Yes. There’s something discouraging about knowing that others don’t see a problem, and look at you funny for your sense of overwhelm.

Almost like breaking hearts and exhausting spirits is the point.

Sort of a sideways suggestion: Join A Month of Dick, in which a merry crew of folks reads Moby-Dick together. It was a lot of fun last time, and maybe something about the communal jokes and asides will click with you. (Also, a solid critique of an obsessive project of domination!)

But a hit dog always hollers

The gifts of kindness and decency in hard times count for a lot. Thank you for being a steadying voice.

Yeah, the body can be still and the mind can be running a marathon while juggling plates and spotting squirrels. (I may have feelings about incomplete definitions/faulty understanding.)

I hear you, and wish you discernment going forward and self-compassion when looking back.

Jenny Odell’s How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy. Ross Gay’s The Book of Delights. Becoming Duchess Goldblatt, by @duchessgoldblatt.bsky.social. Good things are still possible.

Seconding this recommendation. Have a side of hope with that bowl of noodles!

Congratulations! Savor it!

I KNOW. Discussion over on the Blue.

Ughhhhhhh

I admire your restless spirit of learning!