I had an epiphany about personal energy a while ago that came from self-reflection, reading philosophy (stoicism in particular), and exploring mindfulness. And it's formed a big part of my personal philosophy. I will share in hopes it is useful to others.

I realized that I was waiting to have energy before doing something. Blaming my lack of action on a lack of energy.

But energy -- of the vim and vigor variety -- is not a tank that you must fill before you can use it. It's a choice. It is in fact _created by action_. It's getting up and making things happen even when your tank is empty.

And this doesn't happen by shaming yourself or hating yourself for not being that person. It happens by choosing to be that person. It happens by making that part of your identity.

So no, there is no magic pill. No external thing that will turn you into that energizer bunny type who seems unstoppable. Other than the realization that you choose who you are every moment. So why wouldn't you be the best version of yourself that you can be?

Yes, of course, exercise, eat healthy, drink in moderation, get enough sleep, and manage your stress. All of those help. In fact they're all part of the same choice of who you want to be.

You are not your situation, your possessions, your achievements, or your past. You are your choices and your actions in the present. Think about the kind of person you admire -- their qualities and their actions. Then _be that person_. Choose to make that a core part of your identity. Not your past choices or your past actions, but who you are _right now_.

Realizing this and making that choice may be one of the most energizing moments of your life. It's free and available to everyone. No prescription required.

Yeah. In Finland these days the most common mode of student living is an individual studio. Sharing the same flat (common kitchen/living room, individual bedrooms) used to be more common but they’re really falling out of favor. Sharing the same bedroom? That’s just unthinkable and only happens in US movies and TV series.

Some years ago the dairy monopoly in Canada caused a schism in its conservative party because the dairy board people have so much power. What was set up as a guaranteed market for farmers has become an oligopoly of agribusiness. Quebec has this for maple syrup as well. It's corruption. Dairy quota discussions quickly become a proxy for the role of the federal government.

They say they maintain "good" prices for both producers and consumers, but the price inflation of cheese and beef has been absurd and cheese has become a luxury good.

What it means is that it is effectively illegal to start a dairy farm or a small scale cheese making operation. There is more enforcement against black market raw milk products than there is against meth dealers. The regulators insist it's to protect people from being poisoned, but it's really to protect the monopoly power and political sway. If you want to get a few cows and start an artisinal cheese business and grow it, you are out of luck. The city administrative classes hate rural people and they create and maintain these "safety" regulations to stamp out the culture. The country is so bland they have effectively succeeded. It's never just about butter. :)