The Thursday Dispatch - 29 January 2026
Years ago, I had a friend tell me living alone was probably the best thing I could do for myself, because I’d discover who I am. They were right. That said, I think that process changes as you age and as your values change. I also now believe we go through different stages of finding ourselves. There’s no one time of this happening. We may have to go through a metamorphosis multiple times in our lives. I feel like I’m there now.
At first it was a thing of discovering the things that I was really into. What I liked to do, what I liked to eat, how I wanted my furniture and decor to be like, and so on. Now, I’m finding I’m examining what it is I’m willing to accept and what I’m not. I talked a couple of days ago about settling less. I feel a little better since finally drawing a line in the sand on that. My life outside of my home should be just as happy as the one in my home. Nobody should hate their job or their relationships. Life is short.
I’ve had friends who are in relationships they hate. I’ve been in one of those too. We’re settling when we stay there. I’ve seen a few of my friends pick themselves up and actually start to move on. We start to discover our worth over time. We’re all worth better. I’m a believer that starts inward and expands out. I got my home in order first, now I’m working on the things outside of that space.
I’m mostly good with living alone. I sometimes think it would be nice to have a roommate, but then I think of the number of days I’m happy coming home after work, having my cat curl up in my lap, and missing most of a TV program because I slept through it. I do wish it was cheaper sometimes though. I’m most likely looking to move this year because of that. I love my neighborhood and all, but I’ve moved before and acclimated, so I’m sure I’ll be fine in due time.
As for today, I’m attempting to enjoy a day of rest and quiet. I’m even allowing myself to be a little bored to the point of thinking about nothing. I’m probably going to get a walk in today with the new snow that’s outside. I kinda need a peaceful day before getting back to the rat race.
Weekly Photo
Always take the time to appreciate a sunset.
This Past Week
Weekly Links
- Moving from Notion to Obsidian by Dave Rupert
- I’m back to building my own digital music collection by Hidde de Vries
- Minnesota Proved MAGA Wrong by Adam Serwer for The Atlantic
- Slave Patrols and ICE: A Shared History by Nate Bowling
Songs in the Chaos
This is my weekly list of songs that either caught my attention or came to mind this past week. I post these throughout the week on a site called Crucial Tracks, where they’re also added to a playlist on Apple Music. Feel free to follow me on either space.
