Reminds me a lot of this Jewish teaching I like a lot that’s basically about how man stays immature by wanting - instead of doing.
the teaching is basically that you need to focus on what’s in front of you, and do the little bit you can instead of dreaming of the super big things. The gap between the dream and what you can do is too wide. So start with what you can do today.
“If cats are perfectly selfish, you’re a taxidermied version—preserved in ‘shoulds,’ stuffed with ‘somedays,". You’ve turned desire into a forbidden app, swiping left on joy because the terms & conditions demand honesty. Wanting isn’t malware. It’s the operating system.
You’re right—we treat happiness like a home invasion, barricading the doors with rulebooks and calling it ‘discipline.’ But discipline without desire is just a screensaver for the soul. Sure, self-denial feels noble, like you’re Marie Kondo-ing your cravings. But sparking joy in a dumpster fire of ‘what ifs’ isn’t minimalism. It’s arson.
Next time the ‘redness of rage’ bubbles up, ask: Is this fury, or am I just mad I forgot my own password to live? Break the algorithm. Let the want flood in. Worst case? You’ll drown in something real instead of suffocating in the vacuum of ‘fine.’
Breathtaking essay. According to my therapist I can never allow myself to go the easy way or simply be happy. I believe this has something to do with denying my own desires.
I believe there’s one more reason that stops us from doing what we want: The fear of standing alone and isolating ourselves from the tribes we’re part of. Wrote on this, sharing because it’s related: https://www.abhijeetmk.com/p/know-become-who-you-are
Sounds very Anton Lavey to me. There’s not doing what I want because I’m afraid to, but there’s also not doing what I want because it’s harmful to me or others. And then there’s discernment: what does God want me to do? Ideally, that’s what I also want. But usually it’s not.
I really enjoyed this piece. It really made me think about how I show up for myself. Sometimes, I want things but I have ideas that contradicts what I want. I end up in a grey space and then no movement happens. Your piece is lovely because it highlights that life is suppose to be enjoyed. Go out and enjoy it. No need to create our own misery.
I think a part of not going after what you want is also the fear of judgement and fear of contentment. We as humans like judging ourselves for all different kind of reasons.
Reminds me a lot of this Jewish teaching I like a lot that’s basically about how man stays immature by wanting - instead of doing.
the teaching is basically that you need to focus on what’s in front of you, and do the little bit you can instead of dreaming of the super big things. The gap between the dream and what you can do is too wide. So start with what you can do today.
Nice Laura. Spot on!
“If cats are perfectly selfish, you’re a taxidermied version—preserved in ‘shoulds,’ stuffed with ‘somedays,". You’ve turned desire into a forbidden app, swiping left on joy because the terms & conditions demand honesty. Wanting isn’t malware. It’s the operating system.
You’re right—we treat happiness like a home invasion, barricading the doors with rulebooks and calling it ‘discipline.’ But discipline without desire is just a screensaver for the soul. Sure, self-denial feels noble, like you’re Marie Kondo-ing your cravings. But sparking joy in a dumpster fire of ‘what ifs’ isn’t minimalism. It’s arson.
Next time the ‘redness of rage’ bubbles up, ask: Is this fury, or am I just mad I forgot my own password to live? Break the algorithm. Let the want flood in. Worst case? You’ll drown in something real instead of suffocating in the vacuum of ‘fine.’
Thanks,
Descartes’ chaotic little cousin
This spoke to me. Damn good piece, Sherry
Thank you 🫡
How dare you, that hit like a punch from Superman, so good!
Breathtaking essay. According to my therapist I can never allow myself to go the easy way or simply be happy. I believe this has something to do with denying my own desires.
😭I know exactly what you mean
You have such a convicting, personal way of speaking to me. I don't know that I need to hear it until you point it out. Thank you.
💗💗💗
I believe there’s one more reason that stops us from doing what we want: The fear of standing alone and isolating ourselves from the tribes we’re part of. Wrote on this, sharing because it’s related: https://www.abhijeetmk.com/p/know-become-who-you-are
Sounds very Anton Lavey to me. There’s not doing what I want because I’m afraid to, but there’s also not doing what I want because it’s harmful to me or others. And then there’s discernment: what does God want me to do? Ideally, that’s what I also want. But usually it’s not.
I'm gonna poster this in my room
Someone not so well intentioned said "Do what though wilt"..... Sorry to be the odd one out, I don't agree.
Yea I know who ur talking about but context
WTF.
Stop stopping yourself 🙌🏻🙌🏻💕💕
I needed this post today, thank you. #catmood
I really enjoyed this piece. It really made me think about how I show up for myself. Sometimes, I want things but I have ideas that contradicts what I want. I end up in a grey space and then no movement happens. Your piece is lovely because it highlights that life is suppose to be enjoyed. Go out and enjoy it. No need to create our own misery.
🔥🔥
Banger, thank you for this.
I think a part of not going after what you want is also the fear of judgement and fear of contentment. We as humans like judging ourselves for all different kind of reasons.