Another wonderful read - I continue to find myself struggling with exactly this dilemma. The way you were able to flip that narrative on its head helped put into words so many of the emotions I've struggled to place. When the 'basic ambition' story is so ingrained in you it is helpful to hear from others who've battled through it as well. Thank you for your writing it continues to inspire / guide me!
Hey Nolan - I appreciate the thoughtful comment, it means a lot.
"Flipping the narrative" is a great way to put it. In many ways, I've kept the same virtues as before (e.g. have a bold ambition), but now just reshuffling their focus at something new.
It was a mental block to think these virtues should be directed a certain way.
I think I relate to my ambition changing shape, but I haven't figured out the new shape as accurately as you have, this piece has given me a lot to think about
Really enjoyed this, as usual, and once again I’m going to have to go think on it a few days before I know how I feel about it. For me, I like the word “broad” but the word “ambition” still feels like a concession to the striving impulse that I feel estranged from.
I think what I'm doing here is rather than REJECT these words (e.g. "ambition," "productivity," "work" coming next), I'm trying to HIJACK them for my new situation.
I'm trying to look at these old values from a new angle, perhaps expanding my lens of them.
This strategy allows me to keep some of my values intact (e.g. be bold with your ambition), but now evolve them.
Absolutely, and I think you’re doing a good job with it honestly (the hijacking for your own purposes). I think I’ve taken a different approach, which has lended more toward rejection … and occasionally left me without anchor. Tricky issues!
Another wonderful read - I continue to find myself struggling with exactly this dilemma. The way you were able to flip that narrative on its head helped put into words so many of the emotions I've struggled to place. When the 'basic ambition' story is so ingrained in you it is helpful to hear from others who've battled through it as well. Thank you for your writing it continues to inspire / guide me!
Hey Nolan - I appreciate the thoughtful comment, it means a lot.
"Flipping the narrative" is a great way to put it. In many ways, I've kept the same virtues as before (e.g. have a bold ambition), but now just reshuffling their focus at something new.
It was a mental block to think these virtues should be directed a certain way.
I think I relate to my ambition changing shape, but I haven't figured out the new shape as accurately as you have, this piece has given me a lot to think about
Well, one thing I'll say is: life helped. Specifically kids + aging.
It gave me a new lens on these problems... without which, I probably would have been still stuck in my old "basic ambition."
Yeah I can definitely do the aging part, but no kids to speak of so far, so I will have to stay a basic ambition bitch for now aha
Really enjoyed this, as usual, and once again I’m going to have to go think on it a few days before I know how I feel about it. For me, I like the word “broad” but the word “ambition” still feels like a concession to the striving impulse that I feel estranged from.
I think what I'm doing here is rather than REJECT these words (e.g. "ambition," "productivity," "work" coming next), I'm trying to HIJACK them for my new situation.
I'm trying to look at these old values from a new angle, perhaps expanding my lens of them.
This strategy allows me to keep some of my values intact (e.g. be bold with your ambition), but now evolve them.
P.S. and always, thanks for your support!
Absolutely, and I think you’re doing a good job with it honestly (the hijacking for your own purposes). I think I’ve taken a different approach, which has lended more toward rejection … and occasionally left me without anchor. Tricky issues!
Maybe we're both in our own stages of grief 🤣