Project

[cjsmith]

I have a Project. It is complex and will take years. It is probably the most challenging thing I have ever attempted, eclipsing such trivial feats as getting into MIT, flying an aircraft, or successfully becoming a veterinarian when I used to faint at the sight of needles.

That said, it is hauntingly simple to articulate.

Be happy.

So far I've got a five pronged approach.
1) Habits of thinking (e.g. consciously focus on positive stuff)
2) Rescue tactics (what to do when things are severe, e.g. phone a friend)
3) Natural tweaks (e.g. sunlight, exercise)
4) Social network (spend time with people who promote this instead of tearing it down - this one is painful, as most Bay Area tech and tech-adjacent people don't qualify)
5) Observe and learn from patterns (e.g. do I always get into a tailspin around certain topics? If so, why? Proceed to step 1 with these if possible)

Every so often I may post status updates on this.

Comments

[tiger_spot]

For 1 and 2 and 5, either Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or Dialectical Behavior Therapy could be helpful. I can share a bunch of recently-acquired information about those modalities over coffee.

[cjsmith]

Thank you! I was pretty sure CBT was the way I was going to end up going, but I haven't heard of the other one, so perhaps I should learn a little and investigate. Awesome!

[firecat]

I look forward to the status updates.

[cjsmith]

Thanks! I shall keep notes, here as well as other places. May as well. Complexity means note taking. :)

[wcg]

Do you still dance? Or did the foot problems put an end to that? I ask because dancing is a big part of my self care.

[cjsmith]

I almost never can, and yeah, it used to be a positive force for me also.

[wcg]

I suppose it happens to us all eventually. I'll be watching your project here and taking notes.

[cjsmith]

Yes, Time is an accomplished thief. My job is to continue finding more good things as fast as Time steals them.