Chris Forte speculates on President Obama’s relationship with God and health.
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Is our President living a Purposeful Life? Does he practice spiritual fitness? I have a unique relationship with our current President. I knew him before all the hoopla of his 2004 speech at the Democratic Convention. From what I remember, our President, just like me, put workout clothes on and went to work. We didn’t say much more than “hello” to each other when we would run into each other, which was frequently–at least 2-3 times a week. There was a connection, though– at least for me–that recognized a man on purpose. I related to the way he carried himself into and out of the gym.
When I lived in Chicago, I worked out during lunch at East Bank Club and so did our President. Our lockers were in the same row. We generally started and ended at the same time, I believe basketball was his outlet and mine would vary from swimming or lifting weights–an hour, tops.
Like me, I believe the President was not only getting a physical workout, but a mental one as well. Spiritually, I don’t know, but I will ask him when we meet. Another similarity I believe we that both shared is we were putting ourselves for one hour as the priority to take care of our well being. I would go have lunch with my partners and our President would leave the club. I’m sure he doesn’t remember me, but I remember him; it’s hard to forget the President.
For me, the President is an inspiration. This was a guy that went about his business, took care of himself and when the opportunity arose, he was ready. Then, boom, that speech! In a way I now felt bad for the guy as he didn’t have that much alone time when he would go the gym. He still did his workout, but everyone wanted a piece of the guy. Then, as today, he was always gentleman like.
See, it’s the little things we do daily that prepare us for the road ahead. Even though I might have felt bad for him, I’m 100% sure he knew what he was getting into. Then it hit me this morning while writing following our podcast on living a purposeful life, our President is a perfect example of someone who embodies spiritual fitness.
Today when I see President Obama on TV he still looks physically fit, but more importantly, he still reminds me of the guy I once shared lockers with. I believe our President’s daily spiritual practice, his relationship with God, and his inner knowing prepared him to lead our country over the last eight years. I’m sure that even when out of office our President will still lead a purposeful life.
That, my folks, is my relationship with our President. When I meet him again, I look forward to our conversation. Thank you, Mr. President, for all you have done.
Live Brave,
Chris
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This article originally appeared on Chris Forte
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