I’ve taken to calling a foundational part of my mental health experience “the tyranny of the shoulds”, a useful shorthand for a cluster of cognitive distortions that shape much of my struggles to live an agentic life. This collection of notes is a non-linear exploration of where these distortions originate, and how I might undo them.
Epistemic Status
Heavily subjective living document. Nothing in this document is universal life advice or even potentially applicable to your own situation. Discussed ideas may void your warranty and break your microwave.