My Journey Through Obsessions: From Anime to Relationships

Over the years, I have had a series of obsessions that have defined various phases of my life. Each one has impacted me significantly, and now, with the benefit of hindsight, I can reflect on how these interests have evolved and sometimes even faded away.

From Anime to Real Life

One of the most significant obsessions I had was with anime, particularly the series Naruto. During the early days of the pandemic, I found myself glued to the screen, binge-watching every episode available. Naruto captured my heart with its intricate world, complex characters, and grand adventures. I idolized characters like Kakashi, who became a symbol of strength and wisdom for me.

However, as life returned to a more normal pace, so did my responsibilities, and I realized that my obsession with anime was affecting my preparation and productivity. I had to find a balance and limit my time with these series to ensure I was still progressing with my goals. While Naruto and other anime titles still hold a special place in my heart, I now appreciate them with a more balanced perspective.

The Attraction to Documentaries and Case Studies

Before my foray into anime, I was deeply obsessed with educational and informational documentaries. My preference was for English and Hindi channels, which I watched religiously, often while enjoying a meal. I found these documentaries enriching and fascinating, and they were a constant source of inspiration and knowledge.

Unfortunately, the same time constraints and responsibilities that kept me from anime also affected my documentary watching. But even though I had to cut back, I still occasionally indulge in a documentary or case study when the opportunity presents itself.

The Simple Pleasure of Photography

While many of my past obsessions have faded, there is one hobby that continues to captivate me: photography. Unlike anime or documentaries, it is a more passive activity that I can engage in without the need for a specific device or series. I find joy in taking random pictures, particularly of nature, such as clouds and skies. Even though I am not a "Selenophile" or a "Astrophile," photography offers me a moment of peace and reflection.

The Evolution of Relationships

As a teenager, relationships were a constant source of my attention. I was deeply involved in romantic pursuits and often found myself in serious relationships. However, as I grew older, my perspective changed. I now appreciate the serenity of being single and am content with the idea of not being in another relationship. While I am open to the possibility of one day finding that special someone, it is not something that I actively seek. Instead, I focus on personal growth and self-improvement.

Games and Their Impact

Games, with their addictive nature, were another element of my past obsessions. Titles like "Cold War with Earth" and "love stories" enabled me to escape into other worlds, but they also had a severe downside. The games often involved plots that were emotionally heavy and could be incredibly upsetting. Over time, I realized that the emotional toll was too high, and I had to find other ways of entertainment that did not have such profound effects on my well-being.

Research and the NIH

As a research scientist, getting funding from the NIH (National Institutes of Health) was a critical aspect of my career. During my tenure, the people who worked under me were "soft money" employees, meaning their jobs depended on my success in securing grants. The stakes were high because losing funding meant losing talented employees and rebuilding from scratch, which was both stressful and demoralizing for everyone involved.

Now that I am retired, I no longer obsess over the funding of my former employees or the challenges of securing grants. Instead, I am happy to see my old team members move on to more fulfilling positions and thrive in their new roles.

Looking back, these obsessions taught me a lot about life, balance, and self-improvement. Each one has played a role in shaping me into the person I am today.