DYEL? (Do You Even Live?)
Striking the Balance Between Routine & Adventure
“‘Do You Even Lift?’ (DYEL?) is a condescending expression used on body building and fitness forums to question the legitimacy of someone's fitness expertise or weight lifting routine. The phrase is mainly used to aggravate another user during arguments about physical fitness.” (Know Your Meme)
Maybe it’s the Taurus in me (maybe it’s Maybelline), but I love my routine (apologies to anyone who lives outside LA where astrology and haircare aren’t daily conversation topics).
A nice little life starts with a nice little body. A nice little body starts with a nice little routine. My morning routine is my anchor and sets the tone for the rest of the day. It’s simple, familiar, and I’m in control. Coffee + writing/work, gym/exercise, food. If I do that, I’m good.
Sometimes, however, I get a little too comfortable in my routine and find myself thinking…
DO YOU EVEN LIVE!?
But what does living even mean!?
Is it a cross-country road trip with the homies? Backpacking into the depths of the jungle in Peru to do ayahuasca? A sex party in the Hollywood Hills?
Or is it finding joy & gratitude in the little things and simplicity of everyday life?
I think it’s a healthy mix that comes down to personal preference at any given time.
I know what living is not…
It’s not spending 6 days a week in the gym like I did for years. It’s not revolving your life around the gym. It’s not eating dry chicken breast & cold broccoli out of plastic tupperware 6x a day (gym culture is weird).
It’s interesting— no matter what time of day I go to the gym I see a lot of the same people. At first I thought they were all background actors in my Truman Show. I’ve since discovered that 1. the world doesn’t revolve around me, and 2. some of these people spend 3-4 hours in there every day! Some go twice a day, every day! If they truly love it and it’s living to them, great! I’m genuinely happy for them. But that’s not for me.
Fitness/lifting should enhance your life, not be your life. It should help you to do more and live more, not just lift more. Are you lifting to live, or living to lift?
You can accomplish everything you need with 2 or 3 intense workouts a week. Then, instead of spending 45-minutes on the hamster wheel watching The Office for the 16th time, hike with a friend. Walk through your city (just not Downtown LA). Take a dance class. Play a sport. Live!
Jacked gym rats may see my 3x per week routine and lanky frame and ask, “Do you even lift, bro!?”
Yes, yes I do. And, I even live.
“If you think adventure is dangerous, try routine — it's lethal.”
— Paulo Coelho
If you feel stuck, shake things up! Even the smallest change or stepping outside of your routine/comfort zone can give you a new perspective.
“That's the eternal dilemma isn't it? Home sweet home versus the wild call of the world outside your door.” — Lew Ashby (Californication)
Feel Great
No matter your preferred blend of routine & adventure, your health & wellness should be routine-heavy. Create a simple, go-to routine that serves as the foundation for your life. Sprinkle in adventure to taste. Being healthy & fit makes your adventures even more enjoyable.
Rock a Nice Little Bod
“How long are you going to wait before you demand the best for yourself? If you are careless and lazy now and keep putting things off and always deferring the day after which you will attend to yourself, you will not notice that you are making no progress and you will live and die as someone quite ordinary.”
— Epictetus
Enjoy Life
What does living mean to you?
How can you best combine routine & adventure to live a more fulfilling life?
Nice Little Body of the Week
Joe Manganiello A.K.A. Big Dick Richie (Magic Mike XXL)
Eargasm of the Week
Thank you for reading.
feel great. rock a nice little bod. enjoy life.
steve