The John Quincy Myers Guide to Living

Well, it’s coming up on the end of the year and in my mind it’s never too early to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions. Outcandour, I found myself thinking this morning, what sort of person do you want to be in 2019?

The answer came to me in a sudden, blinding revelation of jerked meats, fur pelts, vinegar and tobacco. The person I need to be is…John Quincy Myers.

We’ve only known him a few episodes, but here is a man who clearly has life figured out. A big heart with a genial spirit, John Quincy Myers definitely has wisdom to offer. Without further ado, I present the John Quincy Myers Guide to Living.

1. Dress for your best life

You know the old adage, remove one accessory before you leave the house? This does not apply here. Wear all the fur, all the accessories, and all the buckskin you so desire. The only fashion rules that apply in the backcountry are the ones that keep you warm (and huggable).

2. Cultivate friends in high places

I’m not sure of the origin story of the friendship between a Welsh mountain man and a Scottish-Southern gentrywoman, but JQM and Jocasta Cameron’s relationship seems to have its perks. Befriend the right people and you just might score a huge bag of free tobacco. Never underestimate the power of networking.

3. Be glad for the skin you’re in

You won’t find a man like John Quincy Myers wasting time with manscaping. Never apologize for your natural body and be proud of it, hairy ass and all.

4. Be kind to God’s creatures

Gandhi said we can judge a nation by how well it treats its animals, and as a veterinarian I have to agree. Same goes for its citizens- those who are kind to animals are generally kind to their fellow human beings. And I’ll always admire a person who will roll up their sleeves to help de-skunk an unfortunate pup.

(p.s. for de-skunking, vinegar does work fairly decently, but I’ve always used a recipe of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dishwashing soap)

5. Share your meat

NO! Not in that way. Get your mind out of the gutter. Share your actual meat- and other wealth- with friends. Look out for your neighbors. Good friends are hard to come by and you never know when it will be your turn to ask for a favor

6. Balance independence with community

It’s okay to live off the grid and march to your own drummer. Just make sure to stay connected; those who are too isolated run the risk of turning into mentally ill men in bear suits.

7. Keep an open mind about the world

Try to treat everyone with respect, no matter their background or tribe. Be generous with what you have and offer to help when you see others struggling. Finally, be kind to young people who may see you as a mentor. That’s the John Quincy Myers way.

Slàinte

Photos: STARZ