I cannot be alone in feeling utterly fatigued by the news, by the state of the world, by what is happening all around us, and by the feeling of despair that the actions of fascist leaders are now inducing. This morning, that feels particularly acute.
I also realise that I have given myself too little time off for a while and have been working more than 12 hours a day on this blog, on videos, and on other projects. I need some straightforward time to physically recover. I have already spent an hour this morning dealing with comments, posting the video, and doing other work related to these issues, and it is only 7.30 and now I need to spend much of the rest of the day resting.
Might I make two requests as a result?
Firstly, might you understand if blog moderation is slow today?
Secondly, might you make your comments fairly succinct, because that will help me.
Thank you.
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Buy me a coffee!
No problem. Suspect your body is saying to you ‘Rest up, mate’.
So, take it easy and recharge the batteries.
Craig
P.S Your efforts are always appreciated
Thanks
I am very tired
I share your despair, as I’m sure do many others. Rest well and recuperate and thank you for all you do…. your writing has always given me hope.
Do what your body (and your wife) tell you is needed. Spend the next few days asleep, or birdwatching, or whatever; we’ll understand. And it probably won’t make much difference to what Trump, Netanyahu and their acolytes do, either.
The Guardian takes comments on some articles, but not on others. If it meant you had more time to rest, it’s fine with me if you did the same.
Absolutely!
Your analysis, insights and output are greatly appreciated; your health and well-being paramount.
Take care.
Hi Richard
You must listen to your body and rest. From your return to this theme from time to time it sounds like a longer term issue so I wonder if you should plan in more rest as part of normal operations (as it were) for your own health and sanity, and for ours as well – we need you there! You are a beacon of light in a more than somewhat murky world.
I’m sure I speak for the vast majority of people visiting the site saying that your work is really valuable and that I want it to be there for the long term! Very best wishes to you and your family
Alex
Thanks
I’m completely in line with your feelings and request this week. I simply cannot understand the stupidity of it all. Compounded by the fact I recieved really bad news about a close friend this week. It’s made me angry and then sad. There are people breathing, using resource that should be directed elsewhere. Take the time. Take a momemt. I will. Be healthy.
Thanks
Fatigue? You’re telling me. All of this is depressingly wearisome for just about everybody.
Under no circumstances should anyone volunteer to, or be made to, do so much work that it their well-being is put at risk.
I know, I’ve suffered from M.E. for 30 years, and on my ‘good days’ I manage to function for two-three hours (it’s taken me about 15 minutes so far writing this because of the brain fog).
But with all this going on everybody I know in the M.E. community is pretty much knocked for six.
(It’s the grandchildren that keep me going, this is no world for them).
As you always say, the constraints are always real things, like resources and considerations of sustainability.
Look after yourself.
Go well.
Thank you.
Slow down Richard. Are you over-committed? You cut many demands on your time not so long ago, but you appear to have filled up again.
You are right
That is how I am
Your output is prodigious but you are just one person. Can you rely on your team more?
You know yourself and I’m sure you have strategies to deal with it. I think you have the space to decide for yourself what you must do, and what you want to do, and to cut anything that has become too much of an unnecessary burden.
Thank you for the concern. The reality is that most of what appears here is done by me because the purpose of the blog is to share my own thinking and respond directly to the issues people raise.
I do get some help with practical matters, like editing and admin, but the writing, analysis and most of the moderation are things I choose to do myself. They are also how I test ideas and stay engaged with readers.
That said, you are right that there are limits. I try to prioritise what matters most and let some things go when necessary. The blog works because it is a conversation, but like any conversation it has to fit within the time available. Working out what time is available is my challenge, I admit.
Time off – It is why the weekend was invented – take care Richard
It’s very easy to get burnt out when one is as committed as you are Richard – I find it hard to understand just how productive you are anyway!
We’re fighting a war and it’s going to take a long time to win, but win it we will, because we are on the right side of history.
We all need you to keep going for the long term, so you need to slow down and allow yourself time to recover when you get exhausted. Rest up for a while! Thanks for everything you do.
Regards…Bob
Thanks Bob.
Richard
There is a lot going on.
You have country by county reporting under your belt and a few others and you have like tax wealth policy, MMT and resource accounting cooking nicely and the hob – you’re doing really well just with those my dear fellow in my opinion. Understood.
Thanks
I have not posted for a while due to my wife’s health. Finger’s crossed that the corner has been turned. However it has left us both exhausted and the daily news just adds to that exhaustion so much so that your use of the word “fatigue” is so appropriate. It has also taught me the value of rest and recreation so go off bird watching for as long as you need. Throughout my life I have found that Mother Nature is the most fabulous nurse.
Thanks Martin
i hopeyou wife’s health improvess. I have experience of that issue.
Go well
Please, do take all the time you need.
Your blog readers and comment writers won’t be going anywhere.
Switch off and rest in whatever way works best for you.
Thanks for all you do keeping everything going.
Rest well.
We are in a marathon.
Agree re comments- as the numbers will grow as awareness of FtF increases. 🙂
OK
Richard,
You post a huge amount of content which is much appreciated. Please take time to care for yourself and your family.
I am at the other extreme as I have loads of additional time on my hands due to being stranded in India due to this stupid war. No idea when I will be able to get back and the British High Commission on Delhi said they couldn’t help, it’s not their problem and they weren’t even interested in keeping a register of British people stranded across the world. We have taken the opportunity to head to Shimla and the Himalayan mountains for some fresh air and peace.
Go well
Enjoy your well earned rest Richard, time for some quiet bird watching and being at one with nature.
Take time for your self, Richard. Don’t get sucked in, whatever the temptation. I’m bad at that, and I don’t think it’s healthy for me. I’m spending this weekend with my animals and at garden centres, with bird watching thrown in.
Incidentally, you don’t have to ask us; just tell us. We understand.
May you overflow with hope.
I will keep my comment succint – take care of yourself, enjoy some walking and bird watching, enjoy the company of your family – I am ‘switching off’ this evening (Buxton Opera House – again) an evening with Elkie Brooks – she is 1 day older than I am and still has an incredible voice – blues, jazz, rock — Pearl’s a Singer, Lilac Wine, Nights in White Satin – she is still on her farewell tour, her 2nd visit to Buxton on this farewell tour (sold out) and coming back in 2027! – so ‘switch off’ and relax please, and, to borrow your phrase, ‘go well’.
Enjoy
She is good!
Go well!
Fatigue, depression, anger, frustration, incredulity – all are appropriate currently. Please remember that you are an extremely valuable resource and as such you need to be carefully maintained. I am going to use the abbreviation NRN (no reply necessary) in future, as appropriate. I for one do not expect replies. Obviously some comments warrant replies and/or ‘correction’ (which I always find very “informative” indeed. Your microscopic focus and analysis of events needs to be managed and utilised so “us foot soldiers” are well armed for the struggle.
I am an old carer and pretty full on most of the time nevertheless, I have always found relaxation and meditative exercises help a lot. Today while gardening I meditated to the sound of a tame robin not more than a yard away , blissful release! NRN
🙂
Best wishes. Take care of yourself, Richard.
You cannot be a resource for others if you do not protect your own resources… rest up because aside from anything else, it’s going to be a long haul for all of us…
Take 2 days off every week, I am 20 years older than you and fortunate to be active, partly my genes but looking after myself especially regards diet (thanks to my wonderful wife of 60 years). Your capacity to maintain your output is likely to decline and you must adjust to that.
Keep up the great work within your limits.
What do I not do if I take two days off a week?
Serious question.
All your output is of great value, however when you cut back to a comfortable level you will have to prioritise. Why not survey your audience to get a feel for what we think,
Try pursuing other interests and let that take over your thoughts some of the time.
I have been very “political” for 70+ years but in retirement I find relaxation in my other activities (walking, allotment, diy)
Consider doing more birdwatching and maybe volunteering on a nature reserve, with a charity or foodbank.
With very best wishes.
Thanks
The survey is underway
Please measure yourself and don’t overstretch things.
A lot of people read your blog and don’t regularly post but find huge relief that they have someone in you with understanding of what we are all being exhausted by.
I imagine it is quite a responsibility and we all want you to stay healthy and sufficiently rested! Thank you for your very valuable resource.
Thank you
Richard,
You are far too valuable to lose! Take your own advice and afford yourself some care.
All power to you.
Thanks
My support team
Thank you Dr Phoenix and Dr Regal
Big hugs to Dr Odeon and Dr Vue
And thanks to Dr Palace
And Dr Essoldo too
Not forgetting Drs VHS and DVD
And of course Dr Cineworld
You’ve raised me up, kept me going
With my heart whole and unfurled
And now Dr Streaming
And Drs Freeview and TV
Such a list of helpers
Such a range of people, just for me
These are my videotherapists
I am so grateful to them all
For keeping me together
With stories, short and tall
The images of joy and hope
Strange people, magical faces
Soaring with songs and music
The exotic and far off places
I have been transported
Across the universe and back
Round the homes and houses
Some sad and others full of craic
Encased in old wood and velvet
Hushed and dimming lights
I have found distraction and solace
Helping me put my world to rights
A heartfelt thank you
To all my supportive team
My succession of videotherapists
For helping me smile and gleam
Buckingham
24/2/26
We watched ‘Copenhagen’ last night. Well worthwhile. And thank you.
Gandhi’s quote about meditation (you can substitute ‘rest’ ) that became famous:
“I have so much to accomplish today that I must meditate for two hours instead of one.”
Listen to your body. Rest.
Thanks. That is most of today’s agenda
Take a week off Richard. We have a house actually on the sea shore at Shingle Street. Go there for a week without a computer. It is very poor wi fi there anhyway. You are very welcome to stay there in almost complete isolation. Nothing but sky and sea!
Thanks, Eric, but taking a week off costs a lot. I have wages to pay, and this operation has not got tshe slack to stop for a week. It is no just me involved. Going away involves making a week’s videos in advance.