Health

A Letter to a Hero

Wordsmith prompt #2: Write a letter to someone who has impacted your life.

Dear Joe Rogan,

Sometimes I get flack for being just another dude who talks about your podcast but I’m an enormous fan and you’ve changed my life. Roughly two years ago, I got kicked out of school and the woman I was prepared to marry left me. This was the darkest time of my life and I considered ending things. I had no job, didn’t exercise, didn’t eat well, had ideas and aspirations but wasn’t taking action on any of them, and simply had no direction, values, or principles.

Two things got me out of this mental prison: the practice of meditation, and listening to you rant about discipline and happiness. Both of these kicked my ass into gear by forcing me to realize that any outside forces which were blocking me were actually just in my own head. The world wasn’t out to get me…Shit just happens and you are either mentally and physically prepared for the storm when it comes, or you’re not. You taught me how to prepare for and conquer the storm.

It doesn’t work for everybody, but a lot of people (especially men) just need a jacked, bald, tatted comedian to shake them by the shoulders and say “Get your fucking shit together!” By following your basic formulas for developing meaning and satisfaction in life, mine turned from a pit of nothingness to being excited to live each and every day. The formulas include:

-Find something you love to do, do it all the time, get better at it.
-Write down the things you want in your life.
-Be a great person, even to the people who don’t deserve it.
-Have conversations with people, it’s okay if you’re not a genius who knows everything about everything.
-Realize that if other humans are doing it, you can do it too.
-When you’re feeling stressed, remember that you’re just one of 7 billion monkeys on a giant floating rock in space.

You’re an incredibly humble man, who has dedicated his life to solely doing what you want—bow-hunting, MMA commentating, podcasting, traveling, loving your family. You’ve worked your ass off and continue to work your ass off so that you may live the life you want to live. Thank you for showing me that all this was possible. Life will take the wheel if you allow it. I am working each day to ensure that life takes the back seat, so I can throw on my shades, turn up the music (or your podcast), and drive myself down the road I choose.

Thanks again brother,

Dill

Tell me about a person who has impacted your life.

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Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu

BJJ: The art of grappling and submissions. To the layman, it looks like two sweaty athletes violently hugging each other. But it’s one of the most captivating and exhilarating activities one can do with their bodies and their minds.

My BJJ journey began yesterday. I’m not even a white belt yet. I have no skills. My coach showed me a few chokes and then we went to war. The way we started our rolling (sparring) session…it’s something I’ll never forget so long as I live.

As he was in a defensive state, I approached him, confused and timid. I chuckled and said, “I don’t even know where to start.” He looked at me calmly and without hesitation said, “Just start.”

In that moment, all of my worries of doing the wrong thing, looking foolish, or getting my ass kicked, simply faded into nothing. And for the record, my coach (a fifth-degree black belt) did kick my ass.

The point is: In whatever you’re doing, when you’re terrified to start because you have no idea what to do or where to go, just start. You’ll make so many wrong moves, your ego will be battered, you’ll look like a doofus…But as time goes on, almost like a funnel, you’ll get sharper, you’ll get smoother, you’ll get quicker. And three months will go by and a newcomer will start their journey. Then you won’t be the new guy or gal anymore. You’ll teach them. You’ll kick their ass.

As an end note, I can’t recommend picking up a martial art enough. It’s one of the absolute best journeys one can embark to develop their discipline, confidence, physique, and mental toughness. It’s also a phenomenal community of the kindest and most helpful people you’ll ever meet. Learning Muay Thai (and now BJJ) at Level Up Gym saved my life and helped shape me into the man I am now. And I’ve only just begun my journey. If you have even a little bit of time and money to spare, Google local martial arts centers in your area. It will be terrifying and you’ll feel like a fish out of water, but I swear to you…it pays you back fifty-fold.

Drink Water

This morning, I woke up to my alarm feeling violently groggy—almost hungover (even though I haven’t had alcohol in weeks). My sleep-aid app told me my sleep quality over the night was around 45%…my record low.

I forced myself out of bed more reluctantly than usual, went downstairs, and after going to the bathroom, did what I always do to start my day: drink a full glass of cold water.

Most of us don’t drink enough H2O. Even more don’t drink water right when we wake up, which should blow our minds when you think about the fact that your body has gone 7-10 hours (often times more) without water. It’s hard to fill up while you’re sleeping.

After my second glass, the fog began to fade. It felt as though I was coming back to life. Much of our exhaustion in the early morning could be eased by simply drinking some fucking water.

A water bottle helps. Fill it the night before and keep it cold in the fridge. It also helps you drink more throughout the day, and is perfect to take to a place like Chipotle (no wasting their cup and no temptation to get soda [poison water]). I prefer a Nalgene because it’s simple, cheap, and dishwasher-safe. If you feel like splurging, Yeti or Hydroflask are companies which offer great quality bottles. Perfect for camping or any activities where you don’t have time/access to keep refilling.

In honor of the cells in your body—before you reach for the coffee, drink a glass of cold water.