Running in Circles

There’s something endearing watching a dog chase it’s own tail. Something in the way it spins — intent, determined — yet hopelessly bound to the loop of its own creation. In other words, it’s charming, but also a little stupid.

We forgive the dog, of course — it’s just following instinct. But picture a person doing the same thing — running in circles, eyes fixed on something they can never quite catch.

I wouldn’t say this was cute but rather an indication that you need to book an appointment with a psychiatrist.

We walk forward, we tell ourselves. We have destinations, we have plans. And yet, if we look closely, how many of our days are spent tracing the same predictable patterns?

“I’m nothing like that. I walk in straight lines.” But are you sure?

The circle is familiar. It provides enough distraction to keep us from facing reality.

That’s why we stay in it.

You might be more like the tail-chasing dog than you think: running in circles, burning energy, repeating the same behaviors day after day, year after year. No destination, no purpose — just the same motions on repeat. You might not be chasing a “tail” but some equally meaningless distraction.

If that stings, maybe it’s a sign: time to step off the pointless merry-go-round before you become a permanent act in the circus. Stop the cycle. Step away from the distortion. Stand still long enough to get your bearings.

Stepping off feels disorienting at first — but only because you’ve mistaken the ride for reality.