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The Way I Bloomed
I wasnโt planted in soft soil.I grew in the cracksโbeneath weight I didnโt ask to carry,through seasons I wasnโt ready for. There were days I curled inward,afraid of my own petals.Nights I mistook…
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Lessons from The Rainbow Fish: Childhood Memories
Thereโs nothing like an old book from childhood that stays with you, and carries you into adulthood. For me, the most memorable book wasnโt just about a shimmering fish. It was about the quiet ache…
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Where Have I Been Shrinking Myself?
The author reflects on their tendency to shrink themselves throughout life to feel safe and loved, often by becoming overly agreeable and accommodating. They share the exhaustion and loneliness that come from this…
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Boundaries Are Self-Care: Learning to Say No Without Guilt
For the longest time, I thought saying โyesโ was kindness.ย ย That being available, helpful, and agreeable made me a good person.ย ย I never wanted to be a disappointment to people.ย ย Itโs naturally in my nature…
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The Quiet Work No One Sees
The author reflects on their journey of personal healing and the challenges of caregiving for a parent with a disability. They struggle with anxiety and self-doubt, often feeling overwhelmed by their responsibilities. Despite…
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Fear Still Lives HereโBut So Do I
I used to believe that to overcome fear meant to banish it entirely.ย ย To shut the door on it, toss the key, and walk away victorious, fearless, and confident. But Iโve learned something different.ย ย …
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Listening to the Whisper Before the Scream
The moment I realize itโs time to unplug is when everything becomes intensified. The light, the sounds, the fast pace of the world, it all becomes to overwhelming. I experience emotional dysregulation. Iโll start crying, screaming,…
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Nourishment in the Hard Moments
There are times when I donโt have the energy to think, let alone cook. When depression hits, it hits hard. The smallest tasks feel like mountains to climb. The days blur together. I feel sluggish, unmotivated, and…
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The Myth of “Having It All”
In my opinion, โhaving it allโ is a myth. Society tells us that achieving the so-called American dream will lead to lasting happiness and fulfillment. But the fact is, that none of those thingsโsuccess, financial security, marriage,…
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Creating Meaningful Connections: Your Lasting Legacy
The word legacy sounds a little heavy to me.ย ย Itโs a word to me that suggests grand achievements. It implies something monumental. It means leaving your name behind in a way that is well-known…