I’m thinking today about how so much of my own hurt/disappointment was caused by my wanting desperately for other people to “take me seriously”, and that almost all that bad feeling was eventually dissolved by just... stopping wanting.

How did I do it? I don’t know! But I did!

This is, of course, in contrast to taking myself and my own desires and thoughts and work seriously, which I always have and hopefully always will. But I just no longer spend much time hoping anything I do will change much of what anyone feels about me. What a relief!

Anyway, I don't think I'm the only person who's this way, and if you're someone who's similarly self-tortured, let me just say that it's absolutely possible to stop, and also that life is better after you do. And it will only make the work better! (Whatever the work is for you!)