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I am slowly reading an ebook by Tom Greene titled Stories For The Journey Through Life. It demonstrates the different phases of our human existence, and how to make the most of this short life.

I'm not the best book reviewer. I wish to share some key points and lessons I found interesting in this book.

We'll cover only chapters 1-3 today. I hope you find it valuable.

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What's Up?

General thought on the book:

Relatable. That's how I’d describe the first 4 chapters I've read. The author explains his points with things we see happening every day, which makes the book quite relatable.

Score so far: 6.85/10

Who should read this book:

Someone

• who wants to learn how to maximize the years of their lives
• who wants to learn to live intentionally and mindfully
• who does not believe that money is the key to true happiness

If you fall into any of these categories, I suggest you read further.

Takeaways and thoughts:

Key 1: Don't just live, thrive.

The ebook opens with a conversation between the author's wife and her best friend, who was diagnosed with cancer.

On her best friend’s deathbed, she said to his wife, “Eat the fried chicken.”

The best friend asked why fried chicken was the most important thing to her at that moment; she responded, “Because you love fried chicken. And, when your days on this earth are numbered, you’re really going to wish you’d taken more time to enjoy the things you really love.”

This is the first part that struck me in the book.

Tom explained how much we neglect memories and forget that

• Life is short
• Life is about thriving, not just living.

As I re-read that chapter for this review, I remembered how much I have procrastinated the things I enjoy, such as

• Going to dance classes
• Solo dates
• Watching a horror movie and sharing my honest opinion on it.

I lost those “memory dividends” as I fell so deep into the pressure to build wealth. We get trapped in the hustle culture to escape financial scarcity, save for retirement, and keep our best items for the best occasions.

The “American dream” encourages us to work and save towards retirement. But how many of us will live to see the retirement age? It's uncertain.

And if we live until that age, there's no guarantee that we will be in good shape to travel and enjoy retirement.

💌 Something for you:

• Invest in experiences early
• Take time to do the things you love
• Create memories that give you purpose
• Plan to die with no money.

Key 2: Disorder is a part of life and happiness

Tom introduced a theory by Friar Richard that suggests that we cannot grow unless we move through significant periods of uncertainty in our lives.

The theory highlights 3 stages of human development:

1. Order
2. Disorder
3. Reorder

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1. Order: This is the stage or phase where everything seems perfect. Life is great, we are in control, and the universe is concurring.
2. Disorder: The evil sister of “Order"—as Tom introduces. This is the phase/ stage where everything seems to be falling apart, life seems unfair, and nothing seems to make sense. A stage that reminds us we are not in control of our lives.
3. Reorder: Things begin to make sense again. We are in control, and life is kinder.

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These 3 stages suggest that we aren't completely in control of our lives. I have noticed this pattern in my life too. I felt motivated, disciplined, and active for some days. Suddenly, things fall apart for a while, sometimes for a week. And after some time, everything seems to make sense.

If you observe your life for a month, you can tell too.

💌 Something for you:

• Every good day exists so we can experience the good things in life
• Every bad day exists so we can learn the lessons of life
• Every day isn't a good day and that's okay
• Everything makes sense with time. (A daily affirmation I never miss.)

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​Key 3: Delayed gratification is an important life skill

An adult gave marshmallows to 10 children. The adult gave them 2 choices,

Option 1: Eat the marshmallows now

Option 2: Hold the marshmallows for 15 minutes and get extra.

5 ate theirs without hesitation, and the other 5 saved theirs and got extra.

The children who were able to hold out their marshmallows ended up as successful adults and had better habits.

But why delay the gratification?

1. Prepares you for long-term reward
2. Reduces the chance of making choices you will regret
3. It teaches us discipline

It's just like investing, that's a perfect example in my life. Investors who learn to HOL long-term see higher returns than those who seek quick investment returns. I know this because I have seen the results in my life.

Modern society creates room for instant gratification. Quick foods, impulsive shopping, and quick movies at late hours.

All this instant fulfilment only creates room for bad decision-making, behavioural issues, and regrets.

💌 Something for you:

• Think long term
• Willpower and discipline help you fight instant gratification
• Nothing in life comes without a certain amount of discipline

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And that's a wrap on chapters 1-3.

Reply to this email and share it with me:

1. Which of the lessons or chapters meant something to you?
2. Which of these lessons are you taking with you?

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Gigii's Bank Of Discoveries

Interesting and boring things I found on the internet that just make sense:

🧠 The secret life of people with high self-esteem is easier than you think (Article)

🇪🇬 History vs Egypt’s Most Powerful Pharaoh, Ramsey D Great (Video):- How much do you know about the greatest leader of Egypt? I love Egyptian history so much. There's so much to learn from and about their leaders. An educational watch.

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You May Love These:

Not the typical resource that I'd share, but it has been in my gallery for a while and the lessons just make sense.

I'm here to share with you anything and everything that will lead you to a better and more purposeful life. Take numbers 1 & 2 seriously.

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The Other Spicy Things...

This issue was written earlier and by the time you get it, I'll be in a new city, living and laughing with some people dear to my heart. I'm here to create memories and do hard things. I hope you learn to do the same too.

Don't forget to reply with what lessons made more sense to you!

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To a better life,

Gigii.

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