Learning to read the room

As I’ve written before, positivity can be toxic. In the throes of the COVID19 crisis, it’s important that we stay vigilant and call out actions that serve to shame those struggling with anxiety, depression, and other challenging circumstances.

Social distancing in Cabot Cove

Just as I start to feel myself coming back from my Jerk Brain-induced isolation and withdrawal of the last many months, I need to start practicing social distancing. A television show from my youth, now available over streaming, is making it a little easier.

So much to say

I’m experiencing all the feels. It’s a lot to handle all at once.

Through a mirror darkly

Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, noted leader in higher education and French literature scholar, gave an excellent talk at Rice University yesterday. It’s got me thinking about the “in camera” inspection I’m doing of myself.

Writer’s block (and tackle)

It’s not that I don’t have something to say. It’s that Jerk Brain doesn’t want me to say it.

Depression as a signal

I’m coming to terms with the reality that my depression is not the result of brain chemistry alone.

My place isn’t my place

I had this idea that being back in my favorite place on the planet would, somehow, fix me. It didn’t and it can’t, because I’m not actually broken.

What now?

The conference gave me something to work towards and something to look forward to. It also gave me the perfect distraction.

Tick, tock…

Jerk Brain is having a good day. That means I’m not.

The only baggage you can bring

We all carry things around with us, past hurts and slights, regrets and resentments, fears and hopes. As part of this process, I’m learning what I can leave behind.