Health is Wealth: A Lesson I Live With My Daughter

The Turning Point

We hear it all the time: “Health is wealth.” But for me, it was more than a saying. It became a personal mission.

Five years ago, I was tired, stressed and watching my health slip away. Blood pressure sky high, cholesterol rising, energy draining. I knew that if I did not make a change, I would be paying for it in more doctor visits, medications and missed moments with my family.

Starting Small and Feeling Strong

I reinvented myself. I started with online workouts on a popular platform, enjoying the structure, the guidance, the accountability and the satisfaction of completing each session. From there, I added hiking, feeling the slow climb, the wind on my face and the surge of pride and relief when I reached a peak and took in the view. That sense of accomplishment and of being alive and strong became addictive.

I eventually added gym workouts, running, swimming, water polo and more structured fitness. Exercise became my stress outlet. The rhythm of movement and the focus required cleared my head and reset my mind. It was not just about my body, it was about showing up fully in every part of my life.

Sharing the Journey with My Daughter

The true reward has been the moments I have shared with my daughter. Running our first half marathon together was more than a fitness milestone. We did the Knysna Forest Half Marathon, and I will never forget our adventure as long as I live. It was a lesson in perseverance, determination, focus and balance. I can still feel the morning sun on our faces, hear the steady beat of our synchronized footsteps and remember the quiet thrill at every kilometre ticked off.

Just three months after she had cheered me across the finish line of my first half marathon, she crossed her own. She burst into tears, threw her arms around me and whispered that she never thought she could do it. That raw mix of relief, pride and joy is etched in my memory. It reminded me that investing in health is about more than numbers on a chart.

Exploring New Worlds Together

We have also explored new worlds together. Doing our PADI I diving course introduced us to the quiet hush of the ocean, the soft sway of the water and the thrill of discovering something entirely new. Taking water polo lessons, so that I could understand her favourite thing, pushed me far beyond my comfort zone. Five years ago, you would not have seen me in a pool with strangers. Now, I am diving in, learning the rules, laughing at mistakes and connecting in ways I never imagined.

Leading by Example

Being healthy is not just about me. It is about showing Jess what a balanced, intentional life looks like. It is about modelling resilience, self-care and the joy of movement. Health compounds financially, emotionally and generationally. Fewer medical expenses, lower insurance premiums and more energy to work, create and be present are just some of the benefits.

Making Health Accessible

Yes, staying healthy can feel expensive. But ignoring it is far costlier in money, time and life lived fully. Health should be the default, supported by communities, workplaces and systems that value well-being.

For me, choosing health was never just about avoiding illness. It was about creating a life full of energy, connection and possibility and passing that gift on to the people I love most. Health truly is wealth, and every day I get to prove it, both for myself and for my daughter.