14 Comments
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Kate's avatar

Beautifully written and very timely for me. Thank you for sharing.

Jon Soto's avatar

And thank you for reading!

Milky Millow's avatar

Thank you so much for releasing this into the wild. So pragmatically delivered and centering. Please keep up the good work n..n

Jon Soto's avatar

I really appreciate that. Thanks for reading 🙏🏾

Stephanie C. Bell's avatar

Beautiful and true. Love your work Jon.

Jon Soto's avatar

Appreciate that, Stephanie 🙏🏾

Mukopa's avatar

Thank you u for sharing this !

Jon Soto's avatar

Thanks for reading!

Gerard Dekker's avatar

​This is a incredibly honest description of a disruptive state of mind. It highlights a painful truth many with depression face: when self-reflection stops being constructive and becomes a judging voice—or worse, self-punishment.

​Your piece reminds me that this inner fight isn't against an outside enemy; it's the voice of the hidden, excluded parts of ourselves fighting to be recognized and reunited. Until we realize that, it’s like playing chess against yourself without knowing you are your own opponent. Beautifully written.

Stay well,

Jon Soto's avatar

Really appreciate your comment, Gerard. That line about playing chess against yourself without knowing you are your own opponent speaks so much to this piece and even more so to the one I’m currently working on. Thanks again 🙏🏾

Amahle's avatar

what a beautiful piece. i find myself in the same situation and made the same realisation recently. thank you for this. suddenly losing sight of your values can hit really hard and deter you off that path of self discovery without the mask. i realise that life requires your constant attention and honesty with yourself. seeing that as an obstacle or a tool is what can determine how things go for you

Jon Soto's avatar

Appreciate that, Amahle. You’re spot on, specially when you say “i realise that life requires your constant attention and honesty with yourself.” That’s what I’m learning every day. Thanks for reading 🙏🏾

TenThousandThings's avatar

Keep the pilot light lit!

I appreciate your references (books, music, philosophies) and I love the art you’ve chosen. It’s great to see you continue to work through and share your experiences. It’s important to be vulnerable.

But mostly, Congratulations on your engagement! I am very happy for you, Jon!

Jon Soto's avatar

Thank you Tina! And as always, thank you so much for reading. It means a ton.