What's On My Mind #16

What's On My Mind #16

Oct 31, 2021

Hello,

What's On My Mind is a weekly newsletter where I share some of my thoughts, stories, and ideas to raise awareness; enable personal growth; nourish an open mind; encourage self-discovery; and empowering myself and others with individual responsibility.

"Nothing in all the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity" - Martin Luther King, Jr.

Self-awareness = self-learning = self-knowledge = self-healing = self-realization

I hope you find them of any use.


Do you have the courage to be healthy?
Let's be honest, being healthy isn't a regular thing. It's not normal to have a slim waist, natural energy, a clear mind, a body and a metabolic system that benefits you. Do you have the courage to go against the social norm, make sacrifices, take action, resist the social pressure from friends and family? Because being healthy isn't for the lazy. It's not for those who want to be spoon-fed. Leave your health up to chance and you'll face some serious problems. Not only on a individual level, but also on a global level. Think about the amount of time and energy we currently waste, just because people don't have the courage to get healthy. Really think about it. What if, half of that could be spend on other problems like, poverty, climate change, a lack of awareness, and enriching the human experience, just by finding a little bit of courage to step into the unknown so you can educate yourself on becoming healthier.

The norm, however, is to be unhealthy. The norm is, for example, to consume artificial medication on a regular basis and thus making yourself dependant on them. Giving away your freedom in the process. Well let me tell you: it is not normal. Let me tell you again: it is not normal to consume artificial medication on a daily, weekly of even monthly basis, unless you have a severe issue of course. Most of the artificial medications consumed today are simply because of unhealthy lifestyle choices, and the lies we tell ourselves. The same goes for alcohol consumption, smoking, binge eating, not exersicing, etc., etc., etc.. Let's just be real for a moment, unhealthy is unhealthy. There is no way around it, it is what it is, no matter what your emotions tell you, there is no excuse. You will have to pay for it some day, period. Find the courage and make a change. If not for yourself, then for the people around you.

But, even if you have found the courage to become healthier, you will face people that will drag you down, will ridicul you, and will frown upon your changes. Why? Because the truth hurts their ego's, they see in you the courage that they are lacking, thus they rather see you fail in order to justify their unhealty behaviour. You have to make them aware of their behaviour, in a loving way, because most people do this unconsciously.

Let's face it, most people do not have the courage, don't want to take action, and do want to be spoon-fed. Hidding behind excuses, blaming others, or they simply don't give a f*ck because "pleasure" comes first. I get it, I really do. It is easier to stay in your comfortzone, even if that comfortzone is unhealthy. In the past, I have experienced this myself within my periods of depression. Deep down I knew what had to be done to set myself on a path of growth, but instead I stayed in my comfortzone. I was lacking the courage to face reality and I was paying the price for it. It was only when I found the courage to look in the mirror and tell myself with truthful and loving words: "You are the problem and the solution. Only you can make the change happen. You do deserve to be healthy. Take care of yourself, educate yourself, so you can take care of others in need. Get up! and take action." I had to find the courage to quite smoking, drinking alcohol, playing video games untill late in the evening, and many more issues we all face in moments of low self-awareness. If I can do it, you can do it!

Just be ready for a hell of a ride, because it takes a tremdendous amount of courage to overcome all these obstacles. But, let me tell you: it is worth it, you are worth it!

Do you have the courage to live a healthy life? I believe that you can, but that's a question you need to answer yourself. Don't get me wrong, I am not telling you what to do. You do you. Just remember that, when you have found the courage you will be alone on your journey, it is the only way. But, sometimes the journey can be extremely challenging. If, in those moment, you are in need of a helping hand, find someone that will extend theirs. I will extend mine and join you for a little while on your journey, if you want to.

Above all, be the hero-heroine- of your life, not the victim.
Original art: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/oA568z


Teachings & Insights
The art of peace - page 71

Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or empty as space.


Video that hopefully raises your awareness
"I am a little bit ashamed that we as a human race can not actually gather ourselves together and see the magic, and the quality, and the value of what these habitats contain." - Couldn't agree more.

Climate change is nothing new, but unfortunately the term has been politized and hijacked by profit models. Thus, not addressing real long term solutions without implications (more fear, less freedom). Change in and of itself isn't good or bad. However, current human impact on the climate is a new variability. Yes, over time nature will adapt and start over. Like it always does. But, in the meanwhile precious habitats and the organisms living in them will unnecessary dissapear. Robbing the next generations of these wonders of nature. Raising awareness globally, transcending our ego's, is needed to develop the proper solutions. Raising awareness starts here with us, me, you, it only takes one to make a differance. Be humble with what you have, stop overconsuming on all fronts, buy local, educate yourself, and help others in need.

https://youtu.be/aDoanNM7O_s


Quote to contemplate
"Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within him, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love." Fyodor Dostoevsky - The Brothers Karamazov


Fundamentals - vision, thought, breath, water, nutrition, nature, rest, movement, relationships.

The importance of enough sleep
I doubt you are suprised by this fact, but you may be suprised by the consequences. Routinely sleeping less than six or seven hours a night demolished your immune system, more than doubling your risk of cancer. Insufficient sleep is a key lifestyle factor determining whether or not you develop Alzheimer disease. Inadequate sleep-even moderate reductions for just one week-disrupts blood sugar levels so profoundly that you would be classified as pre-diabetic. Short sleeping increases the likelihood of your coronary arteries becoming blocked and brittle, setting you on a parth toward cardiovasculair disease, stroke, and congestive heart failure. Sleep disruption further contributes to all major psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, and suicidality. Too little sleep swells concetrations of a hormone that makes you feel hungry while suppressing a companion hormone that otherwise signal food satisfaction. The list goes on and on, but basicly; the shorter you sleep, the shorter your lifespan.

Tips for a good night's sleep:
1. Eliminate artificial (blue) light 1-2 hours before sleep
2. Limit your coffee intake to the mornings, caffeine can stay in your system for up to 10 hours.
3. Avoid alcohol; it has a negative impact on your REM sleep.
4. High body temperature can equal poor sleep. Keep your bedroom cool and avoid exercise close to bed time.
5. Stress can disrupt your sleep. Adopt relaxing night-time rituals to prepare for a good night’s sleep.


Podcast about reaching your full potential
Start living in discomfort. Gradually increase it little by little, and you will steadily grow. If you want sudden growth, deluge yourself in great discomfort and do not retreat from it. The more discomfort you are willing to bear, the more you can grow.

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2kWSjINSm5AVbDZFVN4QZo?si=1lXWrSI9QFyIXEZpt3L3Ew&utm_source=copy-link


Did you know...
According to several studies, talked about in this Harvard Health blog, regularly meditating is better for your mental health than a vacation.


Thank you for your spending your valuable time on this newsletter.
Your support is much appreciated.

Joey van Tilburg


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