A buddy asked me to have a look at the movie, Meru, a compelling account of climbing at the highest level.
What an amazing movie.
It reminded me of the themes that challenge my daily living.
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Fame
We share a need for connection and approval.
When I see someone with an extreme need for approval, I feel compassion for the child within them. I feel this because growing up with addiction, abuse or abandonment will crank up our need for approval/fame. My kids are lucky to have parents that are present and loving.
Try this antidote.
Lots of small acts of kindness.
I’ve been at it for more than 5,000 days.
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Meaning
Young people thrive when working together on a challenging mission.
In middle-age, many of your fondest memories will be a result of this reality. Remember that memory is a chemical signature of a story we tell ourself.
Coming back from the mission, or simply growing up, can leave a HUGE void in your life.
Applying the kindness tip gives you a dose of meaning but you’re going to long for a stronger fix.
Surprisingly, the mission might not need to be that much larger.
- Build a veggie garden for your son
- Teach your daughter to use an inflatable dinghy
- Take your wife camping
- Drag your son on a sled to a mountain lodge
I’m constantly giving myself missions. Recognizing that I’m larger than myself, my missions have an ever lower risk of death.
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Risk
Teach your kids to recognize, and be wary of, risk-seekers – especially the criminal variety. Risk-seekers are exciting when your under 25. They are a disaster as a partner in family living.
Another antidote…
Gradually expand your sphere of influence…
- Your future self
- Your marriage
- Your kids
- Your family
- Your tribe
- Your community
- Your country
- Your planet
At times, I found it useful to take a break from my risk-seeking pals. I’ve tried learning new hobbies. I’ve resisted the urge to constantly benchmark myself against others.
It takes courage to make better decisions.
