Don't call me by my name All of this is temporary Watch as I slip away For your sake All of this is temporary ... All of this is temporary
all of this is temporary
fear and growth
One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.
here and now
Happiness, ...not in another place but this place - not for another hour, but this hour.
the paradox of too much
Like a lot of people, I go through bursts of wanting to learn as much as I can and wanting to do nothing.
An unintended consequence of this was lengthy lists of bookmarked articles and courses to read, netflix shows to watch, music to listen to, books to get to, etc. These items seemed to grow, not shrink over time and left a weird sense of slight guilt that I couldn't get to them. Some bookmarks were 5-10 years old.
I've always been more of a minimalist then someone who clutters physical things. Digitally, it's even tougher to keep organized - probably because things are so cheap and abundant now. Here is every music album for $10 a month, here are 100s of shows, etc. In the physical world even if you wanted to collect everything, you would have space and financial restrictions.
I started pruning parts of my netflix list and bookmarks but it wasn't fast enough for my liking. I have settled on a personal rule to not have more then 5 items in my netflix list (over time this has usually been no more then 3). For my bookmarks, I've taken a time sensitive approach. As a prefix to each bookmark or category of bookmarks I write a date. On that date, if I have not gone through the material, I delete it. If I am interested in something and realize I will not have time to get to it, I have extended the deadline in advance. These instances in part have been due to poor/unreasonable "scheduling". I also have a permanent "current_work" folder which has no time limit.
After a couple months, I think the experiment has been a success. I feel better with these shorter lists. More focused, less obligated to get through material that I am going over just to complete it but have no desire to, and also more productive with my time.
For years now this "problem" of seemingly infinite information and material has been compounding and accelerating. I think we need to take steps individually to get some sanity and control over it instead of letting it dictate our schedules and life.
The paradox of choice is very real but can be combated
Spotlight Song
Words of Wisdom
Spotlight Album
TV On The Radio - Will Do ()
Really good song off of TV on the Radio's new album Nine Types of Light. I love the lyrics
...Your love makes a fool of you
You can't seem to understand
Our heart doesn't play by rules
And love has it's own demands
But I'll be there to take care of you
If ever you should decide
But you don't want to waste your life
In the middle of a lovesick lullaby
Anytime will do
My love
Anytime will do...
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