It’s been roughly four months since my last reflection (you can read it here) so it’s probably a good time for an update.

 

As I’ve previously done, I’ll address my reflections under my “Four Pillar” approach.

 

✅ Financial 🏦

 

My last reflection under this pillar had me feeling good at being in an income-earning capacity again.

 

But even at that stage I was expressing concerns that the environment may not have been helping my recovery.

 

As you get older, it no longer becomes solely about money.

 

The culture has to fit and you have to feel comfortable in your working environment, given you usually spend so much time there.

 

These are things that are sadly lacking in the environment I’m in.

 

I also can’t help thinking that I was learning so much more about technology and how it can be used effectively in a business, before I joined this organisation.

 

It makes me wonder how many businesses are truly prepared for the future.

 

For the moment, I’ll continue but as I mentioned in my last reflection, I really can’t see myself here for the long-term.

 

✅ Health & Fitness 💪

 

Nothing has changed since my last reflection.

 

And it’s concerning me!

 

I’ve realised I’m not getting the level of physical fitness I need on a daily basis, to maintain my recovery.

 

This could have dire consequences. 😳

 

I recall how beneficial physical exercise was for me when I was in the depths of my troubles some years ago.

 

In fact, there have been a number of studies that show that up to a certain level of depression and PTSD, physical exercise can prove a more beneficial solution than being prescribed medication.

 

In the hurly-burly of being back in full-time employment, this pillar has been inadvertently sacrificed and it’s simply something that cannot be left unaddressed.

 

Of my four pillars, this is the most important so I’ll be seriously thinking about what to do to address this and get things back on track.

 

I expect my next reflection update will provide the solution to you.

 

✅ Technology

 

I’m pleased with my progress here.

 

Nothing spectacular … just steady and consistent progress.

 

Some of the things I’m currently learning are:

 

🔹AI image and video generation

 

🔹 Google Ads (although I find this frustrating when problems arise and there doesn’t seem to be any readily-available help function from Google)

 

🔹 Automations – comparing Make.com to n8n.io

 

🔹 AI Agents – How to use them effectively

 

I don’t really know how I will use my learnings in the above fields yet … I just know that those skills will be needed in some way, shape or form.

 

I can see some people my age are going to be left behind, from a technology point of view, and I don’t want to be one of them.

 

So I’ll keep learning a bit each night to keep myself up-to-date with the ever-changing landscape.

 

And finally …

 

✅ Social Relationships

 

I’ve started to form some new relationships with clients at work.

 

But that’s about it.

 

Outside of work, I really haven’t had time for anything other than trying to get enough sleep, fit in what exercise I can (not much) and keeping up with technology.

 

I guess I’ve learned to be comfortable living by myself and not having anyone around me.

 

And on the rare occasions where I have interacted on a somewhat social basis, let’s just say I’ve often ended-up wishing I hadn’t bothered.

 

Probably more a reflection of myself than anything else. 🙄

 

In fact, the only relationship I really want to have in this world is with my daughter.

 

I’ve missed seeing her for so many years that I often wonder if I ever will.

 

It’s hard to ignore this when one of your strongest values is simply wanting to be a father to your child. 💔

 

 

Soooooooo …. What ranking out of ten would I give myself with my progress against my four pillars?

 

I’d say 5 out of 10.

 

✅ Financial – 6/10

 

✅ Health/Fitness – 4/10

 

✅ Technology – 7/10

 

✅ Social – 3/10

 

 

Over the next 6 months I’ll be focussing on my health and fitness.

 

That’s my main priority.

 

The social side I don’t expect to improve anytime soon and quite frankly, I’m ok with that.

 

If a relationship … work, business or social … blossoms, then great.

 

If not, I can live with that.

 

But I know something has to change.

 

And I feel it may have to be something major! 😧

 

My Four Pillar framework provides more information of what I focus on with my recovery from PTSD, depression and burnout.