I think you perfectly describe what writing feels like for many writers. It *is* a Sisyphus boulder to carry up every single time. We have to remind ourselves that it's the work itself, finding these topics and developing them, which brings us eudaimonia, and not the applause -- virtual or not, on publication day.
I am so, so drawn to Camus’ description of Sisyphus/the human condition. I am someone who can get so caught up in the frustration of the mundane and the day-to-day, and I find a lot of solace in the idea that we find meaning and strength and virtue in the daily struggle. Writing is such a wonderful example of this kind of struggle — especially for me now as I’ve been facing some immovable writer’s block…
Loved the different threads woven together in this one 🧵
Aha! I should have read this before I replied about the non-monetary value of creating. Because yes, I do think that meaning is something we make more than something we find. Maybe it’s both. Maybe there’s an organizing principle (or Organizer) behind it, maybe there’s not. It seems that either way, there’s little we can control beyond our own relationship with life—our thoughts and feelings about it and the meaning we squeeze from it when we can.
https://youtu.be/Ode804whzig?si=De03joWywByu6tbx
That’s what was going through my head while reading 💛
Exactly the soundtrack this post needed!
👌🏻👌🏻👌🏻
I think you perfectly describe what writing feels like for many writers. It *is* a Sisyphus boulder to carry up every single time. We have to remind ourselves that it's the work itself, finding these topics and developing them, which brings us eudaimonia, and not the applause -- virtual or not, on publication day.
I do enjoy a bit of applause every now and then, even if it makes me feel a little awkward.
But you're right, that's not the eudaimonia. On to the next boulder!
I am so, so drawn to Camus’ description of Sisyphus/the human condition. I am someone who can get so caught up in the frustration of the mundane and the day-to-day, and I find a lot of solace in the idea that we find meaning and strength and virtue in the daily struggle. Writing is such a wonderful example of this kind of struggle — especially for me now as I’ve been facing some immovable writer’s block…
Loved the different threads woven together in this one 🧵
Thanks, Rose! I feel the burden of the day-to-day. Still trying to find meaning in the struggle, but hey..
Writer's block is just another boulder. Keep pushing ;).
Aha! I should have read this before I replied about the non-monetary value of creating. Because yes, I do think that meaning is something we make more than something we find. Maybe it’s both. Maybe there’s an organizing principle (or Organizer) behind it, maybe there’s not. It seems that either way, there’s little we can control beyond our own relationship with life—our thoughts and feelings about it and the meaning we squeeze from it when we can.
Beautiful thoughts, as always.
Thanks, Danielle.
Putting those thoughts into practice is the challenge, though, isn't it?
Wow! What a beautiful essay. But I have a more poignant definition of Eudiamonia: finding your soul!
Thanks, Geoffrey. I like it! Succinct and on point.