I’m feeling more human today. Still in pain and uncomfortable, but the combination of getting the pain medication out of my system and getting six hours of sleep in my own bed has me feeling more like myself. I remain hopeful that I’m on a path to recovery.

I’ve been dealing with some medical issues that are causing me to endure severe and unrelenting pain. The pain is so intense that even opiates haven’t helped. In the past 72 hours, I’ve managed only about five hours of sleep. It’s exhausting and overwhelming.

Hospitals are meant to be sterile and spotless, which is why it caught me off guard to spot dead flies trapped behind the fluorescent light cover while lying in my bed. I counted five in this particular one and the other fixture next to it had four.🪰

A picture of fluorescent lights on a ceiling with dead flies on the other side of the light cover

Over the past year, I’ve felt drawn back to a more analog way of living. I always thought digital photography—with its convenience and instant gratification—would be the exception. But this new film-only camera has me rethinking that.

Snap to it | Monocle

More on the significance of daily habits.

Quote from Die Empty: This quote emphasizes the power of our daily actions—how small, consistent improvements compound over time to shape meaningful results.

🎵 Listening to Appaloosa Bones - Gregory Alan Isakov

Appaloosa Bones - Gregory Alan Isakov poster

Who we become is shaped by what we repeatedly do. Formation isn’t accidental—it starts with the habits we cultivate daily. This quote from The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley is a great reminder that the small, consistent practices in our lives are what ultimately shape our character.

A quote from The Common Rule by Justin Whitmel Earley

Currently reading: When We Cease to Understand the World by Benjamin Labatut 📚

Just started reading: Living Life Backward by David Gibson 📚

Finished Reading: The 5 Resets: Rewire Your Brain and Body for Less Stress and More Resilience by Dr Aditi Nerurkar 📚