How's The World's Culture Progressing This Year, 2024?

We’re in my third year of religiously publishing my views and opinions on culture and how it is progressing (or regressing). You can read my 2022 article and my 2023 article, too.

My Personal Stance
Still, again, it remains the same! As it has been from the very beginning, I stand for what is truthful, effective, and fair. I don’t yet have all the answers, but I do my best to consider and weigh different views and opinions to grasp the reality of the matter and find solutions to issues. Generally, I see that people are either ignorant, confused, misguided, malicious, pushing an agenda, or a combination of two or more of those. And I try to have patience but it can run out.

Cultural Progress in 2024
I think calling it disastrous would be an understatement. We’re in a time when many people don’t know why things are or how they came to be - and they believe themselves to be free thinkers merely for going against what many others have been sacrificing and working hard for, that even benefits THEM, without a real basis for it other than being oppositional and standing out. It’s gotten messy and the point, more often than not, is missed. Shallow “understanding” reigns. You can still find a few beacons of light sorting it all out. But in such an increasingly fast-paced world, where being sensational is more rewarded than being thorough, indifference to the truth increases.

Points
This year, as we fear entering a “dark age”, where culture suffers for the worst, I’d like to cover as much as I can, while being brief and concise with each point, so it is all at least established and we don’t lose sight of it. But first, a lengthier paragraph on women’s liberation.

• Women’s Liberation
Men are being openly disgusting in more ways than I can stomach. Women wish to love and respect men, but a lot of them make it nearly impossible (or indeed impossible unless deluded). They miss “how things were before” and take their battered mother as the example that women should strive towards for them. They don’t like to compete with women and be outperformed (many of them don’t even grasp that most of us prefer to cooperate instead and that that’s also an option). They’d rather keep women down and “in their place”, and worry only about other men. They believe it’s more of a flex to have a woman they mistreat than it is to actually become a man who is not threatened by a woman’s success and freedom to choose, and is genuinely a catch. Lately, they’re being seen as ‘resentful closeted gays’ because they just hate women so much (but it’s more complex than that). It’s gotten to where the few men that do love and care for women have to actively justify themselves to others for such. Meanwhile, the term “pick me” is regaining serious meaning with more females willing to degrade themselves and throw the rest under the bus for male validation. Others are being the complete opposite (promoting using and discarding men like objects, basically becoming the worst that men have been, in retaliation or to make it even, sinking to their level) and giving men more confirmation bias as they miss the mirror reflecting their own behavior. The sides can argue forever and never gain perspective while being stuck in their ego and egotistical desires. But whatever happens, I will not respond nicely if anyone attempts to force me into unmerited submission and compliance in the name of gender roles. And I’m not alone in that.

• People of Color
Racism is dumb. Measure people based on the content of their character, not the color of their skin. Make amends if due. Check yourself, your privilege, and your prejudice. Whatever color you are.

• Homosexuality & Bisexuality
It happens in nature, it is something natural. And in the case of some individuals, it is something that cannot be denied or repressed. It doesn’t have to be “normalized” in the sense that everyone engages in it, but it should be normalized in the sense that everyone should know by now that it’s no reason to look down on others, mock, ostracize, or harm them in any way. “It’s deranged sexual behavior!” You know what IS deranged sexual behavior? Rape and any kind of lying, manipulation, and coercion to have access to sex. And that’s something STRAIGHT MEN do too often.

• Transgenders Transitioning
Having reached a mature age (at least 18 y/o), transitioning after you’ve reflected enough and concluded that you cannot gladly accept the body you were born in and would be happier in the body of a different gender? Okay. Transitioning because you hate yourself and that’s the solution that occurs to you? Not okay. Identifying as this or that out of whim or convenience without undergoing any significant revelation or transformation? Diabolical (think about all the ways that can go). There should be acceptance and accommodation for legitimately trans people, but the consideration should still go both ways. Gotta say it because I’ve come across a few quite awful ones: You’re not the only one with issues. Others, though? Brilliant and lovely people. Some of whom have gone through more pain than I wish on anybody. Also, trans or not, cross-dressing shouldn’t be a big deal - keep it a fun thing anyone can try whenever.

• Sex Workers
In my opinion, it must be kept legal and safe, taboo-free. I don’t even want to say why. Figure it out. Imagine how much worse it’d get without sex workers. I see no problem with it as long as it’s done willingly and compensated accordingly, with due security measures in place. The fetishes indulged and the negative effects that over-relying on sex workers can have are things to watch out for, though.

• Abortion
Why is this still being discussed? Men insist on having women as baby ovens against all reason. “But the declining birth rate!” Well, effing prepare and rearrange for it as you do for an increasing population. It’s like it’s not even the real reason. As if an overabundance of unwanted children is going to fix society. Said it before and I’ll say it again, having restraint and reservation to avoid unplanned pregnancy is important. But if it comes to be, we should have access to proper abortion assistance.

• Disability
I don’t know how to explain to you that you should care about others. Regardless of how ‘productive’ they are. Not treat them as a burden and suggest they off themselves. What have we come to?

• Immigration
If it’s legal, they’re well-behaved, and there’s room, what is really the problem? Most of them aren’t even ‘taking the jobs’ you’d like to take (or are qualified for).

• Narcissism
It used to be that people threw around those terms too freely. But lately, it seems narcissism and more are on the rise and you’d be fortunate to find someone who isn’t narcissistic or worse. Wanna guess what I blame for it? We all should be more educated on this and keep it from getting worse.

• It’s offensive!
This has been a problem for a long time and still lingers. Though maybe not as much anymore, with all the pushback (from both progressives and conservatives). In any case, it is always necessary to distinguish when something is merely offensive (because it contradicts your notion of how things are or should be - or fails to give you special treatment) and when something is actually harmful (wounds you psychologically, deteriorates your dignity, or impacts your place in your environment and community). Open and direct dialog is required to make genuine progress - without walking on eggshells, beating around the bush, or fearing ‘being canceled’ because you weren’t tactful and diplomatic enough. (If there’s intention to hurt in it, that’s another thing.)

And again. That’s all for now. I may still sporadically engage and elaborate on various topics, but expect the continuation of this post next year. Please stay lucid and keep improving!

It’s Thanksgiving and I’m Thankful!

Looking around, the blessings seem countless! I’m both overwhelmed and relieved!

Things have been working out or falling apart in… interesting ways. I’m thankful for the good that comes in and the bad that goes out, making room for more and better. I’m thankful for the support, the assistance, and the opportunities sent my way. And while I’m certainly not without woes, it is all part of the package I signed up for and it keeps pushing me forward - to a place where these problems won’t be problems or even be there anymore.

More specifically, this year, I’m thankful for:
- The amazing people I’ve unexpectedly met.
- The ongoing devotion toward humanness and humanity.
- The shared laughs and cries as we make it through.
- The silliness with the wittiness lessening the load.
- The numerous gifts and celebrations enhancing all.

Yet, as great as it all has been, it is not the peak and can still go further up. Regardless, if it somehow goes downhill from here, I’m faithful it’ll be manageable and we’ll get through to the other side with more experience and expertise. I just pray the challenges will be more fortifying than destructive.

So…
Happy Thanksgiving, pals!
I’m hoping your blessings won’t pass you by and wishing you’re showered with even more blessings!

Be Careful What You Wish For

I’m sure you’ve heard the phrase. Unfortunately, there is truth to it. It may not happen immediately, if at all, but you could be cautious or at least prepared for what might happen.

Sometimes a wish sets into motion much within us. And sometimes much within us sets a wish into motion. In both cases, something is at work. It may not even require any divine intervention. You may fulfill it yourself, knowingly or not.

What is tricky is that they come in a package. Including more than you “signed up” for. And often, that is inevitable. You cannot have one thing without the other. Not in this universe and the mysterious (yet explainable) ways in which it works.

If you wish for strength, you won’t suddenly be strong with the snap of your fingers. You will have to go through and/or swallow what will make you strong. And not only that, once you are strong, you will have the consequences of it. Things will shift. You will be looked at differently and treated differently. For better and for worse. You will also begin attracting or repelling based on it. And with all of this, you would have sacrificed what cannot coexist with the fact of you being strong.

The same, in essence, can be applied to other wishes. Because as chaotic and whimsical as life may seem, it is still strictly governed by certain rules.

When you make a wish, know that you are making a trade. And sometimes, depending on what you currently have going on for you, that trade will bring about tremendous change. You might be forced to let go of and lose things that you would rather keep and even cling to. Because, again, they are not compatible with your wish or are getting in the way of it. If it is only the latter, there may be room again for them later on. A typical example would be people who are holding you back more than you realize or admit to yourself while you hold on to them dearly. It can be painful.

It gets worse if you resist. If the wish is inevitably coming true but you are stubbornly keeping in place what is keeping it out, devastating destruction could manifest. Does this mean you should always be flexible and open to anything? And simply go with the flow? No, that is quite dangerous too. It means that you should try to figure out what is an obstacle to it and, if you can’t, be ready to endure what will reveal it as such. 

So, be careful what you wish for.

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

Sagittarius' Description

♐ SAGITTARIUS

Sagittarius, the ninth sign, is a fire and mutable sign, adventurous and optimistic. Known for its love of freedom and exploration, it is the eternal seeker of knowledge and truth through expanding its horizons. Often embarking on journeys both physical and philosophical, they collect experiences and ponder with openness. As an archer, it aims for higher understanding and idealistic aspirations. Having done and seen so much, it doesn't take itself too seriously and is prone to humor.

Spiritually, Sagittarius leads to expansion and enlightenment. It teaches us the importance of accepting diversity and finding meaning in the vast tapestry of life, reminding us that the journey can be as important as the destination.

For context and more of relevance, please read about The Zodiac.

Saviors (Hero & Anti-Hero)

Now let's get Saviors in perspective, a role that Leaders tend to slip into, whether by accident or not.

We could say that Saviors can be both what is considered a Hero and what is considered an Anti-Hero. But what are they all about and how do they compare? And perhaps more importantly, do you have a savior complex or is it indeed part of your destiny? If the latter, what is in store for you?

Look closer to see. Ponder further to connect how it all relates. And let it prompt you to acknowledge even more.

What is happening in, for, against, and around you?

Qualities of a Leader

Let us all get on the same page, shall we?

Initiative + Vision = Leader

By definition, and in essence, a leader is somebody who leads or takes the lead. Because of this, having Initiative (which is composed of a number of other qualities) as well as Vision (which is also composed of a number of other qualities) are basic requirements to fit the role and merit the title.

However, even by meeting those requirements, leaders can be anywhere from embarrassingly awful to impressively outstanding. And normally, there are traits that signal to others that someone (or something) is a potential or official leader in some realm and can be followed.

Unfortunately, though, because of the real or imagined prestige and power that comes with such a hierarchical position, there will be many striving to take the spot despite their ability to SERVE as a Leader (an ability that earns and justifies having others serve them in return). Instead, they would be more interested in being SERVED and have that as their main motivation and intention around which all else revolves and adapts. And not uncommonly, it is, regardless, achieved (thank the cultures and systems that incentivize, reward, and condition these behaviors).

Nevertheless, and in spite of everything, if you’re seeking to become an apt leader in your work, your community, or what have you, you should be striving for more. Perhaps you are driven by achieving genuine excellence - for your character’s sake, for your contribution’s sake, or for both. And amassing followers would merely be a result of that.

Yet, at times, more is at stake, and you must or are compelled to extend yourself to convince others that you are worth it. In such cases, certain qualities can draw in and keep around people. No. It is not manipulation - that’s conning, not leading. And it is not coercion - that’s oppressing, not leading.

A legitimate leader could, roughly, be recognized and measured through these qualities. Great Leaders are capable of possessing all of these. However, Level 0 is only justifiable under extremely dire circumstances (e.g. delaying, escaping, or defeating terrible enemies or scenarios). Lousy Leaders barely make it up to Level 4, maybe very selectively do Level 5 and Level 6 to keep up, over-relying on the worst of Level 1 if terrible enough. Treacherously skipping levels, or constructing the illusion of accomplishing them, is also a possibility. 

The bad news is: A lot of people only focus on, settle for, or are fooled by Levels 0 to 4.

The good news is: Without taking away from the higher ones, you can still hook people with the lower ones. So good and great leadership is still possible (and exists).

Ultimately, if you’re ambitious and would rather not run solely on smoke and mirrors, I recommend dedicating yourself to reaching and covering as many of these levels as you can in your area and scope. Even if you don’t make it to Level 10 in this lifetime, the rest are still quite the feat.

Where & How You Grow Matters

You can overlook it, you can deny it, but how you were brought up makes a difference. Yes, you can go far because or despite of it, but there still lie advantages that carry you through and disadvantages that you must get through.

How was your world as a child? Was it full of magic? Were you fortunate enough to have caregivers who accepted, embraced, and even promoted your artistic inclinations? Were you surrounded by all the support you could ask for to fulfill your potential? If that is so, you’ve got a headstart that can help you endure even the most unwelcoming world awaiting you. If not, then you will be relying on the forces within you and what you can get ahold of outside of you to make it through.

Many would give up, and that is understandable, but they might later find that they shouldn’t have. They’d let that part of them die or remain dormant, or they might pick it up again in the form of a hobby or more if their life allows it. If the former, resentment and even envy could plague them. If the latter, some relief and fulfillment are achieved.

People often make the mistake of attributing their successes to their will alone. But that is oversimplistic or downright blind. Several factors will play a role. You’re never so completely isolated that they aren’t to thank (or to blame). However, will (along with attitude) does make up for a lot and should be emphasized.

Still, if you are put and remain in an environment that is not conducive to artistry, it will be a constant battle for it to survive. And if you wish to be an artist, you should look for favorable conditions to bring it forth. Perhaps you missed out on the childhood that would give it to you, but you’re not too late to put yourself in circumstances that are right for you and for your art.

Now, it is not all imagination and sensations with a dreamy and magical touch to it. Maybe that’s not your thing. So beyond having the space to actually make art without interruptions or detractions that deter you, you could curate what would feed your style and your brand of it. Whether in your room, at your office, as your regular activities, or with what you usually consume. Art will then move in, through, and out of you with more ease as you continue to practice it.

And if you’re a parent with an artistic child, you know what to do to care for them. Maybe they’ll go on to be an extraordinary and acclaimed artist. Or maybe they’ll just get to explore that side of them and grow to not have any regrets. Both are good.

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

The Artist's RPG (Teaser)

It’s here! The Artist’s RPG. Well, the first materialization of it. Sort of a teaser.

This is something that came to me over a year ago, one day when one of the skills showed to be of undeniable value. It compelled me to make an artist’s “Skill Tree”, RPG-style. And since then, it has been on the back of my mind. Over time, however, more and more came into perspective as part of what makes up an artist’s journey. And folks, this is our artistic universe taking shape.

Because I committed to the mission of Unbriddling & Sustaining Artistic Abilities, this suitably goes along with my work and I could allow myself to devote to its design and development. Which you’ll see more of as I go on.

For now, I’m only displaying some of what composes the player’s character build…
- Via: Sight, Hearing, Smell, Taste, Touch, Imagination.
- Essence: Yellow, Orange, Red, Pink, Purple, Blue, Green, Brown, Tropical, & Void.
- Force: Light, Dark.
- Resources: Fortune, Security, Fame, Influence.
- Presence: Barrier, Medium.
- Skills: Artistry, Venture, Body, Mind, Heart, Spirit, Grit, Collision, Sensitivity, Immersion, Revealing, Fueling, Healing, Ascension, Transcendence.
- Manner: Traditional, Modern.
- Form: Writing, Painting, Sculpting, Composing, Singing, Dancing, Acting, Culinary Arts, etc.

I aim to further describe what it is all about. And I’ll start by turning these components into cards that contain information about them. From what I have established so far, there would be at least 50 cards. They can be expected throughout next year. But if you're a veteran artist, chances are that you can already tell what they represent!

Given the immensity of this project, countless revisions are to be made, so that it can continue to grow and expand while remaining coherent and cohesive. Therefore, nothing is absolutely set in stone yet. Structure and format are subject to change, along with the details of it.

Other than that, I hope you, RPG-loving Artists, can find joy and more in it. I already do!
(And may we live long enough to watch it unroll to its more majestic degrees.)

CREDIT: Teaser images made with AI Art and Clip Art.

Reading the Room

You make your reality, but what is already there? Pausing to take in what’s outside yourself can show you what you can bring from within yourself to it. It’s not necessarily about turning into the same and blending in.

Reading the room is essential for many reasons. You see what you’re getting yourself into. What is moving around you. How it’s going. What it is lacking. And what it is already overloaded with. This information is required to make an educated guess on what would be an appropriate or suitable way to behave at that time and place. Or if, instead, you shouldn’t even bother with it and head for the exit.

Listen to what is being said, but also hear what goes unsaid. You are no psychic with a 100% accuracy rate, but you might be able to correctly deduce a few things. Taking into account both words and actions, along with expressions and gestures that also communicate, and the context that would further give meaning to them. Much can be explicit, blatantly obvious and evident, but much can also be implicit, and take particular attentiveness. If you aspire to be good at this, you must try to not miss too many cues. 

It can be taxing, however, so you can give yourself permission to save it for certain occasions and/or only moderately do it in most of them. When you are talented or practice the skill, soon enough you’ll be fluent at it and it’ll come more effortlessly.

If you're looking to get along and belong, you can begin by deciding who you want to be (and accept the consequences of it). Somebody who shakes things up? Somebody who mediates? Somebody who alleviates? Somebody who accompanies? Somebody who enriches? Somebody who uplifts? Who? You can be (and do) all of these, at a given moment, if you can pull it off. But what you might want to avoid is being somebody so irritating that you become insufferable to most or all around.

What are the needs and the wants present and how can you contribute to those? Is there an elephant in the room that nobody speaks of but crave for somebody to? Is there slack to pick up after? What can you do to make it all better? 

And if not that, how do you seamlessly weave in to be a part of it?

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

Republican Vs. Democrat (Bigot vs. Snowflake)?

So this is the dilemma in the United States of America that cannot be ignored, whether you live there or not. And given the results of the 2024 presidential elections, it looks as though we’ll have Donald J. Trump representing Republicans for the next 4 years. If that is the case, there are a few things I’d like to bring up and clear out before going forward.

• Right and far-right cloaked as “moderate” and “left-leaning”
The left, you took it too far. We, the ones with you from the start, tried to warn you but you kept going. It not only gave people on the right more excuses to be against you, but it also gave them a cloak to pretend they stood for being sensible and reasonable, “moderates”, when, in reality, they weren’t going to support you anyway. People went on to speak of all the ways you were becoming deranged without justification as if they weren’t too in their own ways. I’m not saying you have to always play nice, because that doesn’t get anyone anywhere against oppressors and people who simply do not care, but you’ve got to stay sane and within the bounds of what is fair and considerate.

• Women, PoC, LGBT+ for Trump
You give me second-hand embarrassment. I’ve yet to come across a sound & valid argument from you. Go on, I’ll be waiting. Though while making faces hearing the lamest takes coming out of you.

• “You’re just being a crybaby with no real issues!”
Is that how you were when for a brief moment you held less power and were disregarded? Because that’s you. Our issues are real. You can’t relate if you’re not in our shoes and can’t even be bothered to look past your own nose. Or you’re just happy to conform no matter what. Which is not our reality (whether we like it or not). I’m not about to attempt to develop sensitivity and empathy in you. Do your homework if you will.

• “But you’re just delicate snowflakes with first-world problems!”
And you holding on to your fragile egos and illusions with entitlement problems? Look, there are people dying and in extreme poverty. Their problems are immensely worse than whether or not you correctly use pronouns. But are you doing anything helpful for them? Or are you just mad about how you get called out and aren’t celebrated when you don’t treat others with dignity?

• “You sex-addict murderer have no say!”
The whole deal about abortion is more complex than that. While I believe people should have some restraint and reservation when it comes to sexual intercourse, I also believe it is a lot more harmful (to both child and bearer) to go through an unwanted pregnancy than to safely have an abortion early enough. Also, how about men dick around less and instead make motherhood more - legitimately- appealing if you’re so concerned about babies?

• “It's exaggeration! We're not bigots! It’s not because she’s a black woman!”
Is it now? See the wave of blatant racism and sexism that was unleashed after the election results, as you rejoiced in your victory. I’m not going to say that every vote for Donald Trump (or against Kamala Harris) was because of racism and sexism, but can you now deny that it had a part in it?

• Insane nitpicking on one side while letting the other side slide
We have a saying for that here. “Buscandole la 5ta pata al gato.” Basically, you had no proper argument but still searched and searched for something, regardless of how absurd, to make a point with. I’m still waiting for anything that isn’t clear bias and refusal to concede. Or are you omniscient and “just know” but can’t explain it? I wouldn’t bet on that from most of you. At least a few were straightforward enough to admit it simply benefited them personally and their preferences for the country while the rest were still pretending it was about virtue and merit. But okay, let’s look at our own failures and mistakes too.

• Overuse of terms such as fascist, racist, etc.
Y’all. We ought to reserve those terms for where they truly fit. Too many lefties threw those around at any opportunity and now their meanings are diluted, forcing us to go into thorough breakdowns with official definitions and relevant facts in order to even come close to being taken seriously when such issues are highlighted.

• Derogation of conspiracy theories and theorists
Similarly, too many lefties made it so that anything that could be called a conspiracy theory was somehow inherently delusional. People plot, people scheme, people keep secrets, people do things on planes higher than yours that you can barely grasp. It is a thing that happens. Yes, a lot of the time it is paranoia and/or the brain craving mysteries to solve and connections to make even when they aren’t there. But at times there is indeed something going on.

• Voting for Trump shows you’re foolish, vile, or just self-centered
Just… get their perspectives from them and critically think about them. Unless there’s something major at play unbeknownst to most that someone is somehow in on unlike the rest of us, the reasons people are voicing they are choosing Trump for aren’t very bright or kind. Just say you want more chaos and inequality.

• “Cutting people off! Why so butthurt?!”
I cut people off for less. Maybe you should too. Why are YOU so butthurt when people decide they’d rather not be close to or around you? Time and energy are precious resources and should be invested accordingly. That said, there are exceptions that can be made. But it depends. All things considered, it depends.

• “Checkmate! Weren’t you the party of ‘tolerance’?”
I’ll tolerate diversity along with some degree of friction and conflict that arises because of it in my neighbors, but there are lines to draw out of self-preservation. It does get out of hand. Yet, what about you? Are you drawing yours merely for control?

• Arguing about Politics is exhausting, more so with dense & deluded Republicans
It’s like… Nobody’s paying us to tutor you, in particular, on courses that go from basic to advanced while you display an unwillingness to learn. If we tune out, chances are it doesn’t mean it was a sharp debate.

• Content creators everywhere making content about Politics
That’s A PLUS, though. So the burden isn’t entirely on only a few. You’ll have to sift through (and stomach awful takes here and there for the sake of getting the whole picture) to be properly informed, but it’s a relief. You can also curate them. Furthermore, what are they gonna do? Ban free speech like that wasn’t what they were claiming to promote? Literally the only thing they had going against the too-easily-offended left is now the left’s weapon.

• Did Harris run her campaign poorly?
Trump’s was worse. Unless you prize theatrics and nonsense in a running president. And *gestures* whatever that was. But to be fair, expecting a flawless campaign is crazy, more so on short notice and with so much already stacked against her. I imagine she had her hands tied in some regards and, quite frankly, I’m not fully convinced she lost.

• I don’t know Kamala Harris personally, but…
I wish I did. So that I could be more sure and confident about her despite my general distrust of politicians. But still, while faltering in that sense, can you really believe that TRUMP is the better choice? Harris would at least have given us a different type of show. But I guess we’re back to more from this clown. 🤡

• USA affects the entire world...
I’m just currently praying and hoping it will be manageable for all of us.

• We’ve got enough sympathy already going around, TAKE ACTION!
Whether you’re in a position to be of significant assistance or not, there are steps that you can take to keep contributing to causes in favor of a better world for all of us.
- Foster your abilities (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual).
- Have & keep firm stances against corruption and injustice.
- Lend a hand and reach out to others who are and will be fighting the same fight.
- Be strategic and tactical when you must (forget needless self-righteousness and virtue-signaling).
- Commit for the long term and DO NOT GIVE UP.

I’m with what makes sense and I’ll keep sharing what I can. 💙

Getting Past Blocks

You wish to make art but, suddenly, you can’t. Fret not, this is quite normal and it can be overcome. One or more things could be happening that are blocking your inspiration from coming in, passing through, and expressing itself.

It can indeed be alarming, however. You’re working on that project that you wish would succeed or working at a job that expects you to deliver. But then, what would normally come effortlessly to you isn’t coming at all. And you may be at a loss as to why.

What could be happening? You must take a moment. That’s right, set aside some time to dedicate to solving this issue. You ain’t getting anywhere without doing so. So come to terms with the fact that, to be productive, you must stop producing - or attempting to, anyway.

First and foremost, how exhausted are you? Did you overwork yourself? Get the rest that you require! Once you’ve done that, you can look at the potential causes of your block(s), which may be among the following:

- Paralyzing perfectionism. Often the main culprit. Waiting for everything to be perfect or meet the conditions for it to be before doing or accepting anything.

- Irritating environment. Too messy and noisy or, alternatively, too bland and void to withstand. 

- Blurred goals. How would you shoot without any clear aim?

- Stifled flow. You may have habituated yourself to strict rules and procedures that should now be revised or dropped entirely.

- Pending interruption. You just know, consciously or not, that an interruption is coming and you’d rather or ought to immerse in this. 

- Apparent pointlessness. It can be discouraging if it doesn’t bring any results we personally value.

- Loneliness. You might need to collaborate with others or at least socialize for a bit with people who truly feel like company.

- Joylessness. Since when has it become a chore? Make it exciting again. Remove more of what strips the joy and/or include more of what brings it. Or simply make way for it to happen on its own.

Furthermore, it may be that you have already emptied yourself of the good, great, or relevant concepts and ideas that you could bring to life. If that is so, it is time to fill yourself up. Seek inspiration once more. Look around, in and out, and get the sparks to make your own magic.

Can you think of more potential blocks getting in the way?

CREDIT: AI-Generated Examples done on Leonardo.AI

An Unbearable Situation?

If you’re in a situation you’d rather not be in, take a deep breath and softly let it out.

Go for a walk and sit in a pleasant spot where you can be by yourself to let your feelings surface and your thoughts roam. If that’s not enough and you can afford it without too much trouble, get yourself far away for 2-3 days, in a safe and cozy place where you can be alone. Physical distance promotes psychological distance. And you’ll need that to view the situation objectively.

Through reflecting on it, you may find that:
a) The situation in itself isn’t so terrible and merely adjusting your values and judgments on it will let it be perceived as favorable. Sometimes we are indeed too idealistic and forget that nothing is perfect in every way and the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.
b) The situation really does have quite a few things that are harmful to you no matter how you look at it. But in such a case, dismissing it all together might not be the best solution and you could still choose to work on what it’s lacking.
c) The situation definitely isn’t for you and you should begin to break out of it, whether you have something better to switch it for or not.

Relax, though. Chances are you have time. Just try not to get further entangled in it unless and until you can be sure you can and will stick by it for longer.

There’s usually guilt and shame around making big changes - especially when promises, contracts, and other commitments are involved. But you, your loved ones, and those who love you should and would put your well-being first.

Thanksgiving Month

November arrives again!
And with it, like it or not, the Thanksgiving mood.
If you’d like to practice gratitude, you can indulge it with me.
I celebrate it with cultural and blessed content and vibes here and there.