Every day is a bonus

by Chris Reid
(Ho Chi Minh Vietnam)

Firstly I am an alcoholic. Secondly I had 60% of my stomach and part of my oesophagus removed through cancer (too much smoking and over indulgence!!!!) Thirdly I have suffered from Arthritic Gout for over 35 years.

My last cigarette was upon entry in hospital for my stomach cancer operation. My last drink was some time ago after the birth of my grandaughter (having been dry and wet for many years. I started to practice Tai Chi recently.

Every morning now I awake and feel aware of my surroundings and am able to enjoy each day. Light breakfast and one hour of Tai Chi at 6 am keeps me entirely motivated and focused.

I can again after many years actually stand on one leg, flex my ankles and can bear the weight of my body on bended knees. Absolutely incredible. Much against my doctors' forecast of having chronic gout and not being able to bend major joints, I have renewed mobility in most major joints now. My mental attitude is far more relaxed and less tense. My old inner anger is slowly ebbing from my life.

Tai Chi works for me.

Incientaly I am a British ex-pat living in Vietnam.