What I’ve been reading?
"Neurosis and Human Growth: The Struggle Towards Self-Realization" by Karen Horney
I got this one in my recent book haul, but I almost forgot about it until it was recommended to be in the comments on my recent instagram post.
"Neurosis and Human Growth” is a seminal work in the fields of psychology and psychoanalysis. It discusses the concept of neurosis as a product of interpersonal relationships and societal conditions, challenging the Freudian view that neurosis is nothing more than a byproduct of our unconscious impulses.
The book is focused on diagnosing the problem of neurosis, its origins, and its various manifestations rather than offering an extensive guide to solutions for neurosis. Horney does discuss the idea of self-realization and hints at the paths one might take to overcome neurotic behaviors, but the book serves primarily as a theoretical foundation for understanding neurosis in the context of personal growth and human potential.
If you are more interested in reading about the solutions to the problems of neurosis, I would suggest reading thinkers from the field of humanistic psychology who were heavily influenced by Horney but were more solution-focused. The main representative of humanistic psychology is, of course, Abraham Maslow.
What I’ve listened to:
Chadd Wright on the Nick Bare podcast
Chadd Wright is an ultrarunner and an ex-Navy SEAL. The way I would describe him is that he is one of the most intense individuals I have ever heard speak. And it’s clear that the intensity isn’t fake, forced, or just for the cameras. When you pair that intensity with the real-world wisdom that he is enthusiastic to share, you get a person that you can definitely learn a lot from.
What I’ve been thinking about:
Start where you are.
"Duh, of course. What else would you do?"
Well, I'm saying this because we rarely start where we are.
We start and then look too far ahead right away.
If we just started where we are and focused on the first step in front of us, we wouldn't be overwhelmed by the 1000th step, which seems so terrifying from the starting point.
If we just started where we are, we wouldn't get discouraged thinking about all the steps we would need to take. We wouldn't get exhausted thinking about how long all of this is going to take.
Start where you are.
Thank you for reading.
Stay strong, love life, and never feel sorry for yourself.
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