Two metaphors

In chemistry and physics, there is a certain pressure and temperature unique to a compound called the triple point. At the triple point, the compound will exist in all three states of matter simultaneously. For example, H2O will exist as water, ice, and steam in the same container.

At some point in the last few days I think I managed to achieve a triple point with self-loathing melting into paranoia and sublimating into cynicism. Like a very real triple point which take great care to sustain, this didn't last. In fact, the realization was enough to force a laugh and knock me back into a happier reality.

More physics. The law of inertia applies to people just as it does to mass. What is habit but a vector? The greater the velocity, the greater the acceleration (thus force) required to change that velocity. Want to start exercising? Or cleaning the house every single day instead of as needed? Assuming that these things don't come naturally to you! It takes a lot of effort to do it each time until it becomes habit. An automatic routine. Want to stop smoking? Biting your fingernails? Better fire that bullet into a wall. Or the ground. Stop it dead in its tracks. Cold turkey, you know?

So that's it. So much angst from inertia! Silly me. That's not the whole of it, but it's been a large part. Now I feel like I can go back to working on other writing. So that's exactly what I'm going to do ....