As many of you know, my longtime Rye High School Track Coach and mentor, Mr. Jim Yedowitz, passed away at the beginning of 2019. Since starting my running career in 7th grade in 1998, his voice has been in my head — cheering me on and coaching me. After 21 years of his words in my head, I can safely say — I anticipate it will be there for life.
My dear friend flew up to New York for the memorial services; and she had saved this photocopied handout our coach shared with us in the late 1990’s. I’ve transcribed it below.
I’m sharing this with you today as a tribute and reminder — that the basis of wellness is always the same — and my track coach was truly a man of wisdom. Thank you for reading and sharing. I hope this serves you! Love, Michelle
After years of extensive research, observation, and personal experience, the following suggestions are offered as keys to wellbeing. They are listed in no particular order but each one plays a role in your health.
Eat well
Take vitamin/mineral supplements
Don’t smoke
Do something athletic (physical) everyday … but enjoy it
Spend time in fresh air and sunshine each day
Sleep with a window open every night
Work to achieve something (short term and long term)
Respect yourself (includes your body)
Do something you really enjoy each day
Take care of yourself when you are well (not only when sick)
Be truthful
Associate with positive people
Appreciate things in life that are beautiful
Find your level of sleep need
Take time to relax each day
Believe in God and put your trust in Him
Let others help you when you need help
Develop and enjoy a sense of humor
Deal with problems (don’t avoid them)
Try to let your body deal with and relive pain (don’t always medicate)
Change what you can. Accept what you can’t
Allow yourself to love and to be loved
Look at yourself honestly in the eyes each day
— Jim Yedowitz (“Mr. Yed”)
Mr. Yed and I — at a banquet honoring his coaching career in 2010.