This week’s ideas.
Self Care
Outdoor workouts in small groups. Since May 2nd, my friend Colin and I (later joined by brother Jeff) have been meeting up either in Weymouth or in East Boston to workout. Sometimes we lift weights and chat, sometimes we do circuits with not as much chatting, and sometimes we sprint stairs with even less chatting. Other than the obvious benefits of exercise, the #1 benefit to me has been mental relief. Blowing off anxious energy makes me more relaxed, a better thinker, and a better dad. In early May, our warmups started in beanies and gloves. In the summer, we were in t-shirts and drenched before setting foot on the turf. This morning we were in light layers. It’s been rewarding to maintain this habit while the seasons have changed around us. We’ve got room for a couple more friends. If you are willing and able and want to meet us for a sweat, let me know. We don’t have a regular start time. Some days it’s 8am, some days its 6:30am, some days it’s 1:00pm.
A Book
Dignity, by Chris Arnade. Chris is a former wall street banker who started walking into “dangerous” neighborhoods and housing projects across America. His only goal was to have conversations. The stories and pictures that he collected and has shared in the book are profound. In times like these, the stories feel more important than ever.
A Podcast
Are you a “people pleaser”? Do you struggle to say no to things even when saying no is in YOUR best interest? If so, search spotify for Life Kit by NPR. Find the episode titled “Saying No to People Pleasing.” It’s a tight little episode that has frameworks and strategies that offer relief.
A Podcast
Have you checked out my podcast called “Lemon Wedge” yet? I’ve published some chats that I am proud of. I’d love to hear what you think.
37 hard earned lessons.
This is a little series that will be in the next 36 issues of Carrot Cake. I turned 37 on September 20. The number 37 scared the shit out of me. My 37th birthday sparked an unexpected bout of depression. When I had graduated from college, 37 year olds were dinosaurs. Now I am one of those dinosaurs. I’m not where I want to be. I don’t have much pride in what I’ve accomplished. I haven’t put much “hay in the barn.” Life is not currently living up to the images I’ve held in my mind.
So here’s my first lesson, that I need more than you. I am choosing to use this as inspiration instead of a reason to remain depressed. I will reinvent myself again and continue to put one foot in front of the other. I believe deep down that I am smart enough and tough enough to accomplish some of my goals. I will continue to search for stories of people who have broken through and have found success late in their 30s and early 40s in order to nudge myself along. My longtime friend Kevin likes to say, “we can do anything we want.” I find that inspiring. I get to choose my path.
This week’s Questions:
What current circumstance are you facing that could be re-framed as an opportunity? **This is hard. Losing a job or ending a relationship can be super painful, but with time and perspective, I think they can be viewed as opportunities for growth. I think.
In what ways will you put your needs ahead of others? (Putting your oxygen mask on before assisting others).
I love you. Thanks for reading.
