Dear Abi Daily Fam
What a week.
I’ve been struck down with a pretty nasty chest infection that has wiped me out. My cough sounds like a consumptive Victorian prostitute who has just gargled with the wind section of an orchestra: all rattles and low wheezing, ducky.
I know a lot of illness is to do with how you live your life, and this particular episode has given me time to reflect and really put a boot up my arse: A change is gonna come…
I’m sure it’s also due to the relentless stress caused by world events, added to which I have had my resilience tested to the limit by people who were not all they seemed. Heart-crushing disappointment on top of global tyranny is quite a punishing mix. Luckily, I have enough self-knowledge to understand that such feelings are strong because they are pressing on tender old scars. In years gone by I might have been desperate to please people despite my reservations, but after the last five years I realise, with a jolt, that my self worth has actually increased. I know who I am, and what I value in fellow human beings. I am not the least bit impressed by fame, awards, social media following, or even talent.
I cherish authenticity.
And as I get older I believe that this is the rare talent that many overlook.
That, and a bit of humility.
As I have written previously, being ill gives one the luxury of real inner thought. Perhaps it’s to do with facing your own mortality, but whatever it is I always feel an immense calm. Despite looking like a sunken-eyed, crazy-haired hollow shell, my soul and mind feel nourished.
The inner musings took me to social media. What was I doing?
As many of you know, I have had doubts about the new Twitter (X) since way back in 2022 when, after an 8 month ban, a friend got my account back for me. I dragged my feet about going back on, but you have to be on social meedja if you’re somebody, right? I went back to Twitter a couple of times which is a real pity because I was absolutely right to be sceptical about its direction of travel.
The truth, goodness and beauty revolution will not be on social media.
I am no longer on X and will not be returning.
You can read my first article about Musk/X in July 2023 here
And my second one written in June 2024 here
Be seeing you!
Abs x
PS when people start saying they were the first to be deeply sceptical about Musk and X, please cast your Christmassy baubles aside and remember that old Dame Roberts and her stupid hair was already on it. She just didn’t have the confidence to believe she may be right.
Hope you start to feel better soon Abs and regarding twatter, I don’t blame you.
I came off in July and I won’t go back, it’s an absolute pile of wank.
I only joined in 2021, so no idea what it was like beforehand.
I’ve found some fabulous people on there and it served a purpose at the time.
Anything important, our Jules will keep me updated.
Look after yourself and sending much love
Your fellow gobby bird 😂💖
Sorry you have been so unwell. As you say it does offer an opportunity to step off the hamster wheel to reflect and adjust direction. The work you do has real, life-changing value. It has a depth that greatly exceeds a series of one line gags - which you also deliver particularly well as it happens. It must be energy sapping which unsurprisingly might leave you susceptible to wintery lurgies. Do, please, look after yourself. We need you! Let me know if there is anything I can do. Seriously.