#advicetoself

I’ve seen time and time again, the way that the process of trying to say something that matters dignifies and improves a person. I’ve seen it in my own failures, in writing and otherwise…

If the student writer wants to get over, become famous, dominate others with his talent—then, no matter what, he’s going to lose. On the other hand, if he wants to go deeply into himself, subjugate his own pettiness, discover some big truths about life—there’s no way he can lose.

And the thing is, we all have both of those motivations within us, every second that we’re writing. So it’s an ongoing, lifelong battle to write for the right reasons.”

I’ve been feeling down lately. Although I am wallowing a bit in my own misery, I figure maybe I should do something about my strange situation and sadness.

1) Remember one good thing that happened during the day, no matter how little or insignificant it feels. It’s probably better to be appreciative. Life is volatile and unpredictable, so when anything good comes my way, I have to recognize it, cherish it, and be mature enough to let it go when I have to.

2) Don’t get bogged down. I feel drained and emotionally vulnerable a lot of the time depending on what happens around me or “to me.” I need to grow a thicker skin. I don’t need to pay close attention to everything that hurts me.

3) Remember that my reactions to things are important and defining. If I give up then everything ends on a sour note. Maybe there’s beauty in failing at life (suicide, dropping out of society, etc.), but it’s probably not the best thing for say, my parents. Or my dog. (There are other ways I convince myself not to succumb, but I will save listing those thoughts for another time.)