So that's how galaxies are born!

The older I got, the more I realized I needed to start looking after my health, and I'm just in my mid 30s. Then I read some bits from Plato and Aristotle about physical fitness and its importance to the mind and understanding and I finally had the motivation I needed to start working out.

Everyone has different needs when it comes to motivating for physical activity, but the benefits to mind body and soul cannot be understated.

I get that people can suck, but I'll never forget what an old friend of mine once told me when someone was pissing me off. I got home and I was still mad, and he's sitting on the couch with a bong and he says

"Do you think they're thinking about you right now?"

"Maybe. Probably not." I said, frustrated.

"Why waste your time and energy thinking about someone who doesn't even think about you?"

"Well I..."

"Negative thoughts man. You get caught in a cycle it isn't good for you. Don't let them win by dwelling on the bad people. Just go with the flow and let the voices of haters be like ants beneath you..."

I'm paraphrasing that last paragraph a bit, but I remember it being about not dwelling on the hater's and ant voices, quite profound for a guy high as a kite haha

I'm not gonna let haters define me, put me into a box, or ruin my day by giving them attention after they've spread their toxicity. I'ma live my life, let them hate. The fact that it doesn't get to me only makes them saltier too xD

I actually beat my 15 year depression because I realized something akin to this during Lockdown.

I spent my 20s in and out of relationships hoping just being with someone would make me happy, while I ignored my own mental needs.

During Lockdown, 32 at the time, I realized I had spent so much of my life working multiple jobs, making other people happy (family and girlfriends) and just staying busy that I hadn't taken the time for me. Time was only going by faster each year.

So I looked in the mirror and said "You know what? Life is too goddamn short for me to worry about what other people think - as long as I'm not hurting anyone, my path is my path." I'll walk it as I see fit, judgements and expectations of others be damned. I'm gonna live my life, focus on myself and not worry about chasing relationships - Id' find a way to be happy single - one doesn't need a partner to be happy.

After a few months of this way of thinking: Depression - gone, weight down by 40 pounds, confidence - higher than it's ever been. I'm doing so well, I've actually had the opportunity to ask someone out again (especially since I've lost weight) but I've found I'd just rather be single.