The COVID-19 pandemic was a horrible time. Can we all agree on that? Yes, I am aware the COVID-19 is not truly over yet. But things have gotten back to a place considered the most “normal” than since before. Can we agree on that? Good. I’m glad we agree on something.

Before you decide to stop reading because you are sick to your teeth about it, let me reassure you that this will not be mentioning the global pandemic anymore.

Thanks to the pandemic (sorry. Last time) I have gained an interest in self-help and self-development. It can be a dodgy controversial subject at times, but it hasn’t lost me yet. Its my comfort zone. Aw, isn’t that cute? It started with meditation. The beginning of that last sentence sounds like the beginning of an AA meeting. I downloaded an app, decided to splash out and pay for the annual membership and nearly 800 days later I am still going strong. That really puts into perspective the time it has been since the start of that thing I said I wasn’t going to mention.

Then, this guy called Ryan started following me around the place. Not literally. The man’s name is Ryan Holiday, and he is a writer and head of the Daily Stoic. Stoicism is something that has made my life change for the better. I have limited myself to a specific word count on here. But you can be sure I will be discussing this at a later date. Isn’t that something to look forward to?

I have stoicism to thank for my daily journaling habit. I also have a therapist to thank (something we may, once again, cover in future). I journal most days. I have a whole routine and system that I love to hate and hate to love. It keeps me sane. Some people me think its too much. But, then again, people are silly.

If you are reading this, odds are you listen to podcasts. Hey, me too. I listen to a reasonable amount. I have it set up in a way that I have a new podcast to listen to everyday. It became a problem at some point towards the end of 2020. There is just far too much content to consume out there. Seriously, have a look out there. Too. Much. Content. I am happy to say that there came a point where I started to cut down on the content and podcasts that no longer serve me or create value in my life. That’s something The Minimalists taught me. Yet another story for another day.

The one thing that I have had trouble in doing during the past couple of difficult years that we have all had has been writing. I had an epiphany recently that just setting a timer or word count at a specific time in the day and just showing up would maybe kickstart a new habit. If you are reading this, I guess it is working. Hello to you. You are looking very well today by the way.

Thank you for your time.