July 6, 2000 -- 8:45 PM EST

I think emotional outlets are a great help, and I think spirituality helps keep you on even keel during the whole "body project" process, but muscle doesn't get built up by feelings and fat tissue doesn't grow smaller with prayer. If those things lead you to action, then hooray! But if they don't -- get moving! Because that's what's going to bring the changes. You can't live in your head forever.

Same thing with relationships. Some thought and introspect is great and necessary, but if you are spending way too much time in there, and not acting on your thoughts and feelings and HAVING a relationship, that's as screwed up as thinking all the time about being healthy and fit and not doing a damn thing to work towards that goal

Relationship is about interaction. People are not mind readers -- you have to open your mouth and say how you feel or show it in your actions.

A friend called me up yesterday telling me about his problems with his feelings about this woman. Back and forth, back and forth. Does she like me back? Do I really like Her or do I like the idea of being with someone, anyone? Would it work out? I don't know if I can take a long distance relationship. What about the difference in religion? What about moving cross country? What about work? What if it doesn't work out again like the last time? Should I tell her how I feel? Back and forth, back and forth.

I asked him why he can't sit down and weigh out the pros and cons, make a firm decision about how he feels, tell her about it, and then get on with living his life. He'd have to keep living regardless of what she says back right? Still gotta work, sleep, eat. World still turns, time still ticks. So why get all bent out of shape wondering over "what ifs" -- they only make you batty!

He said it isn't that simple. I said it doesn't have to be that complicated!

I copied out this cartoon out of Zen Speaks: Shouts of Nothingness and sent it to my friend.

~Astrophe