Absolutely incredibly insightful piece. I too have had similar experiences, although I use audiobooks and podcasts as a distraction. I’m never in silence. Even now, I’m reading your words. Writing however has become my mindfulness. Rather than just allowing the conversation to take place in my head I write it down. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will reflect more than once I think 🫶🏼
Thanks for your kind words, Caroline. I find writing to be hugely relaxing. Even those frustrating moments when you're moving parts around and can't make it flow are a really therapeutic practice ❤️
Changing our behaviors and changing how we react to certain things is hard, but you now have the awareness you didn’t have before of what you need to do! We learn from our mistakes.
I’m really glad you made it through that, Waylon. And much respect to what you’re doing here, for what it’s worth. If you don’t mind me asking - have you written about addiction in any other posts?
Thanks, Jeff (or do you go by H?) Apologies if you prefer H - I'll make note for future comms if so!
I wrote another piece specifically referencing cocaine use called "In the pit of my stomach". Interesting that you asked actually as I have had a few people reach out now specifically asking about drug use and addiction. Perhaps I should revisit the subject. It's a topic I enjoy writing about - feels like exorcising certain demons - and it seems to resonate with people. Thanks for your kind words!
Either is totally fine. You’re only the second person on Substack who’s caught on to my nickname ha ha it’s fun to be called H on here. Not to make light of really serious addictions but I think everyone is addicted to something even if it’s just thinking or sugar (both me). I just always appreciate getting new perspectives on it. Thanks, Waylon
Hey Waylon I appreciate you for spreading awareness on drugs and other addictive substances in the surroundings.
It's really impossible to control yourself when 4 people around us doing anything ( good or bad) if good or productive then they lead us to new ladder of success otherwise we fall deep.
That's why my professor always used to say,make good friends and gave healthy relationship with others
Just want to highlight this "Porn, drugs, gambling, jewellery, cars, clothes – it’s all short term thinking but when you don’t have a minute to take stock, you’ll often go for the quick fix."
Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoyed reading it, and I needed that reminder to be more intentionally mindful (i.e. put the dang phone down).
“Our cells regenerate constantly so the thought we have to remain the same person we’ve always been doesn’t stack up.” - This was kind of freeing for me. No matter the mistakes we make, there’s always a fresh slate and opportunity for change.
"Taking a metaphorical step back from the unrelenting desire for distraction from our own minds is the last thing you think you want but often what you need. A chance to take stock and escape from the constant level of panic we often find ourselves." This how I meditate to relieve stress and relax
Thank you for sharing- especially the first part of the text caught my attention - I could really feel you in these earlier years. Would love to read more about how you moved on and left it behind…
Thanks Marita. It's definitely a subject I'll revisit in the future. I think when you're in you're in the midst of a negative situation, you often don't realise how bad it was until you're out of it
Waylon, I loved reading this! I struggled with excessive alcohol consumption in my late teens and early twenties so I resonate with a lot of what you went through.
I liked your inbox imagery so I’m going to try that out next time I have a moment.
Thank you for taking the team to read! In a way I'm sorry it resonated as it's tricky subject matter but hopefully it brought you come comfort to know you're not alone ❤️
This is such an insightful deep dive into the human consciousness and reactions, thank you for sharing! I really appreciated this quote:
“It’s interesting how often you will be faced with a problem and in that moment, you can’t think how you would go about fixing said problem but a day later you’re there washing dishes in the kitchen and it just comes to you.”
I absolutely resonate with this experience, and it definitely makes me question my abilities and critical thinking sometimes! I’m glad I found this piece, as it made me realize how much of a real human experience that is, but also, why. Very well-written!
Hey Morgan, I'm a little blown away by your comments if I'm being truthful. I'm really glad it struck a chord with you, it makes the writing feel so worthwhile when I'm presented with such heartfelt feedback, thank you so much ❤️
Absolutely incredibly insightful piece. I too have had similar experiences, although I use audiobooks and podcasts as a distraction. I’m never in silence. Even now, I’m reading your words. Writing however has become my mindfulness. Rather than just allowing the conversation to take place in my head I write it down. Thoroughly enjoyed this and will reflect more than once I think 🫶🏼
Thanks for your kind words, Caroline. I find writing to be hugely relaxing. Even those frustrating moments when you're moving parts around and can't make it flow are a really therapeutic practice ❤️
Changing our behaviors and changing how we react to certain things is hard, but you now have the awareness you didn’t have before of what you need to do! We learn from our mistakes.
Thank you, Lori, I couldn't agree more. If we want to grow, we have no choice but to learn from those mistakes ❤️
I’m really glad you made it through that, Waylon. And much respect to what you’re doing here, for what it’s worth. If you don’t mind me asking - have you written about addiction in any other posts?
Thanks, Jeff (or do you go by H?) Apologies if you prefer H - I'll make note for future comms if so!
I wrote another piece specifically referencing cocaine use called "In the pit of my stomach". Interesting that you asked actually as I have had a few people reach out now specifically asking about drug use and addiction. Perhaps I should revisit the subject. It's a topic I enjoy writing about - feels like exorcising certain demons - and it seems to resonate with people. Thanks for your kind words!
Either is totally fine. You’re only the second person on Substack who’s caught on to my nickname ha ha it’s fun to be called H on here. Not to make light of really serious addictions but I think everyone is addicted to something even if it’s just thinking or sugar (both me). I just always appreciate getting new perspectives on it. Thanks, Waylon
Hey Waylon I appreciate you for spreading awareness on drugs and other addictive substances in the surroundings.
It's really impossible to control yourself when 4 people around us doing anything ( good or bad) if good or productive then they lead us to new ladder of success otherwise we fall deep.
That's why my professor always used to say,make good friends and gave healthy relationship with others
Just want to highlight this "Porn, drugs, gambling, jewellery, cars, clothes – it’s all short term thinking but when you don’t have a minute to take stock, you’ll often go for the quick fix."
Keep writing 👏👍
Thank you, Ved. Your thoughtful comments are massively appreciated! Sounds like you professor is a wise man in more ways than one 🧡
Thank you for sharing this. I really enjoyed reading it, and I needed that reminder to be more intentionally mindful (i.e. put the dang phone down).
“Our cells regenerate constantly so the thought we have to remain the same person we’ve always been doesn’t stack up.” - This was kind of freeing for me. No matter the mistakes we make, there’s always a fresh slate and opportunity for change.
Thanks JP, I find it a real comfort too though it's so easy to get stuck in patterns that don't serve us! Thanks for your comments 🧡
"Taking a metaphorical step back from the unrelenting desire for distraction from our own minds is the last thing you think you want but often what you need. A chance to take stock and escape from the constant level of panic we often find ourselves." This how I meditate to relieve stress and relax
Thanks Phil, I'm glad you could relate to this passage! ❤️
Thank you for sharing- especially the first part of the text caught my attention - I could really feel you in these earlier years. Would love to read more about how you moved on and left it behind…
Thanks Marita. It's definitely a subject I'll revisit in the future. I think when you're in you're in the midst of a negative situation, you often don't realise how bad it was until you're out of it
Waylon, I loved reading this raw and powerful writing. How you turned this into awareness, have transformed your live and share your voice. Thank you!
Hey Ann, that's really beautiful of you to say. Thank you for your uplifting feedback ❤️
Waylon, I loved reading this! I struggled with excessive alcohol consumption in my late teens and early twenties so I resonate with a lot of what you went through.
I liked your inbox imagery so I’m going to try that out next time I have a moment.
Thank you for taking the team to read! In a way I'm sorry it resonated as it's tricky subject matter but hopefully it brought you come comfort to know you're not alone ❤️
This is such an insightful deep dive into the human consciousness and reactions, thank you for sharing! I really appreciated this quote:
“It’s interesting how often you will be faced with a problem and in that moment, you can’t think how you would go about fixing said problem but a day later you’re there washing dishes in the kitchen and it just comes to you.”
I absolutely resonate with this experience, and it definitely makes me question my abilities and critical thinking sometimes! I’m glad I found this piece, as it made me realize how much of a real human experience that is, but also, why. Very well-written!
Hey Morgan, I'm a little blown away by your comments if I'm being truthful. I'm really glad it struck a chord with you, it makes the writing feel so worthwhile when I'm presented with such heartfelt feedback, thank you so much ❤️
It's inspiring to see how you've turned awareness into transformation. Thank you for sharing such raw, real insight! 💖
Very kind words, Laura, thank you ❤️