@blessed53 I don’t think it’s self-absorbed to take an interest in something you are interested in. The interest just happens to be your fitness and your personal progress.
I understand gym anxiety! Good for you for not letting that get the best of you. I, too have chronic health issue that makes it hard. For me, slow and steady has proven to do the trick. I’ve gone hard and had to stop, then started cycles of working out for some months, then stopping for some months, then starting again, etc,. Looking for less realistic progress, especially since I am ectomorph who has a hard time putting on muscle.
I’m now looking for small progress, like, up two pound in weight, or feeling stronger during a set, or better after a workout and into my off days. Small steady progress over the course of years is sustainable.
You look strong, healthy, and your quads look amazing.