Comparing is Dangerous
I was watching a documentary about poverty and homelessness in the U.S., and I got curious about the comments. A lot of people were saying things like, “I thought I had it bad, but now I know to be grateful.” One person even shared an old saying: “I felt bad for myself because I had […]
Craving Chaos
What happens when you feel the itch for a dopamine hit? Sometimes I’ll be working for a while, getting things done, and suddenly it feels like the satisfaction meter is running low. I catch myself wanting more than the quiet contentment of a job well done—I need something *different*. That’s when I start feeling drawn […]
How I Stop the Worry Cycle
It’d be nice not to get pissed when someone casually says, “Don’t worry about it.” What does that even mean? Isn’t worry supposed to help us think long and hard about solving problems? I’m starting to think it’s not. I’d love to eliminate worry from my mind. Wouldn’t you? When I worry, my brain starts […]
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 […]
What Do I Do with These Feelings?
Before I had tools, I often felt lost, lonely, and anxious, though I didn’t think these feelings needed to be addressed because I also experienced happiness, motivation, and love. I would often flip-flop between these emotions. Feeling a range of emotions isn’t bad, but they would often dictate my actions and override logic, making life […]
Check My Nails. Baby How You Feelin’?
I can tell a lot about how I’m doing just by looking at my nails. It might sound strange, but they’re a pretty reliable indicator of how well I’m taking care of myself. When my nails are uneven, chipped, or my cuticles are a mess, it’s usually because I’ve neglected them. Maybe a nail broke […]
This is Not a Drill
This morning, I scheduled a writing session for myself. I found that writing in the morning, for me, is best. Mornings offer a fresh day, uninterrupted thoughts, and clear focus. But today’s session was not going well. I was having a hard time focusing on my research. When I found a good thought to write […]
Living with Myself
Why am I constantly talking about and seeking ways to help myself and be a better person? Because I live with me all day, every day. When I’m not taking care of myself, it feels like I’m carrying a sick toddler—someone who is screaming, crying, and miserably in pain. It weighs on my day, making […]
What Are These Feelings?
How do I get from admitting I have feelings to knowing what they are and when I feel them? It took me a while to even admit I have a range of emotions. What can I do to identify and deal with them when they arise? One big tool I use is to write it […]
