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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Don’t Lose Your Mind
I would like to always be kind, thoughtful, and considerate. I think many of us want that. But then, life throws us a tough moment, and we quickly react with a sharp and cruel response. How does that happen? We don’t want to be mean to people we know and love, but stress pushes us, […]
Which Way Do I Go Now?
Self-help information can sometimes sound confusing, even contradictory. One moment, I’m talking about the importance of taking breaks, and the next, I’m advocating for pushing through feelings and continuing to work. Sometimes, I emphasize the importance of doing the work, while at other times, I stress the need to play and relax. It can be […]
Wouldn’t It Be Nice
Sometimes, I don’t want to grow or learn. I just want to sit and stare at the ocean while my favorite foods magically appear. These moments can be unsettling. My mind starts judging, making me worry I’ve lost all my progress and will fall into a rut. But I have to catch myself and laugh; […]
What Does “Finding Yourself” Mean?
What does finding yourself mean? It sounds made up. I’m right here. I can see myself. Who would I be looking for? Well, I have felt lost before. I’ve lost track of my goals, gotten lost in a social media scroll, or lost myself in a good book. Sometimes, I even feel like my actions […]
Better Than “How Was Your Day?” – Play High/Low
Have you ever frozen when someone asks how your day was? I’ve been there, and I know many people feel the same pressure. Whether it’s with loved ones or casual acquaintances, small talk about our day can feel awkward. To make it easier, I play a simple game called High/Low. Here’s how it works: How […]
