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Seven-Bullet Monday - August 14, 2023


Here is your Seven-Bullet Monday


1. A quote I am pondering:

“Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.” – Arnold H. Glasow


Not feeling motivated to do the things you know you need to? Then, instead of looking for an external stimulus or divine sign, create your burning platform and ignite yourself into action.


2. A question I am asking myself:

Why don’t I ask more questions?


All too frequently, I get to the end of conversations and realize how few questions I asked. The two questions I want to use are “Tell me more” and “And what else?”


3. A book I am reading:

I Don’t Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression – Terrence Real


This book needs to be read by many people, especially men or those living with men suffering from depression. In the book, Terrence Real delves into the often overlooked issue of male depression, exploring how societal expectations and traditional gender roles have suppressed dealing with this epidemic. He tells the story of his own life, the many men he treats, and how many of the causes of depression stem back to youth but are manifested in many different ways as adults. It is also a challenge to us men to get honest with other men so we can go beneath the bravado and denial to help each other.



4. What I learnt this week

How fireweed offers hope amid B.C.’s worst year of wildfires


This week, I learnt that the humble fireweed plant has emerged as a symbol of hope and ecological recovery in B.C. amidst the worst wildfire year on record. This bright purple flowering plant, known to be one of the most fire-adapted species, flourishes in fire-ravaged areas, and its growth signifies the first sign of ecosystem regeneration. It helps with soil development and forest renewal, showing how resilient nature is after even the worst catastrophes.


5. The highlight of my week

Completing the 2023 Emperor’s Challenge


The Emperor’s Challenge, held in August every year, is a 20 km race up and down Babcock Mountain outside Tumbler Ridge. With the top of the mountain at 1,860m above sea level, 850m of rocky elevation to be climbed and descended and some powerful winds at the top, it is a lot more challenging than your standard half-marathon. It proved to be very enjoyable, with some spectacular views at the top, no injuries apart from a minor face-plant on the way down, some tired legs at the end and a feeling of accomplishment along with the other 550 people who finished the race.


6. Hugh-tips

Add 20 years to your projected lifespan and see how that affects your financial plans for the future


I am unsure if you have a targeted lifespan, but let’s say it is to live to 90 years old. You might be thinking of retiring when you are 65, completing 15 years of active retirement, travelling etc., and then starting to chill and travel less as you get older. Instead, imagine if you were to live for 110 years. Given the rapidly evolving biotech, this is entirely possible. So, if it’s 110 years, how does that affect your plans? To consider this, you should try and see the future, not just with present eyes, but by thinking of different scenarios based on what might be the norm then. Some questions to consider will be when you want to retire, when to move out of your home, when to hand over your business to a child, how much of your pension you can draw down each year, or when to book a retirement home.


7. My challenge for you for this week

Seriously think about increasing the quality and length of your sleep


I know you would have heard this before, but the quality and length of your sleep are as crucial to your health and longevity as exercise and nutrition. That means a minimum of six, ideally eight, hours of sleep a night and ensuring you get enough deep and REM sleep each night. You can use a tracker to check these. It would help if you also had a consistent wake-up time every day of the week (and yes, that includes Saturday and Sunday). Try not to eat or drink too close to bedtime, don’t look at your phone last thing, make sure the room is nice and dark, and if possible, get the room temperature down to around 18ºC. Below is a pretty catchy advert for better sleep:

AMAZING BREAKTHROUGH! Scientists have discovered a revolutionary new treatment that makes you live longer. It enhances your memory and makes you more creative. It makes you look more attractive. It keeps you slim and lowers food cravings. It protects you from cancer and dementia. It wards off colds and the flu. It reduces your risk of heart attacks and stroke, not to mention diabetes. You’ll even feel happier, less depressed, and less anxious. Are you interested?”


Have a great week.


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