WHEN THE MIND SAYS YES BUT THE BODY SAYS WAIT

Today, I laced up my sneakers again to start practicing for our upcoming Company Sportsfest. It’s my second time joining the walkathon relay, and I thought, “This should be easy—I walk all the time!” After all, I’ve always been the type to choose walking over waiting. Whether it’s from Buendia MRT station to Makati Avenue—roughly 1.2 to 1.4 kilometers each way—or simply deciding to stroll instead of calling a Grab driver, walking has always been my go-to.

But today felt different.

The determination was there, my mind was fully willing, but my body had other plans. My legs didn’t respond the way they used to, and my breathing seemed a little heavier than I remembered. Suddenly, I was face-to-face with the truth: getting older changes the way we move, recover, and endure.

It’s a humbling realization.

There was a time when I could brisk walk without thinking twice, when energy felt limitless, and recovery was just a matter of a good night’s sleep. Now, I find myself listening to my body more carefully—learning when to push and when to pause. It’s not about admitting defeat, but about embracing the reality that while age brings limitations, it also brings wisdom.

And here’s the irony: though the body slows down, the heart and mind remain young. I still have the same excitement, the same competitive spirit, and the same love for the little victories. What changes is the pace—and maybe, that’s not a bad thing.

Walking has always been a metaphor for life. Sometimes, you’re full of energy, taking long strides without hesitation. Other times, you slow down, not because you want to, but because your body demands it. Yet, no matter the pace, what matters most is that you keep moving forward.

So yes, I may not have the same stamina I had years ago. But I am still here, still willing, still showing up for the walk. And maybe that’s the real victory—not how fast or how strong, but how consistent and determined we remain despite the changes that come with time.

Because at the end of the day, getting old is not about losing—it’s about gaining a new perspective. It’s about realizing that strength isn’t only measured in speed or endurance, but also in resilience, in humility, and in the courage to continue walking—one step at a time.