Getting Unstuck

If you’re struggling today, I get it. I don’t always want to do the things I know I need to do either. And, I don’t usually want a pep talk about it. When I’m stuck, I want to lean into the struggle and use it as an excuse to avoid the tasks at hand. But […]

Learning From Trashy TV?

I’ve recently added some reality shows to my daily screen time. For the past few years, I’ve mostly been watching, reading, and listening to helpful, self-improving content, so it was a bit surprising to suddenly find myself hooked on something different. Lately, it’s been **Financial Audit** with Caleb Hammer. He invites guests on to review […]

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 […]

Learning to Manage Triggers

What happens when someone triggers you? I get really annoyed. It’s hard to believe that someone else can affect me so deeply. It bothers me because it feels like someone, other than myself, has control over how my day goes. Who is this person that isn’t me, yet they can make me react? It’s embarrassingly […]

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 […]

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 […]

Tricking Myself into Motivation

One of my secrets to staying motivated is that I trick myself every day. My morning routine, daily schedule, and night routine are full of tricks designed to keep me on track. Here are some examples: I bought the easiest and best espresso and foam maker for my home, which helps me stop spending hundreds […]