Pandora's granddaughter, everyone.

There's a simple explanation for where Ellen has been: I wanted the scene to focus on the others so I contrived a reason for her to be out of the room.

I MEAN, she was preoccupied with something not at all contrived, and we'll learn what that thing was Wednesday!

But what if there's a leopard?

This is tangential and I've posted a less edited version of it elsewhere. I believe the stress issue it talks about was a major contributing factor to this page being delayed, however, and that the conclusion I reach will help me make healthier choices in the future. Given it might also help others, I feel it worth sharing:

I don’t want to eat when stressed, and I think I know why.

I'm most stressed when I'm unable to be proactive. A situation is outside of my control, and I'm waiting for something to happen, something to change, something to end. The waiting feels like there's a looming threat. My instincts tell me to avoid being vulnerable, to be on guard.

Basically, I go into “but there’s a leopard out there!” mode.

Eat? No! There’s a leopard out there! Get some sleep? Um, LEOPARD? Relax for a bit? LEOPARD!

But in most situations, it doesn't make sense to stay on edge while waiting for some metaphorical cat to make their move. One of the most proactive things I can actually do in such situations is take care of myself.

Sleep? A bit tricky. Relaxing? Also a bit tricky. Eating proper meals at sensible times of the day? Generally doable, and it helps with everything else.

Feeding yourself: It’s the responsible, proactive thing to do.

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- HD of this page on Patreon (members only for two days, then public)