There is a recent (well, recent to me) trend in which people (meaning: men on the internet) seem to believe that if your life is not actively difficult or hard, that you aren’t really living. I believe there is value in doing difficult things, but I believe that the value comes in the conquering – one does not remain at war their entire lives, even Napoleon and Geronimo took time away on occasion.
To me, the true measure of a man who conquers is that he can rest. He commands his life and the world around him in such a way that he can indulge in the splendors of being the winner, and he doesn’t have to stand guard h24.
I have dealt with many minor crises over the past year – several bouts of pneumonia, the passing of my father, and my recent issues with MRSA. But amongst it, I have managed to carve out a pleasant life. I work out, but I do not obsess. I eat what pleases me, regardless of the nutritional facts and recommendations of an errant Kennedy. I’ve travelled the world, seen all matter of beautiful things, and I’ve spent many wonderful mornings on my couch with my dog.
There will come another battle, and more after that, but for now, I’m sitting on the couch, with the heated blanket on, writing to you all. They can do their protracted workouts, limit themselves to boiled chicken and rice, sit in frigid ice baths, wear their hairshirts and flagellate themselves as they will – I’ll be here. We must take our repose when we can, as even the Lord rested on the seventh – to deny it is to deny our divinity.
Happy new year to all, and a heartfelt thank you to everyone who sent me birthday wishes. Here’s to 30 more, at a minimum.