Tiny Letter #2
Mental health / poem / instead / time perspective / Hector Bellerin on values / Alain de Botton on feelings / dev1ce on coming back after mental health difficulties / tools...
On mental health...
Mental health is a difficult topic only when we decide to avoid talking about it and pretend things are fine, or that mental health issues will eventually disappear. We put a mask on them and keep going without addressing the deeper problems happening inside our minds. But mental health issues get deeper the longer we let them linger without working on them. Similar to physical muscles, if you have an injury and continue playing, then it'll eventually break and will take much longer to recover.
I've had mental health incidents that have made me reconsider aspects of my life, relationships, and career. I call them mini-life crises – eye and mind-opening moments that have helped me reevaluate some of my life choices. I don't believe they were good or bad. They simply happened for a reason.
I'm sure most of us will have different mental health issues in the future as life goes on and different problems show up. Whether these are big or small will depend on the work we do on ourselves to improve our minds and the techniques we learn to address them when the time comes.
I've personally been working out on my mental health through meditation and journaling for several years. Meditating helps me rebalance emotions, feelings, and thoughts; gain focus and understand what's inside versus outside of my control; and talk to myself kindly. While journaling is my preferred method to put all my running thoughts on paper to better understand my mind.
I've yet to work with a mental health professional, but I can see myself attending therapy in the near future to further work on deeper cases and learn new tools.
📚 Read…
It Couldn’t Be Done
I like how a few words, sentences, or paragraphs can bring big emotions out of human beings – whether you are struggling through a personal issue or just looking for something short to read.
Edgar Albert Guest writes a message of determination and perseverance in the face of challenges. Keep believing in yourself and your abilities, even when others doubt you or obstacles seem insurmountable. It's a reminder that with the right attitude and effort, we can accomplish great things.
Read it: It Couldn’t Be Done
Instead
I’ve been reading Seth Godin’s daily blog for a few years now and some of them are golden by bringing different perspectives into our own life’s actions. On Instead, he emphasizes the importance of looking for alternate paths and new solutions to problems, rather than simply following the expected or traditional route. He encourages people to embrace creativity and innovation to find better ways of achieving their goals.
Read it: Instead
Past, Present, and Future: Use Time Perspectives to Live Better
The article explores the three time perspectives - past, present, and future - and how they affect our behavior and emotions. It suggests that focusing too much on the past or future can lead to adverse outcomes, such as regret and anxiety, and that a healthy balance between the three perspectives can lead to a more fulfilling life. The author provides tips on how to shift focus to the present moment and use time perspectives to make better decisions and live a more meaningful life.
Read it: Past, Present, and Future: Use Time Perspectives to Live Better
📺 Watched…
🧩 Hector Bellerin on choosing your values wisely
Former Arsenal football player, Hector Bellerin, shares his personal journey and how he has come to value mental well-being and environmentalism as his top priorities in life, even over material possessions and fame. He speaks about the importance of taking care of one's mental health and how he uses various techniques, such as mindfulness and meditation, to stay grounded and present.
He encourages people to think about their own values and priorities and to make choices based on what truly matters to them, rather than societal pressures or external expectations.
Watch it: Hector Bellerin on choosing your values wisely
😮💨 Alain de Botton - It’s OK to Feel NOT OK Right Now
Alain de Botton discusses how it is okay to feel not okay during difficult times, and how people should be comfortable with their emotions rather than suppress them. He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging difficult feelings and finding ways to cope with them through things like therapy or talking with friends. De Botton also notes that everyone experiences ups and downs and that being honest about our struggles can lead to more meaningful connections with others.
One of my favorite parts from this video:
"All of us know how to be a great friend to other people, but very often we don't speak as friends to ourselves. We are cruel to ourselves, but so kind when other people call. Be a friend to yourself."
– Alain de Botton
Watch it: It’s OK to Feel NOT OK Right Now
🧘♂️ device: CS comeback, mental health
In this video, device, one of the best professional Counter-Strike players in history, discusses his struggles with mental health issues and how he overcame them. He talks about the importance of having a support system and taking breaks to prevent burnout. The conversation sheds light on the mental health challenges faced by esports players and the need for more awareness and support within the industry.
Watch it: device: CS comeback, mental health...
🛠 Tools…
Mailbrew - your personal daily digest // 🔗 link
DuckDuckGo Email - a privacy-focused email service designed to keep your personal information secure // 🔗 link
CleanMyMac X - an all-in-one package to clean junk and make your Mac run faster // 🔗 link