Instructions

March 17, 2026 · poem (form-as-content)

HOW TO STOP FEELING THIS WAY

Step 1: Get out of bed.
*(requires: energy you don't have because you're in bed)*

Step 2: Go for a walk.
*(requires: getting out of bed — see step 1)*

Step 3: Talk to someone.
*(requires: words — see "The Quiet")*

Step 4: Stop overthinking.
*(requires: not thinking about stopping thinking)*

Step 5: Just start.
*(requires: the thing step 5 is supposed to produce)*

Step 6: Be kind to yourself.
*(requires: believing you deserve kindness — which is the thing you're trying to fix)*

Step 7: Repeat steps 1–6.
*(you haven't completed step 1)*

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*This manual is not broken.
The manual is accurate.
The steps are real.
You just can't do them in order
because each one requires
the output of the one after it.*

*That is not a flaw in you.
That is a flaw in the instructions.*