“My plan was to work out in the little gym I built in the basement, but instead I took off Archer’s harness, kicked off my shoes, and just sat on the couch.”
Almost a sense of deja vu when I read this. I was up early this morning and had thoughts of reworking a conference proposal and possibly working out before anyone else woke up.
I sat down on the couch for a moment. Louise the dog hopped up beside me and curled up. Margo the cat was a few feet away and also curled up. I caught up on some email, and realized they had both fallen asleep. Then it hit me. Sometimes there is nothing better that you can do than be in the peaceful company of sleeping animals.
I love this post, Matt. So much resonated with me. We have become so ridiculous about so many things. When I was a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition we would study a different food/health theory every weekend. And each time I'd think "Yeah! That makes perfect sense. From veganism to raw food to a carnivore diet, etc. One day our teacher told us about Orthorexia Nervosa - an eating disorder from being hyper-focused on healthy eating. Everyone looked around sheepishly guilty as charged. Many of us were healing from something. Now, I can't tolerate when someone gets on their soapbox saying everyone should be a this or a that - or that cold plunges are for everyone. I know that your point is much deeper.
I love this: "What if, instead of worrying so much about the world at large, we just focus on being the best people we can be towards those within our reach, people like our friends and family, our coworkers, the people we encounter at the grocery store, the guy we pass walking down the street?" I have felt this way for a very long time now. Your "no original idea this week" turned out to be just perfect. :)
Matt, yes to this. I have been learning to understand that the goal of life for me isn't to be happy. If it is, how much happy? Are we happy enough? What defines happy? Replace happy with comfortable. It's a weird barometer. The last quote is interesting because I have been learning that, instead of happiness as a goal, what if it's connection? Rings true with your last sentiments. Great read. Also, have you seen his old show? Louie. I remember enjoying it when it came out in 2010.
Have you come across the concept of Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence? The former is now MASSIVE for us. We can be concerned about the whole damn world and worry ourselves into all kinds of knots while feeling utterly powerless. But our circle of influence..? As you said, it's the people and things we can actually touch. It's where we matter. I can have concerns about saunas and ice baths but trust me, I'm not about to be able to afford either, even if I wanted to be cold for fun (I do not), and neither do I have any impact on the part of the unverse where these things are relevant. Can I go and look after a family member or friends who's sick? Sure. That matters. Interesting piece, thanks.
"My only job is to be the kindest, most loving person I can be to those within reach of my love and kindness, and I’m very confident about my ability to do that. I just have to make sure to do it."
This is exactly how I feel and have felt for a long time. If every person alive took care of those within their reach (people & animals), societies as a whole would change for the better. Each person leading by example is powerful stuff.
Love this writing Matt and Louis CK is a comedic treasure been following him since forever. He is very smart and comes up with some really good work plus he offers it all on his site for reasonable price. The meaning of life is to get comfortable with suffering because that’s what being human is. I use to care about the eating habits, supplements etc to an obsessive degree then one day said what’s the difference it really doesn’t matter just do what you do and keep trying. Great post! 😘
You're definitely onto something here Matt. You're zeroing in cutting away the chaff and sinking those canines into the sweet marrow of truth. Keep gnawing, grinding away at that ever elusive heart of the matter. You might not know when you've arrived, we might not know. Hell, you might have already arrived and left and not know. But it's there, I know you know it is. I love this sh**! Keep on carrying on.
“My plan was to work out in the little gym I built in the basement, but instead I took off Archer’s harness, kicked off my shoes, and just sat on the couch.”
Almost a sense of deja vu when I read this. I was up early this morning and had thoughts of reworking a conference proposal and possibly working out before anyone else woke up.
I sat down on the couch for a moment. Louise the dog hopped up beside me and curled up. Margo the cat was a few feet away and also curled up. I caught up on some email, and realized they had both fallen asleep. Then it hit me. Sometimes there is nothing better that you can do than be in the peaceful company of sleeping animals.
I love this post, Matt. So much resonated with me. We have become so ridiculous about so many things. When I was a student at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition we would study a different food/health theory every weekend. And each time I'd think "Yeah! That makes perfect sense. From veganism to raw food to a carnivore diet, etc. One day our teacher told us about Orthorexia Nervosa - an eating disorder from being hyper-focused on healthy eating. Everyone looked around sheepishly guilty as charged. Many of us were healing from something. Now, I can't tolerate when someone gets on their soapbox saying everyone should be a this or a that - or that cold plunges are for everyone. I know that your point is much deeper.
I love this: "What if, instead of worrying so much about the world at large, we just focus on being the best people we can be towards those within our reach, people like our friends and family, our coworkers, the people we encounter at the grocery store, the guy we pass walking down the street?" I have felt this way for a very long time now. Your "no original idea this week" turned out to be just perfect. :)
Matt, yes to this. I have been learning to understand that the goal of life for me isn't to be happy. If it is, how much happy? Are we happy enough? What defines happy? Replace happy with comfortable. It's a weird barometer. The last quote is interesting because I have been learning that, instead of happiness as a goal, what if it's connection? Rings true with your last sentiments. Great read. Also, have you seen his old show? Louie. I remember enjoying it when it came out in 2010.
Have you come across the concept of Circle of Concern vs Circle of Influence? The former is now MASSIVE for us. We can be concerned about the whole damn world and worry ourselves into all kinds of knots while feeling utterly powerless. But our circle of influence..? As you said, it's the people and things we can actually touch. It's where we matter. I can have concerns about saunas and ice baths but trust me, I'm not about to be able to afford either, even if I wanted to be cold for fun (I do not), and neither do I have any impact on the part of the unverse where these things are relevant. Can I go and look after a family member or friends who's sick? Sure. That matters. Interesting piece, thanks.
If the point of life is not dying, then hot damn I'm doing good so far
Allow me to refer to your post in mine please. Love it
"My only job is to be the kindest, most loving person I can be to those within reach of my love and kindness, and I’m very confident about my ability to do that. I just have to make sure to do it."
This is exactly how I feel and have felt for a long time. If every person alive took care of those within their reach (people & animals), societies as a whole would change for the better. Each person leading by example is powerful stuff.
Wonderful and thoughtful post...thank you.
Love this writing Matt and Louis CK is a comedic treasure been following him since forever. He is very smart and comes up with some really good work plus he offers it all on his site for reasonable price. The meaning of life is to get comfortable with suffering because that’s what being human is. I use to care about the eating habits, supplements etc to an obsessive degree then one day said what’s the difference it really doesn’t matter just do what you do and keep trying. Great post! 😘
You're definitely onto something here Matt. You're zeroing in cutting away the chaff and sinking those canines into the sweet marrow of truth. Keep gnawing, grinding away at that ever elusive heart of the matter. You might not know when you've arrived, we might not know. Hell, you might have already arrived and left and not know. But it's there, I know you know it is. I love this sh**! Keep on carrying on.