Since you usually don't respond to my PM's, in the off case you check this forum, here's my peace.
Hey 1ce,
I read your post and I found your thoughts on past self vs current self vs future self very interesting. Indeed it is a conundrum, as I often have to deal with the same realities in my profession. I try to help people with their finances, and plan for retirement. The future self that is going to enjoy all of the savings your current self is doing - what a jerk! I want to enjoy that money now!
But it brings into reality the truth of moderation. We can't save everything for the future, or keep waiting to do something, because then that bus will hit us the next day, and we've deferred all of our enjoyment or money for something we'll only see. But we can't just go splurge and do everything we want right now either, as our future needs to be somewhat secure if we wish to maintain whatever lifestyle it is we want. Balance is harmony, and we need to apply it to everything. Playing video games and working and sleeping, and then doing it all over again - that would drive anyone crazy. Throwing in a little spice of doing something unexpected or meeting something new can put us on a whole new path of the universe. Infinite possibilities.
I am glad you are open to exploring the meeting new people part - I have to tell you in my 29 years of infinite wisdom, the success with careers, opportunities and chances to experience new things are directly correlated with meeting people. It's isn't always what you know, but who you know.
I found it surprising you were apt to opening up so much on that 7cupsoftea website, but I'm glad it made you feel better. I also found it surprising you considered the Pokémon Server to be so toxic. I'm sorry if people have been rude to you or unapologetic when wronging you, or even just seeming to use you. I for one appreciated all of the work you did, and I'm sure if you went digging, a lot of people would agree. Don't discount experiences you may have had with some of these people over the last few years, and don't discount the amount of blood, sweat and tears shed. You've displayed competence and skill in maintaining the server, creating a wonderful experience for a lot of people, operated a business through donations, organized people and galvanized decision making processes, and above all demonstrated extreme amounts of patience. Don't discount any of that.
If you want someone to talk to, you've got me as a sounding board.
-Old Man Vith
