1 – Shopping abstinence I have too much stuff. Most of us do – it’s a requirement of the age. Think of our economies as Great White sharks. If they stop swimming, they die. Our version of capitalism runs similarly; for “swimming” substitute “buying.” [1] I don’t love it. I don’t love the mountains of stuff that clutter my life. I don’t love the generalized … Continue reading No more non-essential shopping.
A little knowledge is a dangerous thing. My dad used to say that to me all the time, long before Dunning-Kruger and the internet became things. You haven’t learned enough about a thing to realize that you know little when you’re just starting. [1] We tend to think we know more than we do about things, and the more complicated the concept, the more people … Continue reading Clavin strikes again – mosquitoes, radios, and psoriasis.
Habits are a two-edged sword. They aren’t great if they keep us small, or cause distress. Much space is given to discussing the impacts of bad habits and the benefits of quitting them. Much space is given to writings about freeing oneself from their hold and its rut. Leaving harmful habits behind does improve one’s life – my only quitting smoking regret is that I … Continue reading Habits, bedspreads, and mattress pads.
Mental illness is tidal. I’m depressed again. I didn’t notice until yesterday. I often don’t notice right away. It can take a bit to tease out the motivations behind my behaviours, especially when there are other challenges in my life. The grief I’m feeling since my mother’s death, and coming to terms with the new relationship with my aging father take a toll. People who … Continue reading I’m technically depressed.
From Famine to Feast 