Giving with Practice
Most religions include service, charity, or acts of giving as part of their core traditions. In Judaism, there’s tzedakah. In Christianity, tithing. In Islam, zakat. Across different belief systems, there’s an emphasis on caring for others—through time, money, effort, or presence. But you don’t need to follow a religion to practice giving. For a long […]
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 […]
Lead by Example Like a Parent
One of the biggest lessons we learn from parents doesn’t come from what they say—it comes from what they do. Children may hear rules and guidance, but what really shapes them is the behavior they’re surrounded by. When kids see patience, they learn patience. When they’re spoken to with kindness, they internalize kindness. When a […]
Prioritize Experiences Like a Minimalist
Minimalists focus on freeing up time, energy, and money—not by depriving themselves, but by creating space for what really matters. And one of the simplest ways they do this is by choosing experiences over material things. It’s a mindset that helps life feel lighter, and it’s something I’ve been leaning into more and more. For […]
Simplify Decisions Like a Minimalist
Sometimes, figuring out what to buy—or when to let something go—feels overwhelming. I’ve found myself hesitating over decisions like whether to replace old headphones or get a new kitchen gadget. On one hand, I don’t want to clutter my home with things I don’t need. On the other, I live in a world where I […]
Becoming What You Repeat
I am going to do it again today—repeat the basic routine I promised myself. I make sure to do at least some small movements and mind-healthy workouts. I allow simple exercises to count: meditating for a minute, taking a walk around the block, journaling, etc. Sometimes I do longer workouts; sometimes I do just enough […]
Stay Productive Through Intense Emotions
Today, I might not feel motivated to do my job. I might feel bored by the mundane tasks ahead or uninspired by the effort it takes to move through the day. I might not feel like working. But over the years, I’ve learned how to manage my emotions. Through consistent practice and training, I’ve worked […]
Why Feelings Matter
How are you? How are you doing? What are you feeling? These questions are everywhere, but they’ve mostly turned into polite greetings. We often respond with a quick, “Fine,” “Can’t complain,” or “Not bad.” But what if we paused and asked ourselves, “What am I really feeling right now?” A lot of us might feel […]
Mindfulness on Demand
Because I got hit by a car, I’m very limited in movement right now. Everything takes longer, requires help, and many activities I enjoy are off-limits for now. Getting through the day takes a lot of patience with myself. Even something as simple as a shower is a slow, careful process. I have to stay […]
Stop Giving Advice
A few years ago, I made the decision to stop giving unsolicited advice. It’s been tough to stick with, especially when someone opens up and I think I have the perfect solution. The urge to fix problems is strong. But I’ve come to believe that resisting that impulse makes me a better, kinder person. When […]
