Practical traction after a hard hit—field notes and tools for rebuilding without performative positivity
The author reflects on the profound impact of their brother's death at the age of fifteen, occurring during a high school exam period. This tragic event reshaped their life, mental health, and familial dynamics, highlighting the complex interplay between personal trauma and institutional experiences in grief. Recovery remains an uncertain journey.
The author reflects on their recent life changes, including a job loss and challenges in adjusting to a daytime schedule after being a night worker. They discuss the impact on their sleep, household dynamics, and coping strategies, emphasizing the difficulty of transitioning roles in a shared living environment.
The author reflects on a less philosophical mindset and a sense of easing stress. While waiting on job responses and feeling unproductive, they contemplate the cycles in their life, including career shifts and personal losses. They express unresolved grief regarding relationships with their children, who are affected by separation.
The author reflects on a transitional phase after signing important papers, feeling nervous yet accomplished for releasing a new book, "Standing on the Ledge." While awaiting responses and considering new job applications, they grapple with uncertainty and emotions, recognizing the significance of persistence and the transitional identity forming during this period of change.
The post reflects on the author's health journey, particularly regarding heart issues and lifestyle changes. It details experiences with medication, health monitors like Fitbit, and the acknowledgment of pre-diabetes and high cholesterol. Additionally, the author discusses their mental state using tarot readings to navigate personal challenges and maintain focus.
The post explores the differences between solitude and isolation, emphasizing that solitude is a chosen, restorative experience while isolation is an imposed state that can drain one’s spirit. It offers practical steps to transition from isolation to empowerment through small rituals, maintaining connections, and creating structured tasks to enhance well-being.
The post explores the concept of emotional shutdown, distinguishing it from mere numbness, and emphasizes that it often results from prolonged stress and unmet social needs. It proposes a structured approach to safely navigate out of shutdown, recommending basic self-care, grounding techniques, and small active steps, while cautioning against impulsive decisions.
The text discusses the initial three days following a life disruption, referring to it as a "collapse" where routines falter. It outlines a 72-hour protocol focused on stabilization, decision-making, and practical actions to mitigate damage. Emphasis is placed on maintaining safety, gathering evidence, and prioritizing essential tasks to rebuild effectively.
The author describes a day filled with emotional turmoil, transitioning from initial enthusiasm to a profound sense of numbness and detachment, reflecting on burnout. They highlight the importance of reciprocity in relationships and the exhaustion from giving without return. Ultimately, they express a commitment to small, practical steps towards recovery.
Personal Log — 3:30 AM (I’ll post this later) It’s 3:30 in the morning as I start dictating this. I’m not posting it now—partly because I don’t want to be spammy, and partly because my brain is still running too hot to trust what comes out in real time. I can’t sleep. I’m yawning as … Continue reading Lessons from a Sleepless Night: Contracts and Life Friction
Standing on the Ledge 