Do you know the boiling frog theory? I’m living it, but instead of water it’s a living room and a couch. And the reference isn’t about the dying part it’s more about slowly realizing how much your day to day has really changed.
It’s me looking up and surveying the landscape - simply making an interesting observation.
The boiling frog is a fable describing a frog being slowly boiled alive. The premise is that if a frog is put suddenly into boiling water, it will jump out, but if the frog is put in tepid water which is then brought to a boil slowly, it will not perceive the danger and will be cooked to death.
When I think of my life now and my life two years ago I’m a bit amazed when I look at the dramatic difference of what I do during a day now compared to then.
And the really interesting part is that what would have been slow torture to me before is actually comforting to me now. And it’s the new normal.
My day consists of waking up way earlier than before, meditating, have a meaningful walk/coffee with a friend, dabble in one of the purpose driven projects I’m involved in, have a lunch and a nap, enjoy dinner with my family, have a deep conversation with Tracey on a variety of topics, manage our affairs both present and future, relax with family or friends or simply just chill on a couch. Or the fancy Lazy-Boy some extraordinary gentlemen purchased for me.
And in-between those activities are medical appointments. Lots of medical waiting rooms, consults, procedures and laboratory work.
There isn’t room for much more.
And I’m genuinely comfortable where I am with regards to this schedule as I know my body can only push it so far before it pushes back.
Of course along the way this year I have still played some great soccer, gone skiing, golfed, kayaked and more but those have been rare moments of glory that I’ve been lucky to resurrect in the last while. Awesome moments to be frank. But stringing many together has been a challenge.
But there is no doubt the treatments, side effects, things like internal bleeding and blocked ducts have left my body weaker than two years ago. So I of course pay attention. Most of the time. And slowly I’ve gotten used to a more chill day to day existence.
And I would never have guessed that I would be fully satisfied with that.
While I continue to joyfully fill my life with days, it’s the days full of joy that are fulfilling me completely.
Ribbit’.
But all that being said, solve this bleeding tumour and you’ll see me on the Bow River in a Calgary second.
Ribbit’ Ribbit’.