This is the first entry in a new series I’m calling Notes from the Couch; unpolished but honest and curious reflections from documentaries I watch while navigating what I’ve lovingly dubbed my burnout-to-sabbatical era.

I don’t promise hot takes or life lessons. Just the things that stir when I’m sitting still long enough to notice them.

I think I am an optimistic nihilist. But, I’ve never actually studied philosophy. I’ve read the (or several) definitions of optimistic nihilism and I think it fits. But here’s what it actually means to me.

Why are we here? Figuratively and literally. This idea to start Loosely Held Plans came from corporate burnout and the contradictions between my 9-5 self and who I actually am. I am starting this without a ton of plans. Beginning something knowing it might (probably will) change or wander off. And that’s kind of the point.