Hey, knowing self (KS), what the hell is up? I’m just sitting in front of my monitor, staring at nothing, unable to make myself think. It feels like I have to swim through a pool of oatmeal to form a coherent thought–so much work, so exhausting. Why is it so hard to get my brain going? Why am I so unmotivated? There’s nothing objectively different about this day compared to others, so why do I feel like this today?

Well, ever-questioning self (EQS), it just doesn’t matter. There can be benefits to exploring why you feel the way you do, but the occasional bad day happens to everyone anyway, and you just have to get through it, do the best you can, and know that better days are coming. And you don’t have to feel guilty about an unproductive day, because all humans have those!

Okay, yeah, I guess, KS, but how many bad days are too many? How many bad days so other people have? Do I have an average number or more (I can’t possibly have fewer!)? I know other people have bad days, but their houses always look cleaner than mine, and they do the basic things that good people are supposed to do, like send thank-you cards for gifts, RSVP on time for parties, and put blinds or curtains on their windows within a reasonable time after moving in to their house. Why can’t I make myself do those basic things?

EQS, not everyone does those things, and it’s arguable that they’re basic, and they have nothing to do with being a good or bad person. You can’t do everything all the time, and no one’s perfect. Give yourself a break. All you can do is try to do the next right thing one day at a time.

You’re really annoying, you know that? Why can’t you just leave me to wallow in my self-pity and bad-day-ness?

Oh, EQS, you know why. That never ends well.

Oh yeah. OK, dammit, you’re right. KS, can you please stick around and keep reminding me of that?

Sure thing. I got your back.