It's a tough pill to swallow, isn't it? We're all caught up in this game of chasing shadows, believing that the next big thing will finally bring us the happiness we've been searching for. But are we ever truly happy, or are we just fooling ourselves into thinking we are?

Each morning I wake up early, walk the dogs, make myself breakfast & coffee, make myself comfy, put on some music and reflect on the previous day. There are some days I don’t have anything to write, obviously…but I still take the time for my own reflections. I find myself growing closer to friends who share my love for adventure and understand the journey I’ve been through, while also acknowledging the natural evolution of relationships that may lead us on separate paths. 

As the mossy path winds its way,
From icy stillness to a verdant sway.
The forest, once in silence bound,
Now hums with life, a whispered sound.

And here I find myself; living in the company of a ghost – not the kind that haunts old tales, but a familiar spectre, a nebulous essence, the presence of which lingers within my memories. In the absence of their physical presence, the ghost becomes a constant companion in my thoughts.

The end of the year is a natural pause button, urging us to reflect on the chapters written, the peaks scaled, and the valleys traversed. This reflection isn't about dwelling on what might have been; rather, it's a celebration of the growth that each season has bestowed upon us. Like the resilience of spring buds breaking through the frost, our own challenges can be the precursor to new opportunities and the blooming of a more vibrant future.

As I reflect on this phase, I recognise the duality of resilience—the ability to wear a mask and yet exhibit strength beneath it. Life's complexities demanded a nuanced response, and the metaphorical mask, rather than a sign of weakness, became a reflection of adaptability and inner fortitude. It was a period of intricate navigation, where the interplay of emotions was as complex as the mask I wore, underscoring the multifaceted nature of the human experience.

As I sat in the hallowed halls of the members' library on Sunday afternoon, a profound sense of awe and reverence washed over me. The air was tinged with the weight of history, each book and artefact a silent witness to the adventures and discoveries of explorers who had come before. Surrounded by shelves filled with the wisdom and tales of those intrepid souls, I couldn't help but feel a profound connection to their spirit of exploration.

Those tears were the outward manifestation of an inward shift, a tangible reminder that growth often requires us to shed the old to make way for the new. As I wiped away those tears, I knew they were not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the strength it takes to confront our own barriers. They were a pledge to carry the lessons of the retreat forward, to honor the journey that had brought me here.

One pair of grandparents (pictured above) lived and worked outside their entire lives and they survived 97 and 98 years respectively. The others worked indoors and died of illness much earlier. I’m not saying that all people who work indoors die younger, and I’m lucky that my career has a mix of both indoor and outdoor work, I guess I’m trying to figure out possible factors that I may not have covered. 

“Most men lead lives of quiet desperation and go to the grave with the song still in them.”

— Henry David Thoreau

So I recently started taking ice baths on a (nearly) daily basis. I used to cold swim quite a lot and I also used to take cold showers every day so it’s something I’ve got a history with. They’re not only great to aid with post-workout aches but the mental improvements you get from just 15 minutes in the cold are unmatched.

Prioritising men's health and mental development is a holistic approach to living a fulfilling, balanced life. By tending to both physical and mental well-being, men can unlock their full potential, achieve their goals, and lead happier, more satisfying lives.

Embrace this journey and watch as you flourish in all areas of your life, your mind matters, and taking care of it is a sign of true strength and resilience.

By running head-first into the storm, they run straight through it, minimizing the amount of pain, time, and frustration they experience from that storm.  Both animals have similar time periods to evaluate the storm, both come up against the same storm, but their responses and experiences are dramatically different. “

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars...to change the world. ”

— Harriet Tubman