T.H.U.R.S. #17

Hola and welcome to The Summit, my biweekly newsletter where I share my unfiltered thoughts on navigating the peaks and valleys of adulthood.

My mission is to question everything, grow every day and have fun along the way. The Summit’s mission is to invite you to do the same.

Today: T.H.U.R.S. #17

Thoughts:

• Something light:

In one of my recent chairlift chats, I was reminded of the importance of having and practicing discipline, especially when living in Banff. In this beautiful town, everyone is here to have a good time, and it can be so easy to fall down the slippery slope of partying, drugs, alcohol etc.

Similarly, it can be so easy to stumble down the path of overeating, skipping the gym, or just lazing around too much.

But why is it so easy to go off course?

Because these bad habits feel so good in the moment - like heaven - and because the effect of ‘one time’ is negligible. It isn’t until weeks pass by that we notice the weight packing on, our fitness withering away and our motivation at an all-time low.

In summary, don’t forget that:

Something heavy:

Another quote from the book I have been loving lately:

Well, isn’t that interesting! What is she getting at here?

She explains that a common ‘mistake’ that us twenty somethings’ make is thinking we have all the time in the world. Although we do have plenty time, many of us spend it running around with no clear direction.

The easiest and most relevant example I can think of is doing a ski season - a fairytale escape from reality, filled with other youngins from around the world, all looking to make memories. It is an experience I would 100% recommend, but it can also be an unsustainable escape from reality.

Disappearing for six months, then coming back home and working towards your goals won’t really have too much of an impact career wise. But partying your way through five years of seasonal work and then checking back into reality with a patchy resume and lack of skills can be difficult.

Hence, one of the messages she tries to push in her book is, yes, take time to explore, travel and try new things, but never stop working towards your goals, specifically those related to your career and relationships.

This is not to be mistaken with limiting your time to travel and explore. If it is something you want to do, she suggests finding ways to explore whilst also moving in the right direction.

My interpretation of the right direction: a personal mission statement/short and long-term goals.

Yes party, have fun, explore, but find ways to continue to work hard, challenge yourself and to get that 1% better every day - at least that’s what I try to do.

Highlights:

My favourite thing I learnt this week: Writing letters to people you love.

A few months ago, I received an unexpected email from one of my best friends. I was very confused when I opened a heartfelt message expressing his gratitude for our friendship.

Why did he send me that? He didn’t need to. Yet it was so, so special for me to read his sincere words. I’m not going to get too soppy here, but it was appreciated more than he probably realised!

When I asked him about it, he explained how he had heard of this idea to write letters to the people you love, and he did it - as simple as that.

What an amazing and beautiful idea. It requires no $$$, only honest time and raw emotion. Think: what would you say about someone at their funeral… why wait?

If you’re struggling for a Christmas gift - you’re welcome.

Uplift:

Something uplifting that I stumbled across and want to share: Chairlift Chats!

Every week I make a quick summary of my favourite quotes from the week. Here is week 1:

gabes_chairlift_chats

View more on Instagram

Reflect:

My favourite Q and A from the week:

❓️If you could give a piece of advice to yourself five years ago, when you first finished high school, what would it be?

💁‍♂️”Don’t care what anybody thinks about you, because they are too busy thinking about themselves” - Jamie

See the full video here:

gabes_chairlift_chats

View more on Instagram

Summit:

A challenge I set myself: Skiing!

As a snowboarder, I obviously rival the skiing community, make fun of them every chance I get and compete fiercely on the hill. HOWEVER, I thought what better way to challenge myself than exploring the dark side.

The result: a traumatic day. I was having lots of fun on the hill until I started to realise, I couldn’t feel my feet (I squeezed into a mate’s ski boot that was two sizes too small). After continuing to ski for another two hours (because I wouldn’t dare complain) I finally took the tiny boots off, and my feet were white yellow and red!

The phrase of the day: Screaming Barfies:

Let me tell you, it was no joke. That was some of the worst pain I have felt in a long time! Maybe I am being dramatic, but sheesh I learnt my lesson - stay away from skis.

If you enjoyed this article, please feel free to share it with a friend who might also enjoy it; and if you’re the friend, feel free to subscribe here 🙃!

_{As always, if you have any feedback, you can respond to this email! I’d love to hear what you think :)}