I think I'm burning out.

[WilliamPitt]

I had to write this yesterday:

http://truthout.org/docs_03/111003A.shtml

You want to know what it does to someone to write something like that twice a week? My boss compares me to Pedro Martinez; I can throw the 98 mph fastball, he says. I can, too. Damn straight I can.

I haven't slept in four days thinking about "transfer tubes" and 7600 wounded soldiers and 400 dead soldiers and tens of thousands of Iraqi civilans splattered in the street. I have to decide tomorrow between these headlines for the truthout edition:

Machine Takes One Vote In 100 From Candidate
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A6291-2003Nov5.html

So that's the end of our democracy.

Not enough soldiers for Veterans day
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&ncid=519&e=1&u=/ap/20031108/ap_on_re_us/veterans_parades

Don't even get me fucking started.

31 US soldiers killed in bloody week
http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2003-11/09/content_1168102.htm

I wrote a good book over a year ago saying this war was not necessary. It became a bestseller. It was translated into 12 languages. I did three interviews a week to get the word out. I did this while teaching seven classes a day and serving as a dean. It wasn't enough. Amusingly, my publisher went bankrupt so I haven't seen a dime of royalties in this. Fuck it. It wasn't for the money. It was to see that these guys didn't wind up dead. Failure was not an option, but is my reality.

'No President has lied so baldly and so often and so demonstrably'
http://news.independent.co.uk/world/americas/story.jsp?story=461946

My friend Ray McGovern speaks some truth no one will hear, because no one in this fucking country reads.

Extensive Report Tragic Injuries to Soldiers
http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/iraq/la-na-wounded9nov09,1,963909.story?coll=la-home-headlines

I literally threw up in my mouth reading that.

Rumsfeld retreats, disclaims earlier rhetoric
tp://www.starbanner.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20031109/NEWS/211090375/1003

You fucking warmongering bloodthirsty lying fucking bastard, motherfucker, asshole, pray I never meet you in an alley. About the WMDs, you said "We know where they are. They are in the area around Tikrit and Baghdad" on March 30 2003. That's the tip of the iceberg, cocksucker. I have it all written down. Pray they never call me into a courtroom to testify about yor war crimes, fuck. Wanna tell me about the Office of Special Plans, you fucking vampire?

Talk of a draft grows despite denials by White House
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/147483_draft08.html

Another generation into the machine.

Speech By Al Gore Nov. 9th
http://www.scoop.co.nz/mason/stories/WO0311/S00068.htm

The President speaks, and on my fucking birthday, too.

...

So, I have to read all that, and 50 more stories like it, and absorb the input from the other editors, and put ten stories together for truthout again. I swim in horror every day like a fish whose environment is blood.

On Monday night I have to give another speech, like the ones I've given in Philly and Delaware and Nantucket and New Hampshire and Phoenix and Denver and Boulder and San Diego and San Francisco and Missoula and Seattle and New York and Austin and Houston and Greensboro and Chapel Hill and Boone and Asheville and Evansville and Boston and Amsterdam and Antwerp and the Hague and Berlin and Oxford and London and Paris, over 40,000 miles, and this weekend I'm off to Albany and Bloomington and Indianapolis for more and more and more.

On Tuesday I have to speak at a Veterans rally in Boston and tell them how I failed. Afterwards, I have to wade through more blood to put another edition together.

I was supposed to get married last May, but the wedding blew apart in April because I learned some things I should have known a year ago. I've been living in one room in Cambridge, pretty much totally alone. My friends are the bartenders at Charlies and the sandwich-slingers at Darwin's. I've been drinking too much and smoking too much. My hands started shaking a couple of weeks ago, and I have a cough that hurts my back.

I'll get up tomorrow and do it again, and if it all fucking kills me, then so be it. I don't matter in this scheme. The mass of Americans who choke on lies every day without even fucking knowing that they are choking is what matters, and if I can make a dent before I drop, then you can carve that on my tombstone.

If I have been an asshole to people on this forum, you have my devout apologies. I'm thinking of madfloridian on the one hand, and Skinner on the other. I'm sorry. People who know me will tell you I'm not actually a raging asshole in real life, and I'm sorry I put my fist through your windows. I'm hanging on by a thread.

DU keeps me sane, and fucking rapes me. I've written three books on the strength of what people post here, and have reached millions of people, and that's not enough yet, and so I'll grab my shovel tomorrow and keep digging. Bury me where I fall, and call the ground America while you can.

[flamingyouth]

1. Can you take a break?

Even for a couple of days? If you keep going at this pace, you could end up really sick (witness the shattering cough). Now I'm worried about you...

[WilliamPitt]

4. Nope

Monday: truthout edition + speech
Tuesday: truthout edition + speech
Wednesday: truthout edition
Thursday: Day off w/ news scanning and article submissions
Friday: Travel to Albany, truthout edition
Saturday: Speeches in Albany, truthout submissions
Sunday: Travel to Bloomington, truthout submissions
Monday: Bloomington speech, truthout edition
Tuesday: Indianapolis speech, truthout edition
Wednesday: Travel home.

That's a week and a half. Somewhere in there, I'm expected to write three essays.

[flamingyouth]

11. Poor thing

Are you at least eating something decent? Sorry, I do have this smothering tendency.

[whirlygigspin]

29. Hey superman,

Hire some staff. Learn to delegate.

Then take a nice long walk with a pretty girl
or Helen Thomas, (ain't she great?)

I'm serious, take care of yourself first bro, we need ya.

[radwriter0555]

70. TAKE A BREAK. Get a plane ticket to Cancun, have a siesta in Playa Del

Carmen, nice little hotel near the beach.

Have some warm sun, take in some lovely lasses, down some cerveza.. and CHILL.

That's the remedy.

[Paragon]

2. Fuck it all

How are the Backstage Bettys on the road?

Go grab a copy of the Tenacious D DVD and lose yourself in the music, the moment, you own it, you better never let it go.

:silly: Surprisingly, not I'm not drunk.

[ronzo]

3. I'm with.

It's been a strange weekend. Let's catch our breath.

[jpgray]

5. Happy birthday!

A free present for you--acquire a pet, a musical instrument, or a garden, or a steady routine of exercise. One of those things or a combination will help a great deal in fixing burnout syndrome.

Also stay away from soda and junk food.

Also, the world won't end if you take a break.

:D

edit: If there is someone you trust to take over some of your duties for a short time, such as submission evaluation, go with that--better to be energized for what work you do than burn out altogether.

[WilliamPitt]

6. My job will end if I take a break

My readership will dissipate if I take a break.

Exercise? When?

[jpgray]

7. No trusted associate to take over the more menial things?

Submission evaluation and the like? If you have no time to exercise, then you definitely need to rework your schedule.

[WilliamPitt]

12. All of the disbursement possible has been done

Ask Khephra what his day is like. He works for me.

[Khephra]

45. Well, Bro

We'll just have to see how I can pick up some of the load for you. You've been there for me this past two months while I've been burned out. I haven't been giving speeches or writing like you, but I've been doing this day in and day out for three years now, so you know I know where you're coming from.

When you get to Indy, you're getting a BIG hug whether you like it or not. Maybe Mom will cook you a home cooked meal. Would you like that?

Just tell me what you need and I'll be there for you.

[BeHereNow]

46. Salin is near there-

I hereby give her permission to play something for you and Will-
she will know what I am talking about.
Salin? Are you listening?
Take the CD I sent you to Will and you play it for him, will you?
BHN

[BeHereNow]

47. Also, Salin...

As your DU sister, I am requesting that you
give Will a magic finger treatment for me.
BHN

[uhhuh]

37. Cyber-slap For Mr. Pitt

Guees what? If you read the post that started this thread, with some minor modifications, it could be your next column.
You don't need to choose a topic. Use them all. Display your outrage in total. You may even want to get personal, like you did here, and show your exasperation at how much is out there, and how little people end up seeing.
You aren't going to able to keep up this pace, failing psychologically and physically forever. Where will your readers be if your are laid up in a hospital, recovering from a complete mental and physical collapse? How much credibility do you think you would retain if your started babbling incoherently and fall unconcious on the floor at one of your speeches? Have a guest column for a week.
You know you've taken off time from posting here once in a while, and people have still been there who want to hear from you when you got back.
You have a responsibility to remain functional, dammit! If you're hurt, take yourself out of the game! No one who believes in what you're doing is going anywhere.
I know you thrive on the work that you do, but it won't mean shit if you fall apart. If you are suffering now, it can only get worse if you keep it up.
I'm sure you feel that everything that you doing has to get done now, but if you keep you keep trying to throw 98mph fastballs with a broken arm, you are going to start missing the strikezone eventually.
It is more important that you stay sharp than that you stay visible. If you, at some point, feel that your thoughts and ideas are not sharp, you are not doing any good in just showing up. You need to be solid and "right there" if you want to make sure that you do any good. So far, all I've seen still seems good,but if you stop making sense to make a deadline, everybody suffers.
You need to take care of yourself, Will. Do it as a favor for those of us who want you to keep doing what you do, and for yourself.

[Paschall]

50. Nonsense

Ya think other columnists/journalists don't take breaks? Ya think the name Will Pitt will drop off the radar if you're not on the front lines 24/7. Tsk, tsk, tsk. That's nonsense, Will.

Will, no one is indispensable... particularly if it's only for a period of R&R! ;-)

[Terran]

96. Agreed--come on Will, give us a break

Taking a week off from the website is not going to end your career. Do it. You sound terrible. Hanging by a fucking thread?? Jeez, do you WANT to die? Just step back.

Seriously,
Dirk

[neuvocat]

8. A stolen election

A destroyed surplus.

The Clinton Blame Game

Horrendous foreign policy

911

Patriot Act

Shadow Government

'02 elections

War on Iraq

Dead and dying U.S. soldiers

Dead and dying Iraqis in greater numbers

A dying economy

Rampant pollution

East coast blackout

Voting machines

Less and less primaries nationwide

The appointment of extremist judges

media-run government

Enron, Haliburton, Kellog Brown and Root


==============

All in less than 3 years. Burnout? Naw. Something worse probably.

[WilliamPitt]

10. Probably

But you still haven't told me how much you love me. I'll watch Adult Swim, I promise. :)

[neuvocat]

19. Alright, but on a serious note

you probably should invest in some sort of voice-dicatation software (eg via voice or Dragon's Naturally Speaking) for long articles/essays/posts if you haven't already. It would take minutes to speak what would take hours to type.

Have something like that on a laptop for example and you could write articles on the fly when you're out there in the field doing research.

[WilliamPitt]

21. Tried that

Something about the keyboard facilitates the work. I don't speak nearly as well as I write. When I do speak, it's off a script I wrote and memorized. If I tried to speak my essays, it'd fall apart. I need the machine.

Thanks, though. I do appreciate the thought.

[neuvocat]

35. True

I still prefer pen-and-paper (writing is only a hobby for me) so it does take some getting used to. For now I just use it to brainstorm, which helps preserve the integrity of the idea or thought I had in mind to begin with.

Still, if doing so would compromise what you're trying to convey then its probably best to stick with the process you use now.

[angee_is_mad]

9. when were you in N.C?

I am just curious, and when would you be back? Particularly in the Greensbor area. I would love to hear you speak.

[WilliamPitt]

14. End of September

I'll get back to Asheville if it kills me.

[angee_is_mad]

16. Why not Greensboro?

[WilliamPitt]

20. You've been to Asheville, right?

Gorgeous. Greensboro is nice as hell, but Asheville is God's country.

[angee_is_mad]

24. so they have mountains

but we have greatstores, lol. No, I've never been to Ashville. I have a friend from there and she said so would never go back unless to visit family. But, then again she is from there and she is used to it.

[proud patriot]

13. Hey William if there is anything I can do to ease your burdon

please just ask .

Take some time to smell the roses , to hear
laughter , and remember what we are fighting
to protect and preserve .

The dedication you have put forth is your
heart and soul , it is draining . What can
replenish it for you .

and try to pace yourself , burnout can be
avoided .

Like I said , If I can help in anyway just hollar

[WilliamPitt]

15. Thanks pp

You do enough as it is.

[wtmusic]

17. Pitt, Pitt, Pitt

damn I don't know what to say. Sorry? Nah, I'm not sorry, shit I feel the same way you do (I just don't have to live in it every day and night).

Well you're doing great work, I read all your stuff on TO and I know that and a buck'll buy you some coffee but...you can't carry the world on your shoulders, it's a game of longevity and we can't have you jumpin' in the Charles.

Gotta take some time off.

[WilliamPitt]

18. Can't

Pressed my luck with truthout to go on the book tour, boss said, "You're gonna burn out," I said no no no back the fuck off, I'm carved out of steel. Now I can't ask for time because I've been half AWOL since July.

[Paschall]

38. Will, you made a mistake

You overestimated yourself. Go back to your boss with your tired tail between your legs and negotiate some free time. And take it! Head for the hills, turn off the radio, the TV, and the computer. Chill for at least a week or 10 days.

Listen, I burned out at my job in early 2000; I was on my back for almost six months, and I'm STILL picking up the pieces. Believe me, you DON'T want to go there!

And what do you mean half AWOL since July? Have you cut down your output? I don't think so. You've just been away from your desk. BIG difference.

Or is there another way to finish the book tour? Think of options? Conference calls? A presentation on video? Or the Nancy solution: Just say NO.

And please heed all the other recommendations here for taking care of your physical health. The scotch/nicotine fuel takes its toll.

[grasswire]

23. yep, time off

MWO goes out to pasture for months.

Bart cuts back when his arm hurts.

Cut back on the essays, maybe? For a while?

Go visit a DUer in a sunny clime for a week?

I'd gladly help out, if there was some way to do so. And I'm sure others with editorial experience here would do the same.

Feed yourself well and nurture your senses.

[Ellen Forradalom]

22. Spending nights alone in Cambridge?

Will, you know there are countless DU ladies who would correct that situation :-)

[WilliamPitt]

25. If I had the time...

:)

[Ellen Forradalom]

34. You've got DU groupies in every city.

A ho in every area code, as Ludacris puts it.

[BeHereNow]

26. WILLIAM!

As your cyberspace wife, (I divorced my husband
on another thread to marry you the other day)
I COMMAND you to do the following:

a. Get a massage at least once a week.
b. Drink 8oz of distilled water several times a day/ one with every scotch
c. Start taking 600 mg of NAC every morning (Jarrow brand)
to support your smoker lungs.
d. Take 600 to 1000 mg of vitamin E every morning for stress

You are not an asshole- you are a passionate person.
Take care of yourself...
(((Hugs)))
BHN

[WilliamPitt]

28. I've been fantasizing about massages lately

and will do that. What is NAC? When did we get married? Did you wear that spicy black number I remember?

[BeHereNow]

36. Darling...

You know better, I wore nothing!

Lymphatic massage is the best for you-
stimulates the flushing of toxins, emotional and chemical.

NAC is an orthomolecular compound-
(N-Acetyl-Cysteine.) Your liver manufactures it naturally,
but not always at the amount that is beneficial, especially
if you drink or smoke. NAC supports the lung and respiratory
effecriveness. You can buy it at any good health food store.
However, do make sure it is by Jarrow- that is the best
quality available. If you can't find it, let me know and I will
send you some.

When next you are here, I will tend to you with
the magic fingers- until then, I demand that my DU sisters
care for you as I would when you visit their cities.
Yor devoted C.S.W.,
BHN

[ClintonTyree]

27. You'll do no one....................

any good if you're in a hospital. You MUST take a break. The world will comtinue to turn without you for a few days. You're taking too much upon your self, and quite frankly, overblowing your importance in the grand scheme of things. No one is indespensable. You are a valiant warrior, but a dead warrior fights no more. For your sake and ours, you must recharge, focus on something entirely different for a few days, then come back refreshed.
I'm a lot like you in some ways. I feel that if I don't do the task at hand, that it won't get done, or at least done correctly. I have trouble delegating and take too much upon myself to decrease the chance that something may go wrong.
This is all bullshit. There are people that can help, learn to delegate, give other people a chance, they'll most often surprise you. The cause will go on without you Will. If you need help, ask. Don't be a stubborn fool (like myself) and wait until it's too late and everything comes crashing down around you, as it sounds like is happening now.
I too learned this lesson too late, and it cost me a fiance,a job, my health and almost my sanity. Retreat, if only for a short while. I know of what I speak. God speed amigo.

[economic justice]

40. Will, DumpGump is so right

"The world will continue to turn without you for a few days. You're taking too much upon your self, and quite frankly, overblowing your importance in the grand scheme of things. No one is indispensable."

You write some great stuff, Will. You can do some excellent work, but you are making yourself sound like you have a one-dimensional life. This is never good in the long run. You can continue to do good, but you must stop and take stock and realize that you are making yourself sound indispensable which looks egotistical to a lot of people. You're better than that. Quit talking about your book tours and where they take you, how hard you work, how many languages your books are translated in, and all the other things you always seem to mention every week or so. You truly are better than that! Slow down, take a deep breath, go visit a lake and rent a cabin for a few days, recharge and reflect, and most of all, good luck!

[RuB]

30. Theres a difference between passion and anger.

Anger will kill you. Passion will drive you. Anger is appropriate at times but if anger is your driving force GET OUT NOW! if you don't anger will kill you, maybe by cancer or worse, a heart attack when no one is around to call 911.

[WilliamPitt]

31. Well...so be it

If you're not angry, you're not paying attention. All I do is pay attention.

[flamingyouth]

41. Will, why are you still up?!?

Get some sleep before you start to hallucinate or something!

[RuB]

49. And if that doesn't help I suggest a marathon of Spongebob!!

On sale at Best Buy.

[Fovea]

32. Here is where I would normally be doing spritual counciling.

But if I do, I will try to be as ecumenical as possible.

When I was younger, I was a champion weapons form marshal artist.
I discovered that human nervous systems have a breaker that times
out to protect us from too much continuous stress. When ignored for too long, bad things happen. Take my word on it. On the field, fighters would literally unplug mentally from the fight after 30 seconds of continuous attack. They simply would stop defending for a second. What, besides senility make me mention this, do you think?

You paint the picture of someone who is about to melt down. Why are you having troubles sharing the responsibility, William? Are you just unable to hire staff becuase of the publishing company? You have a great talent. You should protect it more. Mr. Moore's books have been useful and fun. Al Franken's book was devistating. Al had a better team behind him. See what you can get working for you, Will.

This is not just a question of well being here. Hell, you are young. Rather, this is a question of realizing that you have at least 1 more year at this high pace. The better you do, the more you will be attacked. You will not see the forest for the leaves at this pace. Why become another victim of Shock and Awe? You have another 11 rounds to fight, son.

Get your wind back, stand in the corner and suck air if you have to, everyone already knows you are stunned. Cat's out... If you wander back into the ring right now, you will lead with your jaw. I want you to get into physical training, like running, spinning, or real live cycling. Hey, it keeps Nambe with it and sharp. It is a form of walking meditation, and Will, you *need* some of that theta wave bad.
You need some endorphins.

And oh yeah -- Have some faith Will. Great evil is abroad in the world, but so is great good. You work for the correct side. Imagine you were Carville, and on top of it all you were married to Mary M...


To sum up:
1. Ask rich people for resources.
2. Stop Sprinting, this is a marathon.
3. Go puke in the bushes if you must, we all do it sometimes too.
4. Get in training, with your body and mind.
5. Repeat after me -- It's the Dharma, stupid.

[kayleybeth]

33. No, Will

Sorry, but you are not allowed to burn out. We need you too much. We need your voice, which continues to resonate loudly and clearly above the spin and propaganda and lies put forth by the right.

Unfortunately, most of us are not as eloquent and well-spoken as you are. We need you to speak for the rest of us. As tough as it may be-- and I know it must be grueling right now to say the least-- you are tougher than the opposition and you know that just as well as we do.

Hang in there, friend. Keep your eyes on the prize, and remember how great it is going to feel when we finally take our country back. That day WILL come, and you will be able to claim a great deal of the credit when it finally does.

Happy belated birthday, by the way. After reading both of your books and almost all of your essays, I still find it hard to believe you are only 32. You are wise beyond your years :-)

[La_Serpiente]

39. I found this the other day

http://www.libertypost.org/cgi-bin/readart.cgi?ArtNum=27206

[ComerPerro]

42. Sorry to hear you are burning out

But your posts keep me sane. I am always glad to see them

[Mr. Brown of MD]

43. Gut check, motherfucker

While I'm not sure how many of the rest of us can claim such a heavy traveling schedule, while mixing in giving speeches and writing essays, I think everyone here can relate to this one paragraph:

I'll get up tomorrow and do it again, and if it all fucking kills me, then so be it. I don't matter in this scheme. The mass of Americans who choke on lies every day without even fucking knowing that they are choking is what matters, and if I can make a dent before I drop, then you can carve that on my tombstone.

But you know, I think there is one thing where you're mistaken.

You aren't going to fall because we're right behind you to pick you up and get you going again. I haven't been as much a part of it as I used to be, but damned if this place isn't one big, occasionally dysfunctional family. Or, if not a big family, then a huge circle of friends spanning the whole goddamn globe.

Hang in there, Will.

I think more people than you know have got your back, or part of it.

I'm one of them.

-CollegeDude
One of many on this very forum

[ComerPerro]

44. Good post, interesting subject line

Well said

[corarose]

48. Happy Birthday fellow Scorpion

Everyone has times when they feel like they are burning out. Take a good vacation and relax because we need you on DU.

Happy B-Day.

[imhotep]

51. thats just your subconscious

telling you that the world has enough demogogues.
Don't listen to it, "Pedro."

[radfringe]

52. if you need a place to "chill out" and get grounded

for a few days...

you are welcome at our little hole in the woods...

Quiet place and very calming..

[MSchreader]

53. You need a change of scenery

Stop looking at those four walls and come look at mine for a while. We've got all the amoenities here that you need.

Also, you haven't come to Detroit to speak yet ... and I owe you a beer. ;-) :hi:

Martin

[Whitacre D_WI]

54. Here's what you gotta do:

Rest. Yes, I understand that you can't take a break NOW. But you need to plan for one. A month or two from now, take a couple of weeks to get centered, to get rested, to share some quality time with yourself. To your growing list of things to do in the coming weeks, add "prepare for my vacation."

If you're well prepared, you can take a break without losing a step. You can write essays ahead of time (if the shit REALLY hits the fan, you can write an essay on your vacation, but NO SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS and no non-leisure travel). Make sure everything is taken care of, then sit back and relax.

Until then, keep sharing your struggles with us Evil DUers. We've got your back, Pitt, because "thy burdens are greater than mine." Or something like that.

Have a nice breakfast whiskey. And take care.

[DemExpat]

55. If you cannot take rest, you'd have to be a robot to keep this up.

The only way someone COULD do this is if they were in tip-top shape, ate very healthy meals, and certainly did not smoke or drink alcohol.

I feel for you, Will, but something will have to give, and I hope it's not your health and/or sanity.

DemEx

[Tinoire]

56. Find the time to take a break Will! Can I help

I can tell you're near exhaustion.

If there's some way I can help, let me know.

Don't push yourself to the edge. We need you to not fall off :)

Who else will I rant to about my vote, my 40 acres and my mule? ;)

3:49 AM. Must be at work by 8. Good-night. Take care and get some sleep!

[Nlighten1]

57. Is there anything we can do to help?

Besides try to give you written support here on DU?

[opihimoimoi]

59. Aloha Bro Will,

Come Hawaii, stay with us and relax, Make you a new man for sure.

Sounds like info overload to me.

The Pubs are well known for this shit. Shove so much info into our lives we can hardly think.

Come, we go surfing, diving, crabbing, fishing. We even make a luau for you. Serious.

[Nlighten1]

60. LOL!

Doesn't a DU Meetup in Hawaii sound like heaven?

[opihimoimoi]

63. sound the horn, light the fires, ice the beer

[VeniceBeat]

58. Maybe It's Time to Reread "The Chalice and The Blade"

And get some perspective out in a country cabin.

No internet.

No phone.

Good wine and food.

Keep the fire in the belly, Pitt.

The Chalice and the Blade, Our History, Our Future

Start working on the Left's Vision of the Future and how we're gonna make it happen.

I see an army of unarmed architects, engineers, landscape architects, environmentalists, interior decorators, and the like traveling to Iraq with no agenda but to be at the service of the Iraqi people--

Fuck Halliburton! We're taking them OUT!

[Nlighten1]

61. I recommend reading

the latest book on John Adams and "A People's History" for a burn-out pick-me-up too.

[SOteric]

62. It's 4:30 a.m. here, obviously not a healthy hour to be up and about.

And I have committments that prevent me from responding to your post with the attention it deserves just now.

I'll look for it again later in the day. Until then, know that you're valued.

[opihimoimoi]

64. its 3 AM here on the Pond.

[JM]

65. Will, I had a nice chat with the rest of our company...

...last Monday. I calmly explained neither the Cardiac Care Unit nor the Psych Ward allow the use of laptops, so if the company wishes to retain my services, things need to change.

Granted, I am in a position to make such an announcement, but the concept holds true.

Hang in there and if there is anything we can do, let us know.

Later,
JM

[mdmc]

66. You sound like Clinton looked

during year 7.
Keep keepin on. I'll see you in Albany.

[Lost4words]

67. dont underestimate the value of your work!

I have long since forgiven you for chastizing me for my support for grave dancing!!

Hang in there Will!

[soleft]

68. You're the real deal

Some of these images are of fictional people, but here is a gallery of the company you keep

[VelmaD]

69. I wish I knew what to say...

to make it all better. :hug:

I could tell you that what you do is important but you know that. I could tell you that what you do touches people but you know that too.


P.S. Check your inbox.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

71. Take a break

Can't you get some vacation time, anything? You sound like you need it, sorry to hear you're so burnt out.

Good Luck,
Maggie

[Zomby Woof]

72. EVERYONE needs a break

If you can't do it soon, do it as soon as you can. Maybe 24 hours, maybe more. But you need time free of the cares of the world, free of the troubles of the moment. I promise you, they will be waiting for you when you get back, and you are a much better opponent of the regime refreshed than when you are strung out.

I recall you taking a break - what? - a year ago, maybe more, for a few days or a week, and you came back VERY renewed. Do it again.

I will send Skittles to KICK YOUR ASS if you do not. :-)

Meanwhile, ZombyCoffee cures many ills. :donut:

[supernova]

73. ASHEVILLE

Ok, now that I have your attention, please read all of this. It's that important.

Yikes, Will! What the hell do you think you're doing? Hmmm? Running yourself into the ground and for what, exactly? Do you think for one second * and his cronies care if you run yourself ragged about them? They don't, not one wit. In fact they want you to burn out. They want you to flame out like a dying star so they never have to hear about your pesky essays again.

Do you think it wise to give them what they want?

"But what about my readers?! They'll forget about me! They'll forget bout everything I've written!" I hear you. No we won't. Your audience aren't stupid and will not collapse into total political and intellectual intertia without your presence. As for the rest of the country, they're doing that now, even with your attempted omnipresence.

People wait years for a new novel from their favorite author. JK Rowling makes people salivate for years between her books. Do we forget about her or Harry, or Hermione, or Hagrid? Wow, an H streak. Quite the contrary, passion for her writing only grows with the passing of time. And you aren't making your audience wait years, just a few days' vacation.

This is a long term fight Will. I wish it weren't, but it is. And it lasts a hell of lot longer than just until 2004.

Two things are necessary for you to keep in the fight over the long term.

1. Develop some ways to deal with your stress NOW. Alcohol is fine as a temporary anesthetic, but as a long term stress relief technique, it sucks donkey balls. Go for a run, head for the gym, get that massage, watch movies, watch Adult Swim, watch x-rated anime. It's your choice. Whatever you do for pleasure and relaxation, GO DO IT even if it's just 10 minutes a day. after a couple of weeks of this, you might find you need to smoke less too.
   
   
2. Plan for a break dammit! Arrange your upcoming schedule so that you have neither deadline nor speaking engagement for at least a week to 10 days. Do something special over the holidays. You know, there's that perfect lull between Xmas and New Years. Imagine spending a few days bumming around Asheville and environs. There's plenty to see there and it sure is lovely at Christmas. Or maybe a few days at the beach, the sunny Carribean. Dream about it, then make it happen! :D
   
   
3. Optional and beneficial. Think about getting a pet. Get a dog; get a cat. Whatever animals you like and have fond connections with. Caring for animals also helps reduce stress.
   

Bottom line: Will, do you want to be a great writer, or do you want to be a great writer who lasts, goes the distance and still wins the marathon? It's your call.

[mlawson]

97. I was going to suggest a visit here, myself.

But I felt shameless, doing it. :-)

Will's difficulties remind me of how I felt in grad school. I went through it for years, then finally it was over. Sounds like a break is definitely in order!!

[hlthe2b]

74. I can only offer two things..

1. the knowledge you have countless thousands on DU who support and understand you and your sacrifices; try to take some comfort in that.
2. If it was not so difficult, it would not be so important; if it was not so important, it would not be so difficult.

Take some walks, at least Will. It clears the mind, gets you outside and can give a little balance & perspective.


Finally, you don't carry this burden alone, but you are the torchbearer. Shed as much light as possible, one step at a time.

[mac56]

75. What hlthe2b said.

And happy birthday.

[Bossy Monkey]

76. Get a nicotine patch, join a gym, and rent piss-your-pants funny movies

Take care of yourself, fella, we need you!

[populistmom]

77. Relax and detoxify

You do need to relax in some way, but for more energy, what helped me anyway, was no smoking (I was a very light one though), minimal drinking (like 1-2 once or twice a week) and no sugar. I used to need 8 hours, now I'm up after 6 and I can't go back to sleep.
At least take a multivitamin with some extra C, smokers need more C. Hope you feel better soon. If I wasn't otherwise taken/occupied/otherwise spoken for/or whatever it is am, I'd relieve your stress naturally, but alas, you have enough swooning women here already anyway and you don't need my overly fertile jollies anyway.

[bratcatinok]

78. It's time to 'call in sick'

because burnout is a form of sickness in that it's mental and emotional fatigue. Even taking a couple of days will help you bounce back and it sounds as if it's mission critical for you to take even a short break.

It'll be tough because your mind will want to dwell on everything you should be doing but you need to tell your mind to shut up for a couple of days. It's not going to do anyone any good if you end up becoming so worn down mentally and emotionally that you do get sick.

Sleep in, do some meditation or self hypnosis, eat a couple of decent meals, read something non-political and humourous, rent and watch a couple of comedies, put a jigsaw puzzle together, be silly, try some aromatherapy using lavendar (yeah, I know you're a guy but soaking in a tub with lavendar is a great way to relax)or do whatever mindless and relaxing things that appeal to you. You'd be surprised at how just a couple of days off can help recharge your batteries and prepare you to face reality again.

Do it for us, but most importantly do it for yourself.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

79. I reiterate what people above have said

TAKE A BREAKI

During my last teaching job, I had a colleague who was way over-extended. Not only was she teaching a full schedule, but her department was about to be phased out, but she was promised a new job with the school if she could get an ESL certificate, so she was taking classes in Portland two nights a week. To make matters worse, her elderly father was living with her, and even though he was quite healthy, he expected to be waited on.

She came down with a severe respiratory infection but kept up all her normal activities. when the infection didn't go away, she went to the doctor to get some pills that would keep her going, but the doctor told her that the infection was viral and the only cure was rest and good nutrition.

She protested that she had to teach her classes, work on her ESL certificate, and keep house for her father.

As she was protesting, the doctor interrupted her to ask, "Who's going to do all that when you're in the hospital with pneumonia?" The doctor advised her to call in sick at work, skip a week of classes, and either tell her father to do his own cooking and chores or give him money to eat out.

Will, you are the most eminent DUer by far, but the world won't collapse if Truthout doesn't have a new essay from you twice a week (look at all the vacations that Media Whores Online takes) and if you have to cancel a couple of speaking engagements "for reasons of health," which would not be a lie.

You're of more use to the "revolution" healthy and rested than burned out and frazzled.

[Aristus]

80. Happy Beer-Hall Putsch Day, Will. And Happy Birthday, too.

Where do I submit my application for "The White Rose"? And will I see you at any of the meetings?

[VelmaD]

81. Every time I reread this I get more and more worried...

about you honey. Please check in and let us know how you're doing today.

Everyone here has given you good advice about finding something to do for yourself. Even if it's just for 10 minutes a day. Find something Will. Something that belongs just to you and that feeds your spirit. A vacation sounds desperately needed and you know you've got fellow DUers who would put you up (you're always welcome back here in Texas).

I had a nervous breakdown at 21 from this kind of burnout. From caring too much about something and letting it consume my life and soul. It changed who I am in a bad way and it took over a decade for me to get back to being me. I don't want that for you.

Be well honey.

[sistersofmercy]

82. Will that's an awfully big load you're carrying my friend

I don't have near the load you do but I lost a couple of big deals a few months ago, it really took a toll on me. That's why I'm headed to Santa Fe soon. I need a break. I'm truly sorry about your situation. Please take of yourself.

[ZenLefty]

83. Anger is a gift

and if you use it for fuel it will burn you out, guaranteed. I can only echo the advice of others on this thread - take a break. You're no use to anybody if you're burned out.

[GOPisEvil]

84. On the Drive By Truckers mix I sent ya...play tracks 16 and 17...

"Shut Up and Get On the Plane"
"Greenville to Baton Rouge"

They relate to your situation a bit, and they jam! At the very least the musical interlude will be nice.

Let me know if I can help further! ;-)

[stopbush]

85. Why not start with a break from DU?

We all love ya and read your writings wherever they are. You're out on the speaking circuit and who knows what else. If you need to drop something, take a month off from chatting at DU. I know it helps keep you sane, but how many hours a day do you spend here? You need to get out and do something HUMAN during the day. Watch a movie, listen to some music without multi-tasking.

Look, we'll understand.

Get some rest.

[WilliamPitt]

87. Heresy

:)

[Wickerman]

86. You are needed, Will

The other day someone whom I correspond with regularly sent me an article and said - you have to read this, this guy is great. It was, of course, an article by William Rivers Pitt. Turns out she is a regular of TruthOut, but can't get her on DU. You reach a lot of people and are fighting the good fight. You are needed.

If you burn out, you will reach no one. Please schedule in a weekend away. If you put it out a week or two or three you can do it. You need to do it. Build your schedule around it. Get some rest and perspective, re-charge. Come back strong.

:yourock:

[slinkerwink]

88. Will.......take a few deep breaths...

there's only so much horror one can take from the real stories that's filtered through the media to you. I hate to say this but you need to be desensitized to a part of the stories that come through so you won't feel horribly burnt out by this.

One, after all, has to get desensitized to prejudice and bigotry, which I've experienced through most of my life. It's a matter of survival. I hope you'll feel better soon.

[JanMichael]

89. I know how you feel because I feel (almost) the same.

You've made a hell of an effort to make a difference, and you have, but just not quite the impact that you hoped for. The Invasion still occurred...Brass tacks: That was the number one issue.

Like you I've found myself having that one, or two or five, extra drinks after the last guest has left. I've found myself smoking outside of my old habit of only with drinks. I found myself wanting to help The Guy James Show with more than just a four hour RT drive down to Naples and chatting on air for three hours. It's been 6 days of work a week for the last 6 months with a couple of exceptions.

Fortunately I married a wonderful woman this last August or I'd probably be at wits end, probably ready to strangle the Monsters at the helm and alone stupid enough to support them, like you.

OK I'm still there but it's better now.

Keep up the fight, we all need to do so, and if you ever want to take a few days in Sarasota PM me and you'll have a place to crash that's 1.5 miles from Siesta Key.

[KoKo]

102. As "Plaid" said to Will below...and I paraphrase. No one here is Atlas...

and "holding up the world on our shoulders...." isn't what anyone has to do. Just holding up "pieces of it" is fine....;-)

[BritishHuman]

90. Take a break, Will

We're going to need you NEXT November. As someone else noted above, it's a marathon, not a sprint. Take some You time - and remember you've got thousands of people here sending you good thoughts and willing to help any way we can. You are not alone; Truthout has other people who can write for them, liberal talk-shows and think-tanks are springing up, a lot of hands are holding up the banners and exposing the truth.

Once next summer rolls around, well -

In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
As modest stillness and humility:
But when the blast of war blows in our ears,
Then imitate the action of the tiger;
Stiffen the sinews, summon up the blood,
Disguise fair nature with hard-favour'd rage;
Then lend the eye a terrible aspect;
Let pry through the portage of the head
Like the brass cannon;

Give 'em back the hell they've given others, with interest.

[latebloomer]

91. What everybody up there said!

Take good care of yourself, sweetie. You DO matter, very much.

[Guaranteed]

92. Hey just be glad this is all getting out there.

Of course, like you said, it's just the tip of the iceberg. But, we've got a year, and the press is coming around. They're not protecting him (as much) anymore.

Take it easy- it's all about the long-haul.

We're gonna win this.

[Lisa]

93. Will, you have some backup .... take some time for yourself, NOW!

I attended a speech by Helen Caldicott last year, where she described what happened to her during the anti-nuke era in the late '80s. It's taken her almost a decade to recover to the point where she can be happy about things again.

You don't have to carry this alone. For example, that project that Politex and the others were throwing around? I looked at the list of contributors again ... yeah, I ran a bit past deadline, due to my teaching obligations ... one of the things that really inspired me was seeing your name in there. But there were a TON of other people too ... and it showed me that individually, we aren't indispensable (thank heavens).

Go out walking in the rain or the snow. Trade all that blood for good clean water. It'll make a different, trust me.

[never cry wolf]

94. Will...

I read your post as well as the entire thread and am convinced that you are cursed by your talent. Even your rant is compelling and significant, you really cannot escape being a voice for truth. You can, however, channel your talent and husband your resources. I agree with most here that you need some time away from it all, time to recharge your batteries and return stronger than before.

My family has an island in Lake of the Woods Ontario. There is a small cabin and a dock. There is no electricity and no land line, cell service was initiated two years ago. We do have a propane tank which feeds the 40's era refrig, stove, oven hot water heater and some lights. there is an indoor composting toilet, hot and cold running water, peace, solitude, the most amazing sunsets on earth, wildlife, loons, beavers, stars, aurora borealis, a bald eagles nest and oh, soooo much more. my biggest problem with the place is that it is underused to a fault.

You are more than welcome to the keys. It may be a great break next spring or summer. (ya, winter is long and cold, 2 hours north of International Falls, Mn.) I am dead serious about this, I have found no more peaceful place on earth to get one's head together!

[VOX]

95. Sorry Will, but you're worth much more to the cause alive than dead...

Will, you have done many, many good works, for which we are all deeply grateful, but you are worth so much more to the cause alive than dead. "Burning out?" Christ, man, you're lucky you haven't had to be taken to an ER.

If you don't interrupt the killer cycle you're on soon, I fear that you are seriously gambling with your health, both mental and physical.

Please don't let it get to the point where your body, which is in essence smarter than the head, says, "You gonna keep this burning-all-ends-of-the-candle routine up, fucker? Well fine, then, 'cause I'm shutting it *down*." Next thing you know you're on a gurney, being checked into General.

Take some kind of break, meditate, do plant arrangements in bed, whatever, but I implore you, please break up this cycle, and soon. If you take a breather, the battle will still be there waiting for you.

Please exercise some bit of caution with your health -- yours is a voice that we want to keep vocal and vital. We want you to be a hell-on-wheels old man.

In short, you are much needed. :toast:

[BeFree]

98. What matters most is

Quality, not Quantity.

'Tis hard to serve two masters. Be good to yourself, Will, and everthing else will fall into place. Peace, bro.

[tom_paine]

99. First of all, thank you SO MUCH for what you do, Will.

You're a warrior, and all the rest of us who can't or won't do what you do give you much thanks.

:toast: :toast: :toast:

I know others have said this above, but allow me to reiterate...

We NEED you, Will. Burning yourself out helps nothing in the long run.

And as has also been said above, taking a week or two of vacation is not going to grind the world to a halt nor end your newfound career.

Better to take that vacation now than burn out and give the whole kit and caboodle up scant months later, which is what will happen if you don't do something about it now, while there's still time.



1. Go to the mountains, go to the beach, go to a Patriots game (damned if they ain't 7-2 all of a sudden!), go to the bar and flirt with the pretty girls...whatever it is that makes you happiest, then go DO IT

2. Turn off all connections to your "career life". Oh, it will be SOOO tempting in this age of cell phones and e-mail to check up on your "career life". DON'T DO IT! Leave the cell phone at home. If you check your e-mail may your fingers fall off!

3. Don't work too hard at relaxing. Many people employ an almost manic quality to their vacations. Sleep in. Until noon if necessary. Do not make frantic vacation plans. Just be lazy.

4. Do not worry about ANYTHING. All your worries aren't going anywhere. They'll be waiting for you when you get back. So why bother "worrying" over them.

Take care of yourself, Will. That part of America that is still Free behind the Televised Curtain of Bushevik-Occuiped Amerika NEEDS YOU.

Don't burn out. Save yourself and recharge those batteries before it's too late...

[KoKo]

100. Seems you liked Ashville...go back and check out Thomas Wolfe's Birthplace

and take his book "Look Homeward Angel" with you....or whatever else he wrote that appeals to you from an Amazon Review. Take whatever and go to his bithplace and "toodle around" for awhile ON YOUR OWN. A quick fly in and fly out "break."

With all that "Southern Influence" in your background...a night with a little wine....and Thomas Wolfe (particularly Look Homeward..but whatever) might just do the trick for you.

I offer this in all seriousness.....as totally freakin' off the wall as it sounds!

Now, if that doesn't work.....find a place in Boston where you can listen to the loudest baddest music which gets into your soul with it's stomping beat, pick up someone who is really interesting and instead of "bedding" ask her to brunch and church afterwards....Set the date up in advance. This has to be someone who is totally appealing to you...and not someone you just need a "one night with." If you have to visit every bar in Boston to find her.....do it.

Two choices.......think about it.....cut loose! And, stash the cigs and see if you can do either without them. Sort of "challenge" to clean your brain....

On Edit: I see some of Wolfe...that needs to speak to you. Revisit him! It might be worth it.....

The link:http://library.uncwil.edu/wolfe/bio.htm

[Plaid Adder]

101. It might help to remind yourself

that you do not have to hold yourself responsible for personally saving the world.

I'm not saying that to be snotty; I know exactly how you feel right now, although probably less so since I don't actually do this stuff for a living. My point is just that you don't have to do it all yourself. There are other people out there working the problem, and if you have to take a personal day once in a while, it's not going to cause some kind of extra calamity. Slow down and do something for yourself, even if it means slowing down your production or your lecture schedule.

You have to make your peace with the fact that you could do this 24/7 every moment of the day and it still would not end the carnage. It's unfair but it's true. We don't have the power here. It is important to keep going and doing what we can, but I personally am under no illusions that any of the writing I do effects any kind of direct change. What you hope for, or what I hope for anyway, is that you are contributing to a slow but sure shift in the cultural matrix, and gradually making it possible for people to believe in reality instead of the crap that this administration has slung together. That will happen whether or not you take a day off once in a while.

I think if you grow up in the shadow of the Christian tradition you have this belief somewhere in the back of your mind that you can help the world by suffering. In fact, this is not really true. Your suffering doesn't help anyone unless it produces something useful. When you get to the point where it's more suffering than production, take a break. It won't help anyone for you to have a meltdown.

Good luck, and feel better,

The Plaid Adder

[KittyWampus]

103. Will, Remember The "Talking Fish"

That surfaced right before the US began bombing Iraq?

It spoke in Hebrew...

Hopefully you'll find your own Talking Fish somewheres nearby and have your spirits lifted.

[frank frankly]

104. well, at least you are awesome

in my book!

keep it up, Will. you are making a difference.

my lungs sympathize with you!

:hi:

[diamondsoul]

105. Kee-rist, Will!

I really don't know what to say to all that except to thank you, and sit back and worry.

If there's anything we can do for you while you're in Indy or Bloomington, say the word, and I'll get it set up. There are a LOT of people who love you in those cities, and every last one of us is willing to help if we can.

[WilliamPitt]

106. I posted this a couple of days ago

I'm feeling better now. Been resting as much as possible, cutting back on the smoking, generally chilling as much as possible. The folks in this thread helped a ton.

Thanks.

[never cry wolf]

108. Glad to hear that...

however, my offer in post #94 stands. No phone, no tv, no radio except what the portable pulls in, mostly the CBC. Oh, I forgot to mention the fishing....

May need to recharge before the elections too, keep it in mind please.

[VelmaD]

109. Glad to hear we helped...

even gladder to hear you're cutting back on the smoking. Whatever it is that you're doing to make yourself better you keep right on doing it. And if you ever need us again you know where to find us. :-) Right here at your shoulder buddy.

[Dr Fate]

107. Snap out of it...

...too many folks are counting on you to write/say what they are thinking...