I was reading Michael the lead story on the business page this morning. It was about the issue of a single banking regulator for Australasia. Mike said, out of the blue, and with equanimity: "It doesn't really matter if I don't recover enough to be able to work as an economist again. If that happens, I will find something else to do." Knowing how much Mike has invested in economics, how much he likes it, how much he was enjoying CRA, and how seriously he was exploring (and saving for) the option of a US PhD in economics, I was enormously impressed by his insight, positive approach, fortitude and resilience. What a lesson in confronting a worst fear, and defanging it!
I was so stunned that I forgot to make the joke I had prepared for this contingency. It was "Don't worry if you find you can't think straight as an economist any more Mike, that is an essential requirement for a central planner in government."
So while Mike is working hard at overcoming real immediate problems, like learning how to swallow food again, he is also working out how to get control of his future -- and I don't think he's going to become a central planner!
I also get the impression that Mike has got his head around the issue Lee raised -- of the need to build a generous amount of time for rest into the optimal recovery plan. Now he happily reports on both his latest "PBs" and his degree of rest when asked how he is doing. He is also quick to say that he is tired, when asked.
Kent and Amanda, Mike sends his thanks for your 3rd minidisk. He was listening to your disks again early this morning, well before normal breakfast time.
Bryce
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4 comments:
Dear Mike, In 1904 your greatgrandfather Bertrand was a student at Te Aute. He got tuberculosis, at that time a killer disease, particularly for Maori. He was sent home to Urenui and his elderly doctor prescribed a life of complete rest,for both body and brain. Like you, he rested and slept a lot;no-one was allowed near him; he lived in a tent on their lawn; his meals were left near-by; he had to learn to empty his brain at will and told me it was the most difficult task of his whole life. The doctor impressed on him that he must relax totally and allow his mind to cure him. There was no other treatment, no drugs, only a completely empty existence. A year later he went back to Te Aute and completed his education at Victoria. The similarities struck me, so for what it's worth, here's the legend! Your's as usual, Gran.
Mike
It is fantastic to read about the terrific progress you are making. I wish you well and continued strength in your journey to full recovery.
Regards, Arie Dekker
I get as much inspiration from your achievements as I do from the comments I read which are posted to you Mike. The power of the mind to cure the body is espoused and it seems you may have inherited those powerful genes from your greatgrandad. Enjoy each day and the pleasures they bring.
Cheers
Brenda H
Gidday Mike
Dave Haines here. First post, but probably about my 20th visit; reading about your gritty comeback is infinitely more interesting than writing my Masters. Hopefully you got my letter and added it to the pile... call me a luddite but I'm still distrustful of this internet bizzo. So, there's more to life than economics, eh? Good to see that we finally agree old chap... seriously though, I reckon you've just got to drop everything and sit out on the sidelines for a while. It's kind of like writing your Masters really. Except the food's probably better up there, by the sounds of it! And what's more, from what I've been reading, it appears you have a whole bunch of personal masseuses - or so-called "physiotheraphists" - at your beck and call, night and day. Take advantage of that fact, young man. I could think of worse places to be laid up! ;0)
Righto then. Keep up the quiet life Mike. Catch you later on.
cheers
Dave
PS. And another thing. Enough trash-talking on the government economists already. You're insulting my heritage.
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