Your current balance between concern over current events, and taking care of your own life stuff?

brianlux

How well balanced are you in your day-to-day life between concern for current events (which includes politics, international issues, social issues, economics, and environment/weather/fire, etc.), and keeping your life on track, working to have a good life, etc.?  Because the question is of a personal nature, the poll is anonymous  (but comments would be interesting to hear, of course).  

brianlux

I'm at the second to top right now.  What made me think of this was having dinner with a friend recently and noticing we could not get around talking about current stuff (as in, much of what we talk about here).  I started wondering if I'm a bit obsessed with what's going on lately, maybe even dipping into that first category a bit.  What I know is best for me is keeping a balance.  It's hard sometimes.

evsgjamm

I can sum up our lives with an example:

We went to spend the weekend with some good friends a couple years ago. On the 2nd or 3rd day of us at their house, they commented "you know what we love about you guys... you haven't talked about politics ONCE since you've been here..... we really like that."

We are the middle of the road types. We keep it all in balance with putting a little extra weight towards living our own lives and filtering out the rest. But when we do talk about the stuff that seems to consume your thoughts, brianlux, we keep those conversations short. It's just how we are. 

brianlux

evsgjamm said:

I can sum up our lives with an example:

We went to spend the weekend with some good friends a couple years ago. On the 2nd or 3rd day of us at their house, they commented "you know what we love about you guys... you haven't talked about politics ONCE since you've been here..... we really like that."

We are the middle of the road types. We keep it all in balance with putting a little extra weight towards living our own lives and filtering out the rest. But when we do talk about the stuff that seems to consume your thoughts, brianlux, we keep those conversations short. It's just how we are. 

That sounds very sensible. evs.

HughFreakingDillon

voted am a bit concerned. i honestly don't see any difference between what's going on now and what has always been going on. the only difference to me, is the media coverage and the voice that social media has given to the average person. and it's a domino effect: one person on twitter getting freaked out, someone reads that, they start getting freaked out, and on and on it goes. all this bullshit about ww3 was nauseating. 

now, i don't give any credence to fake news. but since trump has been in office, the media has been in constant "freak out" mode. there is an obvious bias in the main networks. their ratings go through the roof when people are scared/upset/outraged. i have watched exponentially more news since trump was elected. and that's just stupid. it's a waste of time. 

i look back at the headlines and topics at fox news during the obama era. it was hilarious if it wasn't so utterly stupid. sometimes i wonder if we'll look back on cnn and msnbc somewhat the same way in a few years. obviously not to the same degree, but i'm sure you get my point. 

it's the outrage topic of the moment. when was the last time we heard about all the kids in cages? what did that outrage last for? a few weeks? now it's gone. haven't heard a peep about it, save for a few comments here and there by alyssa milano on twitter. have they all been reunited with their families? doubt it. but somehow, it's just not that important anymore. 

so basically what this rambling is getting at, i think a lot of our anxieties about current events start and stop with the news. the thing i worry about the most is the planet. not that maroon in the white house. 

brianlux

HughFreakingDillon said:

voted am a bit concerned. i honestly don't see any difference between what's going on now and what has always been going on. the only difference to me, is the media coverage and the voice that social media has given to the average person. and it's a domino effect: one person on twitter getting freaked out, someone reads that, they start getting freaked out, and on and on it goes. all this bullshit about ww3 was nauseating. 

now, i don't give any credence to fake news. but since trump has been in office, the media has been in constant "freak out" mode. there is an obvious bias in the main networks. their ratings go through the roof when people are scared/upset/outraged. i have watched exponentially more news since trump was elected. and that's just stupid. it's a waste of time. 

i look back at the headlines and topics at fox news during the obama era. it was hilarious if it wasn't so utterly stupid. sometimes i wonder if we'll look back on cnn and msnbc somewhat the same way in a few years. obviously not to the same degree, but i'm sure you get my point. 

it's the outrage topic of the moment. when was the last time we heard about all the kids in cages? what did that outrage last for? a few weeks? now it's gone. haven't heard a peep about it, save for a few comments here and there by alyssa milano on twitter. have they all been reunited with their families? doubt it. but somehow, it's just not that important anymore. 

so basically what this rambling is getting at, i think a lot of our anxieties about current events start and stop with the news. the thing i worry about the most is the planet. not that maroon in the white house. 

"so basically what this rambling is getting at, i think a lot of our anxieties about current events start and stop with the news. the thing i worry about the most is the planet. not that maroon in the white house.

Same here.  With what's going on in Australia, my concern for the planet is pretty jacked up these days.

That and international relations have me concerned more than usual. 

bootlegger10

A bit concerned but doing my own thing.

Kinda feel powerless to change anything.  I don’t usually vote because my vote is meaningless where I live.  Red state and blue district.  

gimmesometruth27

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

mcgruff10

I keep up with what is going in the world but my main focus is my family.  I don’t lose any sleep over current events.  

Leezestarr313

I am the second, and I cannot help myself. Things have changed so much in recent years, and it pisses me off. At least, this time around I can vote. It will make me feel a little less helpless.

HughFreakingDillon

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

mcgruff10

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

HughFreakingDillon

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

i hope so. 

gimmesometruth27

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

gimmesometruth27

i hope you are right hugh. unfortunately if it is a footnote it will last a long time because he has done some great harm to a lot of groups in this country and around the world. that stuff does not just go away in a year or two. imagine if he is there for 8 years. 

brianlux

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

rhanishane

I live in NSW Australia. I couldn't even celebrate New years Eve because I just felt numb from all the devastation. Slowly feeling better as the weather has eased but the animal loss has definitely broken my heart💔 I love that pearl jam turned their flame symbol upside down so it looks like a heart over Sydney.

rhanishane

mcgruff10

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

I stand corrected.  
As Hugh said, please take care of yourself.  

tempo_n_groove

In regards to Australia and our West Coast burning up, I read an awesome article that talks about how the Aborigine people have been control burning for years and they knew what to do so things like this wouldn't escalate.

I've heard the same things about the west coast too.

I hope it's something we can learn from and start implicating. 

As for politics I think everyone looks for the "hot take" and "I'm outraged" stance but 24hrs later most of the people have moved on to the next saga.

I do worry about the ecosystem and climates though.  When I hear people say we are doomed and shouldn't have kids I think they are a little nuts.  We can do something and maybe we should have children and bring them up prepared to do something.

Just my take on things.

gimmesometruth27

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

gimmesometruth27

mcgruff10 said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

I stand corrected.  
As Hugh said, please take care of yourself.  

thanks man. self care is completely underrated and so completely necessary.

gimmesometruth27

rhanishane said:

i love this so much. 

brianlux

tempo_n_groove said:

In regards to Australia and our West Coast burning up, I read an awesome article that talks about how the Aborigine people have been control burning for years and they knew what to do so things like this wouldn't escalate.

I've heard the same things about the west coast too.

I hope it's something we can learn from and start implicating. 

As for politics I think everyone looks for the "hot take" and "I'm outraged" stance but 24hrs later most of the people have moved on to the next saga.

I do worry about the ecosystem and climates though.  When I hear people say we are doomed and shouldn't have kids I think they are a little nuts.  We can do something and maybe we should have children and bring them up prepared to do something.

Just my take on things.

Regarding fire- I've heard the same thing, that indigenous people here in the west and in Australia knew how to control burn.  And then along came Europeans who wanted to cut down the forest to build empire and suddenly fire suppression (i.e. "Smoky the Bear") was promoted with the idea that this would save forests for cultivation when in fact, not allowing natural burns from lightning strikes allowed a huge build up of fuels which now feed these out-of-control fires.  And these Europeans thought they were so much smarter than the indigenous peoples.

Regarding having kids- I didn't and wouldn't, but if people do have children, I wish they would at least wait until they are financially stable enough to properly provide for their kids (I know plenty of young parents who are not), and I wish they were the kind of people who were focused of their kids learning to respect others, have decent manners, and focus on their education rather than plop the down in front of a TV, make them latch key kids, not be involved in their education, and parade them like trophies.  (And I feel qualified to say these things because although I had no kids of my own, I have had parenting experience.)

gimmesometruth27 said:

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

Man, I get it.  Watching the whole shitshow that has become America is a mind fuck.  Let's hope for some good changes this year.

mcgruff10

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

I stand corrected.  
As Hugh said, please take care of yourself.  

thanks man. self care is completely underrated and so completely necessary.

100% agree.  Long story short my dad was admitted to the ER this past Friday and man was I freaking stressed out to the max (turns out he needs gallbladder surgery).  I jammed on my tele yesterday for an hour and it did help.  I know you are a guitar player so maybe do the same.  Be well my friend.

brianlux

gimmesometruth27 said:

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

I can see why you would say you were better of not coming around here.  My totally selfish response is that I notice your absence here at times and miss your presence during those times because you are are knowledgeable and  keenly aware of how the world spins and I always learn something from you.  But more importantly, you're a good dude and I wish you the best and if that means not getting in too deep here, do what's best for you.  (This is true for others here by the way- you folks help keep me focused, more informed, and add to my awareness.)  In any case, while you are here, I'm grateful.

Nice job shaving, lol.  I need to do the same today and get out and walk today.  I'm trying to do more aerobic walking for my health because I'm getting to the stage in life where it's easy to find excuses to not exercise.  Let's keep fit and hope for a better 2020!

HughFreakingDillon

gimmesometruth27 said:

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

ironically, this is what has helped me a few times as well, and have been vilified for mentioning it. 

brianlux

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

ironically, this is what has helped me a few times as well, and have been vilified for mentioning it. 

I miss your input when you're not around as well, HFD.  Always happy to see you on here.

HughFreakingDillon

brianlux said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

ironically, this is what has helped me a few times as well, and have been vilified for mentioning it. 

I miss your input when you're not around as well, HFD.  Always happy to see you on here.

you're part of an ever-shrinking group, I think, Brian! LOL

brianlux

HughFreakingDillon said:

brianlux said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

brianlux said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

Hey buddy, I'm sorry to hear the weight of the world is beating you up a bit.  I look up to you as a smart, knowledgeable and savvy kind of guy, a fine musician, and all around good dude, so I hope things get better- both in the world we live in and, more importantly here, for you my friend.

thank you Brian. I think i was better off when I was not coming around here, haha. i needed to be around intelligent and passionate people though, so I had to come back. I missed the bickering, lol.

my gym closed about 6 weeks ago and since i am a commitmentphobe i have not found one I like and want to stay with. it is my priority to make a decision this week and get back at it. i need that release. oh yea, i shaved today, ahaha!

things will get better. i believe that. you are an empath, like me, so I am glad you are holding up ok and taking care of yourself. this last few years have been hard on people like me. it will be better though.

ironically, this is what has helped me a few times as well, and have been vilified for mentioning it. 

I miss your input when you're not around as well, HFD.  Always happy to see you on here.

you're part of an ever-shrinking group, I think, Brian! LOL

Oh, I hope not! 

It's been interesting seeing the faces change here over the years.  With the world (and especially this country) in chaos, I sometimes wish there were more folks participating here.  I think some people move one because too much personal b.s. gets thrown around here.  And poor Kat has to keep reminding us to stay on topic and not make it personal.  You'd have to pay me a lot of money for a job like that-  or at least give me front row seats, free access to shows, and a new guitar, stomp box, or amp of my choice each year, haha!

gimmesometruth27

mcgruff10 said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

mcgruff10 said:

HughFreakingDillon said:

gimmesometruth27 said:

i am trying to do my thing but i am so distracted by what is going on these days that i have seriously neglected self care and things that make me happy.

i have been drinking more. not more days, just more heavily on the 3-4 days a month when i do drink. i have not been to the gym in months. i am shaving maybe one day a week when i used to shave 3-4 days a week. instead of wearing dress clothes to work i have just been wearing scrubs. i have not focused on my band or even plugged in my guitar rig in months.

jesus rod, take care of yourself. i think many of us have increased our imbibing habits in the last 3 years, but if it's causing you so much stress it is affecting your life like this, might be time to talk to someone. seriously, i was kind of fucked up when he first got elected. but i decided to unplug from a lot of it. it was the only thing i could i do to stay sane. in the end, this will just be a footnote in our lives and we'll all wonder why we were all so stressed about it. 

Hugh I might be wrong but I think you missed his sarcasm.  

no i was being dead serious. 

the other day when i said that trump is giving americans PTSD i was talking about what that motherfucker is doing to me.

I stand corrected.  
As Hugh said, please take care of yourself.  

thanks man. self care is completely underrated and so completely necessary.

100% agree.  Long story short my dad was admitted to the ER this past Friday and man was I freaking stressed out to the max (turns out he needs gallbladder surgery).  I jammed on my tele yesterday for an hour and it did help.  I know you are a guitar player so maybe do the same.  Be well my friend.

thanks man. i hope all goes well with your dad. i did play for a bit yesterday and it does help. glad playing was able to help you. we should both try to play a little more.