The best email I have opened in months (years?) . It might, and I do hope so, have given me the start I need to get the spark back. The ‘When I Die file’, is exactly what I need to do. Having 2 elderly parents, both with dwindling capacity, at varying degrees, has made me realise how difficult it is to get their ‘house in order’ when you don’t have a file like this. Navigating social services, insurances, bank details, etc, it’s frustrating and mind blowing in equal measure. This is at the top of my list, for my children’s sake. And having a LPA is an absolute must for all adults, I would say, and I speak from experience.
Great to hear you've found a spark. Let the ember grown gently - blowing too hard will put it out. Always appreciate your openness and honesty. Your when I die file is a great idea.
I managed to loose 17Kg after reading your downsizing book - a little has crept back on, but I'm much more active now - off to swim the Solent with Aspire in September (I'm a chap of similar age to you, so it's quite a challenge). Thanks for your ongoing inspiration.
Great and honest article Tom. Your journey pretty much mirrors mine, except that I was diagnosed with stage three melanoma rather than prostate cancer, and my battles with weight and general wellness have been very challenging too. Interestingly, I’ve just started re-reading Downsizing, which was the book that originally inspired my weight loss journey from 121kg to 79kg (though I’ve since put some of that back on!).
It’s also been good to rediscover bulletproof coffee. At the same time, I think we need to place more focus on major health challenges by allocating greater funding towards diagnostics and Health 3.0, rather than the current trend of only dealing with issues once they arise. We really must push for more proactive approaches to testing—bloods and so on—which would ultimately save the NHS millions.
Well done Tom, I have been doing something similar, like you it started with a health scare, mine was a night in A & E heart racing and thinking this was the end of the road. I was determined that it was not time and it definitely would not end like this. Fitness is a tough gig but it’s a whole lot better than illness and frailty.
Great News that you survived Tom but wait until you get my age (86) with mobility and other health issues! I have just been writing about you in papers on Crime and Punishment, Prisons and Prison Reform and separately and On the limitations of Statutory and other forms of Investigations with reports on findings and recommendations which are for private circulation during my lifetime.
Maybe also write out how you would like your funeral conducted, what music etc. That’s quite a satisfying thing to do.
You tend to be too hard on yourself, make sure your determination is accompanied by some warm small pats on the back as you go. Wishing you the very best of luck - please dont change the essential Tom..
The best email I have opened in months (years?) . It might, and I do hope so, have given me the start I need to get the spark back. The ‘When I Die file’, is exactly what I need to do. Having 2 elderly parents, both with dwindling capacity, at varying degrees, has made me realise how difficult it is to get their ‘house in order’ when you don’t have a file like this. Navigating social services, insurances, bank details, etc, it’s frustrating and mind blowing in equal measure. This is at the top of my list, for my children’s sake. And having a LPA is an absolute must for all adults, I would say, and I speak from experience.
Great to hear you've found a spark. Let the ember grown gently - blowing too hard will put it out. Always appreciate your openness and honesty. Your when I die file is a great idea.
I managed to loose 17Kg after reading your downsizing book - a little has crept back on, but I'm much more active now - off to swim the Solent with Aspire in September (I'm a chap of similar age to you, so it's quite a challenge). Thanks for your ongoing inspiration.
Great and honest article Tom. Your journey pretty much mirrors mine, except that I was diagnosed with stage three melanoma rather than prostate cancer, and my battles with weight and general wellness have been very challenging too. Interestingly, I’ve just started re-reading Downsizing, which was the book that originally inspired my weight loss journey from 121kg to 79kg (though I’ve since put some of that back on!).
It’s also been good to rediscover bulletproof coffee. At the same time, I think we need to place more focus on major health challenges by allocating greater funding towards diagnostics and Health 3.0, rather than the current trend of only dealing with issues once they arise. We really must push for more proactive approaches to testing—bloods and so on—which would ultimately save the NHS millions.
💪🏽👏🕊️
Great email. Brilliant honesty. Quality writing too. Everyone needs help finding that spark sometimes. Intentionality + support = a great start
Well done Tom, I have been doing something similar, like you it started with a health scare, mine was a night in A & E heart racing and thinking this was the end of the road. I was determined that it was not time and it definitely would not end like this. Fitness is a tough gig but it’s a whole lot better than illness and frailty.
Great News that you survived Tom but wait until you get my age (86) with mobility and other health issues! I have just been writing about you in papers on Crime and Punishment, Prisons and Prison Reform and separately and On the limitations of Statutory and other forms of Investigations with reports on findings and recommendations which are for private circulation during my lifetime.
Maybe also write out how you would like your funeral conducted, what music etc. That’s quite a satisfying thing to do.
You tend to be too hard on yourself, make sure your determination is accompanied by some warm small pats on the back as you go. Wishing you the very best of luck - please dont change the essential Tom..
Good luck Tom - as you know, planning and consistency is the secret! All best....
Best of luck getting back on track Tom. You will do it. Chris Dobson