Thoughts on the pressure to follow the status quo — I’m in my upper twenties. I got married six months ago. I have my own business and my partner is working as a full-time nurse. The next step would be buying a house and having a kid. We appear “on track” for our age and society’s expectations. I can’t tell…

How to let go — Beep. Beep. Beep. It was 5 am and my alarm was going off. I rolled onto my back, stretched my arms above my head, and peeled open my tired eyes. Every bone in my body screamed to stay in bed, but I knew my future self would thank me for…

A metaphor for depression. — Where do you start when there isn’t much to begin with? Max is a kid — sixteen, turning seventeen in two months — but he believes himself to be much older, constantly nagging his mother, Jeannie, if she is certain that he was born on October 21st, 2005. Jeannie got…

Even when motivation slips away — Motivation comes in waves. I have come to understand it as an unreliable emotion. Something that comes and goes as quickly as the wind. But, motivation, as a mindset, can be formed, molded, and sculpted into a firm foundation that follows you wherever you walk. The motivation mindset is a…

Thoughts on a random question about life. — I am trying a new series of posts where I write out my current, unedited thoughts on various questions. These aren’t deeply researched or well-constructed posts. These are merely an exercise in thought and creativity. Gratitude Gratitude. Gratitude. Gratitude. The word is tossed like my dirty towels in the dryer —…

Recovering from old habits doesn’t have to coincide with defeat — I don’t think I’ll ever recover. I’m a counselor who works with individuals recovering from eating disorders. Last week, a young client of mine spoke these words in our session. She was teary-eyed, beat, and scared of where her recovery was going. She wasn’t alone. I’ve sat with dozens of…

The familiar will only keep you stuck — Typically, I have a series of projects that I am working on. My living room is usually overtaken by a new painting, my laptop is full of various drafts on a new book or essay, and my bedroom’s side table is stacked with all the books I am reading. However…

Four simple ways to create a more positive mindset — From personal experience as well as meeting with dozens of people every week, I have come to understand the crucial role our attitude plays in our outcomes. Here are four things I have learned impact our attitude. 1. Change Your Perspective Our perspective is key to our experience of a situation. Two people could…

Is social media making us believe we are mentally ill when we aren’t? — There is an entire movement in our society toward self-improvement. People write articles and books, create podcasts, and dedicate entire social media channels to self-help. Ten steps to a better life, a better marriage, and a better career. Change your mind, change your life. Do this and instantly feel better. …