Do It Anyway

If Gandhi told us to “be the change you wish to see in the world,” this post represents the words I need to hear right now. Between battling depression, interpersonal conflicts, and existential threats to humanity, I haven’t been feeling very motivated lately. My mom always inspired me to change the world for the better, but her absence is making that a difficult ask right now.

Grief and Grieving

Humans grieve at times of transition, whether it’s the loss of a loved one, a job, a dream, or expectations of how something would turn out. There’s no easy solution for getting through grief, but accepting it and allowing space for it helps. Similarly, normalizing the concept that nothing lasts forever may help us to be more mindful of precious moments when they’re happening.

Angel of Music, Part 2

Having fun – by definition – means being playful and limiting self-judgment, but self-judgment has dictated my relationship with music for more than half of my life. I am currently working through one of the most complicated relationships I’ve ever experienced. In doing so, I have at least identified what feels healthy and what I want more of, but I also know it’s going to be a long process.

Angel of Music, Part 1

In trying to carve out time for doing things that I love, I tend to turn activities that should be fun into obligations, at which point they are no longer fun. Music has been an incredibly important part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I’m trying very hard to figure out how to make it fun again.

Cyclophobia

A bike crash in college shook my confidence to the point that I was no longer comfortable riding. Some associated baggage is tied up with the desire to do it well or not do it at all. A recent mountain biking trip helped me practice going easy on myself, and some of those lessons came back to the office with me.

This is Fine.

Between climate change, pollution, war, gun violence, and erosion of basic human rights, things are looking a little dire right now, and people are getting exhausted, myself included. This post looks at Nervous System Dysregulation as a result of chronic stress, as well as what individuals can do to step back and view the long path of advocacy as a marathon, not a sprint.

“OK, Doomer”: Perspectives on Climate Anxiety

As climate change projections become more dire and necessary action lags, younger members of society are stepping up to take control of their future. While it should not be their responsibility to find solutions, it is nonetheless inspiring to see how individual actions create ripple effects that lead to change. Those who will be impacted the most say it is not the time to give up the fight.

Fighting SAD with BLT

The days are getting shorter and, it’s getting darker earlier. For me and other members of my family, that means seasonal depression is hitting harder and stronger. The cheapest and most effective treatment for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is regular use of Bright Light Therapy (BLT). I’ve noticed a consistent benefit each winter for about a decade. Here’s what you need to know about BLT.

Sharpening the Saw, Part 3

In addition to carving out time for meditation, I’ve been trying to figure out how to create time for play as well. We tend to stop playing as adults, but it keeps us creative, adaptable, and more resilient to stress. The trick for me is finding activities I like that don’t have productive outputs or external standards attached to them.