Health & wellbeing
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Seek the life force
“There is a force within that gives you life. Seek that. Ignore those who make you fearful and sad.” ~Rumi In the early days of the pandemic, there wasn’t much to do besides hang out at home and follow all the bad news on TV or online. More than ever, the country was steeped in viral fear, coronavirus body counts, political turmoil, and partisan anger. It took a huge toll on everyone, impacting our collective mental health as well as our personal relationships. Every crisis survivor will tell you that you can’t walk the road to recovery without believing that something better is entirely possible. A stubborn, negative attitude will only get you…
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It’s OK if you’re not busy
“If nothing’s working for you, if you feel as though you’re pushing forward against the grain, the most productive and proactive thing you can do is nothing. Nature is turning you inward, to gain power through peace, rather than outward to gain power through activity.” ~Martha Beck Sometimes I feel ashamed if I’m not being productive, even on a vacation. I still try to check my email and answer it, or take notes on projects I could work on later … Even if I’m only spinning my wheels, I want to believe I’m accomplishing something. I’m simply following the cultural norm. “I’m busy” isn’t just a catchphrase, after all. Most people…
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Who’s in control?
“Incredible change happens in your life when you decide to take control of what you do have power over instead of craving control over what you don’t.” ~ Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free “She’s/He’s a control freak!” I hear the phrase all the time, and I’ll bet you do too. Anytime we encounter folks who can’t resist taking over the wheel, or get wigged out when things don’t go according to their plans, we call them control freaks. Control freaks typically insist on taking the lead, and will even clean up our mistakes while they explain how to do it better the next time. Control freaks can…
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What are we really missing?
“The fear of missing out (FOMO) is the enemy of valuing your own time.” ~Andrew Yang Do you often have a nagging sense that there’s something better or more fun happening somewhere else? Do you feel a little anxious when you can’t check your social media feed? If so, read on because Dr. Andrew Weil has a cure for your FOMO. In his latest newsletter, Weil discusses the epidemic of loneliness in our country, and how, ironically, our social media obsession is making it worse, not better. Citing a brand-new study conducted by Iowa State University, Weil suggests that limiting social media time may have significant psychological benefits. “During a…
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How to get what you want
“Whatever you want emotionally, you have to start giving away.” ~Mary Karr In her best-selling memoir, The Liar’s Club, Mary Karr chronicles her deeply troubled childhood and her descent into alcoholism. Published in 1995, the book’s raw emotional honesty and humor resonated with readers — and topped the NYT bestseller list for a year. At the heart of Karr’s message is a simple reminder for everyone: We must find the courage reach out for what we want — and stop expecting others to read our minds and automatically fulfill our needs. In other words, if you want honesty and authenticity in your relationships, be honest and authentic. If you want…
