⏳ Erebus Growing | 0017 - Treat your body right because you only have one

Welcome to Erebus Growing, a weekly email where I share little snippets of life to help you change and grow into your highest life.

Yesterday was the first time in years that I went to a barbershop instead of a generic, nationwide hair salon chain.

And it showed.

I spent almost an hour with the barber taking care of my hair compared to maybe 20 minutes at the hair salon.

And the barber explained why he was taking so long to ensure the fade was well done compared to the typical handful of swipes up.

The pricing was essentially the same, in the end. But I would have easily paid another $10-15 on top of what I paid.

There’s a lesson to be had in specialization—as I read somewhere else, slightly paraphrased, “You’d be surprised what something looks like after being tended to by a master.”

Treat and honor your body with the best you can afford.

Needless to say, I’ll be returning there anytime I need a haircut from now on while I’m still here in lower New York State.

👨🏻‍💻 Meditation

I used to be a “cheaper is better” person. In some places, I still might be.

But in most places, I’ve quickly become a person who looks for quality.

The first place I remember doing this was with soap.

I used to be a body wash guy or I would use the super generic brands like Irish Spring or Dial.

Then I tried Dr. Squatch. I don’t recall exactly what made me try it, but I do remember that I got a bar of their Pine Tar soap.

My skin felt raw after using it because it’s an exfoliating bar, but when I tell you that I felt clean for the first time—I 👏🏻 felt 👏🏻 clean.👏🏻

This was back in at least 2020 based on my order history, but I feel it was 2019 or earlier.

Regardless, there was one time that I ran out of soaps before my Dr. Squatch order was renewed, and had to use a generic mass-produced brand.

One shower with that generic brand left me with gross residue and irritation.

I ended up doing the same with toothpaste, using Bite Toothpaste Bits. I used a generic brand again for some reason (likely traveling), and damn if my teeth didn’t hurt.

I also took up flossing regularly, taking vitamin C and a multivitamin every day, treating my hair loss, and other things.

All with quality items.

All of this to say, treat your body well.

Use all-natural products and ingredients where you can.

Yes, it is likely to be more expensive, but it’s also treating your body better because you’re not necessarily using the harsh chemicals that companies fill products with to make them cheap.

You only have one body, the only thing that will come with you until you die.

Treat it well.

📚 Inspiration and Resources
Every week we all consume content and I share my favorites here.

Watch.
Earlier this week, I watched a video from Ali Abdaal on how he manages his time. I don’t claim to need another method, but one piece that he shared about designing your ideal calendar to reflect in the background so that you can work toward your highest life. Give it a watch here.

Read.
I also came across an article in the Washington Post this week written by Harry Stevens. It talks about how trees are likely going to protect themselves over the next century or so. In short, it’s likely that trees in the US will migrate northwards toward colder climates as the world continues to heat up. Nature will remain long after we have gone. Give it a read here.

📓 Journaling Prompt
Journaling is one of the most important things to do when exploring our own lives. A new prompt for you to use this week is below.

What are three (3) ways that you take care of yourself only for yourself?

Until next time, I wish you enough and send you off with love and a sense of urgency in your life.