THE BEST THING?!

Well, there's everything!

Introducing Philip, a truly captivating individual who has woven his way into the tapestry of my life over the past few years. Though our interactions have been brief, they have left an indelible mark on me. I often spot him riding his bike, immersed in his own world with headphones on, while I embark on my adventures of running, cycling, or mentoring students. Our eyes have met on a couple of occasions, igniting a spark of connection that transcends words.

Let me take you back to that extraordinary day two years ago, when Tafari and I were engrossed in an intense sprint training session at the valley. We poured our hearts and souls into our 100-meter runs, pushing ourselves to the limit. Amidst the grueling workout, there was Philip, a veritable whirlwind on his bike. He circled the 3-mile lake with seemingly boundless energy, passing us multiple times in the span of a mere hour. His presence became a beacon of inspiration for me, a reminder to persevere even in the face of hardship and exhaustion.

"White Eyebrow Kung Fu Style"

In those challenging moments, as Tafari and I dug deep and pushed ourselves beyond our limits, Philip's carefree spirit shone through. With his cool demeanor and distinguished white beard, he exuded an aura of pure joy, relishing the warmth of the sun and the exhilaration of movement. I couldn't help but envision my future self in his shoes, declaring with unbridled enthusiasm to Tafari, "That's going to be me! I can't wait to embrace old age. While others lament about growing older, I've encountered countless vibrant older individuals who are absolutely crushing life, my friend! So, mark my words, when I'm old, sporting a magnificent long beard and distinguished white eyebrow Kung Fu Style, it's going to be a wild ride. Just you wait and see."

Since that fateful encounter, Tafari has embarked on an extraordinary journey, venturing to Ghana to embrace a more natural and organic lifestyle. Despite the geographical distance, he occasionally returns to the UK to reunite with family and delve into entrepreneurial pursuits. And so it happened, during one of my seven-mile bike rides to the Edmonton boxing gym, where I train with my other friend Costa, who recently celebrated his 65th birthday, fate intervened once more. As I passed Albany Park in Enfield, Tafari's local haunt, I felt compelled to reach out to him using the Temple App. To my astonishment, Tafari had just arrived in London on that very day! The stars had aligned, and we seized the opportunity to train together once more. Our reunion at the Temple rekindled the fire within Tafari's heart, igniting a renewed passion for his Kung Fu journey. It became abundantly clear that physical distance could never impede his flourishing involvement in the Temple community.

Now, let's fast forward to the present, where serendipity smiled upon me during my morning walk around the valley. I sought solace in the crisp morning air, finding clarity and focus for the day ahead. As I strolled by a bench, our eyes met once more—Philip and I. In that very instant, a surge of determination coursed through me. I knew it was time to bridge the gap, to initiate a conversation that had been years in the making. With every step back towards him, my excitement grew.

"I'm actually 76, brother!"

We engaged in a heartfelt exchange, unearthing our dreams, aspirations, and personal stories. In a vulnerable moment, Philip revealed the pain of losing his son a couple of years ago, but also shared the incredible news that his daughter had established a boxing gym in his son's honor, right in Edmonton. The coincidence was nothing short of awe-inspiring. In a twist of fate, I divulged my role as a part of the Temple, extending an invitation for Philip to join us for training on any given Saturday when he found himself in the area. His eyes lit up with enthusiasm as he eagerly accepted, and I could hardly contain my excitement for the day we would meet again. To further stoke his curiosity, I shared videos of me and Costa training in the Temple courtyard earlier that week. His amazement was palpable. Playfully, he challenged me to guess his age, and with a mischievous grin, I threw out a range of 55 to 60. Little did I know that I was in for yet another surprise. With a twinkle in his eye, he proudly proclaimed, "I'm actually 76, brother!" My jaw dropped in astonishment, my mind struggling to comprehend the incredible energy and vitality that radiated from this remarkable soul.

Eager to fan the flames of inspiration within Philip, I showed him videos of my friends in China, gracefully aging individuals who gather in local parks to embrace a multitude of activities. Whether they were gracefully swinging from high bars, practicing Kung Fu with weapons, dancing with abandon, or simply savoring leisurely walks, these extraordinary individuals embodied the essence of seizing life's opportunities to the fullest. One particular clip showcased two men, one 74 and the other 83, conquering ten ab wheel rollouts under the scorching sun of China, following a demanding bar workout. Their strength and resilience were nothing short of extraordinary, a testament to the limitless potential residing within each of us, regardless of age.

As I reflect upon this extraordinary encounter with Philip, I realize that my intention in sharing this tale was twofold. It serves not only as a captivating narrative but also as a wellspring of motivation. My sincerest hope is that it ignites a spark within someone, propelling them to seize life's opportunities with unyielding fervor. Age should never be a barrier, merely a number that fails to define our capacity for joy, passion, and embracing the sheer beauty that surrounds us. In the immortal words of the ever-youthful 76-year-old Philip, "The best thing?! Well, there's everything! The birds, the lake, the atmosphere, the trees... man, it's so great to be here."

May his words resonate deep within your soul and inspire you, old or young, to embark on your own extraordinary journey, making each moment count.