A lot of big, tragic and important things have happened to this wonderful country of ours since April 2014. None of which I have covered. I was too busy writing about hungover parenting, ancient philosophy and my dog Colin.
Out of the 536 columns I have written, 27 were about that guy. Far too few. He is such a good boy, he deserves an article a week.
Today is the end of an era for me, and whenever these final events pop up in our lives, we can’t help but think about the ultimate end.
Everything we do, we will one day do for the last time. That’s why you have to enjoy things while they are around. It’s not just big events like leaving a job, house or loved one either. Whatever moment you happen to be in now, you will never get it back, and you don’t know how many more you have.
Everything we do in life, from eating pizza to spending time with the people we love, to driving, writing, drinking or breathing, we will one day experience for the final time. It might happen tomorrow. This can be either a depressing or an inspiring thought, depending on how you look at it.
A few years back in this column, I interviewed professor of philosophy William B Irvine, of Wright State University, Ohio, on this very topic. He put it this way on a Zoom call: “Recognition of the impermanence of everything in life can invest the things we do with a significance and intensity that would otherwise be absent. The only way we can be truly alive is if we make it our business periodically to entertain thoughts of the end.”
Today’s column is very meaningful to me because it is my last. Like the last night with a lover before she goes overseas. And just like a lover, there have been some half-arsed efforts put in from me over the years. Last week, for example, I spent 750 words moaning about how bad my cricket team is. But the truth is that any of my columns could have been the final. If I had reminded myself every week for the past 10 years that the end is inevitable, I may have been more grateful for having a column and appreciated writing them all as much as I am this one.
While everything we do could have more meaning with a focus on finitude, some things are inherently more worthwhile than others. There is no doubt my column “The pros and cons of wearing Speedos” from November 2022 was less meaningful than most things in this world. That was a waste of everyone’s time. So, if we only have so much time, how do we pick the best things to do?
Well, Oliver Burkeman, the author of Four Thousand Weeks – Time Management For Mortals, suggested this to me in a 2022 column: “Ask yourself, does this choice enlarge me? You usually know on some unspoken level if it does. That’s a good way to distinguish between options.”
With that in mind, I don’t feel great about my 2018 article on “New Zealand’s best hole”. That didn’t enlarge anyone.
There will be people reading this column right now who have loved my writing in the Herald and are sad to see it end. Others will have hated it and are glad to see me go. Many won’t have any opinion at all. But for those in the first camp, I have good news. I have a book coming out on May 28 called A Life Less Punishing – 13 Ways To Love The Life You Got (Allen and Unwin Book Publishers). It’s a deep dive into the history, philosophy and science of not wasting our time lost in anger, loneliness, humiliation, stress, fear, boredom and all the other ways we find to not enjoy perfectly good lives. It’s available for pre-order right now (google it if you’re interested).
A Life Less Punishing took me two years to write and is equivalent in words to 100 of these columns. Which would be a complete nightmare for those in the hate camp, but as I say, great news for those who want more.
Anyway, thanks to the Herald for having me, thanks to the lovely people who make an effort to say nice things to me about my column nearly every day and thanks to the universe for every single second we get.
Bless!
What the Acne on 8 Body Parts Is Trying to Tell You About Your Lifestyle Habits
Acne really can determine what happened to your body and what health problems you may have. But in most cases, it is all caused by very simple lifestyle matters that can easily be changed right away. The thing to do is to figure out what triggered another pimple and what we can do today to prevent it from occurring in the future.
We at Bright Side have checked out the causes and would like to share this useful knowledge with you that’ll change your life from now on. But please keep in mind that this article is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor before you take any action or treatment.
1. Around the mouth
Acne around your mouth can occur if the skin in this area is irritated or frequently touched, like, by a cell phone or some other objects like helmet straps or musical instruments. Different cosmetics and facial products might also be the cause. As well as hormones and genetics.
First of all, if it appears frequently, see a dermatologist who will find a proper treatment that will work for you. But in any case, it’s always better to prevent it rather than to cure it. So make cleaning your skin with a gentle or mild cleanser twice a day a routine. Use makeup labeled as “non-comedogenic” (non-pore-clogging) and oil-free products, and please avoid touching your face.
2. On the nose
Our nose is one of the most common areas of the face to develop acne. It’s because its pores are typically larger, which makes it easier for dirt and bacteria to clog them up. What’s more, the skin here is also oilier and consequently more vulnerable to acne.
Nose acne can be triggered by diet, stress, and certain medications. Sometimes it can be a sign of more serious underlying health issues. But the most common cause is poor hygiene. So it’s always good to add some Tea Tree Oil to your routine, which is a very gentle and effective treatment against acne, or sodium sulfacetamide and sulfur which will prevent bacteria on the skin from multiplying. In very severe cases, consult a dermatologist.
3. On the forehead
The significant factor here is the same — an increase in oil production on your skin. But sometimes, it’s hard to figure out why it happens. Especially if you don’t take certain medications, and it’s not hormones or stress. It is interesting to know that our hair can be the source of forehead acne.
If your hair is oily, the oil can get on your forehead and clog its pores. Different pomades, gels, and waxes also may be the cause as they often contain cocoa butter or coconut oil and can leave your skin extra oily. A gentle cleanser can solve this problem. If it doesn’t help, try to avoid any oily hair products and just wash your hair more often.
4. Jaw and neck
If you think that acne, in general, may be hormonal, there’s good news for you: it’s not all like that. When certain hormone levels change, it can lead to increased androgens — the common contributing factor to adult acne. But there are some areas that are true indicators of hormonal fluctuations, and they include our jaws and neck.
It’s completely okay if fluctuations happen during menstrual cycles. It can also be caused by taking medications like birth control. In severe cases, it may be a medical condition, but most of the time a non-comedogenic cleanser, moisturizer, and acne treatment can solve the issue. Just like basic sun safety and proper sunscreen use.
5. On cheeks
Cheek acne is also a very common problem, especially now that we all have cell phones. Yes, not just touching your face, but even a mere phone conversation can cause some pimples to appear in this area. Phones are great at spreading bacteria. As well as dirty pillowcases and sheets and other objects that come into contact with your skin.
Cheek acne may be hormonal. But it is way more possible that it’s being caused by certain lifestyle habits. So this time, everything can be solved by a few simple changes. Like wiping down your phone before each use and not taking it to any germy places like the bathroom. Changing pillowcases and sheets every week is also a good idea, just like washing your hands regularly.
6. On your back
Back acne can be a mere allergy to sunscreen, moisturizer, body creams, massage oils, and wax. It also may be caused by our sweat, which mixes up with oil and toxins on our skin and clogs the pores. That’s why a quick shower after training is so important. And a proper washing of your back is a must.
Dirty clothes, blankets, and pillows can become a major cause of back acne as well. Clothes that are too tight are also a bad idea. They don’t allow your skin to breathe, which can cause irritation and, consequently, pimples on your back. If there is no obvious outer cause, it is better to pay attention to your diet and check to see whether you are getting sufficient nutrients. Stress could be the cause here too.
7. On legs
Acne is mainly the result of bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells trapped in hair follicles and clogging the pores. It leads to inflammation and, on the legs, is entirely a physical issue. It’s typically caused by some athletic equipment rubbing against your skin or clothing or undergarments that are too tight.
But be cautious. People can often confuse acne on their legs with similar conditions as folliculitis, eczema, or keratosis pilaris. So if it is itchy and painful, it’s better to consult a doctor and use a professional treatment.
8. On your chest
Chest acne develops for pretty much the same reasons as on our backs and legs. For instance, if you have sensitive skin, harsh laundry detergents can clog and irritate your hair follicles. So it is better to choose sulfate- and fragrance-free hypoallergenic products when planning your next washing routine.
Wearing clothing that is too tight, or that doesn’t breathe well during your athletic training also can trap sweat, oil, and bacteria in the pores of your skin. This can also happen as a result of using certain body lotions that contain pore-blocking ingredients. So make sure to look for fragrance- and oil-free versions next time. They are usually labeled as non-comedogenic, which means they don’t clog pores.
What other methods do you use to prevent acne on your face and body? Have you managed to do it by changing only certain lifestyle habits?
Preview photo credit natali_ploskaya / Shutterstock.com, anastas_ / Depositphotos.com
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