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Squidy: The Stuffed Animal That Held My World Together
There’s an item from my childhood that I was incredibly attached to. His name was Squidy. He was a stuffed animal, though even now I couldn’t confidently tell you what kind. Maybe a dog. Maybe a…
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Why Do I Overreact? Understanding Emotional Responses
I always feel like I overreact. Especially because my reactions don’t always stay inside. Sometimes they show up in public—in parking lots, grocery store lines, or traffic when I’m already tired and just…
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The Push and Pull of Wanting to Be Seen
I’ve never felt fully comfortable taking up space. Not in my family, my relationships, or my friendships. Being shy and quiet has truly shaped how I live in the world. From an early age, I remember…
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What I Need Most After an Emotional Spiral
After an emotional spiral, there’s often this silence that follows. The crying has stopped. The panic has eased just enough to catch my breath again. But what’s left behind feels extremely heavy. That’s…
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How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Embrace Self-Acceptance
One thing that I’m slowly learning is just how much damage my inner critic has done to me over the years. That voice inside is relentless. It tells me that I’m worthless, useless, and…
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The Quiet Cost of Holding it all Together
Most of the time, I keep it all together. I don’t like drama or confrontation of any sort, so I keep the peace, keep it calm, maintain a vibey flow. I put on…
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The Importance of Genuine Love and Appreciation
I believe the greatest gift that you could receive from someone is their love and appreciation. The word love is tossed around like a ragdoll. You have people constantly saying they love you, but do…
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Experiencing Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria in Real Time
I experienced a heavy wave of rejection last night. I noticed that my close friends had gathered together for what I can only assume was a New Year’s celebration. The thing is—I didn’t…
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Lessons Learned from Solitude and Loneliness
Most of the time, I’ve always enjoyed being alone. I think it’s because from an early age, I often played alone. I made friends in preschool, so I had many playdates and developed more friendships…
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Why Cannelloni Is My Go-To Comfort Food
There are certain foods that feel grounding. Meals that make you feel steady and remind you that comfort is always near when life gets overwhelming. For me, cannelloni has always been one of those foods.…
