It is as if the Cold War is back. Political tensions between the East and the West affect our everyday lives. Earlier this week, the Swedish government announced that billions will be invested to upgrade the Swedish defense in the coming years. Ministers are buying defense stocks. At the same time, it is as if politicians are turning a blind eye to the shootings and explosions that take place in Sweden. The focus is on foreign countries instead of domestic issues.

The communist party of the time with Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika has since long been forgotten. With that, Gorbachev’s counterpart Ronald Reagan on the American side is also gone. A relatively aggressive American geopolitics has now replaced those days. I hope that the balance between East and West will be stable, that is, rather a trade war than a war in its true sense. What is needed now is a peacemaker, someone who can unite ideologies.

In the midst of all this, it is important to find positive energy in your everyday life. I listen to music, meet friends, and go for a walk with Molly. Furthermore, I am looking for new and exciting recipes to cook. I remind myself of journeys I have done, and I plan new trips. At the same time, I hope that we can agree on a time for either summer or winter time. On Sunday, it is officially summer again.

We are heading towards brighter times, and this is one of the best times of the year. When it gets brighter, some flowers defy the winter and look forward. At the same time, I carry experience and know that nature can give setbacks right up until April. My gloves will have to stay in my handbag for a while.

It is a turbulent time in the world. Of course, I am affected, and above all, I think of the people who lost their lives in the fighting in Ukraine. To relax, I exercise because it gives me a lot of positive energy. We have also heard in the news that we should exercise so that we are ready if Sweden were to be attacked by a foreign power.

In addition to physical activity, I am aware that my epigenetic clock is affected by my diet. During my trip to the USA, I enjoyed a wonderful salad for lunch. Isn’t it tempting? At the same time, I wonder how my DNA is doing—my silent and active genes, my biological age.

I am still digesting my intense trip to the USA, which suddenly plays a major role as a nation in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Instead of sending American troops to Europe, Trump and Vance are starting a trade war. From a historical perspective, trade between countries has been a way to preserve peace. In 1951, the European Coal and Steel Community was created when some countries began cooperating on coal and steel so that no single country could start a war. I like the idea of ​​a trade agreement because it could stop this brutal war that has sent shockwaves all over Europe.

When I travel, my interest in biology is with me. Medicines are supposed to be able to prevent, alleviate, or cure diseases. I found a small shop where I could not resist photographing these jars where herbs were sold in their simplicity (see below). When cooking, I sometimes use herbs like basil. And, of course, pea soup is seasoned with thyme, which prevents gas formation. Thyme is also said to be good for digestion in general. No specific pharmacology, more like pharmacognosy, but these jars still provide us perspective on the rapid development of drugs that today target with relatively high precision in biological systems such as blood pressure.

After my walks in January, my training year 2025 is back on track as usual. I haven’t set any goals yet, but I’m doing what I feel is fun. Maybe there will be a race again. Are you following along?

It is still cold and dark in Sweden. No summer. My trip to the USVI was intense and I didn’t have time to do much writing. I still have AI in my thoughts and need to catch up on many new areas. So interesting and what rapid development. The picture above is from a restaurant right by the sea in the Caribbean.

The daily press in Sweden describes the war in Ukraine as similar to a battlefield in the 1600s. Vice President JD Vance is negotiating peace. Finally, can there be an end to this war that is so close to us? I remember that former President Obama once said that a good leader must be able to meet the enemy and have a dialogue. Leadership in tough times.

I have had a little rest in my training. Spring is approaching, and we are moving towards brighter times. It is easier to live in a warmer climate, but the variety of autumn and winter has its charm. Currently, I long for and look forward to brighter and warmer times.