Recently, I overheard my partner watching a Christmas episode of Friends in which Phoebe, generally considered to be the odd one of the group, puts a skull on the table as a festive decoration. She then explains that her mother used to put it out at Christmas as a reminder that “even though it’s Christmas, people still die.” Rachel then whispers to Ross “you may need to use this year to teach Ben [Ross’s son] about Phoebe,” implying that Phoebe is indeed theodd and eccentric one of the group.

By continually meditating on the pain and suffering of the world and all that could go wrong, we become grateful for what we have

However, to me, Phoebe just recited an incredibly Stoic, philosophical idea: that we must continually remind ourselves of the pain and suffering of theworld. Many will read that as a depressing notion, however it’s just theopposite. By continually meditating on the pain and suffering of the world and all that could go wrong, we become grateful for what we have and the more meaningful aspects of our lives like time, loved ones and purposeful connections. Instead of yearning for material possessions at Christmas, we should be cherishing the ones we are able to spend it with and remembering and celebrating the ones who we can no longer be with. We should be cherishing the time we spent with those we have lost and be grateful for thelove we share at this time because our time is limited and we never know just how limited until disaster strikes. Therefore, an awareness of this reminds us to cherish each moment.

Phoebe is only the “odd” one of the group because she thinks the way we all should but the majority of us don’t. Yes, we should enjoy ourselves today and exchange gifts and eat ourselves silly, but we should also be aware of how precious this time is, how grateful we are for these times of love and meaningand remember that “even though it’s Christmas, people still die.”

Keep On Struggling

Gregor

Article To Read at the Festive Season - The Tail End

I have recommended this article in a previous newsletter but I find it’s message worthy of a re-read often, especially during times in which we spend time with those we love.
The Tail End is an unlikely masterpiece by Tim Urban (pictured) given its fun and graphic style but this article packs a deep philosophical punch. I mentioned it on an In Context Episode whilst speaking with best-selling author Gavin Oattes. It basically outlines, in graphic form, how short life is and how grateful we must be for all aspects of it. We actually spend such little time with the people we love the most and the graphics in this article portray that beautifully. Even more sad (just kidding) is how many more pizzas we’re likely to eat from now until we die. I think one of the main morals of this article is that we should appreciate every minute of our lives because life can feel short sometimes and it’s the people we love and spend time with that we will cherish, not new cars, handbags or phones. Life can be hard, but it’s thepeople you love that make it worth every minute.

Read the article below.

READ HERE

Stand-Up Special I Loved - What A Day! by Tom Papa

“Tom doles out truths about post-marriage intimacy, his problematic pet pug and why men are to blame for most of life’s inconveniences (2).”
I loved Papa’s previous two Netflix comedy specials so I looked forward to watching this one. Papa’s unique and heart-warming style make this a must-watch, especially during this festive season with family and friends.

Watch the special on Netflix or watch the trailer below.

WATCH HERE

Song I Find Meaningful - Wildfire by Forest Blakk

This song by Canadian singer/ songwriter Forest Blakk is more of a spoken word/poetry-based song however the words are beautiful and motivational especially if you find yourself a little lost, unmotivated or down. It helps me remember what I’m working towards, that I am limited and that I must be grateful for my limitations and vulnerabilities.

Listen to Wildfire and Blakk’s music below.

LISTEN HERE

Quote to Ponder

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice. But in practice, there is - Jan L.A. Van de Snepscheut

References

1) Tim Urban Image - Forbes

2) Tom Papa Image & Quote - Netflix

3) Forest Blakk Image - Forest Blakk YouTube Channel

4) Friends Image - The Trending Buzz