You’re at dinner with friends when someone makes a comment that stings. You laugh it off, but you’re still replaying the moment hours later, wishing you’d said something. Or maybe you’re the person who always says “yes” when your schedule is screaming “no,” then resents everyone for taking up your time. These moments aren’t just …
You know someone who seems unshakeable. Maybe your coworker gets passed over for a promotion and bounces back with a better opportunity. Or your friend who handles family drama without falling apart. You might think they were born with thicker skin. But brain science tells a different story. Some people handle stress better than others …
Do you feel like you’re someone everyone counts on, never to give up? The one who pushes through when others would quit, who sees projects to completion no matter what? If that sounds like you, this might be a difficult thought to hold: Your persistence could be working against you. We’ve all been taught that …
Do you feel emotions much more intensely than the people around you? Perhaps you’ve been told you’re “too sensitive” or that you need to “toughen up.” We need to challenge what society teaches us about feeling. Acknowledging your feelings isn’t a weakness; it’s a core component of emotional intelligence. In fact, people who experience emotions …
Your friend Sarah just texted to say that dinner plans have been canceled. Do you start spiraling about your ruined evening, or do you think, “Great, now I can try that new recipe I’ve wanted to make”? That difference? It’s called cognitive (or psychological) flexibility, which might be the most important mental skill you didn’t …
Feeling drained, foggy, or like your spark at work has fizzled? You’re not alone. Many high achievers hit this wall and assume they’ve lost their work ethic. Burnout is really your body’s warning light: stress has emptied the tank. Seeing it this way reduces shame and opens the door to actual healing. What Is Burnout, …
Hypervigilance is often associated with trauma responses. It shows up in those moments when the nervous system kicks into high alert, scanning your surroundings for danger, even when none is immediately present. While we typically think of this in the context of personal safety, hypervigilance can also quietly infiltrate the workplace, affecting performance, relationships, and …
Friendship is often felt as a safe harbor, a place where we can rest, be seen, and feel understood. But for many of us who carry histories of trauma, abuse, or betrayal, even the safest shores can feel unpredictable. Hypervigilance, a typical trauma response, can shape how we approach relationships, leaving us caught between craving …
Most of us brush past thoughts of our own mortality while we’re busy living life. I know I have—and still do. But I’ve also found a sense of empowerment in embracing the reality that life is finite. What Would You Do With Two Years? Several years ago, I came across an article called The Nun …
Loneliness is often viewed as something to escape. But what if we could adapt to loneliness in ways that build resilience, deepen self-awareness, and even improve our health? In a world where more than one-third of adults report feeling lonely (CDC, 2023), learning to adapt to loneliness isn’t just helpful — it’s essential. Here are …
Have you ever had a stranger pay for your coffee? Found a kind note tucked inside a library book? Maybe someone let you go ahead of them in line at the grocery store, or you received a handwritten letter from a loved one when you needed it most. These random acts of kindness may seem …
Life rarely unfolds exactly as we plan. Just when we think we’re on a steady path, something unexpected happens—a job loss, a relationship ending, or a sudden shift in priorities. These moments can feel overwhelming, but they also present an opportunity: the chance to choose how we respond and, in doing so, shape our future. …
In recent years, self-compassion has become a hot topic in mental health research. Dr. Kristin Neff, a leading expert in this field, has shown that self-compassion can significantly boost happiness and emotional resilience. Her research, published in Annual Reviews, highlights the importance of treating yourself with kindness and understanding. Studies by other researchers, like Lee …
Do you ever feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment to change your life? Maybe you second-guess yourself, afraid of making the wrong choice. Or perhaps you’ve been listening to other people’s opinions for so long that you’re unsure what you really want. The truth is that creating a life you love isn’t about …
Perfectionism can be exhausting. The constant pressure to get everything just right can leave you feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and never quite satisfied. Even when things go well, perfectionists often find themselves focusing on the one thing that didn’t. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And the good news is that perfectionism isn’t something you’re …
Do you feel overwhelmed coming home to a cluttered environment? Maybe you’re finding that your house or apartment is constantly scattered with things everywhere, even though it feels like you keep it clean… most of the time. Have you considered the link between your inner sense of calm and a messy home? Simplifying your life …
You’re scrolling through Instagram before bed when you see a former classmate’s post. She’s on a beach in Bali, looking impossibly fit in a bikini, with a caption reading “living my best life.” You look down at your own body, then at your messy bedroom, then back at the screen. That sinking feeling in your …
Your team member walks into your office looking defeated. It’s the third time this week she’s shown up late to meetings. Your first instinct is frustration. You have deadlines, and her work is falling behind. But you notice something else. Dark circles under her eyes. The way she apologizes before you even say anything. She’s …
Do you ever feel something is missing, even when life seems perfect on paper? You’re not alone. Many people long for a deeper connection and purpose, but aren’t sure where to begin with spirituality. Spirituality isn’t about having all the answers or following someone else’s path. It’s about creating small, meaningful moments that help you …
Are you curious about finding a spiritual mentor? How does one decide if that spiritual mentor is the “real deal”? There are many ways to decipher if a spiritual teacher is aligned with what you’re seeking, such as if they teach empowerment, have positive intentions, follow what they preach, and have diverse perspectives. When seeking …