Advice I Think We Should Tell Children Is That When Adults Say Stuff Like Now That Im An Adult I Get

advice i think we should tell children is that when adults say stuff like ‘now that i’m an adult i get really excited about stuff like coffee tables and bathrooms and rugs etc’ they don’t mean ‘and now i don’t care about blorbo and squimbus from my childhood tv shows anymore’ bc your average adult still loves all the same pop culture stuff they always did; they just have a greater appreciation for the mundane as well. growing up just means you can enjoy life twice as much now. you can get really excited about a new stuffed animal AND about a new kitchen sponge. peace and love

just learned that magnolias are so old that they’re pollinated by beetles because they existed before bees

the best part about having a job is being able to go through doors other people aren’t allowed to use the worst part is everything else

Hello!

Do you have any encouragement/advice for someone struggling with learned helplessness?

Everyday I feel like more of a burden, but every choice I could make to improve my life makes me freeze up. Coming to terms with the shame of it even taking me this long to realize that I’m able to make choices for myself; along with the vitriol people have for anyone that takes time to learn something or reach certain milestones.

I feel stuck.

You're already making progress by recognizing that your stuck feelings are coming from learned helplessness. Learned helplessness is not your fault. It's a conditioned response.

Start with self-compassion. When you're feeling hard on yourself or feeling that shame creep up, try to extend yourself the same compassion that you would give to a friend in the same situation. Most people are much harder on themselves than they are on their friends. It takes practice to be compassionate with yourself.

Set small, achievable goals to help build your confidence. This doesn't have to be in the same area where you are struggling. You just need practice making choices and feeling successful.

Celebrate your achievements, even small ones. This will help reinforce the feeling that you are capable and in control. When shame and doubt about the timeline of your achievements comes up, remember to use self-compassion and to think of the achievements you've been building up.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE dir. Shawn Levy (2024)