[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Erik Stevens 🐆 [@HopiumPapi](/creator/twitter/HopiumPapi) on x 127.6K followers Created: 2025-07-25 10:41:19 UTC Chasing Numbers, Losing Myself I used to be a slave to the screen, completely consumed, paralyzed by the fear of missing the next runner. Even after earning more than enough to support myself and my family, I kept pushing, forcing trades, making reckless decisions I can barely believe in hindsight. I told myself it was all “for the family,” but the truth is, I was addicted, chasing the dopamine hit of watching numbers go up. I lost money, not enough to ruin me, but enough to wake me up. Thankfully, I pulled back before doing irreversible damage. I started approaching this game differently: prioritizing myself over the obsession, over the need for validation from strangers online, and over the constant grind. The shift meant making less money, but I got my life back. I began to take care of my health, reconnect with people I love, and pursue other interests. After sacrificing so much in the name of “ financial freedom” my relationships, my well-being, my peace, it's been a huge relief to simply live again. I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities this space has given me, and I still plan to be here, to grow and win alongside all of you. But never again at the expense of myself. XXXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [dopamine](/topic/dopamine) [told](/topic/told) [Post Link](https://x.com/HopiumPapi/status/1948695048096546998)
[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]
Erik Stevens 🐆 @HopiumPapi on x 127.6K followers
Created: 2025-07-25 10:41:19 UTC
Chasing Numbers, Losing Myself
I used to be a slave to the screen, completely consumed, paralyzed by the fear of missing the next runner. Even after earning more than enough to support myself and my family, I kept pushing, forcing trades, making reckless decisions I can barely believe in hindsight. I told myself it was all “for the family,” but the truth is, I was addicted, chasing the dopamine hit of watching numbers go up.
I lost money, not enough to ruin me, but enough to wake me up. Thankfully, I pulled back before doing irreversible damage. I started approaching this game differently: prioritizing myself over the obsession, over the need for validation from strangers online, and over the constant grind.
The shift meant making less money, but I got my life back. I began to take care of my health, reconnect with people I love, and pursue other interests. After sacrificing so much in the name of “ financial freedom” my relationships, my well-being, my peace, it's been a huge relief to simply live again.
I'm deeply grateful for the opportunities this space has given me, and I still plan to be here, to grow and win alongside all of you. But never again at the expense of myself.
XXXXXX engagements
