Eternally Bonkers

Daily writing prompt

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?

View all responses

I would like to live in Japan. I am mesmerized by their culture, art, and the country’s scenic beauty.

One of my relatives had the opportunity to stay in Japan for three years, and they gained so much appreciation for the country that when they moved to London, they still believed there was no place like Japan. I have lived in the UK myself, so I am curious how different Japan would feel.

Also, thanks to my online algorithm, I get to see interesting content about Japan, especially their stationery products, souvenirs, healthy food options, and travel itineraries. That said, I am also aware of some of the country’s problematic issues, such as low diversity, intense burnout from overwork, and hikikomori. But visiting Japan is definitely on my wishlist.

Daily writing prompt

What’s the best way to deal with negative thoughts?

View all responses

I believe the answer is to find an appropriate outlet.

For far too long, we have focused so much on optimizing our happiness and productivity, yet no one honestly tells us how to deal with our negative feelings. Most suppress them, others lash out. But then there are some who sit down, reflect, and journal it out, some hit the gym, some paint, some go for a run, some ruminate. Trying to escape negative thoughts without giving them a chance to speak up invites a problem bigger than the one you started with.

We are all susceptible to negative thoughts, but how we deal with them ultimately decides the quality of our life.

Constantly doom scrolling, escaping into endless binge-watching, or drowning in harmful habits is one way of coping. Therapy is another. It really depends on the severity of your condition. But the least one can do is sit down with the negative thoughts and have a tête-à-tête, or let the thoughts flow while you journal, paint, write or create. They need an outlet, not suppression or ignorance.