December 2021

It’s the end of another year.

For many of us, it’s been difficult, whether because of minor inconveniences or major mistakes, professional failures or personal grief. All these painful memories are negatively impacting our mental health, with many people relying on unhealthy strategies to cope with burnout and stress, such as excessive caffeine to counter disrupted sleep.

A far better approach is to work on your mindset. Indeed, it’s inspiring to read about people who have overcome incredible tragedy, trauma, addiction, abuse, accidents, injuries, persecution, discrimination, atrocities, hardship, poverty, and other things they didn’t want. Yes, genetics matter, but the lesson seems to be that you can change, regardless of your birth, your background, who you are or where you’re from.

A new hope

Ultimately, nobody can predict the future. And although some lives are cut short – by violence or volition, decision or disease – advances in medical technology have doubled lifespans in the last century. That means you shouldn’t expect the worst when you can hope for the best. Whether things end in tragedy or triumph is something time will tell, as Salman Rushdie writes in Midnight’s Children (also available on Audible):

The story you finish is never the one you begin.

Here’s to a fresh start.

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