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Hard things are supposed to be hard.
From The EQ School: “Changing old patterns, ending relationships you’ve outgrown, raising children, creating from your core, letting go, stretching, growing, and stepping into the unknown. The more worthwhile endeavors require you to show up vulnerably & honestly, and they leave space for something new to happen.” They go on: “All of my familiar self-protective…
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“How and when did you choose to be who and how you are?”
Dear Marvin, In response to your letter… Wow, OK, first off: whoa. That’s a hell of a way to ask someone, “How did you end up like this?” Feels like I’m being lovingly cornered by a very philosophical customs agent, or a very drunk friend. I do not believe I have consciously “chosen” most of…
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The Creative Act: A Way of Being
“All that matters is that you are making something you love, to the best of your ability, here and now.” Was hoping for a few real world examples from Rubin’s illustrious music career, but this is still an inspiring book on the creative process. Here is something I need to remember: “Living life as an…
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You Don’t Know How to Drive
If I never share a pixelated meme again, it will be too soon. But this one is important. Otherwise, it’s gonna be a looong summer. It’s quite simple, really: “When most drivers see the first “lane closed ahead” sign in a work zone, they slow too quickly and move to the lane that will continue…
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American Movie, Chris Smith
Re-watched this wonderfully weird film last night and still love it as much as I did 25 years ago, but agree that it now hits different: “Today Mark Borchardt looks less like an amusing hustler, and more like a poetic and even tragic hero; the living embodiment of unfulfilled dreams. Even that scene with the unforgiving cabinet…
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Herzog’s Advice for Filmmakers
Apparently this list is on the back cover of A Guide for the Perplexed. Need to pick this up ASAP. (Via Kottke)
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You Can Be a Different Person After the Pandemic
From an essay by Olga Khazan: “…the person who emerges from quarantine doesn’t have to be the same old you. Scientists say that people can change their personalities well into adulthood. And what better time for transformation than now, when no one has seen you for a year, and might have forgotten what you were…
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The End of Panic
How are you? What are you working on, artistically or otherwise? Who or what has shaped who you are? What inspires you? What do you love? Send a letter to luke@retroduck.com and let me know. These letters inspire me. I hope they inspire you, too. William Sterling is a podcast editor by day, and aspiring (and…
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Remember
It’s not all about luck. “In any great outcome, there is a component of luck. Yet if life were all about luck, the same people wouldn’t repeatedly do great things. When someone repeatedly does great things it is because they prepared in advance to advance to recognize, work on, and fill in the blanks when…
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Your Team
Cannot understate how proud I am of the cast and crew of The Dinner Parting. Like at work, like in life, I only want to surround myself with people better than myself. Always build the best team you can: “One of the best pieces of advice I ever got, back when I was 23 and…
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Last Year…
…I made a consciousness decision not to post anything negative on social media. I understand the need to vent, but for me, it’s made a big difference on how I view things and how I feel in general. Would encourage you to consider it.
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“Our world hangs like a magnificent jewel in the vastness of space…
…Every one of us is a part of that jewel. A facet of that jewel. And in the perspective of infinity, our differences are infinitesimal. We are intimately related. May we never even pretend that we are not.” –Fred Rogers
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Writing Advice to Myself
Don’t say something is good or bad. That’s subjective. Instead, describe what about it you like or dislike. Probably still subjective. But less so.
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Dealing with People On the Internet
This issue of The Discourse has some great advice on dealing with people online. Reward your “enemies” when they agree with you, exhibit good behavior, or come around on an issue. Otherwise they have no incentive to ever meet you halfway. Accept it when people apologize. People should be allowed to work through ideas and…
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Rules for a Knight
Just finished Ethan Hawke’s epistolary novel written as a letter from a knight going into battle, to their children, imparting knowledge and what they assume will be their last words. The book is brief and contains simple, effective language and great advice, mostly collected from various sources (credited at the end). A few rules that…
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Principles & Values
Friends of mine own a pair of remarkable BBQ restaurants. The food is great. They are great. Their principles and values are worth a read. Many (all?) can be adapted not only to any business, but life in general: Be the best restaurant we can be, not just the best BBQ restaurant. Produce the highest quality…