28 Comments
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Lynn  F's avatar

One of your best articles yet!

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Layla Shaikley's avatar

Thank you!!!!

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Serena's avatar

I needed this. I've been working on my emotional regulation for a few years. But the last year I've been around a ton of reactive people, especially at work, al while trying to navigate the grief of losing a parent. I couldnt handle others peoples lack of regulation. I was let go from work, but didn't realize how burnt out i was. Llooking back, it was such a good thing.

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Layla Shaikley's avatar

I just wrote about a friend who went through parent loss + emotional regulation in my most recent post. So sorry to hear about what you’ve been through

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Jess Alayne's avatar

LOVED this and will be coming back to it often. Thank you so much!

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Sakinah's avatar

Thank you , I learn so much from every one of your posts but this is one is especially needed. Happy birthday to your son !

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Layla Shaikley's avatar

I appreciate this, I enjoyed thinking through it!

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Natasha R's avatar

When I saw the title I thought it was about being boring as a person (no pets, kids, commitments) so you can focus on work haha.

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Layla Shaikley's avatar

Haha not quite -- internal silence is the goal

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Amtul's avatar

Excellent article with so many take home points. Thank you for writing it!

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Layla Shaikley's avatar

Glad it landed, thanks for the feedback!

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Raylene Rocheleau's avatar

Loved this article. The part about upbringing really hit home for me. I know so many friends and family members (myself included) who have so much artistry stored inside them, but cannot articulate or bring themselves to do anything with it because I believe their threshold is only capable of calming their nervous system when they're bored. They either can't form ideas or quit right after trying because their creativity output is underdeveloped. Not only is their attention robbed, but I believe their desire to engage is robbed too because creating art requires uncertainty, and that can be too much for someone who's wired for vigilance.

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Mar's avatar

It’s been days since I last read this and I’m still thinking about it. Really wonderful!

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Everything and Everywhere's avatar

This article reminded me of a recent video of Mark Manson discussing what it takes to succeed. He talks about the boredom associated with success towards the end. Check it out: https://youtu.be/Fi4zbcRG4Ww?si=5Emy93hkuMWlec40

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Offkey's avatar

This was so insightful.

Thank you very much 🫂🩶

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jöwn's avatar

Thank you. This advice is what I need right now. ☺️

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salvatore's avatar

thanks for sharing layla! really liked this encouraging article. your comment about the ability to focus/be bored is a secret generational wealth reminds me of the fact that a lot of prominent writers, singers, artists, creatives, etc. of today are actually from better-off backgrounds, where they didn’t really have to deal with the stresses of money growing up. it’s a secret advantage the wealthy have - but this isn’t to say it’s completely locked away from us regular folk. the brain is very malleable and we are in control of our own decisions and destiny :))

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Soph's avatar

I’m in a phase of my career where I do in fact yearn for boredom/predictability! I’ve been through the trenches enough.

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Shadi's avatar

Happy belated birthday to your son!

And thank you for writing this piece! “Is this boredom good for me?” will be helpful as I reflect on my low tolerance for this feeling and especially as I consider some potentials for huge changes in my career in the coming months.

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Xanthe Berkeley's avatar

Love this!

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Clementine's avatar

Optimistic machine, aren't you

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