i always get stuck choosing which stuff to watch/read/get into next when i look at my huge former watchlists & TBR's. a lot of items are things i put on there years ago and never got around to, so usually by the time i check the list again, my tastes have totally changed. i realized it was hard to get myself excited or motivated about half the stuff i put on there anymore, but i felt indebted to knocking it out anyway just because it was on the list. i'd recommend letting your current feelings/impulses take the wheel, and trust that you'll come back around to any of the other options if they're right for you later on.
Apr 18, 2024
Related Recs
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If it’s an item/object— wait it out. Put the link in a folder on your phone, and give it a few weeks. If you like it, you’ll still like it. If you like it in the context of a microtrend, or only in a photo with 10 other items, you’ll have more clarity.
If it’s a haircut/dye/change—look at as many photos of yourself, with as many haircuts, as possible, to get a sense of whether you like this in a general way or if you like it for yourself.
If it’s a hobby/activity/experience, go for it. Do it anyway, and even if you don’t love it or ultimately feel it was overhyped, you’ve done a new thing.
Nov 7, 2024
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reinvention for the sake of reinvention is silly. I'm sure you're a cool person as is, and change and growth are good, but you shouldn't throw the baby out with the bathwater and just randomize a new set of hobbies and personality traits and whole vibe...
figure out what values you're committed to, figure out what you like about yourself, figure out what traits you value in others... explore, meet people, learn from their perspectives, keep an open mind, try new things. Explore art in different media--it doesn't have to be fine portraits and sculptures... sometimes you just go from being a TV person to being a movie person and movies start to give you new perspectives.
but don't just pick up personality traits ad-hoc. keep a focus on who you want to be and stay directed towards that goal. explore, but don't get distracted, don't get lost.
Apr 18, 2024
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Do you feel like there were missed opportunities? Why?
- How to deal: Internalize that life is a series of random events with outcomes you have minimal control over. You have control over how you cope with those outcomes. You have control over what situations you put yourself in to create better random events.
- Books: The Art of Possibility by Benjamin Zander
You feel overwhelmed or hopeless about current events? You want to go back to “better times.”
- How to deal: There’s no such thing as “better times,” just times where we were less bombarded by an endless news cycle. Sensationalism sells - replace fast bites with documentaries and books.
- Books: Same as Ever by Morgan Housel; Enlightenment Now by Steven Pinker
You feel anxious about your current situation? You want to go back to “better times.”
- How to deal: Stop doomscrolling social media. Stop looking at what others have with envy - they made their own sacrifices that you probably don’t want to make. They’re likely living outside their means. There’s no such thing as “too late,” you’re just as capable now at starting from scratch as you were when you first started the journey you’re currently on.
You feel anxious about an unknown future?
- How to deal: The best way to shape this future and remove the “unknown” is reflecting on what YOUR personal priorities are, having an honest conversation about what goals do or don’t fit with those priorities and value, setting realistic goals, and putting together a plan that breaks your goals into steps that you can form habits around. Progress is better than perfection. Stop and appreciate what you have on the way to achieving your goals.
- Books: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman
Dec 25, 2024
Top Recs from @gforce2001
I love doing collages, cuz all you really need are magazine cutouts and glue. There's a very low barrier to entry, skill-wise AND supply-wise, unlike painting. Digital collages are fun too, but I try to have less screentime by doing the paper ones. If I want to re-use pieces instead of gluing them down permanently, sometimes I'll just take a picture of the current arrangement to immortalize it, and then start over on a new composition. That way, I don't have to constantly buy new magazines to get new cutouts. This is one of my favorite ones I've done so far:
Aug 22, 2024
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This is the only thing that keeps me sane at work. It's so slow right now. If anyone is wondering why I've posted like 9 times today.
3d ago
I used to look at it as a kid and feel transported into it. And then one day I was in the National Gallery in DC & I turned the corner and the physical original was right there !! FAUVISM FTW !!
Feb 8, 2024