Tuesday, July 16, 2019

Woe is Whoa is Me

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This is really going to merit more of a lifestyle change than asking a feeble query on my website will muster, but do any of you fine folks have advice on focusing techniques? I've spent much of the past two days in a mental spiral, unable to get anything properly done that needs to be done. And now that I vocalize this it strikes me it's not an accident this has coincided with my birthday -- this happens pretty much every year. But I've got about ten movie reviews to write, I have to buckle down, and yet my brain's been pulling every trick in the book this week to spazz in every direction but straightforward. No good! No good at all. Helpful tips or good cookie recipes appreciated.
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8 comments:

André said...

maybe trying to eliminate some tasks. and find some time to do nothing att all or things that are not productive but that makes you feel good.

Unknown said...

Make a list and start crossing things off one by one.
A few minutes of meditation - even if you're not that experienced, just taking a few moments to clear your mind can help a lot.
Set a reward for yourself - is there something you've had your eye on to buy or a restaurant you want to eat at? Tell yourself you'll do it - when you finish all you need to get done...

Anonymous said...

Not a quick fix, but a very good, no-nonsense mindfulness app from US Dept of Veteran Affairs: mobile.va.gov/app/mindfulness-coach#AppDescription

Jordan said...

Also, maybe embrace the resistance and see what's there. Start your writing by writing something like, "I don't want to be doing this..." and then interrogate why you don't want to be doing it and bring it to back to what you're writing about and see what happens. You might surprise yourself!

Anonymous said...

Adderall? Realizing the trigger and naming it is huge. Be gentle with yourself. Let go of what you can. Realizing that being anxious about being anxious--if that is a component--is not going to result in anything productive or good; just winds the coils up more. Instead, just as in past years you will get to a different, more positive place. Know that whatever is happening now will pass. Break w/routine? Either get up early, or stay up late and go for a good long walk--NYC can be so great for that. Part of the time of day recommendation is because it's so darn hot middle of the day. But less of a crowd. A good wank and a shower/bath. Finally...and please don't shut the idea down without giving it maybe a bit of a chance...just give it all up to--universe, higher power, God? You reach a point where you can't untangle the knots you're in, so you relinquish control, but ask at the same time for all of it to come back transformed--new perspective, new doors open. (This in part comes from a place of reassurance that God loves you as you are--part of that is being gay--although I think God is pretty disgusted just now with the forces of hate, bigotry. Darkness can not drive out darkness, hate can't conquer hate. If that doesn't work for you--a bridge too far--and Adderall is not an option, then ice cream....)

Anonymous said...

just remember how fucking lucky you are to do something you love, that your alive and not in a cage, ponder existence and pour that into your reviews. Remember that a lot of us are truly moved by what you write and that you can motivate someone to have an experience that could change them, or just give them the perfect reprieve from all that pondering of existence. Also sometimes i confuse thirst with hunger you may be dehydrated this is bad for everything maybe have some ginseng in a herbal tea one where the name is also what you lacking like focus or in my case sleep, that's all I got.

Jason Adams said...

Wow you guys really rule, I appreciate all this advice so so so very much -- THANK YOU -- you've made me feel a little more sane this morning, which is really the kindest gift we can give one another in this insane world. Hearts and hugs and kisses to you all :)

shaun said...

Hope today is an even better, more focused day for you. I write for a living, too -- less interesting writing, I must admit, for anyone who is not a nerdy lawyer anyway -- and I know the feeling of just not being able to shift into drive, no matter how much you know you need to and even want to. I often have to remind myself to be kind to me during those moments and to realize that a new mood will be along soon and likely will entail a manic jag of writing that feels great and allows me to check tons of stuff off my list. Hope that happens for you. Thanks for all you bring us, and good luck.