Take What Works with Support
A few years ago, I started going to a support group. I was nervous about joining because I grew up in an environment with a lot of rules—the kind where stepping outside of expectations brought shame, not just on you but on your whole family and community. So when I first heard the phrases and […]
Navigate Transitions Like a Parent
One of the things parents work hard at is helping kids through transitions. From bedtime to bath time, screen time to dinner—those shifts are rarely easy. Even fun changes, like getting ready for a birthday party, can lead to resistance. Kids don’t always know how to stop one thing and start another. So parents step […]
Let Go Like a Parent
Parents start by doing everything—tying shoes, zipping jackets, holding little hands across the street. But eventually, kids have to try things on their own. Even when it’s messy. Even when it’s hard to watch. Stepping back can feel wrong, but it’s what allows them to build confidence and learn what they’re capable of. That same […]
Overcome Suffering Like a Stoic
The Stoics believe that we suffer more in our imagination than in reality. And frankly, that tracks. I’ve caught myself replaying events over and over in my mind, creating entire arguments with people while in the shower, and even convincing myself that the more I love someone, the more I have to worry about them. […]
Let Go Like a Stoic
When life feels chaotic, sometimes my first instinct is to grip harder. I try to handle everything and everyone, convinced that if I don’t, things will fall apart. But instead of fixing the situation, I end up feeling drained and overwhelmed. My sense of humor fades, I lose my flexibility, and I can’t focus on […]
Let Go Like a Minimalist
Minimalism isn’t just about letting go of things—it’s about letting go of the emotions and stories we’ve attached to them. And that’s the hard part. It’s not the pile of old clothes or unused gadgets that’s tough to release; it’s what they represent. A gift from someone you care about, a purchase that symbolized a […]
When Helping Hurts
I’ve always loved helping. I’d jump in to make someone’s work easier, help their party go smoothly, or even try to boost their self-esteem. It felt good to be the person who set aside my own needs to be of service. But when I really looked at it, I started to see it wasn’t all […]
