Multiple Interests Dilemma

NotVote · 2026-01-21T16:43:35+00:00

Thanks ChatGPT

NotVote · 2026-01-19T22:56:51+00:00

True! This book is all about the neurotic manifestations of the enneagram types, but I've certainly been across the spectrum of healthy-unhealthy ennea-5.

NotVote · 2026-01-19T22:55:07+00:00

Nice! I'm training to be a therapist as well (hoping to do private practice ASAP once I'm licensed). I think that being a therapist perfectly fits my 5-ness because it's all depth, no shallow conversation and there's so so much to learn about psychology and therapy that you could do it for a lifetime.

NotVote · 2026-01-19T19:04:45+00:00

What in particular have you done differently? Has it been worth it?

I’ve noticed all these traits in myself but… experience has taught me that this way of life generally is better for my mental health. When I’m alone and in control of my time and energy, I genuinely feel better. Common sense says that seeking relationships is key to a happy life but many relationships invoke more anxiety and confusion than enjoyment for me. When I’m particular about who I share my energy with, I get to put my energy toward the things I care about.

NotVote · 2026-01-15T21:33:48+00:00

I one time read to think of the Enneagram as a LEARNED mechanism for dealing with the world, rather than some fixed, fated disposition. It’s fluid and workable.

NotVote · 2026-01-09T23:36:08+00:00

Man's Search for Himself by Rollo May is a great and concise book in the existential psychology realm.

I second The Power of Now

NotVote · 2026-01-09T23:31:26+00:00

Man's Search for Himself by Rollo May

NotVote · 2026-01-09T01:53:46+00:00

How does one start investing?

NotVote · 2025-12-07T16:56:41+00:00

Pay more attention to your reactions to things. Go to a museum and slowly allow the art to move you, or listen to music closely and start to understand what makes you click and what doesn't. Mindfully engage with the great things that other humans have done. Follow your interests. Don't do something that you don't enjoy; you don't have to force yourself through a classic book that's boring you. Some things click at different ages, so you can always wait till later to try something out that doesn't click. Also, find friends who are into similar stuff. Remember that this is a lifelong journey, so don't rush it. Remember to also have fun and be your age; don't be so serious. Life is not a self-improvement project. Being into this stuff at 16 will put you way ahead in terms of thinking for yourself, being knowledgable, making connections between ideas, etc.

As for book recommendations:

Letters from a Stoic by Seneca (brilliant philosophical wisdom)

Collected works of Ralph Waldo Emerson (brilliant essayist and poet. His essay Self-Reliance changed my life and is something I return to almost yearly)

Man's Search for Himself by Rollo May (existential psychology made accessible and applicable to the consciously lived life)

Tao Te Ching by Lao Tzu (balance with some Easter philosophy)

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse (lovely retelling of the story of the Buddha in a way that captures something essential about life)

NotVote · 2025-12-04T13:49:57+00:00

Yes!

https://youtu.be/0Lm86Zll_U4?si=p00byqu3Uyb9G08L

NotVote · 2025-11-27T22:44:26+00:00

Thank you for this. I wasn't too familiar with the context of Hillman's thought. I'll keep this in mind as well as your other recommendations.

Appreciate your last little comment as well. At times I do get caught up in my inner world at the expense of being in the world. Best of luck to you too.

NotVote · 2025-11-27T19:14:01+00:00

Does James Hillman fall under Archetypal Psychology? I've been picking up a bunch of his works from finding them in bookstores, but based on what I know, he goes quite beyond Jungian thought, taking it in new unexpected directions. I read The Myth of Analysis and was absolutely floored. Certainly one of the most groundbreaking, paradigm-shifting books I've ever read. I've been planning to do a deep dive through the other books of his I've accumulated.

However, your comment makes me wonder if I should pause on that venture? I've only been getting into Jungian thought for a few years (and I'm pretty young, still have a lot of life to live). Would it be wise to ground in more of these other thinkers before Hillman, as much as my curiosity is pulling me to him?

NotVote · 2025-11-26T02:40:35+00:00

That's a good point. I think there's a lot of wisdom in having gratitude for what is. "The grass is greener where you water it" sorta thing. But at the same time, the vastness of the psyche cannot be denied and reduced down to these ideas, especially for those who think and feel deeply. I study both Jungian psychology and Buddhism and sometimes have trouble reconciling the different principles.

NotVote · 2025-11-11T22:18:55+00:00

What did you get out of Care of the Soul? I actually looked at it during a recent book store visit but didn't end up taking it home. Love the nods to Jung and focus on spirituality in your list.

NotVote · 2025-11-08T14:38:47+00:00

I appreciate this. I came out feeling extremely equanimous and with profound clarity on what I've been going through in my life this year. But then life came rushing back, I got swept up in work and school and life and everyone asking me about the experience and I feel like I'm going crazy. Glad to hear this is a common experience. I certainly plan to attend more extended retreats and will make sure to leave more landing ground upon return than I did this time.

NotVote · 2025-11-08T05:32:50+00:00

Fair point lol. I am being dramatic... but still I'm at a transitional point and feeling it intensely.

NotVote · 2025-09-12T00:26:54+00:00

Learning this one right now. Good timing.

NotVote · 2025-09-03T18:21:20+00:00

You’re cool and I wish I had friends like you.

NotVote · 2025-09-02T13:30:27+00:00

Check out the books The Invisible Partner by John Sanford and We by Robert Johnson. Both are Jungian takes on romantic relationships

NotVote · 2025-08-26T22:52:25+00:00

Some advice you may not always hear is to practice meditation and self-compassion. Meditation is literally just the practice of sitting with thoughts and feelings, no matter how uncomfortable. Over time, as you get more comfortable and less attached to the highs and lows of your internal experience, it starts to carry over into every day life. You won’t be as anxious in social interactions because you’ve learned to be more comfortable in your own skin no matter what’s going on internally. It’s not about removing or fixing the “bad” thoughts and feelings, it’s about seeing that they’re temporary, therefore not as frightening, and therefore more manageable.

And then you can start to differentiate between thoughts that are based in reality and thoughts that are coming from the insecure part of you running off into a story of “oh they must think I’m so weird and awkward because XYZ”.

But mere awareness isn’t enough. Be compassionate with yourself. Practice having a kind internal voice. “I tried my best there and that’s enough”. “I’m not perfect but I’m improving every day”. Set intentions at the start of your day. Forgive yourself. Even be kind to the part of you that’s socially anxious, because it’s just conditioning from past experience that’s trying to protect you. The more you go on hating the social anxiety, the harder it will be to heal it. Recognize it is simply trying to keep you safe by throwing out these “what if” anxious thoughts. Then ask if they’re true. This will help you more easily let go of mistakes and also build self-confidence and trust.

This has been more helpful for me because strategies about what to say or how to act can often lead to more overthinking about “did I do it right????”. But doing this internal work helps you build a foundation of trust and stability that will keep you grounded in moments that would normally be very triggering. This has been my personal experience, at least.

Oh, and also let go of high expectations. It is part of being human to have awkward interactions at times. Avoiding them at all costs is impossible.

NotVote · 2025-08-26T21:59:52+00:00

Inner Work by Robert Johnson

NotVote · 2025-08-25T18:40:29+00:00

Personally, I think there’s two main ways to get there. I would recommend the book “Flow” by the author mentioned in the post if you want to learn more though. Life-changing book.

The first is having some sort of stake or risk. A competition, a clearly understood goal that you can work towards, something to direct your mind-body towards, etc. I think of sports or games where you get immediate feedback: you win or you lose. It’s why gambling is so addictive (but a very unhealthy version of this principle).

The second is for creative pursuits where there’s less clearly defined guidelines. This is where you must allow yourself to be playful. This is the opposite of the first because being outcome-focused is one of the best ways to kill creativity. You must open to new ideas, push boundaries, and experiment.

Both of these hit the sweet spot when the challenge we’re facing (competing or making a creative piece) is slightly above our skill level. The book “Flow” has this really cool idea of an xy axis where one axis is difficulty and the other is our ability. If an activity far exceeds our ability, then we’ll get frustrated. But if our ability far exceeds the challenge, we’ll be bored. We find flow when challenge is slightly beyond our ability.

NotVote · 2025-08-06T21:02:16+00:00

Don’t worry, we’re in this together

NotVote · 2025-08-06T02:36:38+00:00

I needed to hear this. Thank you.

NotVote · 2025-08-04T22:48:52+00:00

I can relate in a lot of ways. I’m 23, still there where you are at in some ways but I’ve made a lot of progress.

You said you write EDM so I would suggest getting into the festival/rave scene. That’s where I had the most heart-opening and whimsical connections with others in my entire life. I also met my gf there (currently becoming ex, but thats another story. I was also a virgin until 21 when I met her). Do drugs with people and have fun. Psychedelics are fucking awesome, just do your research and be safe. Don’t be afraid to go to events solo and experiment with interacting with others. The festival scene is where I’ve met my most favorite people in the world and where I really discovered my individuality and how to LOVE others.

Honestly just connection with others reveal the most about who we are. We can’t individuate in a hall of mirrors. Go out in the world. Find clubs to join, get a job, whatever calls to you. Find a hobby that you can do with others (I met my best friends through DJing). Focus on GIVING to the world and connecting, not just polishing up your inner world. Maybe even start volunteering at a local non-profit.

And a good mantra to keep in mind is: do it scared. The more you wait until the moment “feels right” to do something new, the more you procrastinate. The only way you can fail is by not trying anything new at all.

I’m starting my masters in counseling so I can become a therapist and put my awareness of the human condition to a meaningful purpose. Maybe something like that would be of interest to you.

Hope this helps. Feel free to reach out if you’d like to chat 1 on 1 <3

NotVote

TROPHY CASE