Thank you for your wise words. I’m sorry you’ve been dealing with those panic attacks. They are not easy to go through and really can wear you down, I understand 😔 It sounds like you’ve come out on the other side, and I hope that’s true! One thing that really stuck out to me here (and in another comment- so maybe it’s my intuition telling me this is the thing to focus on for me) is the power of novelty. Ordering a new dish, like you said. Funny enough, I DO order the same things wherever I go. And I pretty much live a Groundhog Day everyday. Time to mix things up and spice it up!! In fact, yeah- anytime I do something new like explore local shops I’ve never visited before- it feels like an adventure and marvelous day. Again, thank you.

That last bit 🙌

I enjoy your post and specifically these two thoughts:

1. Allowing self to enjoy the day can be difficult, so even that as an objective is worthwhile
2. The mental contrast thing. I am for sure a black-and-white thinker but I usually only stay on black or white- and not go to the other side. Even if I can see both sides, the “other” side is out of reach or impossible sounding in my mind. But I read somewhere once that people can either think “everybody hates me” or “everybody loves me” and both are equally delusional and untrue*. And goes to show that extremes aren’t usually reality and don’t serve us very well. Will work on finding the middle ground, the gray area. I like that sentiment. Thank you for the reminder.

• Ps if we’re gonna be delusional at times- may as well believe the positive side and not negative one!

Love this perspective

I’ll check it out, thank you!

Hey, I have a new puppy too! And a lot of what you said resonates with me and sounds like me… Let’s be friends :)

SO MUCH YES to the blip about I usually feel this when I’m in a bad mood, and only when I’m in a bad mood. Definitely me today, definitely why I’m happening to post on a bad mood day. Lol And yes. Thinking clearly IS really fucking hard. I really like your comment, it gives me a lot to think about. Thank for your taking time to write such a detailed reply.

You do a LOT by providing for not only yourself but your family. That is such an honorable thing, and sounds like you may have been doing it for many years. Thank you for taking care of other people and loving your family in this way 🙏

Thank you for sharing, man. What you wrote is true. It’s all true. I am turning 30 in 6 months and 2 days and it’s blowing my mind. I think it’s exacerbating the mindset as well- like i ~should~ be doing something else with my life and I’m wasting it / it’s unremarkable etc. Life is too short.

Also, I am so glad you have a mama who loves you ❤️ we probably take that for granted too much but we’re so lucky in that regard.

My husband gets told all the time he looks like Keanu Reeves 😂 I got a bit distracted from the rest of your comment at first. But anyways, I think that’s the thing I’m missing. Not knowing really what matters. I mean, family- yeah. But then like …..?????????????

Thank you for the reminder. “Live every day like it’s your last” is so cheesy but also- so true.

“I’m still grateful to be able to pursue what I want each day”. Gratitude is so good 🙏

I do Duolingo, too :) What language are you learning?

Thank you for the comment and encouraging words. ❤️ I really appreciate it!

I’m so sorry about your struggles. I appreciate your reply and vulnerability in sharing ❤️