I am a recovering academic
My social media profiles mention that I’m a recovering academic.
What do I mean by that, and why do I think it’s important?
Becoming a recovering academic
Describing myself as a “recovering academic” reflects my ongoing journey to balance rationality, emotion, and creativity in my life. When I was young, I was taught that rational thinking was the ultimate way to understand and navigate the world. Trained as a scientist, I operated under the belief that thinking and logical analysis should reign supreme.
As I grew older, I discovered that feelings rather than logic often dictated my actions. My emotions weren’t secondary—they drove my decisions and how I connected with others and found purpose. And I realized I am a creative person. Rather than analyzing the world and making (so I thought) “rational” decisions, I started to use creative action to actively shape my life. Creativity has become my bridge between thought and feeling, allowing me to integrate both and approach life holistically.
However, my journey is not without its challenges. Old habits die hard, and I frequently find it difficult to “shut up and listen“. I sometimes respond to interpersonal experiences with a rational, problem-solving mindset rather than empathy, needing to pause and remind myself to approach situations with understanding and compassion rather than detached analysis. The tension between rationality and empathy remains a part of me, but it’s also a source of growth, helping me navigate life with more balance, awareness, and authenticity.
My name is Adrian Segar and I’m a recovering academic
Being a recovering academic means leaving behind the strict confines of intellectualism that sometimes limits me and embracing a fuller, more integrated way of being. It honors the value of rational thought but also acknowledges the profound importance of emotion and creativity in living a meaningful, connected life. It’s a way of humorously yet honestly reflecting on my journey from living primarily in my mind to integrating my heart and creativity into shaping the world.
To be continued…