This is a brilliant post, I relate to so many points you make! Although you seem to be a bit more of a ‘do-er’ than me. If you didn’t have ideas, obsessions and fleeting fancies with projects, how dull would life be? AND, you have to have these ideas in the first place to be able to follow though with others
I’m glad you relate to some of the points, and believe me, becoming a ‘doer’ took some adjusting – otherwise known as, making the monster work for you.
I found the drawings on Flikr by Julia P (autumn_bliss), and I think they’re perfect for the subject matter.
Le Clown, it’s particularly special to me to have my first guest post – ever – on your blog, as opposed to anywhere else. It means so much on multiple levels. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’ll always remember it.
Dear GG,
I think your Monster and My Monster should get together over coffee. Fantastic Post! I thought I was reading about myself. Thank you so very much for sharing 😃.
Your Friend,
Anastasia
On one level, I’m marveling at how cool it would be to be so productive. When that has happened, like you said, you have made your monster work for you in the best possible way. I’m not as productive and I still don’t finish the things I start. Thanks for letting me catch a glimpse of your life. This is wonderfully written, too.
I use “monster” and “obsession,” because of the unhealthy elements involved.
I’ll give you an example: I started my blog a couple of months ago, and since then, writing in general has completely consumed me. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than writing, but my life is utterly taken over by it. What does that mean?
I haven’t exercised for seven weeks, I haven’t bought groceries for four, I see my friends 10% of what I used to… It goes on.
So the next order of business, is how to get the monster to love balance.
You put it in such a lovely way, it’s my turn to thank you.
Paul
November 15, 2013
Congratulations on your guest blog! Well written and insightful as always – it’s great to see others appreciating your skill and gifts. Your Monster must be pleased. Ha! Just a couple of short points (I won’t babble when you’re guesting – looks bad.) On behalf of males everywhere I have to object to your Monster’s categorization of men: “Be it cake, my car engine, or some guy…” Puhleeeeze – guys in the same breathe as your car engine? (OK, from a woman’s perspective, cake I can understand – with icing. Hmmm, well maybe the guys got your engine running – I guess it’s not such a bad association after all.) Never mind. And secondly, I just knew you spoke Russian in there somewhere – “Мышь vs. Печенька”. Ha! Your Monster has created quite a well rounded persona.
Thanks! The Monster is indeed pleased but wants more and keeps me up all night to write.
“Some guy” – refers to the garden variety and not the rare, intriguing genus.
That Мышь definitely changed my perspective on rodents, but as far as Russian, I don’t remember more than: Я не знаю ничего.
Paul
November 15, 2013
Ha! Nice One! Are you sure you haven’t confused that with Shultz?: Ich weiß nichts. Naw, Hogan’s Heroes was finished before you arrived on the planet – I’m dating myself. I find that the more I know the more I realize how little I know – which likely means that if “Я не знаю ничего”, you are very, very smart.
As usual, I really can’t formulate a comment that would do your writing justice. I never know what to say without sounding ignorant and I really don’t want to continue to just comment that you write beautifully, but you do.
Wow! I’d say your first guest post ever is a huge success. So well written, so personal, so descriptive. I felt like I was right there with you and your monster every step of the way. Thank you for sharing.
Elegantly expressed. My parents often said that our best traits are also our worst– it’s all about what you do with them. And it sounds like what you do, if your writing is any indicator, is truly beautiful. Hugs to you and your monster!
Love this! I’m glad you shared it on Fb. I am obsessed also. With writing, photography, and all things animal and plant based…like my diet, the woods, trees, horses, frogs, ducks……..should I continue? haha. Thanks for your enlightenment and your crafty, easy, intelligent writing! As always….my best to you and yours! xoJulia
Wonderful and insightful as always. To have such a butterfly mind, and yet to have trained the butterfly to some degree … bravo! Beautifully written, thanks for posting …
I’m a little late to this but a great post to be sure. It’s a world few people get a glimpse of I think. I had a boyfriend that was obsessive and he knew well not to start something that would be dangerous to his personality.
Excellent; all around an excellent post and one that hits closer to home than it should. If I even possessed a semblance of an idea that I could control my own obsessions I would probably obsess over my level of control. Like you said, “[y]ou never forget the bad things that made you feel good.”
You speak the truth: “If I even possessed a semblance of an idea that I could control my own obsessions, I would probably obsess over my level of control.” Isn’t it obnoxious how the mode of obsessiveness becomes the obsession itself?
It’s very much like a computer. People use those app killers to save memory space on the phone but the computer looks for more ways to fit that empty space.
Maybe this all fits under the umbrella of living an examined life. Maybe we are really advantaged by being so tortured.
It’s good to know that writers all think the same way. Every thing I write, be it a comment or hate mail, I ask myself if it’s something I can develop into a post.
Wow. This is, by far, the most eloquent and poetic-fueled account of an obsessive mind I’ve ever read. Aside from the obvious, (your ability to craft a personal narrative that is highly nuanced- go ocd monster on that one!) I see so much of myself in this (although, my diagnosis is not OCD). What struck me most, and to my own beating heart, was your conclusion. I’ve also given up on the pills. Two years now. And while sometimes I suffer these manic driven missions or a few days in utter despair – I’m no longer a prisoner of banality. And that’s just fine with me. It may rub some people the wrong way, but I’m simply not willing to give up who I am in order to please everyone, which has been a huge step in my own journey to “healing”. Anyway, before I start rambling, let me try and cut myself short: thank you so much for this top-notch read. I will be sending a few friends over to gobble this piece up.
Thanks very much. I’m glad people can relate, and more importantly, that the idea of putting the “monster” to positive work is something they can see within their reach.
As a subject, to pill or not to pill, is a sticky one, isn’t it? Either decision can be brave, based on the circumstance.
Thanks for taking us by the hand, GG, and through your thoughts on a subject that many can relate to on some level, even those who don’t recognize it in themselves. In addition to it being eloquently expressed, your piece offered insights and a clear definition of the pros and cons when it comes to the fuel of our fires — which can either ignite us or burn us. Well done, GG.
I also appreciate that you acknowledge that on some level, many can relate. It’s fascinating to me that some take this to be an out and out expression of OCD.
Gunmetal Geisha 
misselletea
This is a brilliant post, I relate to so many points you make! Although you seem to be a bit more of a ‘do-er’ than me. If you didn’t have ideas, obsessions and fleeting fancies with projects, how dull would life be? AND, you have to have these ideas in the first place to be able to follow though with others
Twist
Agree.
misselletea
P.S I also love the doodle on your post too.
Gunmetal Geisha
I’m glad you relate to some of the points, and believe me, becoming a ‘doer’ took some adjusting – otherwise known as, making the monster work for you.
I found the drawings on Flikr by Julia P (autumn_bliss), and I think they’re perfect for the subject matter.
N℮üґ☼N☮☂℮ṧ
“Having an obsessive personality doesn’t need to be counterproductive if you channel your Monster and make it work for you.”
Your post was incredible and your writing, the best I think I’ve ever read on WP. I absolutely love your perspective.
Gunmetal Geisha
Wow, thank you, that praise is more than I deserve and makes me blush.
Le Clown
GG,
You know how I feel about your post… Outstanding, the writing, as the message. Thank you for contributing on Black Box Warnings.
Le Clown
Gunmetal Geisha
Le Clown, it’s particularly special to me to have my first guest post – ever – on your blog, as opposed to anywhere else. It means so much on multiple levels. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I’ll always remember it.
astraltravler
Dear GG,
I think your Monster and My Monster should get together over coffee. Fantastic Post! I thought I was reading about myself. Thank you so very much for sharing 😃.
Your Friend,
Anastasia
Gunmetal Geisha
That would work, because my Monster is a caffeine addict…
(And thank you for reading!)
astraltravler
My Pleasure 😊
Lizzi; Considerer (@LRConsiderer)
Better obsessed than depressed, for sure. Thanks for the insight into your psyche, and congrats on such an awesome guest post
Gunmetal Geisha
Hi Lizzi, thanks for reading – I’m pretty excited to have done my first guest post.
I’m glad you stopped by!
The Bumble Files
On one level, I’m marveling at how cool it would be to be so productive. When that has happened, like you said, you have made your monster work for you in the best possible way. I’m not as productive and I still don’t finish the things I start. Thanks for letting me catch a glimpse of your life. This is wonderfully written, too.
Gunmetal Geisha
I use “monster” and “obsession,” because of the unhealthy elements involved.
I’ll give you an example: I started my blog a couple of months ago, and since then, writing in general has completely consumed me. Nothing is more fulfilling to me than writing, but my life is utterly taken over by it. What does that mean?
I haven’t exercised for seven weeks, I haven’t bought groceries for four, I see my friends 10% of what I used to… It goes on.
So the next order of business, is how to get the monster to love balance.
theanticougar
How delighted I am to get to know you in such beautifully written lyrical increments. Thank you.
Gunmetal Geisha
You put it in such a lovely way, it’s my turn to thank you.
Paul
Congratulations on your guest blog! Well written and insightful as always – it’s great to see others appreciating your skill and gifts. Your Monster must be pleased. Ha! Just a couple of short points (I won’t babble when you’re guesting – looks bad.) On behalf of males everywhere I have to object to your Monster’s categorization of men: “Be it cake, my car engine, or some guy…” Puhleeeeze – guys in the same breathe as your car engine? (OK, from a woman’s perspective, cake I can understand – with icing. Hmmm, well maybe the guys got your engine running – I guess it’s not such a bad association after all.) Never mind. And secondly, I just knew you spoke Russian in there somewhere – “Мышь vs. Печенька”. Ha! Your Monster has created quite a well rounded persona.
Gunmetal Geisha
Thanks! The Monster is indeed pleased but wants more and keeps me up all night to write.
“Some guy” – refers to the garden variety and not the rare, intriguing genus.
That Мышь definitely changed my perspective on rodents, but as far as Russian, I don’t remember more than: Я не знаю ничего.
Paul
Ha! Nice One! Are you sure you haven’t confused that with Shultz?: Ich weiß nichts. Naw, Hogan’s Heroes was finished before you arrived on the planet – I’m dating myself. I find that the more I know the more I realize how little I know – which likely means that if “Я не знаю ничего”, you are very, very smart.
mike
As usual, I really can’t formulate a comment that would do your writing justice. I never know what to say without sounding ignorant and I really don’t want to continue to just comment that you write beautifully, but you do.
Gunmetal Geisha
And as usual, I really enjoy having your voice in my comment section, thank you. You never sound ignorant.
littlemisswordy
Wow! I’d say your first guest post ever is a huge success. So well written, so personal, so descriptive. I felt like I was right there with you and your monster every step of the way. Thank you for sharing.
Gunmetal Geisha
Thank you so much.
Hope my Monster was well-behaved while you joined us…
rarasaur
Elegantly expressed. My parents often said that our best traits are also our worst– it’s all about what you do with them. And it sounds like what you do, if your writing is any indicator, is truly beautiful. Hugs to you and your monster!
Gunmetal Geisha
Nice, because my Monster loves hugs (it’s a bit much, really, given those suction cups).
Thanks for your lovely words.
Julia Kovach
Love this! I’m glad you shared it on Fb. I am obsessed also. With writing, photography, and all things animal and plant based…like my diet, the woods, trees, horses, frogs, ducks……..should I continue? haha. Thanks for your enlightenment and your crafty, easy, intelligent writing! As always….my best to you and yours! xoJulia
Gunmetal Geisha
I think your comment is directed to Le Clown, but I’m glad you saw the post.
And by all means, continue your list! I – er – the Monster loves lists…
jabe842
Wonderful and insightful as always. To have such a butterfly mind, and yet to have trained the butterfly to some degree … bravo! Beautifully written, thanks for posting …
Gunmetal Geisha
Ha, I wish it were more butterfly and less big bad monster…
Thanks for reading!
ddupre315
I’m a little late to this but a great post to be sure. It’s a world few people get a glimpse of I think. I had a boyfriend that was obsessive and he knew well not to start something that would be dangerous to his personality.
Gunmetal Geisha
It’s fascinating that your former boyfriend was able to evaluate and control what he was obsessive about!
I Blogged Your Mom
Excellent; all around an excellent post and one that hits closer to home than it should. If I even possessed a semblance of an idea that I could control my own obsessions I would probably obsess over my level of control. Like you said, “[y]ou never forget the bad things that made you feel good.”
Excellent. Well done.
Gunmetal Geisha
Thank you!
You speak the truth: “If I even possessed a semblance of an idea that I could control my own obsessions, I would probably obsess over my level of control.” Isn’t it obnoxious how the mode of obsessiveness becomes the obsession itself?
I Blogged Your Mom
It’s very much like a computer. People use those app killers to save memory space on the phone but the computer looks for more ways to fit that empty space.
Maybe this all fits under the umbrella of living an examined life. Maybe we are really advantaged by being so tortured.
Gunmetal Geisha
I love this computer analogy. Maybe it’ll find its way into one of your posts?
I Blogged Your Mom
It’s good to know that writers all think the same way. Every thing I write, be it a comment or hate mail, I ask myself if it’s something I can develop into a post.
Calamity Rae
Wow. This is, by far, the most eloquent and poetic-fueled account of an obsessive mind I’ve ever read. Aside from the obvious, (your ability to craft a personal narrative that is highly nuanced- go ocd monster on that one!) I see so much of myself in this (although, my diagnosis is not OCD). What struck me most, and to my own beating heart, was your conclusion. I’ve also given up on the pills. Two years now. And while sometimes I suffer these manic driven missions or a few days in utter despair – I’m no longer a prisoner of banality. And that’s just fine with me. It may rub some people the wrong way, but I’m simply not willing to give up who I am in order to please everyone, which has been a huge step in my own journey to “healing”. Anyway, before I start rambling, let me try and cut myself short: thank you so much for this top-notch read. I will be sending a few friends over to gobble this piece up.
Gunmetal Geisha
Thanks very much. I’m glad people can relate, and more importantly, that the idea of putting the “monster” to positive work is something they can see within their reach.
As a subject, to pill or not to pill, is a sticky one, isn’t it? Either decision can be brave, based on the circumstance.
Ned’s Blog
Thanks for taking us by the hand, GG, and through your thoughts on a subject that many can relate to on some level, even those who don’t recognize it in themselves. In addition to it being eloquently expressed, your piece offered insights and a clear definition of the pros and cons when it comes to the fuel of our fires — which can either ignite us or burn us. Well done, GG.
Gunmetal Geisha
Ignite or burn is a perfect way to put it.
I also appreciate that you acknowledge that on some level, many can relate. It’s fascinating to me that some take this to be an out and out expression of OCD.
It is not, though it dances on the edge.
Ned’s Blog
What can I say? You dance well, GG.