The importance of disconnecting and stepping back is becoming more and more apparent. I found that I was getting frustrated with the persistent reminders of anxiety provoking information. The value in escaping and reconnecting with those that matter, avoiding distractions, and appreciating where we are is the foundation of a good vacation. The difference I noted between this and the longer time away was the lack of time spent planning. When I was away longer, I was able to spend a lot of time prioritizing how I wanted to spend my time on the return. I think, not spending the time in planning for the week was a disservice to myself.
Source: A conversation
Lesson: Some people think about the meaning of life, I just think about what’s for dinner
Reflection: My wife made this statement while listening to Yuval Harari on Tim Ferris’ podcast. When she saw I wrote this statement down, I think she took offense to it as I was belittling her priorities. I don’t think that at all. I think that many times I let myself get lost in anxieties about things I cannot control. About trying to control everything. About wanting to be further ahead. The ability to appreciate ingredients. The ability to think about feeding those you love. The ability to serve those you are with. Those are all probably attributes that lead to happiness.
Source: Tim Ferris Podcast – Yuval Harari
Lesson: Definition of wealth – not caring about the price of Pineapple
Reflection: I continue to think about the concept of what is enough. John Bogle wrote a book on the topic and the more I get interested in the FIRE movement that becomes the new goalpost. I think the interesting thing is how the goalpost always moves. Pay off credit cards, have X amount in savings, reach X savings rate, reach x times your annual spending rate. In hearing his definition of wealth, not having to think about the price of a good that he wants. Another person told me, “if you shop at Whole Foods, you’re rich.”
Source: Now What – Dan John
Lesson: Determine the Three Keys to Success in your field.
Peter Attia wrote an article on finding a good physician.
1. Up to date, 2. Spend time with you, 3. Advocate for you, 4. Are available for you. When I think about what constitutes good healthcare I think about the ability to motivate someone for change. The ability to track and communicate what’s important. Having up to date information for the patient.
Source: Jim Wilson – Church
Lesson: Sometimes our lamps run out of oil
Reflection: This one really hit home for me. I told my wife that it’s been a long time since I felt like my lamp had oil. That I was connecting with others. That I was serving others. I feel like since I’ve been home, I’ve been only serving my own agenda. He ended up singing an old hymn about having the Lord give him oil for his lamp. I continue to pray that I can shine the light of God to others.
Seeking Progress 