A change in my personal schedule this morning, and the current paper asset “crisis” (according to some this morning) unfolding before us today as the stock and bond markets react negatively to COVID-19 virus news (and other fundamental issues inherent in the markets), prompted a quick change in today’s post…
I’m all for planning for the future; sagacious pundits, philosophers, spiritual leaders, and politicos of various stripes have encouraged to varying degrees that we all live today with at least a modicum of thought for our futures. The advice you’ll receive about preparing for the future will vary extraordinarily pending who you might query, who you friends are, how and where you were raised, and so on and so forth.
For decades those of us living in first world countries around the world have been told that the very best way to “secure our futures” is to invest wisely, typically directed toward paper assets, held in various retirement plan vehicles and invested in markets around the globe.
I’d argue, as have many before me, that perhaps your most critical investment you can ever make throughout your life, the investment yielding the greatest dividends and payout over time, will be to invest in your personal health and wellness. I personally find it ironic as hell (pardon the emphasis) that with the exception of perhaps buying grass-fed proteins and well-sourced seafoods, these investments in health and wellness don’t have to cost a dime, at least in terms of money exchanged, though you’ll expend some thought, time, and effort to invest well.
The cost of a perfect exercise – simply lacing up your shoes and walking every day, is basically nil, as is the cultivation of a lifestyle that incorporates frequent, intentional movement, lifting heavy stuff around the house or in “play”, climbing stairs or even sprinting now and again, and getting a restful night’s sleep every night.
Even the highbrow academic elites (Yale and Oxford in this case) are beginning to quantify how much happier people are with the results of exercise and fitness versus obsessing over their bank accounts and accumulated riches. By all means, save for your future and that of your family, invest your material riches wisely and well, but invest in yourself and those you love first and foremost.
Git ‘er done.
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