The Power of Now
We hear it all the time: “be present,” “live in the moment.” But, what exactly does that mean? It’s not about ignoring your to-do list or forgetting about responsibilities. It’s about focusing on what’s happening right now. Our minds love to jump ahead, worrying about deadlines and errands. But that constant “what next?” can steal […]
The Fixer
When someone comes to me with a problem, my inclination is to find solutions. I think we’ve all felt this way; if someone we love is struggling through something, we want to use our knowledge and our resources to help them resolve their issue as quickly as possible. Why, then, do leading experts say that […]
Mad About You
Some people think that because I’m interested in practicing mindfulness and work on my well-being means I never get angry, sad, or disappointed. The truth is, I experience a full range of emotions. My intention with self-work isn’t to suppress emotions, but to manage them productively. My goal is to respond rationally rather than react […]
Time Takes Time
Instant gratification. We all want it, me included. We crave the satisfaction of seeing our efforts pay off immediately. The uncertainty of whether the goal is worth the time, or even achievable, can be nerve-wracking. However, dwelling on these anxieties only leads me to paralysis. I have to remember that progress takes time. It took […]
It’s Not Your Fault
There are so many experiences in my life that I can blame for holding me back. Like many people, I have been taken advantage of, dismissed, and treated unfairly. Those times have discouraged me and gave me excuses to stall my progress. But here’s the thing: dwelling on blame won’t get me anywhere. I can […]
TGIF
A lot of people like Fridays. For many, it’s the end of the work week which means there might be some leisure time and/or rest coming. If that’s what it’s like for you; if Friday makes you feel at ease or excited, use that energy on other days. If going out to dinner or relaxing […]
Plant a Seed
Whenever I set a new goal, I need to start by reminding myself: this will take time. Sometimes, I imagine a long-term goal like a tiny seed, full of potential but needing care and time to flourish. Just like a seed, my goal starts small, but holds the promise of something great, something that will […]
What’s Your Problem
If you came to me with a problem a few years ago, my initial response would likely have been to immediately find a way to take that problem from you and try to fix it. I couldn’t manage the image of you being in pain and I would volunteer to endure the pain for you […]
Pick Your Pain
Life is challenging. Deep inside, I always secretly wished for a point where I could just coast after enough hard work. The plan was to put in enough effort that I’d live life work-free. But that’s not how life works. The shower I took yesterday won’t suffice for today. Brushing my teeth diligently once doesn’t […]
It’s All in Your Head
“He said it’s all in your head, I said ‘so’s everything’…” Fiona Apple (song: Paper Bag) Our thoughts are the driving force behind everything we do. Even seemingly physical actions, like typing these words, originate from mental processes. The mind is incredibly powerful, and our thoughts can have a profound impact, both positive and negative. […]
