I love this: "Since earliest childhood, Boyt has felt a special love for and kinship with Judy Garland, and when Boyt went through a very difficult time in her early twenties, it was Judy who saved her. " I had a similar period - the year that I turned 20, in 1996, when I watched Quantum Leap twice a day. (It was syndicated on two channels at the time.) Scott Bakula saved me! I look forward to reading My Judy Garland life.
Haha, that's good to hear! Actually I have written about it: Quantum Leap is the title of a whole chapter in an unpublished memoir that I'm still working on. It also comes up in this essay about quitting jobs that I published in Narrative last year (part 4): https://www.narrativemagazine.com/issues/stories-week-2022-2023/story-week/quitter-sarah-orman. You have to sign in but it's free.
I really loved this edition, Mason, and I'm definitely going to have to read Loved and Missed. I loved the passage from the book you showed us, not least because the last few days I've been holding on to the mantra "do NOT let yourself get derailed!". I don't see the things she lists as "ordinary decoys", and "notions" doesn't describe it for me, either. I see them more as important reminders. Things to remind yourself of whether you're distressed or going through a distressing moment, or not.
Yes, reminders! I think that is a better way to think of it — it's almost like falling back on your foundational beliefs, even if these are ever-evolving. Thanks as always for weighing in . . . and, yes, definitely read Loved and Missed! I found it so wise and moving.
When I read back over my journals a few years back, I found that going back to my twenties I’ve been reminding myself of what’s important over and over again. Telling myself, “Don’t forget! Don’t forget!” Because we do forget! Or at least, I sure do. I forget my own good advice.
About 90% of this is lines up with cognitive behavioral therapy's model, which is the most effective therapy modality for treating all kinds of psychological disorders, according to the research. It also more of less Ancient Stoicism's approach to life.
“Read every day—it is a practice that dignifies humans. Become a great reader of books and it will help you with reality, you’ll more easily grasp the truth of things and that will set you up for life. And don’t expose your brain to low-quality art forms because there will be a certain measure of pollution.”
I love how you make me see things from so radical and different angles. I never thought about hero worship in these terms. it made me think on how easy is taking something so giving as stupid when you can gain so much for relocating your focus on someone you can safely love or truly admire because this person is so far from your reach. it is a form of safe affection.
I love this: "Since earliest childhood, Boyt has felt a special love for and kinship with Judy Garland, and when Boyt went through a very difficult time in her early twenties, it was Judy who saved her. " I had a similar period - the year that I turned 20, in 1996, when I watched Quantum Leap twice a day. (It was syndicated on two channels at the time.) Scott Bakula saved me! I look forward to reading My Judy Garland life.
That's amazing! Have you written about this anywhere? I would be fascinated to read more.
Haha, that's good to hear! Actually I have written about it: Quantum Leap is the title of a whole chapter in an unpublished memoir that I'm still working on. It also comes up in this essay about quitting jobs that I published in Narrative last year (part 4): https://www.narrativemagazine.com/issues/stories-week-2022-2023/story-week/quitter-sarah-orman. You have to sign in but it's free.
"isn’t it also true that if we can just orient ourselves toward things in the right way, we can suddenly do things we couldn’t otherwise?"
YES! Cultivating a good mindset saves (and elevates) me again and again. What a great passage.
Thank you, Sara! Glad I'm not the only one who's always trying to maneuver oneself into the right mindset!
I really loved this edition, Mason, and I'm definitely going to have to read Loved and Missed. I loved the passage from the book you showed us, not least because the last few days I've been holding on to the mantra "do NOT let yourself get derailed!". I don't see the things she lists as "ordinary decoys", and "notions" doesn't describe it for me, either. I see them more as important reminders. Things to remind yourself of whether you're distressed or going through a distressing moment, or not.
Yes, reminders! I think that is a better way to think of it — it's almost like falling back on your foundational beliefs, even if these are ever-evolving. Thanks as always for weighing in . . . and, yes, definitely read Loved and Missed! I found it so wise and moving.
When I read back over my journals a few years back, I found that going back to my twenties I’ve been reminding myself of what’s important over and over again. Telling myself, “Don’t forget! Don’t forget!” Because we do forget! Or at least, I sure do. I forget my own good advice.
I love a good book recommendation! And I love a backlist.
Thanks, as always.
Love it!
About 90% of this is lines up with cognitive behavioral therapy's model, which is the most effective therapy modality for treating all kinds of psychological disorders, according to the research. It also more of less Ancient Stoicism's approach to life.
That's so funny, because I'm a passionate CBT skeptic! (long story)
oh this is in my TBR! will bump her up the list ❤️
It is so, so good! I really can't recommend it enough.
What a great newsletter! Thank you!!
Aw, thanks, Mischa! Appreciate it ☺️
.. ‘ordinary decoys .. priceless > minimalist ..
Yes .. yer makin sense & the Paragraph ‘you captured 🦎🏴☠️
“Read every day—it is a practice that dignifies humans. Become a great reader of books and it will help you with reality, you’ll more easily grasp the truth of things and that will set you up for life. And don’t expose your brain to low-quality art forms because there will be a certain measure of pollution.”
Gold! My top books of all time here: https://www.tomwhitenoise.com/bookshelf
Making this my life goal: "Become an expert at shrugging most of life off and free yourself for what really interests you."
I immediately put both of these books on hold at the library! Loved this newsletter issue.
I love how you make me see things from so radical and different angles. I never thought about hero worship in these terms. it made me think on how easy is taking something so giving as stupid when you can gain so much for relocating your focus on someone you can safely love or truly admire because this person is so far from your reach. it is a form of safe affection.