Thanks Paddy and as always I am impressed by your lucidity and depth. I don't know where you are in your journey nor where you have been on the path but suffice it to say the closer you get to the inevitable end of the road the less prior worries and perambulations along the way come to mean. I used to think that "he who lives longest, wins the race", but now I'm thinking more and more that he who does not fear the end and enjoys most what time is left is the true winner. So while I still wholeheartedly intend to make the best of my lot, it will not be in pursuit of some ideal Olympian pursuit but rather than in the pleasure of not only surviving in health but in enjoying all those more indirect rewards of life that I may not have paid adequate attention to in the past; things like firming up relationships to my siblings, wife, and children that I have either ignored or paid insufficient fealty to in the past. I've told them all, if I no longer know you, you can feel free to let me go as look I forward to playing my part in the ongoing cycle of life and the recycling thereof but until then I hope to build a more positive finale.
That’s why I drink (very modestly) also. Eventually the sun will set for all of us. Have to enjoy the ride too. All about understanding where you are on a risk curve.
I stopped cold turkey about 20 years ago. Then I went on a family cruise last year and drank. Came back and initially drank very little then I rediscovered beer and that's where I am now. The first stop was easy but this one isn't. I can tell the difference though and I plan to stop again eventually. At 80 though and a victim of Covid(?) Pericarditis resulting in a partial pericardiectomy I weigh things differently than when I was fit and exercising regularly.
It’s sounds like you have made progress. We are always struggling with challenges over time though. A pericardectomy is a big operation. I do wish you the best in your recovery journey.
Thanks Ioannis - I don't have much expertise in gut microbiome insights. I expect they are likely to be highly influential in a lot of processes but our understanding is so limited at this time.
Thanks Paddy and as always I am impressed by your lucidity and depth. I don't know where you are in your journey nor where you have been on the path but suffice it to say the closer you get to the inevitable end of the road the less prior worries and perambulations along the way come to mean. I used to think that "he who lives longest, wins the race", but now I'm thinking more and more that he who does not fear the end and enjoys most what time is left is the true winner. So while I still wholeheartedly intend to make the best of my lot, it will not be in pursuit of some ideal Olympian pursuit but rather than in the pleasure of not only surviving in health but in enjoying all those more indirect rewards of life that I may not have paid adequate attention to in the past; things like firming up relationships to my siblings, wife, and children that I have either ignored or paid insufficient fealty to in the past. I've told them all, if I no longer know you, you can feel free to let me go as look I forward to playing my part in the ongoing cycle of life and the recycling thereof but until then I hope to build a more positive finale.
I only intend on living longer to live as meaningfully within the time allotted. It sounds like you have that well underway.
Great post Paddy. More people should be aware of the reality of alcohol harms beyond the marketing.
It's a hard one to change but slowly, slowly.
Great essay. That is another Vermeer, no Johaness.
I will take the risk and drink a glass of wine in the sunset. Life is short, evils are infinite and pleasures are few. Cheers.
That’s why I drink (very modestly) also. Eventually the sun will set for all of us. Have to enjoy the ride too. All about understanding where you are on a risk curve.
I stopped cold turkey about 20 years ago. Then I went on a family cruise last year and drank. Came back and initially drank very little then I rediscovered beer and that's where I am now. The first stop was easy but this one isn't. I can tell the difference though and I plan to stop again eventually. At 80 though and a victim of Covid(?) Pericarditis resulting in a partial pericardiectomy I weigh things differently than when I was fit and exercising regularly.
It’s sounds like you have made progress. We are always struggling with challenges over time though. A pericardectomy is a big operation. I do wish you the best in your recovery journey.
Every doctor I have says alcohol increases your risk of breast cancer. Do you disagree w this?
Great post. What are you thoughts on alcohol and gut microbiome as well as pain? Any ideas on that topic?
Thanks Ioannis - I don't have much expertise in gut microbiome insights. I expect they are likely to be highly influential in a lot of processes but our understanding is so limited at this time.