You know, I hadn't thought about it as "withdrawing from the outer world to deal with the inner world," but that is a very apt statement. What's more, it sounds very reasonable when put that way.

And thanks for reminding me that life is nothing but a series of transitions. I realized this morning that I would happily continue freelancing out of my house as long as jobs and work continue to come in. I honestly DON'T long for the corporate shackles. I have always had an upsurge in my depression when having to deal with that. That's probably why I loved my low stakes, simple tasks, lots of strokes job that I left in November.

I continue to seek that balance. My most recent therapy experience reminds me of yours - she stopped me and asked if I was aware how very often I was saying "should" "ought to" "have to" - all of which are indicators that I'm beating myself up. It's also much the cause of my occasional "bratty" periods of rebellion against ALL constraints - even the most reasonable ones.