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I do try not to beat myself up too much for failing to achieve my artificial objectives. I daily remind myself to 'go with the flow.'"

Then you're already there; wished I'd had sensed [that] sooner so I wouldn't have blathered-on ad nauseum. {g}
Practicing to read one's own peaks & valleys can be fun.
...& look, at my age, fun or a good thrill of any kind is hard to come by. {g}

"Quite honestly, at the risk of whining, I've given up almost everything in the way of pleasure..."

Never forget we live in a day & age whereby *they'd* have us believe in quantity over quality; & while for kids that may be a truism?
I find such a POV produces nothing more than a lot of garbage.
If you follow my drift?

"...except for 'dead culture watch'---another Freeper whom I met here last spring and [I] am now sharing 'happily ever after' with, in pursuit of some very bad guys. A very long story and one that a only a few at FR know a little about because I've needed moral support."

One day?
I should be honored to hear of this adventure; when & if I merit such trust?
You're not alone in pursuing "bad guys," either...just sniff 'round & locate posters, "Donald Stone," or "Connecthedots" & you will see.

"It is my desire to stay anonymous---as much for selfish reasons as heroism. It's dangerous stuff. But alas, I fear that soon, and I do so hope the exposure is very soon, my face may be seen on the nightly news. I will avoid this at all costs, including a witness protection escape, if only for awhile."

Sounds heavy.
I should think it'd behove your best interests to leave it go at that, then. Really.

"I truly do not mean to sound so 'mysterious' but I am under 'GAG' orders and eyes and ears are everywhere!"

Then...shhhhhh.

"BTW, hibernation tendancies, I believe happen quite naturally. No need to beat ourselves up for natural inclinations!!!!"

That's absolutely correct; so why is it so many try so hard to attain so little I do not know; when really, it's all just a matter of timing?
Not that I should care about the business of other's; I do not...not as long as I live in a land known for freedom.

"Somewhere along the way, I was brainwashed into believing that I would be a better person if I could only rise above the natural."

HA! Your lesson?
Needn't feel you're alone on this account.
Not nearly...

"My hard learned lesson, be myself. I am so much happier, peaceful, and enjoyable to be around than when I am 'tilting at windmills!'"

If this works for you?
Go for it...
Still; some people are being themselves when they behave as they will, "tilting at windmills."
To change them or have them changed?
Would be to change them; that is a double-edged sword.
I like saying to certain people, at certain times, a line from a favorite old song I once knew..."You're strange, but don't change..."
Variety in this context *is* for me the very essence of, the spice of life.

"Thanks for the pleasant post."

Believe me when I say, the pleasure's been all mine.
I'd like to think I can spot an individual from a mile away; & for me?
It's only individuals I care to make acquaintance with; time being as scarce as it is & all.

"Think I have found a new friend."

Make no mistake...I know I have.
Let's do this again sometime & remember, "It riles 'em to believe you'd percieve the web they weave...& keep on thinkin' free."

Right? :^)