Direct Your Mind
Why do I keep learning how my mind works? Why do I keep practicing mindfulness exercises? What is all this effort actually doing? The more I learn about the mind, the more I see it as a tool. And like any tool, it needs to be kept clean, organized, and sharp. Here’s how I think […]
Learning to Manage Setbacks
A couple of days ago, I had an appointment to remove the cast I’ve been wearing on my hand and arm for six weeks. I’ve been counting down the days for this thing to come off. With the cast on, I can’t wash my own hair, I can’t bike (something I usually do every day), […]
Take What You Need
This morning, I discovered someone new to me. He’s well-known for his activism and thoughts about how humans think and operate. Today was my first time hearing his words. Listening to his interviews and teachings felt inspiring. His words spoke to me, and my morning slowed down in a way that was really lovely. But […]
Managing the To-Do List
Today, like you, I have a list of things I need to do. I have to get out of bed. I have to get dressed. I have to feed myself. I have to exercise. The list goes on. We all know that feeling. And as the list builds, so can feelings of dread. The more […]
Dealing with Disruption
I’ve developed a few routines for my day to help things go smoother—including some physical and mental exercises like planking, yoga, writing. I’ve done these long enough that I don’t need to think about it; I just move from one habit to the next. That’s what I love about repetition. But what happens when that […]
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 […]
Living with Pain
I’m in a lot of pain from my accident. Of course, I don’t want to be, but just wishing it away isn’t exactly a plan. When my body hurts, it doesn’t just stop there—my mind gets involved, trying every trick it knows to get rid of it. And if I deny the pain, it’s like […]
How to Handle Disappointment
There are so many moments in life where we don’t get what we want, even when we’ve done everything right. We’ve shown up, put in the effort, done what we’re supposed to, and still, the outcome disappoints us. Think of a friend who has taken care of her health all her life, yet she’s the […]
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 […]
Shifting Mindsets with Simple Tricks
My brother, Michael, recently showed me a clever way he taught his kids to “trick” their minds when faced with something they resist. During my visit, he told his 4-year-old it was time for medicine, which brought instant tears. The anticipated taste was enough to cause a meltdown, so Michael reminded him they could use […]
