Shane draws that connection more specifically to money in his article, just like air. But really, money is an enabler just as security is. Without them, we feel disabled.

Indeed it is wonderful to breathe easy.

But there is the flip side. Isn’t it wonderful that we live among trusting people. Where thievery is sufficiently rare that we needn’t live our lives in fear.

Trust me, I know the feeling.

Good job on being totally anal retentive. Well done.

@Naomi
I didn’t back up for months. Then I backed up the night before. That was some serious luck. But now I’m all about the daily or weekly backup routine. I’m using Time Machine on my mac. It’s fantastic.

@Stephanie
Good point. Other forms of preparedness include exercise, diet, and hygiene. Basically, good habits. Honestly, sticking to good habits not my strong suit. But it is something to strive for. Power to you on the health quest Steph!

I thought of a couple other things as well:

• Disaster Preparedness
  I Live in California. By the ocean. I’m not so worried about Tsunamis (though, it is a valid concern), however, earthquakes are a very real threat. The town I live in, Santa Cruz, is only now rebuilding in the lots that the earthquake of 89 leveled. It’s entirely likely that in my life I will witness a devastating earthquake. And when that time comes I will need water, food, warmth, light, cash, and medical supplies.

  We all live with threat. And mostly we can anticipate it and prepare for it. It feels good to know your bases are covered.

• Health Insurance
  We all have different levels of comfort with risk. I can’t imagine living without health insurance though. I have a cheap plan with a high deductible. It basically exists in case i have a serious accident. It helps me to breath easier when i surf, skate, or cross the street.
• Disability Insurance
  I don’t have disability insurance, and i don’t know much about it. But i do know that it would suck to break my back and not have it. I also know that you need at least 2 years of steady financial records and tax returns to prove your income before you can get disability insurance.
• Estate Planning & Life Insurance
  This is mostly an issue for people who have dependencies. If you are single and have no kids, this is probably not an issue. But as soon as you have people in your life that will suffer financially if you die, then this is essential.

I pretty much suck at dealing with these things, but I must say, I sleep a little easier for every fear and liability that I have prepared for. Though I will probably never wear a helmet while surfing.

Happy New Years

I’m so sorry that happened to you, but it sounds like the lessons gained from this experience are priceless.

I need to take your advice. It’s one of those things where sometimes I get too busy and important things such as backups, insurance and making sure everything is accounted for gets pushed out.

In order to achieve success we must be prepared.

I’ve been reflecting on my health recently. I want to ensure that I’m in top shape for my future. I see good things ahead and want to be in the best physical and mental shape I can be in.

Thanks again for this inspiring and important message for us to hear. Good lesson for us all.

Happy New Year!

I actually wrote a post about it too, but it has not been published yet. It’ll be up on Zen Habits in a couple of weeks. My productivity habits really saved me from losing a vast amount of data and work.

But stuff like this really makes you check your stuff. Back-up routines, insurances, security measures around the house, archives, the lot. Not fun to do, but very necessary every once in a while.

Sorry to hear about your trip. Hope you have a wonderful new years eve anyway!