This is your starting guide to The Year Of The Opposite. Let’s start with some links that will help you learn more about this project/newsletter and dive into the content: * Why did I start my Year Of The Opposite? * How to start your own Year Of The Opposite: A step by step guide to start your own year of the opposite & the results from my first Year Of The Opposite. * How I cured my depression in 5 months by living a Year Of The Opposite. * Why you should start journaling nightly and how to be more grateful. * How I lost 62lbs & built a habit of working out everyday by living a Year of The Opposite. * Going from not being able to run a half mile, to running 1,000 miles in 1 year! * Clearing Up The Rumors: The Real Story of How Matthew Hill from Liquid Web Died. What Is the Year Of The Opposite? The Year of the Opposite is a blog and podcast where I share my personal journey of transformation in the face of overwhelming grief and depression. At the age of 41, I lost three close friends within just five months, which sent me spiraling into a deep depression. Despite my somewhat successful career and seemingly great life, I struggled to find purpose and happiness. Inspired by Admiral William H. McRaven's commencement speech and the Seinfeld episode, "The Opposite," I decided to make small changes in my life, starting with waking up early and making my bed every day. This small change snowballed into my decision to embrace a "year of the opposite," challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and do the opposite of what I had done before. I started with the simple act of waking up early and making my bed, but I enjoyed it so much I kept challenging myself with new interesting challenges that were the opposite of what I had traditionally done in my life. The results were astounding and they happened very quickly. Through this journey, I overcame depression, became a better father & husband, transformed my health, fixed all my lifestyle induced ailments, and discovered newfound confidence and purpose. On this newsletter & podcast I share how I did it and provide resources so that you can too. Why should you subscribe to Year Of The Opposite? * It’s free and you’ll put a huge smile on my face. :) * You’ll get practical tips that are simple to improve your life, lose weight, live longer, and be happier. * I’ll share positive stories about the world that the news/media ignores. “If you pay attention to the news you’d think the world is getting worse. If you study history, you know the world is getting better.” * If you enjoy it, I hope you’ll support my endeavor by voluntarily becoming a paid subscriber. It means the world to me and it keeps me going. Travis Stoliker’s Year Of The Opposite Achievements * Improve my health: After the sale of Liquid Web, my poor lifestyle choices resulted in my health to deteriorate. I vowed to Resolve all my medical conditions in my Year Of The Opposite (YOTO). * Lost 62lbs (37lbs since start of YOTO) - Updated 9/11/2023 * Got off all medications! * Cured Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol) * Cured Hypertriglyceridemia (high triglycerides) * Cured Impaired fasting glucose * Cured Rosacea * Raise my VO2 Max to Above Average. * Cut my ASCVD risk of having a heart attack in 10 years from 16% to 2%. * Mental Clarity & Discipline: After the sale of Liquid Web and a substantial financial windfall, I became undisciplined and neglected my health. I ballooned to nearly 270lbs and acquired a bunch of diseases caused by my lifestyle. * No Alcohol * No weed * No news * Ignore politics * Meditate * Rate my satisfaction with Life, Work, & Family every day * Keep a daily journal every night. * Wake up early (Used to sleep in until noon) * Cured* my grief related depression. (* as much as it can be “cured”) * Exercise & Challenge my Body: Exercise is the best medicine for physical health, mental health, & longevity in my book. I set out to become a healthy person. * 1