I’m currently visiting family in Jersey, UK. It was surreal to be on a plane after two and a half years. Even more surreal to have to wear a mask from the moment I stepped into Sydney airport until I landed in London. I’ve always thought…if a fart can seep through denim jeans and float into the nose of someone close by, then how effective are masks at stopping the spread of viruses? Especially on a 24-hour plane journey!
Speaking of flying, I’ve been following Climate Scientist Peter Kalmus since he was arrested for chaining himself in protest to the JP Morgan Chase building in New York. He wrote an article about why he decided to stop flying and what the post-oil future may look like. Interesting.
I’ve been deep in thought about the climate debate recently. Australia has no climate policy (despite raging bush fires in 2020 and months of rain this year), and we are weeks away from one of the most critical elections of our time.
Taking a break from everyday life and routine often gives us space to think and step back from the ‘busyness’. I often return home from holidays with renewed motivation, and this time, I plan to get serious about my personal impact on the community and environment. While I choose local and sustainable products as often as possible, I plan to take it up a notch, like;
trading in our family car for an electric or hybrid model,
track, calculate and reduce our household electricity, gas, and water consumption using the CleverClimate tool
and be more conscious about which businesses I choose to give my money to.
For example, in February, I decided to boycott Woolworths supermarkets when I heard they’d sacked all their unv@ccinated staff while still allowing unv@ccinated customers to enter their store. This action makes no logical sense (like most of the C0VID theatre of the last two years) and has left many families without an income. So, I will not be shopping there for the foreseeable future.
These Life Lessons Are More Valuable than 100 of the Best Self-Help Books
I have read a ridiculous amount of self-help books in my time, so I found this article amusing and some of the best life lesson tips I’ve encountered—no fluff, nothing profound, just simple, straight-talking strategies.
Tim is one of my favourite writers. Read his article here.
“Self-help books are often full of inspiration rather than strategies that lead to implementation.
Focus on ideas you can execute, not lessons from a celebrity who uses their journey in life to make money and get the next movie deal.”
Biotracking, Age Reversal & Other Advanced Health Technologies
Last month, I had to wear a Glucose monitor on my arm for two weeks to track my blood sugar levels. It was a glimpse into near-future technologies for tracking health and aging. It’s predicted we’ll be able to track hundreds of blood biomarkers through wearable devices and be able to predict things like cancer, heart attacks and strokes well in advance.
The below podcast with Dr David Sinclair discusses the topic in detail, as well as the evolving Doctor-Patient relationship. I found the discussion really fascinating.
Upcoming Election - I’m Voting for Independents
Shamefully, this is the first year I have cared about an election. In the past, I have just voted to avoid a fine. I put this down to a lack of education in politics and the bubble of privilege I am fortunate to live in, but there is no excuse.
The lack of climate policy and last years overreach of government into health policy has me really fired up and concerned for the future we are creating. So, I’ve been researching and trying to understand how my vote can help create a more transparent, honest and sustainable future for Australia.
Sarah Wilson has run a mini-podcast series where she goes through five crucial issues we face and explains the voting process in layman’s terms.
‘They Vote For You’ website has also been beneficial to understanding what PMs are actually voting for and aligned with because lying in political advertising is LEGAL in Australia. Can you believe it?!
Discovering Personality by Jordan Peterson
I love a course that helps to explore myself deeper. This one is especially juicy as it was created by renowned psychologist Dr Jordan Peterson. As he was a University professor, it’s quite intellectually challenging and is aimed at helping you understand yourself and others based on the ‘Big Five’ model of personality. It’s delivered like an online course with videos to watch (approx 5 hours) but also includes a personality rating scale that compares you to the general population.
I’m on Lecture 3 and loving it.
Learn more about the course here.
Books I’m currently reading to my son:
Two simple, beautiful books I’ve enjoyed reading to my little one this holiday:
I Am Grateful: The Life-Changing Magic of Gratitude
by Mimi Ikonn
Giraffes Can’t Dance
by Giles Andreae & Guy Parker-Rees
Breastmilk Ring
As mentioned in my last email, my son naturally weaned after three years of breastfeeding. To honour this time in my life, I had a breastmilk ring created by a local small business called Beyond the Willow Tree. Pretty special.
They also make jewellery with preserved ashes, hair and umbilical cord and ship worldwide, so if it’s something you’re interested in, check out their Instagram.
And finally, I’ve been raving about this awesome piece of luggage I bought for our trip - the Micro Ride On Luggage Eazy. It was an absolute lifesaver, small enough for carry-on baggage and a handy ride for the little one when walking around airports.
Best wishes,
Joanna