Hi friends,
This week I’ve shared a short piece from me on some of the benefits of taking risks outdoors, as well as a great post from my better half about how nothing is promised, which I guarantee will brighten your day.
Be well,
Jamie
🤔 Thought from me — Risk Taking vs. Alcohol
While reading the book Scarcity Brain, I was reminded of an experiment where if caged rats were provided the opportunity to drink an unlimited supply of cocaine-laced water, they would stop doing anything else and dose themselves until they die. On the other hand, free roaming rats in larger, natural, and more social environments preferred normal forms of nourishment and stimulation despite the availability of the same cocaine cocktail. This made me think of my twenties, and how much I used to drink.
Growing up in the suburbs, I always longed to live in environments that are natural playgrounds for risk and adventure — namely the mountains and oceans. But apart from our semi-annual family ski trip, I spent most of my youth and early twenties far from those magical places. Young men used to hunt and take risks together as a matter of life and death, but we now spend most of our formative years more alone than ever, cooped up and prevented from fulfilling our natural urges and destinies. Looking back now, I wonder how much of my alcohol consumption as an early adult was driven by subconsciously feeling confined in unnatural environments, unable to express my true nature, especially over the course of long, cold, and dark winters.
The main takeaway for me — spend more time outside, taking risks in social settings. Although this inevitably means I’m more likely to face acute injuries, I think it pales in comparison to the long term risks associated with self-medication, and ultimately depression and disease, that for me seem to accompany a more confined existence.
🙏 Excellent piece by my better half — Nothing is Promised, by Karen Banting
I thought this was a wonderful post that K shared last week on her own weekly Substack. The title pretty much says it all, so I won’t try to paraphrase any further other than to remind you how fleeting every moment in life is. It will only take a few minutes to read, and it will make the rest of your day a little brighter.
💪 Great strength training programs for cyclists that will help support someone in need — Dialed Health
Last week the founder of Dialed Health (Derek Teel) was struck by a car in a hit-and-run near Auburn, where he was left for dead on the side of the road. He was found by a random passerby some time later and thankfully transported to hospital where his life was saved. First of all, from all the content and interviews I’ve heard from him, Derek seems like a great human being. Second, with Dialed Health he has developed a handful of great strength training programs designed specifically for cyclists to help improve their performance on the bike, and quality of life off it. After hearing about the incident I decided to start subscribing again to help support him and his family, with the side benefit of making strength a bigger focus in my life again. If you’re not up for the cost ($20/mo), then check out his great instagram page (@dialedhealth) where he shares a ton of great videos and other content about daily practices and exercises to make you a stronger and more resilient human. Every bit helps.
❝ Quote of the week — "The more things you have, the more things you have to manage. Simplicity isn't merely cheaper, it's easier." ~James Clear
Great reflections on drinking. I’d say 75% of the time I drink alcohol, I regret it. I know I can get my batting average above 25% and this helps.