you need a project that isn't you
luisaallovertheplace.substack.com
you need a project that isn't you
so you’re seeking a system to try to force the missing desire into existence. We want a rule to shoulder the burden of living on our behalf. It’s a quid pro quo: we’ll follow it religiously and, in return, won’t have to take so much moment-to-moment responsibility for making the most of our lives.
Oliver Burkeman • Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts
Now I read the helplessness at the heart of the story—a learned helplessness—that I knew too well. The desire to be told who you are, what you need.
Suzanne Scanlon • Committed: On Meaning and Madwomen
Most of my early 20’s I had a fixation that I wanted to heal the world. But after some eye-opening experiences I realized that my desire to save the world was me hiding from myself. I didn’t want to pay attention to myself.
Rūta Žemčugovaitė • Mythologize Thyself (What, Why & How)
We lose the ability to choose, direct, the motivation is outside of us (extrinsic). we become “the best” not the best version of ourselves. We let the game define us.