#story

Why Does It Feel Like Our Entire Timeline Has Shifted?

Eric Vance Walton@ericvancewalton (81)6d

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Am I the only one who’s noticed that, since the midterms, it feels like our timeline has shifted? The vibe of the world seems so different, overnight. It’s not all particularly good, not all bad, but kind of strangely altered.

I see a lot of politicians on both sides vowing to do a better job of “reaching across the aisle.” Time will tell what precisely this means. Will they be reaching to attempt to slap their “adversaries” in the face or to extend the olive branch and get down to the business of working together for the good of the people for a change?

I had a post go semi-viral on X for the first time in my life yesterday. Over twenty thousand impressions so far. If this would have happened a ten years ago I would be pumped up with adrenaline for days. Yesterday, it didn’t feel that way. Of course, I was grateful. I was happy to have more eyes on my writing, and to gain more followers but the attention (merely for attention’s sake) was just kind of meh, anti-climactic.

That particular post was written quickly, from the heart, without much editing. Maybe this is the key.

The First Frost

We had our first proper frost here in Minnesota last night. The squirrels are fattening up and beginning to resemble miniature sumo wrestlers so I know winter isn’t too far off.

It's dark now by 5pm. For the first time in recent memory I'm not dreading winter. I'm welcoming the cooler, shorter days as a chance to put more hours into the novel.

Speaking of...

Speaking of the novel. It wasn't a particularly productive week for the book. We've been having work done to our house and I've found the constant threat of disruptions and interruptions has not been good for my creativity. It's nobody's fault, the work has to be done. It's just life. I've gotten two very solid chapters done and have started on a third.

I'm hoping next week is better. This has been a good reminder that writing itself isn't what is hard, it's curating the right environment to allow the words to flow. This is, and forever will be, the most difficult part.

It's Been A Year

It's hard to believe that yesterday marked a whole year since my best friend from high school, Matt, left this world. When his son, Tyler, posted this photo of him on social media so many memories came flooding back. Growing up in the 1980s, we had more fun during our high school years than younger generations could probably even imagine. I hope his soul is at peace. What a different world it was back then. I wish I had more photos of my teen years but mobile phones hadn't been invented yet and we were just too busy living to think about carrying a camera.

Wise Words

The Daily Stoic served up a real banger yesterday. In the past year I've made a conscious effort to let go. Writing, more specifically, promoting your writing makes it necessary to try to garner attention from strangers. It's very important to keep that in check because it's very unhealthy if it spills over into your everyday personal life.

Focusing on what is in your sphere of control is such a powerful lesson. Doing your best but also acknowledging you don't control the outcome is such a freeing revelation. This unlocks whole new levels of being.

My Beautiful Mom

Just a mere 19 days and I'll be taking off to Ohio to spend Thanksgiving with this lady! I always look so forward to these visits. Oddly, even though I wasn't raised where my Mom is currently living whenever I visit it still feels like home.

All until next week. Enjoy your weekend and make this a wonderful day.

www.ericvancewalton.net

Comments · 10

@johnjgeddes(78)· 1d
Hi Eric, My timeline has suddenly shifted since the midterms and I feel I can't get everything done according to my usual schedule, hence my tardiness in replying to your post, lol. I think the whole world is hoping we're able to put the madness of the past two years behind us and focus on things that really matter to peoples' lives - I mean ordinary people, not wealthy elites and everone working together to make the world a better place. It seems cliched and obvious but like common sense, it's not as common as we think.

The seasonal change helps because even the light is different in the fall and it's a perfect opportunity to start fresh projects. By the way, I write daily too, only late at night. Whatever works for you, I guess :)
@delowar41(60)· 2d
What a wonderful, thoughtful, and touching post! I agree with your insights on letting go of things beyond our control and creating an environment conducive to creativity. Writing two good chapters, despite various obstacles, is undoubtedly a fantastic achievement!
@lee1938(68)· 5d
#hive #posh
@nancybriti1(75)· 5d
Certainly, one's environment is fundamental to writing; that is why many writers not only seek out "ideal" spaces to inspire their work but also prefer to write at night, for the sake of the silence. I’m glad your post on X went viral, and that you’ll soon be traveling to see your mother. It’s getting increasingly hot over here—I hope the weather improves a bit. Hugs, my friend.
@rebet(71)· 6d
Getting two solid chapters done despite the house repairs is still a win in my book. Housework has a way of completely draining your creative energy.
@owasco(73)· 6d

if a lie is repeated often enough, people will accept it as truth.

We sure saw this during covid, with 24/7 'coverage'. Clearly hypnosis. I hope enough saw through that that they won't allow it again.

####I don't believe anything I am being relentlessly told.

I'm glad your post on X went viral.

Love that page about step II. I remember the day I understood this.

I love your words about your mother.
@brianphobos(72)· 6d
There certainly is a sinking feeling just knowing the we have been scammed by our politicians since before we were born. Think how peaceful the world would be if we didn't have 50 random maniacs trying to dictate to Billions of people what we can and can't do. Crazy stuff.
I agree that we grew up in a different time. I have recently been seeing some nostalgic AI generations from the 90s and Early 2000s. Also one guy that everyone loves on social media right now is just him reliving 2005 car culture. We really were lucky and the party is over for Millennials and never got started for Gen Z.
@hivebuzz(74)· 6d
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@videoaddiction(72)· 6d
I think many people feel this way because the world seems to be changing faster than we can process. Technology, social media and constant access to information have dramatically altered our perception of time and everyday life.
@bozz(83)· 6d
It does seem to be a bit different, but I think we have seen in the past there is this silent undercurrent that is festering and I have a feeling that will eventually rear up. I don't know what it will look like, but we will see. I just hope the winners can focus on the promises they made versus going on a deserved, but likely futile witch hunt. I'm also not too keen on what this will likely mean for crypto or technology moving forward. However, I have hope for the potential benefit to humanity, which is far more important than wealth and cool innovations in the end. At least I hope so.

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