The trick is to realize that one is not important, except insofar as one’s example can serve to elucidate a more widespread human trait and make readers feel a little less lonely and freakish.

Hedonism can be a rational response to a difficult life.

A personal essay often includes some or a lot of personal confession. That makes the reader feel less lonely in their confusion and darkness.

It bothers me when I can't, for example, remember a name. I don't know if it's pre-senility or whether there are too many names packed in our brains.

If someone in my family is getting emotionally bent out of shape, I've had to learn to adapt.

I like the freedom that comes with lowered expectations.

I really do like to write and when I'm not, I think, "Okay, I'll be a good citizen now" but fact is, that's secondary.