Insights
#241 Is this truly a catastrophe?
What am I scared of right now? What are the chances that that scenario will come true? What would happen if that scenario came true? And what would happen then? And then? And then? Is it really that bad? Do I have the resources to deal with it? Is this truly a catastrophe, or will
#240 It’s not about you. It’s not about me.
Most people are kind at heart and would be happy to help you – and other people – out all the time if only, you know, just like you, they didn’t have a life of their own full of obligations, dreams, passions, and worries. In other words, a life that doesn’t entirely revolve around being
#239 Let’s play with mistakes
You know I like word games, my friend. Let’s play with mistakes today. I don’t like that word—such a negative emotional charge. And what’s the opposite of a mistake, anyway? We have a word for doing things wrong, but not for doing things right? Could we call mistakes lessons? Bleh, so bland. Heard that a
#238 A path paved by Tiny Trust Builders
My actions affect my identity and beliefs. And my identity and beliefs affect which actions I take. So, to change, I must consciously take actions that divert from my established identity and beliefs, and do what you believe is impossible for yourself. Until it’s not impossible anymore. It’s not an easy road, my friend. It
#237 I can do that
“I can only do that when…” Remove the “only” and the when”. I can do that. And so can you.
#236 The Myth of Full Engagement
When I write, I write. When I practice yoga, I practice yoga. When I talk with friends, I talk with friends. Or at least, I wish it were like that. Because you and I both know how distracted the mind can be, my friend. You don’t even need to meditate to figure that out. So
#235 Do I care? Should I care?
I am inspired when I write, because I care about writing.I am disappointed when I don’t write, because I care about writing. I am delighted when there are no traffic jams, because I care about efficiency.I am frustrated when the train is delayed, because I care about efficiency. Strong emotions are the most honest answer
#234 Fighting novelty
A new phone out of necessity – because the old one broke. A new phone out of longing for the rush of something new. A new business idea because changing circumstances have rendered the old business model unviable. A new business idea because the previous one is progressing slower than I expected, and I’m getting
#233 More peaceful days are on their way
When the future doesn’t scare you anymore, and you say, “It’s okay.” When daily worries don’t make you go astray anymore, and you say, “It’s okay.” When you put it all into perspective, and you realize, “Hey, I am genuinely okay.” You know more peaceful days are finally on their way.
#232 You’ll know when it’s time
First, you write. Then you become a writer. First, you run. Then you become a runner. First, you set boundaries. Then you become good at setting boundaries. But before all that comes the decision to write. To run. To set boundaries. Because you’re dissatisfied with the past and say never again. Because you’re filled with
#231 When everything is urgent
When everything is urgent, how do we know what to do first? One solution is adding more nuance: What’s the most urgent? What’s the most important? Breathing is urgent. A crying child is urgent. A toilet visit can be urgent. Sending that email out tonight right before bed instead of tomorrow, maybe not so much?
#230 It’s so much, until it isn’t
“Write 3 pages of Stream of Consciousness journaling.” “Coming up with 100 things to be grateful about.” “Publish a daily insight.” My initial reaction, and maybe yours, is, “That’s so much.” And that’s exactly the point. It IS a lot. But actually, it isn’t. And when you try it out, and see that it isn’t,