Longevity

Part of the standard pre-appointment paperwork at the Mayo Clinic includes questions about how often you speak to family or friends. This gets to the essence of new research on the correlation between longevity and close connections. Recent reports indicate that a daily, casual conversation with your barista and a regular massage can extend your life. Humans need to be seen and touched by others. If you can’t be around those you love right now, connect where you can. Your longevity may depend upon it.

David Shrigley makes work that gives voice to what we are thinking. Several years ago, when the Aspen Skiing Company and the Aspen Art Museum collaborated on the local ski-lift tickets, I reviewed hundreds of his drawings. While only seven were eventually featured on the tickets, in the process, I also picked one for every member of our back-of-house staff. The one I chose for myself read: “Fulfill your potential and then fuck off.” I used to talk to myself in a way that I would never speak to other people. I have learned to be kind to myself—in word and action. Be friendly. Connect where you can. Try harder. Keep trying. And give yourself grace, all the time.