My progress

technically we’re ALL, always LARPing, because the Self is only a construct,

I want a new character

Then make one.

Everyone talking about posts that changed their brain chemistry seem to be leaving out this classic, which probably propelled me into activism and more self confidence in a way that I cannot put into words.

“If you have time to be on social media, you also have time for…” “If you have time to watch Netflix, you also have time for…” Yeah, but do I have the energy for it? Do I have the emotional and mental capacity for it? Am I pain-free enough for it? Can I focus on it? Can I do it without leaving my bed? Can I safely do it without risk of (physically or emotionally) injuring myself by pushing past my boundaries?

This is a very helpful way of putting it. Recovery time isn't free time; it's for RECOVERY. And if you're neurodivergent or chronically ill or anything in that register, it becomes even more mandatory because your mind and body will punish you that much more severely for neglecting recovery. (Though, uh, that is definitely a thing that will happen to you even if you're Perfectly Normal And Healthy, it just probably won't be as immediate or obvious! so you may not even notice it until it MAKES you neurodivergent or chronically ill!)

Your brain is a machine. Schedule downtime and maintenance, or it will be scheduled for you.