I love your replies and sometimes I actually NEED them. I also read the comments because I learn a lot there too. It makes this feel like more of a community. A place to come when things get too heavy to carry alone and that’s starting to happen more and more.
I saw a quote the other day and thought you might like it. Not that YOU personally need it but I do and others might.
“Depression can’t hit a moving target.”
It also inspired the title of a book by Nita Sweeney “Depression Hates a Moving Target” I haven’t read the book but am going to look into it. I read a lot these days rather than watch TV.
Thank you for all you do, Jack. You truly couldn’t know how much I appreciate it.
Susan...this is the kind of note that makes the whole thing worth doing.
The fact that you read the comments...and find something there too? That's EXACTLY what I'm hoping for.
This was never meant to be me talking AT people. It's supposed to be a place people can pull up a chair. A community. You just described it...better than I ever have.
Thank you for that quote. I do like it. "Depression can't hit a moving target"...there's a lot of truth packed into SIX words.
Keep moving...even when it's just an INCH. I hadn't heard of Nita Sweeney's book...but I'm going to look it up now too. If you get to it before I do...tell me what you think.
One thing, and I mean this: when it gets too heavy to carry alone...you don't HAVE to. That's the whole point of this place. You're not carrying it by yourself here.
The more general phrase is "It's harder to hit a moving target." Often used as a derogatory comment aimed at someone who moves from one thing to another in order to avoid responsibility. I see now, with your comment, it has potentially far greater range and nuance. Thanks Susan.
I think you've put your finger on something. That phrase has lived most of its life as a bit of a jab: the person who keeps moving...so the blame never lands.
BUT...flip the context...and the exact same words become SURVIVAL advice. Same target...opposite meaning.
When the thing chasing you is depression...instead of accountability, "keep moving" STOPS being evasion...and STARTS being medicine. Funny how a phrase can hold BOTH.
Thanks for spelling it out; Susan's comment sent ALL of us somewhere good today.
Do I understand why some might do it? Sure. It would be a MASSIVE time saver.
But...it's just not my style. When you see my time stamps on replies and 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 AM...that's me, working to try and get to as many of you as possible.
I really love seeing your comments on what I write and what others write. I didn’t know about the bots others use, but I rarely comment on them either. What I have learned from your posts is enriching and educational. You and HCR are the two I check every morning. There are other really good ones but you two mean the most to me on this platform. Thank you! #HoldFast
Sara...starting your morning with my stuff and HCR? That's HUMBLING company to be kept in....and I do NOT take it lightly. Thank you.
What you said about the comments is the whole thing, really.
The learning that happens down here...in the threads... between readers...not just from me...is half of why this place is WORTH showing up for. YOU...are part of what makes that true.
And...I know you said I didn't have to answer this one. But...some notes you answer anyway. This...was one of them.
I did not know that people did use bots. I thought a bot was some kind of an intrusive creation. Maybe I simply do not understand, but I do know the idea of one is not appealing whatsoever! Thank you for mentioning them to help broaden my perspective!
Judy...you're not wrong that some bots are exactly the INTRUSIVE creations you're picturing; so trust your instincts there.
But let me broaden it a little further...since we're on the subject.
For my purposes, "bot" covers more than just software. It also includes farming your replies out to a staff; a team answering on your behalf under your name. And listen...I'm not throwing stones at anyone who does that; when you're BIG enough... I understand why it happens.
I'm only pointing it out...so you know where I stand: when you get a reply from me, it's a reply from ME. MY own eyes, MY own words, MY own two hands. No software...no staff...no stand-in.
That's the whole deal here...and it always will be.
Thanks so much for your explanation, Jack! I’m thankful that everything with your name on it is directly from you! I would not feel trusting otherwise, even though I understand now that there is a need sometimes.
Community - it matters, and I appreciate it very much. You put everything you have into this for US, and that’s a damn fine gift. I accept it gratefully. I love a dedicated teacher, a true leader who gives you the tools to grow and thrive, perhaps lead others.
Rae...I read this one twice, and I'll be keeping it.
Here's what I want you to hear, though: you've got the arrow pointed at ME...and I keep trying to turn it back around...because the "powerful" part was never me. It's YOU. ALL of you.
I can dig up the records and lay out the thread...BUT...a thread just sits there until someone picks it up...SHARES it...argues it out in the comments...REFUSES to let it fade. That's the part that actually moves things. I don't supply the power. I just try to hand you good tools...and get out of your way.
And that line...a teacher who gives you what you need to grow...and then lead OTHERS... that's the whole dream of this place...said better than I've ever managed to say it. If even a few of you walk out of here sharper...braver...and ready to hand the tools to the NEXT person...then it's working EXACTLY the way I hoped.
So I accept your thanks...gratefully, and without the usual deflecting.
And I'll spend it the only way that makes SENSE: by showing up and doing the work again tomorrow.
Thank you Jack, I appreciate the insights you have provided. I know that I face each day feeling better able to deal with the chaos. Stronger in my ability to see the patterns, recognize my game plan and #holdfast.
Kristine...this is the part that means the most to me...that you face the day steadier... better able to see the PATTERNS... and hold your own line in the chaos...hat's the entire point. That's the WHY underneath all of it.
Because the tools were always the goal...not the headlines. The chaos is designed to overwhelm you...to make it all feel too BIG and too FAST to track.
The quiet act of rebellion is EXACTLY what you described: slow down...spot the PATTERN...know your game plan...and hold. That's not small. That's how a person stays FREE in their own head...when everything's built to scramble it.
You've clearly got the muscle for it. Keep using it...and keep reminding the people around you they've got it too.
Don't ever feel obligated to reply...just because I might. Read...lurk...skip the comments entirely...you're no LESS part of this for it...and I'd never want my habit of answering to make showing up...feel like homework.
I answer...because I like to, not to run up a tally. You just do you...and know I'm glad you're here either way!
Thank you Jack. You've earned my respect (and based on the comments) that of your subscribers. Your expertise and your sincerity provide valuable input and inspiration in this fight against fascism. Please continue to do what you do so well! It's noticed and appreciated.
Gary...thank you...that lands...and I don't take it lightly.
Respect from people who are paying attention...and doing the work THEMSELVES... is about the only currency worth having...so I'll try to KEEP earning it.
I'll keep doing my part: follow the record...call it straight...hand you the tools. You keep doing yours. That's how this holds!
I always appreciate your writing, both style and subject. The way you respond to every comment is not just uncommon, I think it’s actually unheard of. And it reflects what keeps so many of us coming back.
I concluded awhile back what you just pointed out to be truth. I try to support some who give frank opinions based on facts for the most part, but I very seldom comment because it is truly a one way street. Most don't bother using a bot, they just don't respond.
Your work astounds me. You do the impossible, or at least the improbable. You research your topics, which takes time, you draft remarkable newsletters that resonate with those who follow you.
And you work to still have a family life. Luckily, you married a saint. 😊
Sue...she is the love of my life, no question about it. Thank you, truly.
You named the thing I care about most: the RESEARCH comes first...because opinions are cheap...and the record is what actually holds up. (If people want my opinions...they're free on social media, and I don't hold back...at all.)
It takes time...and it's worth EVERY hour. And you're right that the one-way street is the norm out there...which is EXACTLY why I refuse to run this place that way. You showing up and saying this? That's the WHOLE reason the effort makes sense.
Jack, thank you for explaining about your replies. I can tell you that they make a much appreciated difference for me. Your replies make this reader, and I assume other readers as well, feel that this is a two way communication, or a multi-way communication, we have, not just a bulletin to read alone and be done. However you keep up with it is amazing to me!
I also appreciate reading other people’s comments. Through your Substack, I learn a variety of types of information which are not available elsewhere. It is helpful and stays with me in various ways to contemplate in life situations from time to time in varied ways. Thank goodness I have not needed to apply it all, but I always enjoy learning. I wish I could remember all of it, but I am amazed at various ideas you have presented which frquent my thoughts. Thank you!
I'm proud to be a founding upper tier member Jack. I have never written you without getting your personal response, either to a post or a DM. It means the world to me. I hope that one day you can host an in person meet and greet. I'd fly anywhere to do that my friend. How about in Chicago: equal access to your fans coast to coast.
Tom... founding upper-tier member who I've gotten to trade words with directly all this time...you're not just a subscriber, you're part of the foundation this WHOLE thing is built on.
That you'd fly anywhere to shake hands in person? That lands somewhere DEEP. Thank you, my friend. Seriously.
A meet-and-greet is something I might one day consider, if I can ever work out the logistics.
The thought of actually being in a room with the people who've made this place what it is is a good one. And Chicago's a smart call: central...fair to folks on both coasts. You've clearly thought about this more than I have.
So here's what I'll do: I'll keep it on the list of things I genuinely want to make happen... and if it ever moves from "someday" to "here's a date," you'll be among the first to know, Tom. Deal?
Thsnks Jack! It means a lot to me when you reply. I feel that you hear me and I am not talking into a void! I am one of your biggest fans and have applied your principals in many areas of my life. Because of that, I live calmer. Happy Sunday!
I love your replies and sometimes I actually NEED them. I also read the comments because I learn a lot there too. It makes this feel like more of a community. A place to come when things get too heavy to carry alone and that’s starting to happen more and more.
I saw a quote the other day and thought you might like it. Not that YOU personally need it but I do and others might.
“Depression can’t hit a moving target.”
It also inspired the title of a book by Nita Sweeney “Depression Hates a Moving Target” I haven’t read the book but am going to look into it. I read a lot these days rather than watch TV.
Thank you for all you do, Jack. You truly couldn’t know how much I appreciate it.
#Holdfast
~Susan
Susan, I enjoyed reading your comment. Like you, I do not watch television, and these Substack opportunities mean so much!
They truly do.. thanks for reading!
Susan...this is the kind of note that makes the whole thing worth doing.
The fact that you read the comments...and find something there too? That's EXACTLY what I'm hoping for.
This was never meant to be me talking AT people. It's supposed to be a place people can pull up a chair. A community. You just described it...better than I ever have.
Thank you for that quote. I do like it. "Depression can't hit a moving target"...there's a lot of truth packed into SIX words.
Keep moving...even when it's just an INCH. I hadn't heard of Nita Sweeney's book...but I'm going to look it up now too. If you get to it before I do...tell me what you think.
One thing, and I mean this: when it gets too heavy to carry alone...you don't HAVE to. That's the whole point of this place. You're not carrying it by yourself here.
Thank you for being part of it...Susan. Truly.
#Holdfast
-Jack
Thanks so much, Jack We’ll get through it together. I truly believe we will.
~Susan
The more general phrase is "It's harder to hit a moving target." Often used as a derogatory comment aimed at someone who moves from one thing to another in order to avoid responsibility. I see now, with your comment, it has potentially far greater range and nuance. Thanks Susan.
Dennis...well said.
I think you've put your finger on something. That phrase has lived most of its life as a bit of a jab: the person who keeps moving...so the blame never lands.
BUT...flip the context...and the exact same words become SURVIVAL advice. Same target...opposite meaning.
When the thing chasing you is depression...instead of accountability, "keep moving" STOPS being evasion...and STARTS being medicine. Funny how a phrase can hold BOTH.
Thanks for spelling it out; Susan's comment sent ALL of us somewhere good today.
-Jack
Using a bot goes against your no BS approach.
Thanks, Lori. Yeah...agreed.
Do I understand why some might do it? Sure. It would be a MASSIVE time saver.
But...it's just not my style. When you see my time stamps on replies and 3:00, 4:00 and 5:00 AM...that's me, working to try and get to as many of you as possible.
I'm glad you're here.
-Jack
I would never expect you to use a BOT!! You are your own person.
Teri...thank you. Truly.
You're among the frequent fliers of the comment section. Thank you!
-Jack
I really love seeing your comments on what I write and what others write. I didn’t know about the bots others use, but I rarely comment on them either. What I have learned from your posts is enriching and educational. You and HCR are the two I check every morning. There are other really good ones but you two mean the most to me on this platform. Thank you! #HoldFast
P.S. you don’t have to answer this one! 🙂
Sara...starting your morning with my stuff and HCR? That's HUMBLING company to be kept in....and I do NOT take it lightly. Thank you.
What you said about the comments is the whole thing, really.
The learning that happens down here...in the threads... between readers...not just from me...is half of why this place is WORTH showing up for. YOU...are part of what makes that true.
And...I know you said I didn't have to answer this one. But...some notes you answer anyway. This...was one of them.
~Jack
I did not know that people did use bots. I thought a bot was some kind of an intrusive creation. Maybe I simply do not understand, but I do know the idea of one is not appealing whatsoever! Thank you for mentioning them to help broaden my perspective!
.#HoldFast!
Judy...you're not wrong that some bots are exactly the INTRUSIVE creations you're picturing; so trust your instincts there.
But let me broaden it a little further...since we're on the subject.
For my purposes, "bot" covers more than just software. It also includes farming your replies out to a staff; a team answering on your behalf under your name. And listen...I'm not throwing stones at anyone who does that; when you're BIG enough... I understand why it happens.
I'm only pointing it out...so you know where I stand: when you get a reply from me, it's a reply from ME. MY own eyes, MY own words, MY own two hands. No software...no staff...no stand-in.
That's the whole deal here...and it always will be.
Thank you for caring enough to ask about it!
-Jack
Thanks so much for your explanation, Jack! I’m thankful that everything with your name on it is directly from you! I would not feel trusting otherwise, even though I understand now that there is a need sometimes.
Community - it matters, and I appreciate it very much. You put everything you have into this for US, and that’s a damn fine gift. I accept it gratefully. I love a dedicated teacher, a true leader who gives you the tools to grow and thrive, perhaps lead others.
That is powerful.
WE are powerful.
You never fail to remind us of this.
Please accept my heartfelt thanks.
Rae...I read this one twice, and I'll be keeping it.
Here's what I want you to hear, though: you've got the arrow pointed at ME...and I keep trying to turn it back around...because the "powerful" part was never me. It's YOU. ALL of you.
I can dig up the records and lay out the thread...BUT...a thread just sits there until someone picks it up...SHARES it...argues it out in the comments...REFUSES to let it fade. That's the part that actually moves things. I don't supply the power. I just try to hand you good tools...and get out of your way.
And that line...a teacher who gives you what you need to grow...and then lead OTHERS... that's the whole dream of this place...said better than I've ever managed to say it. If even a few of you walk out of here sharper...braver...and ready to hand the tools to the NEXT person...then it's working EXACTLY the way I hoped.
So I accept your thanks...gratefully, and without the usual deflecting.
And I'll spend it the only way that makes SENSE: by showing up and doing the work again tomorrow.
WE are powerful. You said it. Don't forget it.
-Jack
☺️ You just described what a true teacher does.
#HoldFast
OH!!!! Have you heard the legal new from FLORIDA, no less????
Thank you Jack, I appreciate the insights you have provided. I know that I face each day feeling better able to deal with the chaos. Stronger in my ability to see the patterns, recognize my game plan and #holdfast.
Kristine...this is the part that means the most to me...that you face the day steadier... better able to see the PATTERNS... and hold your own line in the chaos...hat's the entire point. That's the WHY underneath all of it.
Because the tools were always the goal...not the headlines. The chaos is designed to overwhelm you...to make it all feel too BIG and too FAST to track.
The quiet act of rebellion is EXACTLY what you described: slow down...spot the PATTERN...know your game plan...and hold. That's not small. That's how a person stays FREE in their own head...when everything's built to scramble it.
You've clearly got the muscle for it. Keep using it...and keep reminding the people around you they've got it too.
#holdfast right back to you!
-Jack
I appreciate your forthright approach to all of the chaos around us.
Doxiebaby....thank you...that means a lot.
Straight and honest is the only way I know how to do this...especially when the whole point of the chaos...is to wear us DOWN...until we stop LOOKING.
I'll keep calling it as the record shows it. Grateful you're here for it!
-Jack
Damn. I read most every post, Jack (I’m a subscriber), but I often don’t reply because of you always replying! I think you don always need to reply…
PJ...Ha...fair...and point taken!
Don't ever feel obligated to reply...just because I might. Read...lurk...skip the comments entirely...you're no LESS part of this for it...and I'd never want my habit of answering to make showing up...feel like homework.
I answer...because I like to, not to run up a tally. You just do you...and know I'm glad you're here either way!
-Jack
Thank you Jack. You've earned my respect (and based on the comments) that of your subscribers. Your expertise and your sincerity provide valuable input and inspiration in this fight against fascism. Please continue to do what you do so well! It's noticed and appreciated.
Gary...thank you...that lands...and I don't take it lightly.
Respect from people who are paying attention...and doing the work THEMSELVES... is about the only currency worth having...so I'll try to KEEP earning it.
I'll keep doing my part: follow the record...call it straight...hand you the tools. You keep doing yours. That's how this holds!
-Jack
I always appreciate your writing, both style and subject. The way you respond to every comment is not just uncommon, I think it’s actually unheard of. And it reflects what keeps so many of us coming back.
Randy...thank you...that's kind...and I'll admit the replying is the part I'd NEVER give up.
It's not a strategy; it's the BEST part of my day.
This was never meant to be me talking AT people from a stage...it's supposed to be a conversation, and YOU ALL make it one worth having.
So...as long as you keep showing up in the comments, I'll KEEP meeting you here. That's the deal!
I appreciate you, Randy!
-Jack
I concluded awhile back what you just pointed out to be truth. I try to support some who give frank opinions based on facts for the most part, but I very seldom comment because it is truly a one way street. Most don't bother using a bot, they just don't respond.
Your work astounds me. You do the impossible, or at least the improbable. You research your topics, which takes time, you draft remarkable newsletters that resonate with those who follow you.
And you work to still have a family life. Luckily, you married a saint. 😊
#HoldFast
Sue
Sue...she is the love of my life, no question about it. Thank you, truly.
You named the thing I care about most: the RESEARCH comes first...because opinions are cheap...and the record is what actually holds up. (If people want my opinions...they're free on social media, and I don't hold back...at all.)
It takes time...and it's worth EVERY hour. And you're right that the one-way street is the norm out there...which is EXACTLY why I refuse to run this place that way. You showing up and saying this? That's the WHOLE reason the effort makes sense.
Grateful you're here!
-Jack
Please know that I am diligently working towards becoming a founding member.
Sue
I love your posts, Jack; no need to reply.
Mary...then I'll keep this one quick: thank you!
Glad you're here.
#HoldFast
-Jack
Jack, thank you for explaining about your replies. I can tell you that they make a much appreciated difference for me. Your replies make this reader, and I assume other readers as well, feel that this is a two way communication, or a multi-way communication, we have, not just a bulletin to read alone and be done. However you keep up with it is amazing to me!
I also appreciate reading other people’s comments. Through your Substack, I learn a variety of types of information which are not available elsewhere. It is helpful and stays with me in various ways to contemplate in life situations from time to time in varied ways. Thank goodness I have not needed to apply it all, but I always enjoy learning. I wish I could remember all of it, but I am amazed at various ideas you have presented which frquent my thoughts. Thank you!
#HoldFast!
Thank you for saying what I am thinking, but you said it better! Jack inspires me to
#Hold Fast!
I'm proud to be a founding upper tier member Jack. I have never written you without getting your personal response, either to a post or a DM. It means the world to me. I hope that one day you can host an in person meet and greet. I'd fly anywhere to do that my friend. How about in Chicago: equal access to your fans coast to coast.
Tom... founding upper-tier member who I've gotten to trade words with directly all this time...you're not just a subscriber, you're part of the foundation this WHOLE thing is built on.
That you'd fly anywhere to shake hands in person? That lands somewhere DEEP. Thank you, my friend. Seriously.
A meet-and-greet is something I might one day consider, if I can ever work out the logistics.
The thought of actually being in a room with the people who've made this place what it is is a good one. And Chicago's a smart call: central...fair to folks on both coasts. You've clearly thought about this more than I have.
So here's what I'll do: I'll keep it on the list of things I genuinely want to make happen... and if it ever moves from "someday" to "here's a date," you'll be among the first to know, Tom. Deal?
Grateful for you... truly!
-Jack
Deal by friend. Appreciate you.
Thsnks Jack! It means a lot to me when you reply. I feel that you hear me and I am not talking into a void! I am one of your biggest fans and have applied your principals in many areas of my life. Because of that, I live calmer. Happy Sunday!
Michele...you're heard...every time, and not into any void.
That you've taken these ideas...and actually LIVED them...to the point of feeling calmer for it? That's the ENTIRE reason I do this.
Forget the page views and the numbers...that right there is the real scoreboard. You made my day.
Right back at you, my friend.
-Jack
Have a calm and peaceful day Jack!
“When you comment here…as a paid subscriber…I read it. And…I reply. Personally.”
Yep. I will vouch for that.
I appreciate that, Scott.
I'm glad to have you here, and frequently showing up in the comments section!
-Jack