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Welcome to November. Here are this week's notes. From me: The fantasy self Fantasy me wants to be a respected writer. Real me has no delusions about the odds of a subjective and luck-driven endeavor. Fantasy me wants six-pack abs. Real me occasionally dabbles in alcohol and comfort food while telling himself stress and anxiety are motivational tools. I indulge in fantasy me. It motivates me to write and exercise and eat healthy foods. But I also keep my feet on the ground, reminding myself that nothing is guaranteed. That everything takes work. That some things probably won't. The fantasy self is certainly useful, but it's a drug that can be overdosed. At some point, you're simply lying to yourself, and therein lies the problem. The fantasy self can be used, but it can use you. I think it's good to harness delusion. I think it's bad to let it carry you away. -- A quote: Once you consent to some concession, you can never cancel it and put things back the way they are.
— Howard Hughes
-- Interesting: This Washington Post piece by owner Jeff Bezos made a splash this week, sparking controversy among readers and journalists alike. Opinion aside, I maintain it is a well-written example of conviction penned by a man doing what he believes to be right — something the world needs more of. -- ??: How to work If I don’t respect my work, it’s difficult to respect myself. And if I don’t respect the way I earn money, it loses all its value. Nothing runs through the fingers faster than what we feel is unearned. -- Well said: Bob Dylan on happiness. Happiness is not on my list of priorities. I just deal with day-to-day things. If I'm happy, I'm happy – and if I'm not, I don't know the difference... Knowing that you are the person you were put on this earth to be – that's much more important than just being happy. -- Lastly: 7 times Edward Hopper encapsulated the loneliness of modern life That's it, kids. See you next week. Barry |
Writer exploring culture, technology, life design, and the human experience. Writing at BarryFralick.com
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