“Exploring life through fiction, together.”

I grew up with two factions around challenges. One said you should try, but if it got hard, if you didn’t seem suited, if it just wasn’t convenient, then quit. Most people aren’t cut out to be special, they’d say. If you’re not naturally gifted, if it isn't a breeze on your first try, it’s not for you.

The others screamed ‘quitting is for losers’. They advocated pushing through, no matter what the cost. Deal with the consequences when you’ve won, but until then, sacrifice everything to finish what you started.

Fiction Bite - 4am

Have you ever held a child while they retch? Once their dinner has spewed out in a red lumpy soup, their rib cage heaves against your embrace as they scream from the pain. You hold them tighter, smelling their vomit-soured hair and stroking their sticky-out spine. It’s going to be ok, you say. Brave girl, you say. But you’re talking to yourself.

Which is good, because they’re in no state to listen to you.

Quote of the Week

"If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner." — Tallulah Bankhead

Book of the month

Joyful: The surprising power of ordinary things to create extraordinary happiness by Ingrid Fetell Lee

Final Words

When I’m stuck, or when I have to prioritise, half my brain shouts ‘keep going’, the other ‘quit’. Their screams are so loud, I struggle to think.

Because they’re both right, in a way. Some things really aren’t worth the effort and I should quit them quickly and cheaply. And others are so precious to me, I should never let them go, even when they push me to breaking point.

The problem is, I struggle to differentiate between the two. 

So I’m pondering, where am I persevering when I should be quitting? And when am I throwing in the towel, when I should be standing up for another round?

What do those questions look like in your life? Would you be willing to hit reply? It’d make my day to hear from you.

With Love,

Josiah

If you enjoy these emails, would you share them with a friend? They can subscribe here.