“If you don’t know the destination, how will you know when to stop?”

And, as I set about recording my intended mind over matter determination to combat the ravages of Parkinsons another Irish witticism is also appropriate.

“Assessing the task ahead I wouldn’t be starting from here!!”

Well now, how then and where do I start?

Some years ago, after I retired as a General Manager of First National Bank., I wanted a complete change in my life and so set objectives completely alien to my working career.

And so I did a “SWOT” analysis of myself.

In the solitude of my study, I decided to be entirely honest and reached into the very innermost parts of my psyche. My oh my, what a revelation, as old forgotten skeletons and those hidden under layers of denial, rattled their iniquitous bones! However, it was in a sense a real catharsis. With much trepidation I admitted to some very personal weaknesses hidden away.!

(I recommend you do a swot analysis of yourself. Be entirely honest and I guarantee you will be surprised at what flows from an appraisal of your innermost self!)

I am achievement oriented, so I need challenges to keep active. Accordingly, I set myself several goals…….way beyond my expectations of  successful accomplishments!! I was determined to enjoy the journey and if I eventually succeeded, to let it be a bonus!!

I set a number of personal objectives and three “impossible” goals:

 -Publish a book

 -Have a successful art exhibition

 -Play in a philharmonic orchestra

And over the past twenty-five years I have had a wonderful journey of discovery and believe it or not, succeeding spectacularly in all three goals ……. way beyond my wildest dreams/proving the power of a positive mind.

I equate feeling old to a young man waking up wondering what the hell has happened! You know when it either dries up or leaks, when there is a need to take naps between sleeps etc etc……and almost without any fanfare realised I was eighty-four years old!  

I have Parkinsons and battling at present……as a result many of my pursuits have come to an end: playing the double bass in philharmonic orchestras, golf, jogging and so on. I can hardly walk and shuffle with the aid of a walker; driving my car is something of the past.

This morning, I decided to do something about it. Instead of allowing myself to be cloistered in a box……….you know when subliminally and overtly society will classify you as elderly, over the hill, had a good innings, and so on ad nauseum!

Hence my title ?   COX OUT OF THE BOX!

I firmly believe in the power of the mind. You are what you think you are!

I also believe in God’s omnipotence but for those who do their best to help themselves.

I have as a result coined my own acronym…..AGED…..which I am trying to apply to my life:

A                  Attitude

G                  God

E                   Exercise

D                   Diet

This opens a never-ending debate which may be a topic for much meaningful discussion but for now I have decided on another “impossible” goal”.

I have decided to walk from Schoenmakerskop to Cape Town.

Figuratively speaking, I have mapped out a route in stunning Schoenmakerskop where I live. I have a four-wheeler push assist and will shuffle at first hoping to strengthen,,,,only a  few hundred meters in the beginning!  But it is a start, and I am determined to enjoy the journey.

So, if you are interested, I will love to hear from you especially those of you who are acquainted with Mr Parkinson!

Talbot Cox

c/o Periwinkle Studio

Schoenmakerskop

This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

082 4 9696 22

Ps: my walking aid is named “Fartlek” in memory of my jogging days!