Today I will do what others won't, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.
~ Jerry Rice
The only regrets I've ever had are related to a failure to act in a time of need.
Feeling stuck is demoralizing. Less is more, when it liberates us to focus on what really matters.
Thankfully, I have come to a phase in my life where rather than feel immobilized when presented with a challenge, I thank a higher power for the opportunity to learn (gratitude) and show up ready to do what it takes (agency) in attempt to help make life better.
Erik Erikson called this stage in human development generativity.
Over the past few weeks, when time permits, I eagerly listened to recent interviews by neurobiologist Dr. Andrew Huberman at Huberman Lab with psychiatrist Dr. Paul Conti.
This series has helped me reflect on what drives me, why it's okay, and why the other natural human drives for pleasure and aggressiveness have diminished.
Generativity
Generativity is the propensity and willingness to engage in acts that promote the wellbeing of younger generations as a way of ensuring the long-term survival of the species.
It is incumbent upon those of us in mid-life to act to improve the quality of life for future generations - to reflect upon our life experiences and share what led to personal and collective successes and failures.
Psychiatrist George E. Vaillant, who directed the Harvard Study of Adult Development, considers generativity a key to successful aging.
Although I tend to assume others know what I know, I have abundant life and work experience to share, especially in relation to general health and wellbeing.
As an example of my ability to mobilize into action, when our daughter experienced a scary family health concern this week, I immediately jumped into the car, drove two and a half hours, and spent the better part of thirty-six hours promoting health and recovery. All is well.
My intent is not to create dependence but self-sufficiency. I like to reduce reliance on emergency health care when safe to do so.
I may not always succeed, but do take pride in modelling altruistic behaviour.
Trust the inner guru
The world is changed by your example, not by your opinion.
~ Paulo Coelho
Having relied heavily on nature’s pharmacy for healing during the first decade of my life, I believe strongly in its safety and efficacy - when used judiciously.
I am not trained in any hands of healing modalities, but when I am relaxed and trust the inner guru, what appear to be miraculous health recoveries seem to happen.
We all have that untapped power within but have been conditioned not to trust it and to seek external help instead.
While professional treatment is critical sometimes, for most of our ailments self-sufficiency through empowerment, with some humility, will save the day.
To learn more, do take the time to listen to the life-changing series of interviews with Dr. Paul Conti, on mental health, at Huberman Lab.
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