Fantastic article with a powerful list of posts that I’m looking forward to diving into. Couldn’t agree more on the ongoing juxtaposition of parenting and your use of the word intention to achieve the balance that works best for you. Intention has become one of my favorite words for all aspects of life. Conscious application of mindset and subsequent action wherever possible. Great stuff brother
Thanks, Kyle -- much appreciated! Doesn't look the same for everyone, but I think those who are figuring it out would recognize the same in others. Resiliency plays a huge part, too, and I appreciate your writing on it!
List length is perfect - the Comfort in Darkness article is great. I only did around 40 hours of BJJ before COVID ended my run, but have been thinking about starting again
Thanks, Said! Already building up a backlog for the next one.
Couldn’t agree more on the Gracie article. So fascinating. As for BJJ, I was in the same boat and am so stoked I picked it back up and at a gym that fits my vibe much more closely. I’d recommend checking a few out before you commit to one!
You're absolutely right about the vibe - the gym I was in seemed ultra-competitive, and while competition is great, I don't want each roll to feel like a tournament. It's fun to just play sometimes
Great meditation on the value of grappling with opposites, Lou! 👏 I like the concept of a "dialectic" where one contemplates opposing ideas, not to prove one right/wrong, but recognizing that the "truth" includes both. Also this one by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”
And thanks for all the great writer recommendations!
Love that Fitzgerald quote! Appreciate the dialectic connection, too — one of those ideas that would have perfectly slotted into this essay if only I had it at hand. Next time — thanks, Baird!
Thanks, Josh! It’s a blessing and a curse to have so much quality writing — yours very much included — so I have to rely on others to tell me when I’m at the point of overwhelming.
My pleasure, Peter — and thank you. I’m looking forward to diving into both books.
I’m also inspired by the fight gear you were rocking in some of the photos — though I think I’ll need to get a little more proficient with my jiu jitsu before I can get away with wearing cutoff quicksilver tops and compression shorts at my nogi classes!
Notice how my Gi pants are cut mid shin to avoid the ankle cuff grab. The neon compression shorts......That was my Czech training partner. Back then c98, it was swim trunks and t shirts.
Thank you, sir!
My pleasure — glad to have found your work!
Thanks for the shout out, Lou! Great post.
Thanks, Jonathan! I really enjoyed your piece.
Please do not ever play catch with my grandchildren.
Very prolific writing this week. I have a lot more growing up to do. No more reading People magazine for me.
I love you and love reading how you are thinking.
Hey... at least your reading!
And I'll begrudgingly promise not to play catch with your grandchildren... on dry land. Doing it in the pool or lake is still up for grabs!
Fantastic article with a powerful list of posts that I’m looking forward to diving into. Couldn’t agree more on the ongoing juxtaposition of parenting and your use of the word intention to achieve the balance that works best for you. Intention has become one of my favorite words for all aspects of life. Conscious application of mindset and subsequent action wherever possible. Great stuff brother
Thanks, Kyle -- much appreciated! Doesn't look the same for everyone, but I think those who are figuring it out would recognize the same in others. Resiliency plays a huge part, too, and I appreciate your writing on it!
👊🏻
Great roundup Lou! What belt are you in bjj gi/no-gi?
Thanks! I am very much a white belt… humbling, but also motivating.
Definitely, I got my blue in Dec. I love the sport, so much to learn.
Nice -- congrats! One thing I really appreciate is that I'm starting from zero baseline. Been fun to learn like a beginner again.
Totally and it continues to be more fun once you find a little edge through finding your own unique game plan.
List length is perfect - the Comfort in Darkness article is great. I only did around 40 hours of BJJ before COVID ended my run, but have been thinking about starting again
Thanks, Said! Already building up a backlog for the next one.
Couldn’t agree more on the Gracie article. So fascinating. As for BJJ, I was in the same boat and am so stoked I picked it back up and at a gym that fits my vibe much more closely. I’d recommend checking a few out before you commit to one!
You're absolutely right about the vibe - the gym I was in seemed ultra-competitive, and while competition is great, I don't want each roll to feel like a tournament. It's fun to just play sometimes
Great meditation on the value of grappling with opposites, Lou! 👏 I like the concept of a "dialectic" where one contemplates opposing ideas, not to prove one right/wrong, but recognizing that the "truth" includes both. Also this one by F. Scott Fitzgerald:
“The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time and still retain the ability to function.”
And thanks for all the great writer recommendations!
Love that Fitzgerald quote! Appreciate the dialectic connection, too — one of those ideas that would have perfectly slotted into this essay if only I had it at hand. Next time — thanks, Baird!
I appreciate it, Lou, and thank you for dropping links to a few other Substacks I wasn't aware of.
My pleasure, Sam — and I always appreciate your work!
Awesome! There are some great links in here that I'm going to check out. I'm honored to be included!
Thanks, Erik! Really enjoyed your essay (the one I mentioned, and just in general!).
Great stuff, Lou. I enjoy these round-ups and discover new authors each time you share them. Thank you for the mention as well.
Of course, Jesse — so much good writing and I get so much out of it. I’m trying to do my best to share.
Thanks so much for the inclusion, Lou. I'm grateful to be navigating this parenting journey with such grounded, thoughtful company.
Of course — thank you! I value so much your insight, it’s a pleasure to be able to share it.
Ever Generous, Lou. I appreciate these curations, and I do read through your recommendations without a "sense of overwhelm."
Thanks, Josh! It’s a blessing and a curse to have so much quality writing — yours very much included — so I have to rely on others to tell me when I’m at the point of overwhelming.
Thanks for the kind words Lou. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time.
My pleasure, Peter — and thank you. I’m looking forward to diving into both books.
I’m also inspired by the fight gear you were rocking in some of the photos — though I think I’ll need to get a little more proficient with my jiu jitsu before I can get away with wearing cutoff quicksilver tops and compression shorts at my nogi classes!
Notice how my Gi pants are cut mid shin to avoid the ankle cuff grab. The neon compression shorts......That was my Czech training partner. Back then c98, it was swim trunks and t shirts.
A case of function meeting fashion!