Arman's Antics (#056)

The latest from professional worrier Arman Khodadoost

Hey everyone!

Coming to you live from Austin, Texas. Here is your weekly dose of Arman’s Antics. Five things I’ve been pondering and exploring that will make you think, laugh, cry (or a nasty combination of the three).

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Essay I wrote last week

It’s depressing to sit around and dwell on how much time I’ve wasted being a professional worrier.

Worrying about things that could have gone better, things that haven’t even happened yet, and everything in between. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could worry less and live more? It’s possible without having to attain enlightenment.

All that stands between us and the worry-less life is scheduling some:

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Book I couldn’t put down

AMORALMAN: A True Story and Other Lies.

I used to think memoirs were a genre that authors wrote for purely selfish reasons. So I avoided them like an introvert avoids networking events. But, as is often the case, I was wrong.

In fact, this memoir was so riveting that I found myself waking up before my alarm and going to sleep past my bedtime (typically 9PM sharp) for one simple reason — I simply had to find out what happened next.

Here’s the description: “Derek believed he was a decent, honest man. But when irrefutable evidence to the contrary is found in an old journal, his memories are reawakened and Derek is forced to confront--and try to understand--his role in a significant act of deception from his past… A M O R A L M A N is a wildly engaging exploration of the fictions we live as truths. It is ultimately a book about the lies we tell ourselves and the realities we manufacture in others.”

He’s also got a captivating one man performance on Hulu, but more on that next week.

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TED Talk that fired up my creative juices

Who knew TED Talks were still a thing?

I remember collapsing into bed after a 14 hour day of work and firing up my 8 year old laptop to watch a TED Talk with the hopes that one of them would help me escape the miserable life I had back in 2015. I can’t say for certain that my life was ever saved by a TED Talk back then, but I can say that this one would have. In nine minutes, it will wake up the inner creator laying dormant within.

Here’s a description: “Reflecting on moments that shaped his life, actor Ethan Hawke examines how courageous expression promotes healing and connection with one another -- and invites you to discover your own unabashed creativity. ‘There is no path till you walk it…’

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An affordable luxury I’m enjoying

What’s an affordable luxury you enjoy without even realizing it?

I want to become more aware of these little treats sprinkled throughout an otherwise mundane day. The one that’s top of mind came from my latest trip to the wonderful world of Costco — Topo Chico carbonated water.

If you would’ve told me eight years ago when I was earning a whopping $10 per hour, that I’d be paying for the last free beverage on Earth, I would’ve laughed in your face and then slapped you. Fast forward to today and, as I’m writing these lines, I’m taking frequent pauses so I can feel that ever-so-slight burning sensation of an ice cold Topo Chico on my taste buds.

What’s your favorite affordable luxury that your younger self would be appalled to see you enjoying today?

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Random thought

My biggest takeaway from AMORALMAN — you can learn a lot about yourself when you pretend to be someone else.

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That’s it for the 56th edition of Arman’s Antics.

Thank you for spending a few of your attention points with me today. Remember, forward this to a friend if it tickles your fancy. Now back to your regularly scheduled nonstop scrolling.

Have a terrific Tuesday!

Cheers,

Arman

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