart in my bathroom and it made a
difference to actually see the results.It was hard work.Food and drink
that is bad for you always tastes so damn good.My brother and his wife
had a little girl so I became an uncle for the first time.It was very
emotional.There were no more hangovers and blackouts.I read a lot more
and got back to writing short stories and poems.This was something I
had left behind years ago.To anyone who reads this I say that life DOES
begin at forty and if you ever get a chance of a medical checkup at
forty then take it.Grasp it with both hands and run.