During my regular comedy talk about anxiety there’s an important moment: the first time I mention my experience of suicidality.
A hush usually falls on the room, in sharp contrast to the earlier laughter.
Category: Posts from Elsewhere
How to Be Happy By Understanding Instrumental Values
You could make a strong argument that the universe is poorly designed.
Don’t get me wrong, I doubt I could do a better job. But, due to what appears to be a mistake in the grand universal design, nothing is purely, unequivocally good. There’s always a trade-off.
Be Careful What You Wish For: Lessons from an Unusual Opportunity
Wishes are dangerous. So every fairy tale tells us. The genie will grant your desires… but too literally. The monkey paw will give you what you want… but with an evil twist. And, just when you think you’re safe, the magic lemming steals your fruit in the night.
Doing Things The Stupidest Possible Way
Earlier this year an email newsletter inspired me with a new motto:
“I’m only doing easy things from now on”.
How to Have No Regrets
Once upon a time, my parents took me to the zoo. This day is full of memories which have stuck with me ever since—the sunshine, the excitement, the ice cream… even holding hands with my dad, watching eagerly as he unfolded the map.
One of the sharpest and most vivid memories is of…
When Every Day Is The Same… Make Each Day A Little Better
Last year, life was tedious. It was like my own personal Groundhog Day, except I actually got older and I barely learned anything. Each day was the same: I awoke, I worked in my little office, I slept.
And repeat.
You Might As Well Do The Thing: How to Make Decisions While Anxious
Anxiety can make decision-making difficult, so I’ve developed a few techniques for figuring out when to leap into something. (And when not to.)
How to Tolerate Uncertainty When Waiting
Ding. You’ve Got Mail.
Later, you will think, “I really ought to turn off that notification. It’s not 1997.” But right now, other things are on your mind. Your throat is tight, your heart is thumping, and you’re nervously staring at that bold subject line which has appeared on the screen:
The 3 Ways My Ideas Die
Sometimes I grow tired of the constant hum of failure. Most of my dreams end up as flops. But I’m sure I’m not alone, and we all struggle with the guilt of not finishing from time to time.
How to Change Your Life with One Small Move
Recently, the principles of Feng Shui—an ancient Chinese art which advocates a system of placement within a space to harmonise various energies—became incredibly important to me.
(By sheer coincidence, there was an unpleasant job I didn’t want to do, and spending the afternoon rearranging my office seemed preferable.)