This really resonated with me. I love the reminder that being human means making space for the full spectrum of emotions, not just the comfortable ones. Thank you for putting words to something I've struggled to explain.
It felt like something I could have written myself if I had inherited more of my father’s obsession with the news and understanding world affairs. What I did inherit, however, is his grumpy “fuck off” face, which is pretty much my default public-facing setting.
As a married woman and mother of a toddler, I’ve come to appreciate its value. It keeps interactions to a minimum, basic and respectful. The older I get, the more I believe a good fuck off face is essential for anyone who is protective of their peace.
As for the level of hate you operate with, I think there’s a difference between being realistic about the state of the world and the systems that run it, and allowing it to consume you completely. The powers that be are unlikely to loosen their grip anytime soon, but we still get to decide how much of our inner landscape we hand over to that reality.
Personally, I keep most of it stored away in a file I don’t access daily. I remember it from time to time, but I can’t afford to dwell there for too long. My family needs me. My daughter needs me. My mission as a writer needs me.
You talk about finding your purpose, but I think you’re already doing it, Brett. You’re reminding people to stay true to their inner weather and explaining how that awareness keeps you alert to the world around you. That’s powerful work.
Because at the end of the day, you’re making people stop and think. About how they process the lives they’ve been given. About the authority pouring out of workplaces, institutions and screens. About not getting too close to the illusion.
And in an attention economy where we are bought and sold at the speed of light, helping people become more conscious of where they invest their time, energy and money might be one of the most important things anyone can do.
This really resonated with me. I love the reminder that being human means making space for the full spectrum of emotions, not just the comfortable ones. Thank you for putting words to something I've struggled to explain.
you are very welcome, and thanks for the read!
This felt like a long exhale.
It felt like something I could have written myself if I had inherited more of my father’s obsession with the news and understanding world affairs. What I did inherit, however, is his grumpy “fuck off” face, which is pretty much my default public-facing setting.
As a married woman and mother of a toddler, I’ve come to appreciate its value. It keeps interactions to a minimum, basic and respectful. The older I get, the more I believe a good fuck off face is essential for anyone who is protective of their peace.
As for the level of hate you operate with, I think there’s a difference between being realistic about the state of the world and the systems that run it, and allowing it to consume you completely. The powers that be are unlikely to loosen their grip anytime soon, but we still get to decide how much of our inner landscape we hand over to that reality.
Personally, I keep most of it stored away in a file I don’t access daily. I remember it from time to time, but I can’t afford to dwell there for too long. My family needs me. My daughter needs me. My mission as a writer needs me.
You talk about finding your purpose, but I think you’re already doing it, Brett. You’re reminding people to stay true to their inner weather and explaining how that awareness keeps you alert to the world around you. That’s powerful work.
Because at the end of the day, you’re making people stop and think. About how they process the lives they’ve been given. About the authority pouring out of workplaces, institutions and screens. About not getting too close to the illusion.
And in an attention economy where we are bought and sold at the speed of light, helping people become more conscious of where they invest their time, energy and money might be one of the most important things anyone can do.
Thank you for investing your time into my madness. There is a lot more of this to come.