My Security Detail
There is a history of Cancer in my genetics. I'm not paranoid, and I'm not afraid, but I do believe in being prepared. Heightened possibilities exist that this disease, which has inflicted so much pain in our world, may make an attempt on my life at some point.
It's looking to take a shot.
When it comes to these larger-than-life threats, it is helpful to tap into my imagination to put me in the right headspace for staying healthy.
I imagine that if I were a world leader, I would want guards around me to keep an eye out for trouble. You know, big dudes in black suits with sunglasses who wear earpieces and start every sentence with the word, "Dammit!". My own security detail, whose job it is to deal with trouble before it gets close enough to make its move.
Look, before we go on, let me say right here that I realize that I'm not a world leader. At any given point, if I were to pass away, our planet would continue to spin, and life would continue without me. I get it.
But I also think there's tremendous value in taking yourself seriously enough to believe your life is vital to those around you. Believing that your life matters isn't arrogance; it's having a sense of responsibility and ownership.
If you believe you're important to those around you—and you should—then it would be best if you had a security detail, my friend—a special ops team put in place to protect you.
Allow me to introduce you to my security team:
Diet. While it's well known that I like to eat like a pig; I also make sure that I eat my fruits and vegetables. For nearly twenty years now, my day has begun with at least half a plate of fruit. You will not hear a credible healthcare professional argue against eating fruits and vegetables. As a carnivore though, I've learned that it’s not going to happen on its own; you have to be intentional about making sure they make it to your plate. I get up fairly early in the morning because I want to have enough time to make a good, healthy breakfast. Admittedly, this is the most slack of everyone on my security details, but I still have a lot of work to do here.
Exercise. Again, this is a no brainer, but I'm not an athlete, never have been. When I first returned to the city in late 2005, I was 30 pounds heavier than I am today. I don't enjoy exercise, but I do because the benefits are obvious. Plus, it helps me fit into my suits!
Mental health. This is a new guard that I've put in place to keep me healthy. Seeing a counselor should be as normal as going to see the dentist, your family doctor or an optometrist. The last thing I want to happen is anxiety, inspiring an attack on my health. Think of counseling as the bouncer sitting at your life's entrance and not letting “anti-you” protestors close enough to do you harm.
Community. Isolation Is a silent killer. I am connected to family and friends who support and encourage me. I have no problem admitting that I am not a self made man. I do well because I have a circle of support. Community does take work and you need to be intentional in order to maintain it. It’s rare that day goes by when I don’t connect with my people on a group chat in between “live” meet ups. Community is a layer of protection that you cannot do well without.
Keep in mind, I recommend you build a team along with a medical professional. I’m just a guy on the internet! Which brings me to the last point.
Doctor. I book an appointment with my doctor annually and follow my doctor’s advice regarding tests and updating my lab info. Yes, it is uncomfortable to go through tests, but the way I see it, getting your labs updated yearly is like posting a sniper on the roof to scan the area and see trouble before it happens. Heaven forbid that trouble comes my way, but if it does, I at least want a fighting chance. I give myself that chance by tests detecting trouble early and allowing medicine to shoot first before a disease kills me. The majority of men don't do this, and they really should.
A painful reality of my life is that I understand that even in the best circumstances, being human means that the best plans and lifestyles are not a guarantee for living a long life. But having a plan and taking yourself seriously enough to have one can’t hurt.
Anyway, thanks for reading, friend. Make sure you’re looking out for you this week!