Journal 20.8.22 6.47 pm

Dear Journal, 
With all the flailing about of my arms and pointing fingers in rage yesterday, my arms feel sore as if muscles were sprouting out of them. 
All morning I felt miserable for saying hurtful things to Pa. I told him he will never play tennis again. I regret that. Then Natasha messaged and I met her for lunch all the time thinking I would treat Ma and Pa at the Backyard Brew. 
I'm afraid I have inherited the propensity to spew harsh words just like Ma and Buo. Anger is natural. Restraint is vital. 
I came back and thought of hooking Farzan and Natasha up. Let's see how that goes. 
Shilpa has stopped working with us, so teaching her never quite kicked off. 
I spent an hour reading Stephen King's autobiography or his curriculum vitae as he calls it. 
He has divided the writing class into a pyramid: bad writers make the bottom, competent writers make the middle and most of it, and great writers the top. I must be a great writer I thought. 
I asked Ma and she said I fall in the competent category. Pa said he thinks I'm great. Ma quipped in: "There should be another category classing the good writers."
Well, so my parents think I'm competent. I guess all the journalism and medicines increased the competence but reduced the risk-taking ability in me. It really did. 
Yesterday, Dhawale tried to convince me that Rao is understanding and that I have a drug-induced condition for which I have to take medicines. I cried a lot. These days I cry easily and when I sob I do it with all my battered lungs. 
I told Dhawale that I've lost confidence and faith in myself. I don't know if he understood how much. 
Anyway, maybe I say and write boring things. The attempt will always be to be a great writer. King also emphasises the importance of practice. Apart from this journal and some poetry, and work of course, I don't write regularly. I must make time to practice. I just must if I want to get anywhere in this field. King drowned himself in writing before his first novel Carrie came out. 
Let's see how the day ends. Pa has a knack for skepticism. I hope he can be optimistic about his recovery. I feel guilty for deflating his hopes. I love him. I pray that he will be playing tennis next year. 
I am grateful that Pa is playing tennis. 
I am grateful for everything. 
I am grateful for Stephen King. 
I'm grateful for love. 
I'm grateful for life. 
Love, 
Me. 

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