*Typing*

Hiraeth is a Welsh word. Some mistake it for meaning homesickness. But, it's not homesickness. It's much deeper and more complicated than homesickness. Hiraeth is a longing for a home that does not exist. It's an existential yearning. It's spiritual, in a sense. It's the feeling you have on the slow, quiet days when you are without any sort of distraction. You are hurting. Yet, you don't know why. This is Hiraeth. Language is powerful because it allows us to name the complicated emotions and experiences that are unique to being human. While language can't protect us from feeling our feelings, it removes some of the anxiety surrounding our feelings.

Duck, Duck, Goose is a fun game for the goose. Less so for the duck.

If you're the duck, you have to sit cross-legged in a circle alongside dozens of other ducks, waiting patiently to be chosen. Sometimes you get picked. Most of the time you don't. It's a silly elementary game that should remain in kindergarten. Unfortunately, it's a game that follows you into adulthood.

Dating apps are a game of Duck, Duck, Goose. So are job applications, promotions, social media algorithms, sports betting and trading stocks. You participate in games of Duck, Duck, Goose because every once in a great while, fate looks your way and you are chosen to be the goose.

For all intents and purposes, you want to avoid playing games of Duck, Duck, Goose. You only want to play games where you get to choose yourself rather than waiting to be chosen by someone else.

Inspiration is a non-renewable resource. When you have it, do not waste it.

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High performers will often disguise their obsession with an air of nonchalance. It’s vogue, after all, to give the impression that success comes naturally. Don’t be fooled. Despite the swan's grace, beneath the surface of the water a war is taking place. She is kicking against the tremendous current. She is working obsessively. She is working diligently. She is working beautifully. She is clawing at the devil. She is dancing with God.

Obsession is your secret. It’s your shortcut. It’s your edge. It’s your competitive advantage. When you’re obsessed, you’re willing to eat more shit than the average person. You’re willing to suffer more pain. You’re willing to work longer hours. You’re willing to make more sacrifices.

When you’re obsessed, you don’t see problems. Only opportunities. And, they don’t deter you. They excite you. They ignite you.

When you’re obsessed, you’re the coked-out drunk at the bar that nobody wants to pick a fight with. You’ve got nothing to lose.

When you're obsessed, you're the cornered Jaguar. Pity the idiot that pulls your tail. He's going to fuck around and get mauled.

This is how I’ve always felt about writing. This is it for me. I’m all in. There is no plan B. There is no safety net. There is no parachute. There is no ship waiting for me back at shore. I’m either making it in this arena or I'm getting dragged out in a body bag.

This isn’t normal. This isn’t healthy. This isn’t balanced. But, if it’s mastery you're after, it’s what is required. It’s the only way.