Time is the FIRE in which we Burn

I created this mock calendar to communicate the idea that there just isn't enough time in a day to do all of the 'longevity activities' one would ideally like to do. 

Take a moment to note what is missing on this calendar... There is no time blocked off for work (how are you going to generate an income), there is no time blocked of for spontaneous hanging with friends or family (how are you going to have that unexpected, unplanned, deep connecting conversation with your spouse or child), There is no time for blocked off for volunteering or being involved with an organization. The life lived according to the calendar above might cross off a lot of boxes, but it's not a life one can reasonably consider if they also intend to be a part of the modern world.

Living a healthy life means actually "living that life". It can't be this theoretical concept of a life you would 'like to aspire to'. It's gotta be grounded in the real world. Doable, actionable, delightful, and sustainable. 

To get us to the point of a 'lived healthy life', I like to use the concept of triaging. In triaging we are taking each potential longevity intervention and honestly weighing the costs and the benefits. For example: Can we spend time and money to titrate your magnesium dose so that your serum magnesium is exactly 5.5 mg/dL? Sure we can... but who gives a fuck. Doing that slight optimization of your magnesium from 'good' to 'exactly perfect' isn't going to add an ounce of meaningful extra life or get you healthier in any perceptible way. Instead, we can focus our time and energy on something that actually adds meaningful improvements. Maybe it's reading to your kiddo at bedtime (enriching your life philosophy and social health pillar), maybe its getting that quick lift in or running some sprints (nailing your exercise pillar) maybe its taking a moment to cook yourself something special (indulging your nutrition pillar) and inviting a friend over to do it (supporting your social pillar). These are simply better uses of your time when it comes to increasing both healthspan and lifespan. 

The idea of our lives being consumed in the fire of time, just as wood is consumed in a bond fire is to me an incredibly motivating mental image to me. It reinforces that this life is fleeting, making every day of it incredibly valuable. You can't save it. You can't trade it. Use it wisely because it is limited and it is actively being consumed right now.