Does anyone else find they are ridiculously hard on themselves? Like, why? Why am I beating myself up over nothing? Today I had my writers group and I went to a zoom workshop online about making zines. Why do I feel like I could never make a good zine? Why am I so down on my writing? I just had an amazing reading. I have barely even tried making a zine. Oh and that’s the other thing. It feels overwhelming.
I should really feel proud of myself. I have so much I am doing to find connection. My writers group, a queer open mic I might start, guitar lessons starting soon, a memoir writing class. It’s okay that I don’t have everything perfectly mapped out right this second! I can’t even bask in success without moving on to the next “problem.”
When I was a kid, a lot of my worth was defined externally. Grades, soccer, awards, whether I was popular. I think I got it in my head somewhere that I have to produce, produce, produce to be a worthy human being. It’s exhausting.
And I’m always finding the negative. I’m really trying to change this. I watched a TED talk today called “This is why you might be depressed and anxious.” It made me feel like I’m on the right track: life outside in nature and building more connections with people. I also need to find a way to sustain feelings of pride in myself. Maybe I should write about that next.
I really want to assess why I’m doing something if it’s not to love myself, love others, or experience the beauty of life.
Another struggle is writing about bad times. I have a feeling I need to get some more of it out, from the past 6 years, particularly the past few. I also feel like it might make for good reading. But when I try, it’s too painful and I dissociate from the writing. How do I do this in a healthy, productive way that encourages healing and growth? That is one of my current main focuses. I’m hoping the class I take about memoir writing and healing can help me come to some answers on that.
Lastly: I am a good bunny parent! My bunnies have PTSD and a very very difficult breed to care for. I am doing my best! No I’m not perfect and don’t spend 24/7 doting on them but they have great lives, especially given where they came from, and I take care of all their needs. I am a good person and doing right by them! For the last time I need so seriously let this one go. It’s OK if they don’t appear to adore me like my cats do. It doesn’t mean I’m not a good person or doing a good job. This is just counter productive because then I avoid much time with them to avoid the bad feelings.
I really need to relax in many areas. Tonight I’m going to try not to worry about “projects” and maybe do some yoga and meditation, and if writing comes to me that would be great but no pressure. I need to cut myself a break!
Elliott DeLine, Author 