statistically speaking: greater than the sum of its parts
I just read a friend's entry that reminded me some thoughts that have been on my mind this week. Statistically speaking, I probably won't live very long. I am a non-religious, pet-less, child-less, relationship-less, bipolar, male, alcoholic, formerly obese, with a family history of heart problems, smoking, slothful, without too many close relationships, currently career-less, survivor of a suicide attempt.
I mention all this because, while individually any of those factors can be pretty bad --but not necessarily indicative of an early death --they are all present in me. I mean, take for instance, the pet-less factor. True, most studies indicate that having a pet can add a few years (I've seen as many as 5-10 years!) but, really, who cares?
I could elaborate on each thing individually, but really, why bother? I'm tired of the really lengthy, whiny, introspective entries. But, with an opening paragraph like that, how could I expect anything else?
What else is there to say? Again, all these problems, together, do not paint a particularly rosy picture. However, to be optimistic and reflect on what has changed and what is changing:
I am going back to school to work on the career-thing. I am no longer as fat because of the gastric bypass. I'm a recovering alcoholic. I take medicine for my bipolar and I see a therapist and a psychiatrist regularly. I may not be religious, but I am, increasingly, spiritual --which I think is far more important. I don't smoke that often, but I still smoke enough that I do qualify as more than an occasional smoker. I have been working on being less slothful and walking a lot more (the past 4 weeks or so, I've been averaging about 8-10 miles; that's roughly 3-4 walks a week).
I don't want pets, I don't want children, I'm fine without too many close relationships (for now), and, well, the lack of a romantic relationship, while somewhat bothersome, is okay by me.
I guess what I'm saying, is, I can look at it from either angle. Things are seemingly bad and getting worse; on the other hand, there is optimism and hope for the future. The point is that there are things to worry about. But, as long as I take it a day at a time, and actually work through these very real, very tangible problems, I can, in fact succeed. These problems are NOT insurmountable.
Everything is going to be okay --but only if I work for it.
I mention all this because, while individually any of those factors can be pretty bad --but not necessarily indicative of an early death --they are all present in me. I mean, take for instance, the pet-less factor. True, most studies indicate that having a pet can add a few years (I've seen as many as 5-10 years!) but, really, who cares?
I could elaborate on each thing individually, but really, why bother? I'm tired of the really lengthy, whiny, introspective entries. But, with an opening paragraph like that, how could I expect anything else?
What else is there to say? Again, all these problems, together, do not paint a particularly rosy picture. However, to be optimistic and reflect on what has changed and what is changing:
I am going back to school to work on the career-thing. I am no longer as fat because of the gastric bypass. I'm a recovering alcoholic. I take medicine for my bipolar and I see a therapist and a psychiatrist regularly. I may not be religious, but I am, increasingly, spiritual --which I think is far more important. I don't smoke that often, but I still smoke enough that I do qualify as more than an occasional smoker. I have been working on being less slothful and walking a lot more (the past 4 weeks or so, I've been averaging about 8-10 miles; that's roughly 3-4 walks a week).
I don't want pets, I don't want children, I'm fine without too many close relationships (for now), and, well, the lack of a romantic relationship, while somewhat bothersome, is okay by me.
I guess what I'm saying, is, I can look at it from either angle. Things are seemingly bad and getting worse; on the other hand, there is optimism and hope for the future. The point is that there are things to worry about. But, as long as I take it a day at a time, and actually work through these very real, very tangible problems, I can, in fact succeed. These problems are NOT insurmountable.
Everything is going to be okay --but only if I work for it.