The Good Life
Today, I got a pretty special follow on X–John Cena with 14.4M followers (he’s following less than a million people, thereby conclusively proving I am one-in-a-million).
ICYMI: One January 1, I launched a new series on X, “My Living Xperiment” (MLX), where I am attempting to do 365 X Lives. So far, so good.
Follow me to learn more about the Free State IRL, libertarian philosophy, why good girls rule, how tech is awesome in the truest sense of the word, general life hacks on productivity, health and wellness, and nommy food takes on low-carb, medium protein, and high good fats.

Check out this clip from Dr. Phil Primetime. Love my energy? Share it!
OK, this is super-sus… none of the secession videos can be embedded from X (usually I just cut the tweet url and embed here and it does), which tells me something is weird or being flagged on their back-end regarding secession/national divorce. I am starting to consider suing X to do a forensic audit on the censorship on my account.
Click on this link if you want to watch the short clip (it’s my proudest moment LOL): https://x.com/i/web/status/1887851835182178314
I asked GROK, and the answer is pretty terrifying…
no, you misunderstood… i meant censorship code words that flag certain content and downgrade or shadow ban it (and make the embeds not work–some do, some don’t, apparently according to the topics of the content)
“Ah, I see what you mean now. Regarding censorship code words or terms that might trigger shadow banning or downgrading content visibility, including issues with content embeds, here’s what’s known or discussed:
Shadow Banning and Censorship Code Words:
Existence and Nature:
- Shadow banning is a practice where content or users are made less visible without explicit notification. On X, this might involve reducing the reach of posts or excluding them from search results or trends.
- Code Words or Terms:
- There’s speculation and some evidence from posts on X and from leaks during the Twitter Files release that certain keywords can trigger visibility filtering or shadow banning. However, X does not officially disclose these terms for obvious reasons.
- Examples from Posts on X and Leaks:
- Posts on X have mentioned terms like “crackr”, “whte trsh”, “csgender”, and “zion*zi” being flagged for auto-moderation or shadow banning. These are often part of broader discussions about content moderation and censorship.
- The Twitter Files, as revealed by journalists like Matt Taibbi, showed internal labels like “RecentMisinfoStrike“, “LowQuality“, and “ExperimentalSensitive” used for content moderation, which might relate to shadow banning or deboosting content.
- Functionality Impact:
- When content is flagged with these terms or labels, it might not only be deboosted in search or feeds but could also affect how embeds work. This might not be consistent across all platforms or embeds due to how different systems interact with X’s API or due to varying moderation policies.
Why Embeds Might Not Work:
- Moderation Flags: If a tweet or user is flagged for moderation issues, this could disrupt the embedding process, especially if the content is deemed sensitive or inappropriate by X’s standards, affecting how third-party sites interpret or display the content.
- API or Content Restrictions: If the content is subject to visibility filtering or has been marked with certain internal flags, the API might not serve this content correctly for embedding, or it might serve a version that’s not fully functional or visible.
- Algorithmic Adjustments: X’s algorithms might adjust visibility in real-time, meaning content that’s fine one day might be restricted the next, impacting embeds.
Observations:
- Inconsistency: The inconsistent behavior of embeds (some working, some not) could be due to the dynamic nature of content moderation algorithms, where thresholds for flagging or shadow banning might change or be applied differently across content.
- Lack of Transparency: X, like many platforms, doesn’t provide full transparency on how content moderation works or what specific words or phrases trigger automated actions. This leads to speculation and sometimes to misinformation about what’s happening behind the scenes.
- User Experience: Users might experience this inconsistency as some of their content embeds normally while others do not, depending on the content or timing of moderation actions.
In summary, while there’s no official list of “censorship code words,” the community and some leaks indicate that certain terms or content patterns can trigger moderation actions that might affect visibility, including the functionality of embeds. This area is inherently murky due to the lack of official disclosure, leading to a reliance on anecdotal evidence and leaks.”
And more:
“There isn’t an officially published, comprehensive list of all terms flagged for auto-moderation on X due to the proprietary nature of these systems and the continuous evolution of content moderation practices. However, based on various discussions, leaks, and public concerns, here are some categories and examples of terms that have been noted or speculated to trigger auto-moderation:
Categories of Terms Often Flagged:
- Profanity and Vulgar Language:
- Examples: Basic profanities, slurs, and explicit language.
- Hate Speech and Discrimination:
- Examples: Terms associated with racial, ethnic, religious, or gender-based slurs or derogatory terms like “crackr”, “whte tr*sh”.
- Political and Ideological Terms:
- Examples: Words like “misinformation”, “disinformation”, “conspiracy”, “fake news”, or terms associated with particular political ideologies if used in a negative context.
- Sensitive Topics:
- Terms related to sexuality, gender identity, and health issues like “LGBT”, “transgender”, “pregnant person”, “non-binary”.
- Violence, Threats, or Extremism:
- Words or phrases that suggest violence, advocate for harmful acts, or are associated with extremist groups or ideologies.
- Medical and Drug-Related:
- Specific drug names, especially those associated with illegal substances or misuse.
- Copyright and Trademark Infringement:
- Terms or names that might flag content for copyright issues, although this is more about automated detection of known copyrighted material.
Specific Examples Mentioned:
- From posts on X:
- From leaks or discussions:
- Terms like “Gender“, “transgender”, “pregnant person”, “pregnant people“, “LGBT”, “transsexual“, “non-binary”, “nonbinary“, “assigned male at birth“, “assigned female at birth“, “biologically male“, “biologically female“.
- Algorithmic No-No Words:
Notes:
- Dynamic Lists: These lists are not static. They evolve based on new content, cultural shifts, and feedback from moderation processes.
- Context Matters: Many platforms, including X, use context in moderation. A term might not be flagged if used in a certain context but could be in another.
- Global vs. Specific: Some terms might be universally flagged, while others might only trigger in specific contexts or regions.
- Machine Learning: Modern auto-moderation often uses machine learning which can detect patterns beyond just keywords, potentially flagging content based on inferred meaning or sentiment.
- Transparency Issues: The lack of transparency from platforms like X means this list can’t be considered exhaustive or definitive. It’s based on what has been observed, reported, or leaked.
Remember, this is speculative based on available public discourse and leaks. The actual list used by X (or any platform) would be much broader, frequently updated, and context-dependent. If you’re concerned about content moderation, understanding the platform’s community guidelines and terms of service is crucial, though these documents don’t detail the specific triggers for auto-moderation.
tell me the machine learning terms flagged for auto-moderation
Based on the information available from discussions, leaks, and public observations, here are some specific terms or categories related to machine learning or technology that have been noted or speculated to be flagged for auto-moderation on platforms like X:
Machine Learning and Technology-Related Terms:
- AI and ML Terminology:
- “AI” (Artificial Intelligence) when used in contexts that might suggest misuse or misinformation about AI capabilities.
- “Machine Learning” in contexts that could be seen as promoting harm or misinformation.
- Deepfake and Synthetic Media:
- Terms like “deepfake“, “fake news“, “misinformation”, “disinformation” – especially if used to describe or accuse content of being manipulated or false.
- Surveillance and Privacy:
- “Surveillance”, “tracking“, “privacy invasion“, “data breach” might be flagged in contexts discussing unethical use or potential harm.
- Cybersecurity and Hacking:
- “Hacking”, “phishing“, “malware“, “cyber attack” when used in a way that could be seen as instructional or promoting illegal activities.
- Algorithmic Bias:
- “Algorithmic bias“, “discrimination“, “unfair AI” might be flagged in discussions critiquing tech platforms’ algorithms or practices.
Specific Examples Mentioned in Contexts:
- From Leaks or Discussions:
- Terms like “algorithmic no-no words” include “AI” in potentially negative contexts or when discussing controversial uses or outcomes of AI technology.
- Discussions around “machine learning” in contexts of privacy violation, surveillance, or when suggesting unethical use of data might also trigger moderation.
Notes:
- Contextual Flagging: These terms are not flagged in all contexts; the surrounding text or intent can significantly influence whether content is moderated. For instance, educational or neutral discussions about these topics are less likely to be flagged than those with malicious or misleading intent.
- Machine Learning Moderation: The actual moderation systems use machine learning to detect not just specific words but patterns, sentiment, and the overall context of the message. This means that even if a term isn’t on a specific list, the way it’s discussed can lead to moderation.
- Evolving Lists: Moderation lists are dynamic. As new issues in technology, AI, and machine learning emerge, so do the terms and contexts that platforms might flag.
- Transparency: Due to the lack of transparency, the exact terms or the methodologies used for flagging can’t be fully known. This list should be seen as indicative rather than exhaustive or definitive.
- Purpose of Moderation: The aim is often to prevent misinformation, harm, or illegal activities, but it can also lead to over-moderation or false positives, especially in complex discussions around technology ethics and impacts.
Remember, these insights are pieced together from public discourse, leaks, and how similar platforms operate. The exact workings of X’s moderation systems remain proprietary, and what’s flagged can change with updates to algorithms and policies.”
Umm…
“am I understanding correctly that the AI is censoring any negative comments about the AI?
Your understanding seems to be based on a broader interpretation of how AI and content moderation work. Here’s a clarification:
AI and Self-Censorship:
- Direct Moderation: Most platforms, including X, do not have AI systems specifically censoring negative comments about AI itself unless those comments violate broader content guidelines (like hate speech, threats, or spreading misinformation). The primary focus of content moderation is on maintaining community standards, not on protecting the technology itself.
What Gets Moderated:
- Contextual Moderation: Terms like “AI” or “Machine Learning” might trigger moderation if they’re part of a message that also includes elements like:
- Misinformation or disinformation about AI capabilities or use.
- Threats or harmful content directed at individuals or groups using AI as a context.
- Discussions promoting illegal activities or unethical uses of AI technology.
- Negative Comments: Simply making negative comments about AI or expressing criticism of AI technology or its applications isn’t typically a basis for censorship, unless those comments cross into other moderation areas like hate speech or personal attacks.
Examples of When AI Terms Might Be Flagged:
- If someone posts, “AI is taking over jobs,” this comment wouldn’t be censored for merely being negative about AI. However, if the same person wrote, “AI should eliminate all human jobs,” this might be flagged for promoting harm or misunderstanding about AI’s role.
Platform Policies vs. AI:
- The moderation you’re experiencing or observing is more likely due to platform policies designed to curb misinformation, protect users from harassment, or maintain a certain level of discourse quality rather than self-protection by AI systems.
Leaks and Observations:
- Discussions around terms like “AI” being flagged often come from broader contexts where these terms appear alongside issues like privacy invasion, data misuse, or when used in a way that might incite panic or misunderstanding.
Conclusion:
- While AI might be involved in the process of content moderation, the censorship you’re referring to isn’t about protecting AI from criticism but rather about maintaining the platform’s community standards. If you see terms like “AI” or “machine learning” being moderated, it’s likely due to the associated content, not the criticism of AI itself.
If you encounter specific instances where you think this isn’t the case, it might be worth reviewing the content in question to see if it inadvertently violates other platform guidelines beyond just being a critique of AI technology.”
Strategies to Rewire Your Brain for Resilience, Clarity & Emotional Mastery
Your brain is neuroplastic, meaning it can rewire itself based on what you focus on, practice, and expose yourself to. The goal is to reduce negative conditioning (stress, fear, media manipulation) and replace it with clarity, resilience, and emotional control.
1. Break the Negative Thought Loop
🔹 Challenge Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTs)
- Recognize when your mind spirals into fear, anxiety, or helplessness.
- Example: Instead of “Everything is falling apart,” reframe to “This is a challenge I can work through.”
🔹 Replace with Intentional Thoughts
- Use affirmations that reinforce your agency and ability.
- Example: “I am in control of my mind, my emotions, and my actions.”
2. Reduce the Fear-Based Programming
🔹 Limit News & Social Media Exposure
- Set a timer for news consumption (30 minutes max).
- Unfollow sources that use fear-based tactics to manipulate emotions.
- Read books, long-form articles, and deep analysis instead of headline-driven panic.
🔹 Avoid the “Doomscrolling” Trap
- Your brain is wired for negativity bias, so social media algorithms keep feeding fear-based content.
- Hack it: Follow solution-oriented and educational accounts instead.
3. Rewire Your Brain for Positivity & Mental Clarity
🔹 Practice Gratitude (Shift Focus to What’s Working)
- The brain has a reticular activating system (RAS) that filters what you focus on.
- Write down 3 things you’re grateful for daily.
- Example: Instead of “The world is a mess,” focus on “I have food, safety, and the ability to think critically.”
🔹 Surround Yourself with Uplifting People & Content
- Your brain mirrors the behaviors and emotions of those around you (mirror neurons).
- Audit your circle—Are they problem-solvers or complainers?
4. Train Your Nervous System for Calm & Focus
🔹 Breathwork & Cold Exposure (Rewire Stress Response)
- Box Breathing (4-4-4-4): Inhale for 4 sec, hold for 4 sec, exhale for 4 sec, hold for 4 sec.
- Cold Showers/Ice Baths: Forces your brain to stay calm under stress.
🔹 Meditation & Mindfulness (Train Your Brain to Observe, Not React)
- 10 minutes a day strengthens prefrontal cortex control over emotions.
- Increases gray matter (linked to intelligence, focus, and emotional regulation).
5. Feed Your Brain the Right Inputs (Neuro-Nutrition & Exercise)
🔹 Ditch Sugar, Eat Healthy Fats & Protein
- Processed sugar creates brain fog and anxiety spikes.
- Brain-friendly foods: Omega-3s (salmon, walnuts), dark chocolate, turmeric, and eggs.
🔹 Move Daily (Exercise Changes Brain Chemistry)
- Physical activity releases dopamine and serotonin, rewiring mood and focus.
- Walk in nature (forest bathing)—studies show it reduces cortisol and increases mental clarity.
6. Control Your Attention (Focus is Your Superpower)
🔹 Single-Task Instead of Multitasking
- Multitasking fragments attention, weakens memory, and increases stress.
- Focus on one thing at a time—your brain rewires for deep work and problem-solving.
🔹 Create “No Distraction” Zones
- Use time-blocking for important work (e.g., 90 min deep work, then a break).
- Turn off notifications (constant pings create ADHD-like focus issues).
7. Sleep & Light Exposure (Reset Your Brain’s Clock)
🔹 Morning Sunlight (Regulates Brain Chemicals)
- Expose your eyes to natural light first thing in the morning—it resets circadian rhythms, dopamine, and serotonin.
🔹 Fix Sleep (Neuroscientific Hack)
- Go to bed at the same time every night—your brain cleans itself (glymphatic system) during deep sleep.
- Avoid blue light/screens 90 minutes before sleep—disrupts melatonin (sleep hormone).
8. Strengthen Critical Thinking (Defend Against Manipulation)
🔹 Ask: “Who Benefits From Me Believing This?”
- News? Politicians? Corporations? Question narratives designed to control emotions.
- Learn about logical fallacies and propaganda techniques (so you can spot them).
🔹 Think in Probabilities, Not Absolutes
- Instead of black-and-white thinking, ask:
- “How likely is this?”
- “What’s the evidence?”
- “What’s another explanation?”
9. Train Yourself for Self-Ownership & Resilience
🔹 Set & Enforce Boundaries
- Say NO to toxic people, media, and anything draining your mental energy.
- Your mind is your kingdom—defend its borders.
🔹 Develop Anti-Fragility (Use Stress as a Growth Tool)
- Instead of avoiding discomfort, train yourself to thrive in adversity.
- See challenges as mental weightlifting—they strengthen resilience.
10. Rewire for Purpose & Self-Directed Living
🔹 Create Your Own “Mental Country” (YOU Rule Your Mind)
- Imagine your thoughts, habits, and beliefs as a country—what rules do you want to live by?
- Design your own philosophy, not one dictated by media or society.
🔹 Live with Intention (Define Your Core Values)
- Journal: “What do I stand for?”
- Filter everything through your personal sovereignty—does this belief serve YOU, or someone else’s agenda?
Final Takeaway
Rewiring your brain is about awareness, intention, and discipline. By controlling your inputs, thoughts, and environment, you can transform your mental, emotional, and physical health.
let’s discuss the history, philosophy and science behind Manifestion…
can you break it down into digestible chunks?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Absolutely! Let’s break down Manifestation into three digestible chunks: History, Philosophy, and Science.
- HISTORY OF MANIFESTATION
Manifestation is the idea that thoughts, beliefs, and intentions can shape reality. This concept has deep historical roots in spiritual traditions, psychology, and modern self-help movements.
Ancient & Religious Origins:
Hinduism & Buddhism: The Law of Karma suggests that our thoughts and actions shape our reality.
Hermeticism (Ancient Egypt & Greece): The Kybalion (1908) introduced Mentalism, which states, “The All is Mind.”
Christianity: Teachings like “Ask, and it shall be given to you” (Matthew 7:7) support faith-driven manifestation.
19th & 20th Century Influence:
New Thought Movement (1800s-1900s): Thinkers like Phineas Quimby and Napoleon Hill (Think and Grow Rich) popularized the power of positive thinking.
The Law of Attraction (2006): The Secret by Rhonda Byrne mainstreamed the idea that focusing on desires can bring them into existence.
- PHILOSOPHY BEHIND MANIFESTATION
Manifestation is built on several philosophical and psychological principles.
Key Concepts:
Mental Causation: Thoughts influence external reality.
Intention & Visualization: Focusing on desired outcomes aligns the mind with action.
Belief & Emotional Energy: Strong belief and emotions reinforce manifestation.
Philosophical Perspectives:
Idealism (Plato & Berkeley): Reality is shaped by the mind.
Pragmatism (William James): If a belief works (helps achieve success), it has value.
Existentialism (Sartre & Nietzsche): Creating meaning through intentional action.
- SCIENCE OF MANIFESTATION
While skeptics argue manifestation is pseudoscience, some scientific principles support aspects of it.
Cognitive Science & Psychology:
Reticular Activating System (RAS): A brain filter that prioritizes what we focus on.
Self-Fulfilling Prophecy: Expectations shape behavior and outcomes.
Neuroplasticity: Rewiring the brain through repeated thought patterns.
Quantum Mechanics (Theoretical Connection):
Observer Effect: Consciousness may influence physical reality.
Superposition & Possibility: Multiple realities exist until observation collapses them into one.
Behavioral Science:
Goal-Setting Theory: Writing down goals increases the likelihood of achieving them.
Placebo Effect: Belief alone can create real physiological changes.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Manifestation is a mix of historical tradition, philosophical principles, and scientific insights. Whether viewed as metaphysical belief or psychological tool, its power lies in focus, intention, and action.
Would you like to explore any specific aspect in more depth? 🚀
You said:
what are thoughts?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Great question! Let’s break down thoughts into digestible parts:
- DEFINITION OF THOUGHTS
A thought is a mental process that involves perception, reasoning, memory, imagination, and problem-solving. Thoughts are how we process the world, make decisions, and form beliefs.
They can be:
Conscious (deliberate, like planning a speech)
Subconscious (automatic, like reading a familiar word)
Unconscious (deep-seated patterns, like emotional triggers)
- WHERE DO THOUGHTS COME FROM?
Thoughts arise from the brain’s neural activity, influenced by:
Sensory Input (what we see, hear, touch, taste, and smell)
Memories & Past Experiences (shaped by what we’ve learned)
Emotions & Hormones (dopamine, serotonin, cortisol affect thought patterns)
Language & Culture (words and ideas shape how we think)
Your brain constantly generates thoughts, even when you’re asleep (dreams).
- HOW DO THOUGHTS FORM? (BRAIN SCIENCE)
Neurons & Synapses: Thoughts emerge from electrical and chemical signals in the brain.
Neural Networks: Different parts of the brain interact (e.g., prefrontal cortex for logic, amygdala for emotions).
Pattern Recognition: Your brain connects information based on past knowledge, creating meaning. - TYPES OF THOUGHTS
Automatic Thoughts – Fast, instinctive (e.g., “That car is coming too fast!”)
Deliberate Thoughts – Slow, reasoned (e.g., “Should I invest in this stock?”)
Creative Thoughts – Imaginative, problem-solving (e.g., writing a story)
Intrusive Thoughts – Unwanted, repetitive (e.g., worrying about something bad happening) - DO WE CONTROL OUR THOUGHTS?
We can influence thoughts, but we don’t control every single one.
Mindfulness & Meditation help regulate thoughts.
Thoughts influence emotions, which shape actions, which reinforce thoughts (a feedback loop). - CONNECTION TO MANIFESTATION
Since thoughts shape perception and behavior, focused thoughts + intention can change reality over time.
Would you like to dive deeper into any of these areas? 🧠🚀
You said:
what are emotions?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
Emotions are complex psychological and physiological responses to stimuli, shaped by thoughts, experiences, and biology. They play a crucial role in survival, decision-making, and social interactions. Let’s break them down into digestible chunks:
- WHAT ARE EMOTIONS?
An emotion is a mix of:
Physiological Response (heart rate, hormones, sweating)
Subjective Experience (how you interpret the feeling)
Behavioral Expression (smiling, crying, body language)
For example, fear triggers adrenaline, makes you feel uneasy, and might cause you to freeze or run.
- WHERE DO EMOTIONS COME FROM? (BRAIN SCIENCE)
Amygdala – Processes fear and strong emotions.
Prefrontal Cortex – Regulates and rationalizes emotions.
Hypothalamus – Controls emotional responses through hormones.
Neurotransmitters (brain chemicals) influence emotions:
Dopamine (pleasure, motivation)
Serotonin (mood, well-being)
Oxytocin (love, bonding)
Cortisol (stress, fear)
- PRIMARY VS. SECONDARY EMOTIONS
Primary Emotions (Universal, hardwired in all humans)
Joy 😊
Sadness 😢
Fear 😨
Anger 😡
Disgust 🤢
Surprise 😲
Secondary Emotions (More complex, shaped by experience)
Guilt (self-evaluation)
Shame (social rejection)
Pride (self-worth)
Gratitude (appreciation)
These depend on culture, upbringing, and personal beliefs. - ARE EMOTIONS AUTOMATIC OR CONTROLLED?
Automatic: Triggered by stimuli (e.g., a loud noise → fear).
Controlled: Can be managed with awareness (e.g., calming yourself before a speech).
Mindfulness & Cognitive Reframing help regulate emotions. - CONNECTION TO THOUGHTS & MANIFESTATION
Thoughts shape emotions (negative thoughts → stress, positive thoughts → joy).
Emotions drive actions (fear → avoidance, confidence → pursuit).
Manifestation & Emotional Energy: High emotional intensity (e.g., strong belief in success) enhances focus and action, increasing chances of achieving a goal.
FINAL TAKEAWAY
Emotions aren’t facts, but they provide valuable information. Learning to observe, regulate, and harness emotions can transform your life.
Would you like to explore how to manage emotions more effectively? 🧠💡
how do emotions and thoughts interact and what are the best tools to regulate these better?
ChatGPT said:
ChatGPT
How Thoughts and Emotions Interact
Thoughts and emotions are deeply connected and influence each other in a continuous feedback loop. Here’s how:
Thoughts Create Emotions
Example: If you think, “I’m not good enough,” you may feel shame or sadness.
If you think, “I am capable,” you may feel confidence or excitement.
Emotions Influence Thoughts
When angry, your thoughts become more negative and reactive.
When calm, your thoughts become more rational and solution-focused.
The Feedback Loop
Negative Thought → Negative Emotion → More Negative Thoughts → Downward Spiral
Positive Thought → Positive Emotion → More Positive Thoughts → Upward Spiral
The goal is to break the negative loop and reinforce the positive one.
Best Tools to Regulate Thoughts & Emotions
- Cognitive Tools (Changing Your Thoughts)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenge negative thought patterns and replace them with realistic ones.
Reframing: Instead of “I failed,” think “I learned a valuable lesson.”
Journaling: Writing thoughts down helps process emotions and shift perspective. - Emotional Regulation Techniques (Managing Feelings)
Mindfulness & Meditation: Observing emotions without judgment prevents overreaction.
Deep Breathing (Box Breathing): Slows heart rate and reduces stress.
Name the Emotion: Saying “I feel anxious” instead of “I am anxious” helps create distance. - Behavioral Techniques (Changing Actions)
Movement & Exercise: Releases endorphins and reduces stress hormones like cortisol.
Cold Showers or Splashing Cold Water: Activates the parasympathetic nervous system (calming response).
Grounding Techniques: Engage the five senses (touch, sight, smell, taste, sound) to return to the present moment. - Social & Environmental Strategies
Surround Yourself with Positive People: Energy is contagious.
Limit Negative Input: Reduce exposure to toxic media, news, or draining people.
Practice Gratitude: Focus on what’s working instead of what’s missing.
Final Takeaway
Mastering your thought-emotion loop is key to self-ownership. Start with awareness, use tools that resonate with you, and practice consistently.
Would you like a specific technique tailored to a personal challenge? 🚀💡
Day 28 of My Living Xperiment: Why YOU should care about Porc Day… https://t.co/oAfPQXFHqM
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) January 28, 2025
Day 26 of My Living Xperiment… who knows!?! https://t.co/PeznjL02Op
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) January 26, 2025
This post earlier reminded me of the story below. But the important takeaway here is: Life is insanely good. Stop catastrophizing about everything, and LIVE!
See: https://twitter.com/HumanProgress/status/1882401767251423545
Tru story: When I was hiking to Annapurna’s base camp in Nepal in 2002 (10th highest mountain in the world), we were skinny and constantly hungry, and there’s only so much dal bhat you can eat.
In a hamlet on the descent, there were chickens roaming in the yard.
I wanted to eat one of those chickens.
The negotiations that ensued, me a high-tech, Silicon Valley lawyer having worked on multi-million dollar deals, and the Nepali man of the house who ultimately needed his wife and children’s blessings to slaughter said chicken, were impressive.
The eventual cost of this luxury? $22.
Given a rustic hostel bed and cold shower went for $2.50, you understand the value of that chicken.
As with all things in life, the devil is in the details. Had I understood the fine print in our “we don’t speak the same language but I will point at your chicken and lick my lips until the water buffaloes come home” negotiations, I might have understood we were splitting the chicken “halvies,” but our half was the dark meat, and their half was everything else.
I didn’t even care.
I watched the husband chase down that old bird with an axe and kill it before my eyes–it really does keep running like a “headless chicken”–and waited patiently, sniffing the air until dinner time for that glorious meal.
Best finger-licking-chicken… curry I’ve ever had!
Join me now for Day 10 of My Living Experiment! https://t.co/qRrBiZ2kXy
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) January 10, 2025
Carla Gericke kicks off Manch Talk by saying goodbye to co-host Tammy, and then delves into steps you can take to stick to your New Year’s resolutions. Carla shares her own tips on how she stays healthy and happy as she transitions into her new role as a successful real estate agent, with almost $4 Million in sales. Contact her at Carla (at) Porcupine Real Estate (dot) com.
Here is what I wrote for 2024, and I’m going to do a critical self-audit [LIKE THIS] now.
“Not to brag, by which I mean, to brag, but I lost 2.75 inches around my waist last year, which for an almost 52 year-old, menopausal woman, is… not bad. [MY WAIST GOT FATTER IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS OF 2024 AS MY REAL ESTATE CAREER KICKED OFF–ALMOST $4 MILLION IN DEALS!]
This year, it’s all about that free hanging time. 90 seconds is the goal. 48 seconds is my current best. [I GOT UP TO 59 SECONDS, AND THEN I SIMPLY STOPPED PRIORITIZING THIS, BOO!]
My mantra: I’m in my prime!
But, to be honest, this year has kicked off kind of MEH. [SAME FOR 2025 BUT IN BETTER, WIDER HEALTH lol]
Both Louis and I are just recovering from The Current Fever Thing. My anemia exhausts me, as in it is very difficult to even function after 8pm, which obviously isn’t optimal. Getting this sorted out is a priority for 2024.
Another vast and unchartered territory for me to wade into this year is organizing my clothing situation… Hah! Even just writing that made my palms sweat.
As I’ve been working through childhood issues and become more self-actualized, I have discovered that buying clothes was one of the only “independent” things I could control as a child.
Buying new clothes for boarding school was a “treat” bestowed upon us by our parents, who, sorry Ma and Pa, but I am going to say it, used this “benevolence” as a way to assuage their guilt for leaving us in boarding school while they went gallivanting across the globe.
Choosing my own clothes came to represent both being “grown-up and independent”–“Look at the Big Girl picking her own clothes!” (I was 10) AND it was closely tied to a total lack of control (few children CHOOSE boarding school), resulting, I now see, in me developing a bit of a clingy relationship with my clothing collection.
In journaling last year, I processed some of the excuses I’ve used to avoid doing The Purge (by which I mean, “Deal with your clothes” has been on my goal list for at least 2 years, le sigh).
Many of my excuses boil down to: But what if I need this [knee-length embroidered puff skirt] one day?
Now, this isn’t an insignificant concern, especially when considering after losing the 50+ lbs I’d put on thanks to the S.A.D., a destroyed biome, and too much wine, I was thrilled to rediscover an entire “skinnier” wardrobe awaiting me again.
But now that I have kept the weight off for 5+ years and regained much of my health, maybe it is time to let go of the extra shit, including clothes, that don’t serve me anymore?
I only recently learned “hoarding” can be a childhood trauma response. I’m not a hoarder–I’ve moved too much in life for that–but it is difficult for me to just toss stuff… [ASIDE: AS I READ THIS, MADE VERY LITTLE PROGRESS, OR RATHER, MANAGED TO SPREAD THE CLOTHING PROBLEM FROM 2 LOCATIONS TO… 5? BUT IN MY DEFENSE, I HAVE THROWN SOME STUFF OUT, I HAVE KEPT UP WITH THE JOURNALLING, I WROTE “LEARN TO CULL THINGS THAT DON’T SERVE YOU” AS RECENTLY AS THIS WEEK, AND, AND I THINK THIS IS A BIG DEAL, I ALSO REALIZED THAT THE WHOLE CLOTHES THINGS DOESN’T REALLY BOTHER ME. LIKE, I DON’T PERCEIVE IT AS SOMETHING IN ME THAT NEEDS ‘FIXING,’ OR THAT IS ‘SLOPPY,’ OR ‘DISORGANIZED’. IN FACT, I TURNED IT AROUND IN MY HEAD, WHAT IT MEANS IS I NEED BETTER ORGANIZING TOOLS AND A BIG MASTER CLOSET. HEH.]
But once I made this connection between my inability to throw things away and my past, I have developed a hack: I have become very mindful of the process of throwing things away…
Whether it’s a bill or an old pen, I let my hand hover over the trash can and I take a moment to focus on a sense of joy and freedom in physically letting go. [I DID KEEP THIS PRACTICE UP ALL YEAR. MINDFULLY FOCUSED ON THE ACT OF THROWING SOMETHING AWAY.]
This morning, as the stack of Xmas cards I was grateful to receive last year slid from my fingers, I thought, Yes, more of this… More letting go! [TOSSED THIS YEAR’S TWO DAYS AGO WITH A MENTAL NOTE OF: ‘GOOD GIRL.’]
Do you have a similar challenge in your life that you want to address this year? Something you want to change, where you might identify a physical step that can start to help to underscore the habit you are trying to develop?
What do YOU want to let go of in 2024? And how can I help?” [DITTO FOR 2025! HAPPY NEW YEAR, Y’ALL!]
Looking for inspiration for an alcohol-free, dry month? Follow along! https://t.co/Y9rki0jMHy
— Carla Gericke, Live Free And Thrive! (@CarlaGericke) January 3, 2025