Mindfulness Practice

When we talk about healing, it often feels like we’re preparing for a battle. “I’m healing so I can confront my trauma, face my pain, and wrestle my anxiety to the ground!” That sounds brave, sure, but let’s be honest: you’ve been doing that already. You’ve survived; you’ve fought. You’re not healing to keep enduring the struggle—you’re healing to reclaim joy, happiness, and the freedom to actually live your life. Mastering Chaos Pain? You’ve got it handled. Life throws its lemons, and you figure out how to keep going—maybe not with lemonade, but at least with lemon water (because who has time for sugar?). Anxiety? It’s like an old opponent whose tricks you know too well. Depression? It’s practically a terrible roommate—always there, eating your snacks and leaving everything in disarray. But joy? That’s the curveball. Happiness can feel sneaky, like it’s too good to be true. When you’ve been in survival mode for so long, feeling good can be... unsettling. It’s like putting on jeans aft...

You are worthy of being fully seen, loved, and chosen for exactly who you are. In a world where so many relationships feel rushed or superficial, it can be hard to believe in your own worth. With endless distractions and options, you might even wonder if you’re truly deserving of someone’s full attention and commitment. But here’s the truth: you are. Your worth isn’t something you have to earn or prove. It’s not about being perfect or flawless. It’s about being human. You deserve to be shown up for simply because you exist, and it all starts with how you show up for yourself. What Worthiness Really Means Many of us grow up thinking we have to earn our worth—whether through success, looks, or being good enough for others. But real worthiness doesn’t depend on any of that. It’s unconditional. Ask yourself: Do I believe I’m enough, just as I am? Do I let people see the real me, even the messy parts? Do I choose to value myself, even when others don’t? These are tough questions, but they’r...

Practicing Gratitude with Mindfulness: The Fun, Feel-Good Way to Happiness Let’s face it: life moves fast, and most of us are just trying to keep up. Between deadlines, chores, and the occasional crisis (or maybe not so occasional), it’s easy to forget the little things—like the fact that your coffee this morning wasn’t burned or that your socks actually matched. That’s where gratitude and mindfulness come in. They’re like your brain’s reset button, helping you find happiness without having to move to a remote mountaintop. Ready to give it a shot? Let’s dive into how combining gratitude and mindfulness can turn your mood—and your life—around. Gratitude + Mindfulness = A Dream Team Gratitude is about appreciating what’s good in your life, from the big wins (like landing a dream job) to the tiny joys (like a perfectly ripe avocado). It’s about shifting your focus from “ what I don’t have ” to “ look at all this cool stuff I do have. ” Mindfulness is the art of being here, right now, an...

What I Would Tell My Childhood Self: A Letter Through Time Life is a winding journey, filled with lessons, growth, and countless moments that shape us. If I could sit down with my childhood self, I'd tell them what I now know — words of encouragement, lessons learned, and the wisdom that comes from navigating the ups and downs of life. Dear Younger Me, First and foremost, let me tell you something important: you are enough, just as you are. The world might make you feel like you need to be something different, smarter, braver, or louder. But trust me, your quiet strength and kind heart are your superpowers. Don’t trade them for anything. Embrace the Imperfections You’ll make mistakes, lots of them. There will be times you feel embarrassed, scared, or even like you’ve failed. That’s okay. Mistakes are not the end of the world; they’re stepping stones. They’ll teach you things no textbook ever could, so embrace them and know they’re part of becoming the person you’re meant to be. Be...

When Faith Hurts: Growing Up in a High-Control Religious Environment I grew up in a world shaped by strict rules and expectations. My sister and I were raised as Jehovah’s Witnesses, though our parents weren’t part of the religion. Despite this difference, my parents were loving and supportive, encouraging us in our beliefs even when it was painful for them to watch. My mother, in particular, often stayed silent, though I could see the hurt in her eyes when our faith caused us to suffer. Living under the weight of these beliefs was challenging. As a teenager, I made choices that, by most standards, would seem ordinary. I went to a club. I kissed a boy. But in the world I knew, these actions were more than just harmless exploration—they were considered serious transgressions. The guilt was overwhelming. I was taught that my worth was tied to my behavior, and when I fell short, I believed I was unworthy of love and forgiveness. At 16, I reached a breaking point. I was consumed by the bel...

How Many Times Can a Person Say “It Is What It Is”? Ah, the ubiquitous phrase “It is what it is.” It rolls off the tongue effortlessly in moments of resignation, acceptance, or when you just can’t be bothered to explain why your day went sideways. But how many times can a person really say it before it loses all meaning—or, better yet, before you realize it’s become your life’s motto? Let’s dig in, tongue firmly planted in cheek. When Do We Say It? 1. The Coffee Spill at 8 a.m. You’re balancing your coffee, your phone, and your bag, and suddenly, your white shirt gets an unsolicited caffeine makeover. You stare at the stain, sigh deeply, and mutter to yourself: “It is what it is.” Translation? You’ve surrendered to the universe’s cruel sense of humor. 2. At Work, Every. Single. Day. Did your boss just drop a last-minute deadline on you? Did a coworker “forget” to copy you on that important email? Cue the phrase, because nothing else can mask the exhaustion quite like it. 3. The Holiday...