Comments on: The Answer is 42

By: Georgia

Georgia — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:07:59 +0000

I heart you for using the number 42 in this post, which is slated to be my next tattoo, just as soon as I pay off all my bills, find a good tattoo artist, convince myself that I need another tattoo, and decide where I want to place said tattoo on my body.

I struggle with that “who do I think I am?” persistent thought too, and it’s so counterproductive, especially when you have friends who think you’re the bee’s knees. I’ve found it’s better just to own your awesomeness, and one thing that helps me is repeating this phrase to myself, which my grandmother coined: “bigger dummies than you…” Bigger dummies than you have written a book/found a job they loved/made enough money to live in a human-sized apartment. Why the hell not you too???!

By: barbetti

barbetti — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 22:28:34 +0000

Um, have you seen my blog? THAT is whining. This is not. Actually, as weird as it sounds, I like reading posts like these because it shows that the writer is real. (Even though I’ve met you in person and know that you really are a real person! Woo!) I know it helps me to release thoughts like these through my blog and I frequently receive emails from people who feel the same.

By: thisnewplace

thisnewplace — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 00:22:55 +0000

I have to say, it’s a tradeoff. When I work from home and rarely get out and see people, my house stays fairly organized and overly clean, but my social skills tend to slack and my eye twitches.

By: Bethany

Bethany — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:13:08 +0000

Eeee, get out of my head!
I always feel better after writing things like this as well. Or reading something that sounds like I could have written it, thereby proving I am not alone in my nonsensical beliefs about my imminent and unavoidable failure.

By: greyfavorite

greyfavorite — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:06:16 +0000

Yes, but what is the question?

Sinking a bit in the short-term helps reinforce your long-term buoyancy. You are swell.

By: Locusts and Wild Honey

Locusts and Wild Honey — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 00:18:27 +0000

Okay so you know we have a lot of the same faults. I’m crazy sensitive, I have very humble roots, and it’s easy to underestimate myself.

But here’s what I always remind myself: no one has to see this.

Just type! (I’m assuming you mean a novel here.) Just tap, tap, tap away and remind yourself that no one ever has to see it if you don’t want them too. The wonderful power of the Delete button. You’re not etching something in stone!

I think you’ll find that once it’s on the page, you will want to show people! But for now, just trick yourself into working on it and don’t think of that.

By: Kristabella

Kristabella — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 22:14:17 +0000

I’m like this too. Which is why I have a notebook full of notes for my novel, even a first sentence, but I’m too scared to START it because WHAT IF IT SUCKS?

Well, WHAT IF IT SUCKS? Then it sucks, but at least I did it!

(I’m trying to talk myself into it.)

By: Marieka

Marieka — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:39:06 +0000

I’m going to echo what your friend Angella said about purging and not whining.

I love how you put this stuff out there so honestly. Sometimes, it’s like reading a more eloquent version of my own thoughts. I so, so know the “Who am I to think that I could do that” self-sabotaging bit. I don’t know how someone would go about “yanking this out by the roots” (as you so put it so well), but I think that you are on the right track with just being sick of it. I often find that being fed up with something is great impetus for me to change. I’m rooting for you!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:32:59 +0000

I was going to write exactly what Angella wrote. Instead, I’ll add, “You’re not whining, you’re inspiring, as well.” Hey, ya gotta clear shit where you can, whether it’s in your oven or in your emotional aura. Get happy!

By: heidikins

heidikins — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:42:03 +0000

I feel like I need to say something brilliant and poignant and meaningful…but really I was hoping you’d have it figured out and I could take notes and apply them to myself.

So, in lieu of that, um, would you like a cupcake?

xox