I’m burnt out. I’ve learned a lot about myself and unlearned a lot of things. I have shared with close friends that the pandemic has brought out the true nature of people that I no longer want to associate myself with. But that doesn’t mean that I am doing things correctly, because I’m probably not. I will always be grateful for my ongoing therapy and want to continue being transparent about it because healing is not linear, you will experience setbacks, and I hope seeking help for your mental health at whatever stage you are in will stop being such a controversial / stigmatized matter. I hope I’m continuing to better myself. It would be hypocritical to have a tattoo preaching “arete” and not to do that.

Here are some things I’ve learned:


  1. Boundaries are important. Honestly, I didn’t know what they were. I don’t like reading outside of course materials during a semester, but I’m slowly reading “Set Boundaries, Find Peace” by Nedra Glover Tawwab and I’m learning a lot. In a nutshell to me, boundaries have taught me to speak up and set “business hours” for what I am and am not available for, and be unapologetic about it.
  2. I forgot how important music is in my life. I’ve chosen to not care about genres or what’s popular, as usual, and just listen to whatever I want, and for most people that have been following, look at where it’s taken me. 🎷😂 But I’m glad the musicians I follow now are relatable, genuine, have similar ideals as me, and are accessible. But it could just be all the spare time with the pandemic. (In recovering from a narcissist, I think they would be irritated with the music I listen to now, just as they were at the end. Everything I do, I think about constantly what they would think, and have to work through it.) 
  3. Learn how to listen. I’m naturally uncomfortable talking about myself unless I’m making jokes or ranting in writing. Just inquire about people, allow them a space where they can talk, don’t offer solutions unless they ask for it, and don’t “listen” to respond or interject. I have trouble calling myself a minimalist now, but teaching myself this has taught me to be more mindful with my words and how it can affect others.
  4. Who gives a shit about what others think about your own personal joy. Post about things that make you happy as long as it’s not at the expense of others.


I don’t control your life, but be mindful of your actions. Be safe, wear a mask, stay home if you can, get vaccinated when it’s your turn. It doesn’t have to be documented, but please keep doing your part in social and political issues.

This photo is kind of blurry and I'm mad about it, but I'm still posting this because I don't have a lot of photos of my friend.

"Somebody You Trust" by The Horne Section


31 MAR 2021 - My friend David and I haven't seen each other in almost a year. I've been sick of being at home with my mental health deteriorating, so I wanted to have a getaway for at least one day on my spring break. I know that David has been the most responsible person I've known since the pandemic, even more responsible than me, honestly. We had a day trip to Muir Woods, which ended up being Muir Beach because I bought the wrong day for reservation, and I am 100% sure it was the correct day. We hiked incorrectly without hiking boots, talked, greeted some folks, met a possibly racist dog, and just went around the surrounding Mill Valley area before heading home. I am grateful for friends who you can catch up with easily and have quotable moments with, such as "splash of a thousand sins". I am also grateful for friend's family who think you're nice. <3