Stop Worrying
My mind used to slip into relentless loops of repetitive thoughts—about my workload, family worries, and all the other “bla bla bla” of life. But with practice, I’ve learned that I actually have the ability to decide where my thoughts go and what I think about throughout the day. It didn’t happen overnight, though. It […]
How I’m Tackling Loneliness in a New City
I’ve been feeling lonely lately. That feeling can easily overwhelm me with discomfort and sadness, but since I’ve been learning to manage my emotions, I try to react with logic. I’ve come to understand that when everything is new, it means I have to try new things to adapt. Right now, I’m in a new, […]
How I Unleash by Yelling on Paper
It sounds easy but it took time and practice to write openly about the things I didn’t want to feel or acknowledge within myself. Anger, fear, or resentful thoughts felt like they needed to be ignored until they disappeared. I didn’t want to identify as someone who was unkind or angry. But that’s not how […]
My Obsession with Self-Help Books
Every morning, I read a few pages from a book. The book is usually about habits, behaviors, and thought patterns. I’ve been reading these kinds of books for years. For the most part, they share similar information, with new perspectives like people’s experiences, a new way to phrase something, or sometimes even new ideas for […]
Why I’ve Been Embarrassed to Be Myself
I’m a pretty excitable, emotional person. That used to be really embarrassing. I would make my reactions smaller or hide them altogether. Like when I see a friend I haven’t seen in a while, it fills me with joy. And even as I write the word “joy,” I can feel some people cringe like I […]
Mindset and Kindergarten Lessons
For years, I’ve been researching ways to improve my life. I’ve discovered tools and techniques that help me accomplish necessary tasks, navigate difficult times, and maintain productivity. Much of the information I’ve learned isn’t novel—like you, I’d probably encountered it before in various forms. Simple concepts like, “Say what you mean. Mean what you say. […]
Coping with Boredom
How exciting is today? Not at all. And that bugs me. I can get pretty agitated when things are mundane. When I feel that way I get an urge to force a feeling, like I’m begging life for something—anything—other than this dull, slow moment. That’s when things get tricky. When I start wishing for anything […]
Baby Steps to Adulting
I never liked the idea of talking to myself like a child. It feels like I’m shrinking myself down. But the reality is, it’s so effective! We’re so gentle with children. When they’re scared, we take the time to ask why, figure out what’s behind the fear, and we reassure them. If they’re in HALT […]
That’s What You Get
There are many beliefs about being a good person and living a virtuous life, and one popular idea is that when you do good for others, good things will come back to you—what some people believe is the essence of karma. But I don’t see it that way. I don’t think life rewards us with […]
I met The Nicest Strangers and Had Social Anxiety
Ever since the pandemic, my social behavior has shifted. Due to some health issues, I isolated for a couple of years. Although I kept in touch with friends and had a very social job, it was all digital. I had control over who I invited into my world with just a click, and with another […]
