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Covid Update
Covid symptoms appeared last Sunday in the form of body aches, fatigue and a fever. The fever broke around 8:30 pm that night and the next morning, my temperature was normal. I was hopeful that the virus came and went but in the afternoon, things began to change. The fever reappeared for a few hours and then in the evening it broke. Tuesday morning I felt much better and as the afternoon approached, I was worried the fever would return like the previous days but it did not. Since Tuesday, I have been feeling much better. I still have a lingering cough and get tired pretty quickly. After shoveling and playing in the snow for a few hours on Friday, I was totally wiped out. My capacity to exercise is not close to being back to normal so we will see how this plays out. In addition, my capacity to do mental work is not ideal either. This newsletter took awhile as I was having trouble putting coherent thoughts together! What I've Been Thinking About The new year brings on discussions of all types of fancy training programs and gadgets. The quick fix is most desirable and unfortunately we are in a state that needs much more than that. From 1999 –2000 through 2017 –2018, US obesity prevalence increased from 30.5% to 42.4%. Shortly, we will be at 50%. Our children are also becoming more obese and I am worried about what our future looks like if there is not a change soon. To me, the root of this issue stems from how we view ourselves. We don't always see ourselves as someone who can be better. We put others first and we rationalize our way out of situations that would benefit us. We rarely put ourselves first and this leads to trouble. I think if we want to reverse some of those statistics mentioned above, we have to view ourselves in a more positive light. We have to view ourselves as someone who can make the necessary changes to live a healthier lifestyle. It starts with us. Changing behavior is tough but so are a lot of things you will experience in life. You have overcome so much already in life, what is one more thing? Set a goal, work on the goal, and keep trying. Don't give up on the idea and keep pressing forward. The great Sam Cooke said it best when he wrote, "A change is gonna is come." You have to believe that. What I've Been Reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield Every so often we all need a little kick in the rear end. This book typically does it for me. It is 165 pages of motivational doctrine that gets you off your butt and encourages you to start working towards whatever your calling is. He identifies all types of Resistance that we face in life and offers encouragement on how to overcome. Pressfield believes that if you show up everyday, your effort will be rewarded. In his mind, if you show respect to the work, the work will reward you. He compares it to the Muses of ancient times. If you honor the Muse, the Muse will grant you ideas or inspiration. I really like this idea! A Revolutionary Resolution Back in the day, Benjamin Franklin identified 13 virtues that he deemed were necessary for self improvement (To view his list, click here... Ben Franklin: The Thirteen Necessary Virtues). Each week, he would focus on one of those virtues. After thirteen weeks, round one was done and he would start from the beginning. He would cycle through the 13 four times over the course of the year. So this year, I am going to take a page out of his book as my "resolution" for this year is to follow Franklins plan and attack one virtue a week. The focus of week one is TEMPERANCE which Franklin defined as, "eat not to dullness; drink not to elevation." If I was not coming off Covid, this one would be more difficult for me. I don't always indulge but when I do, it is usually to overindulgence. One sweet treat easily becomes six. If/when the flood gates open, I will work towards avoiding those indulgent temptations. Next week, we will be working on SILENCE. I look forward to practicing this one! Quote of the Week "I write only when inspiration strikes. Fortunately it strikes every morning at nine o'clock sharp" -- Somerset Maugham I hope you all have an awesome week! Chris Fluck
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