Saving my life with positive, obsessive behaviour
Happy 40th Birthday Soulmining, Arnie, The scarcity brain
My Lucky Escape: A Lesson for Living Mindfully
What an unexpected turn of events life has thrown my way. Since shedding a considerable amount of weight back in 2018 and keeping Type 2 diabetes in remission, I thought I was on a stable path. Yet, my recent medical experience has truly been an eye-opener.
Thanks to my diligent and lovely GP, Dr Nazeer—whose attention to my health data has been nothing short of heroic—I've been receiving annual check-ups. A break from my past indifference towards healthcare, I must admit.
A simple test led to more complex ones, culminating in surgery under general anaesthetic. I won't dive into the particulars, but suffice it to say, the outcome could have been far grimmer. I'm alive and mostly well, all because one attentive doctor decided to keep an eye on my well being and data.
This experience brought to mind a dear friend who left us far too soon. During his memorial, I quoted John Lennon: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." As years pass, this sentiment rings ever truer.
So here's my message for today: Cherish each moment. We're all living on borrowed time, and how we spend each minute matters. Make your minutes count. Make them positive.
Note: While a few tests are pending, the consensus among clinicians is optimistic about my health.
The Positivity Pledge: A New Dawn on Social Media and Beyond
Social media is landscape where positivity often takes a backseat, doesn't it? Just last week, someone accused me of being in the pay of special interest groups. A challenging moment, but also an opportunity for reflection. Why do online platforms sometimes bring out the worst in us?
Research suggests that social media algorithms actually reward aggressive or negative behaviour. It's a sobering thought, especially at a time when global concerns weigh heavily on us. Whether you're concerned about international conflicts or loved ones abroad, it's natural to feel powerless.
That said, Michael Easter's enlightening book, "The Scarcity Brain," shines a light on this phenomenon. He identifies a 'scarcity loop behaviour pattern of quick repeat consumption' that fuels much of our online angst.
That health hiccup has disrupted my routines, shifting my thrice-a-week weightlifting to a complete halt. Such setbacks are difficult, but they offer invaluable lessons. It's through decades of embracing everyday failures that I've gained the wisdom to navigate them.
So, here's my pledge—and I invite you to join me. Starting now, I'll only radiate positivity on social media. This week's tiny, actionable change is committing to a three-minute wall squat, three times a week. Small changes spark big transformations, don't you agree?
It's easy to feel disheartened when news cycles seem like a parade of despair. Even as a member of the House of Lords, I've felt powerless at times. But remember this: we can always change ourselves. Each reset is a win. Each stumble, a stepping stone.
So, let's begin our journey towards relentless positivity. Commit to one tiny change this week and share it in the comments below. It’s a step towards a more optimistic you and a more harmonious world.
Oh, and in case you're wondering where this motivation springs from—let's tip our hats to the indomitable spirit of Arnold Schwarzenegger. A true hero in the quest for positivity! 😊
Reading
The Man Between' by Charles Cumming
By chance, I’ve just delved into Charles Cumming's latest novel, "The Man Between," and what a find it is. The book tackles a complex plot involving a terrorist organisation that takes aim at the Alt-Right voices sowing discord on social media.
Cumming's writing is impeccable. He's economical with words, yet each one carries weight. His storytelling keeps you riveted, while his well-crafted characters pull you deeper into the narrative.
'Scarcity Brain' by Michael Easter
In a world awash with information yet often starved for meaning, Michael Easter's "Scarcity Brain" comes as a revelation. The book dives into the 'scarcity loop behaviour pattern of quick repeat consumption,' exploring how modern life—particularly our use of social media—feeds into our innate sense of scarcity and prompts destructive behaviours.
Easter's treatment of social media is particularly enlightening. He argues that the algorithms reward negativity and quick, shallow interactions, contributing to a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction and, paradoxically, a sense of scarcity in our social lives.
This brings me back to the Positivity Pledge mentioned above. Part of the drive to focus on the upside, even on social media, comes from understanding just how these platforms can sap our well-being. Easter doesn't leave us wallowing in despair about social media's pitfalls. Instead, he provides actionable steps to escape the scarcity loop that social media often induces. He advocates for intentional, quality interactions online—advising us to step back, evaluate our actions, and focus on meaningful exchanges rather than quick likes and shares. By doing so, Easter argues, we can reclaim control and bring a renewed sense of purpose to our digital lives.
Easter's book is both insightful and accessible, not merely outlining the problem but also offering tangible solutions.
This book stands out for its science-backed information and its commitment to empowering readers. It's more than just a critique of modern life; it's a roadmap for reclaiming a sense of agency and positivity. A must-read for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern existence with grace and intention.
Listening
Happy 40th Anniversary to Soul Mining— the greatest album of all time. Not a month has passed in the last 40 years when I haven't played this album or sung it to myself.
In the spirit of positivity, I give you "This Is the Day." I scarcely remember my 16-year-old self, but I do remember the daily struggle with teen disappointment and disillusionment. The song explores that feeling but also offers a glimmer of hope. It's rich with lyrical content, filled with poignant imagery, and evokes a dual sense of both despair and optimism. And guess what? Even 40 years later, I've had a month that has fluctuated between both those poles.
"But the side of you they never see is when you're left alone with your memories that hold your life together, like glue!"
I'm sending you love, Matt. And also to the other Tommy W., who I know reads this newsletter! ❤️❤️❤️
It sounds like you have had quite a shock health-wise. I send you best wishes for a positive healthy long term outcome. When these things appear out of nowhere it puts everything in perspective.
Thanks Tom for this boost of positivity and to that end, I hope you feel better soon and wish you nothing but good health and peace