Perfectionism boosts my inner critic up to maximum volume. This nagging voice amplifies my insecurities. My armor of positivity depletes when my flaws get highlighted. The noise makes it difficult to focus on the present. Yet sometimes, sitting with that discomfort is necessary to move through the fear and make progress. Perceived self-awareness and ego ...

The great cacophonous roar of the 7:30 rush buzzed through Sam’s body as he and his coworkers became thin stretched across espresso machines, breakfast sandwiches, and caffeine-deficient customers. He smacked the mocha bottle, but only a lone, lethargic drop fell into the frothy milk. With a groan, he tossed it into the empty trash but ...

My brain is like those old carousel projectors Seeing worlds overlaid like dreadful specters. I see the world in chapters, stories (lines & verse) And in this way, I conceive my own universe. Without even trying, I have seen my friends die. Watched loved ones age in my mind’s eye. Their last moments, all crisp ...

The biggest epiphany I had was the realization that no one would save me but myself. I needed to stand up to the monsters in my brain. It fell to me to take control of my environment and decide whether to change or nourish it. No doctor or handbook existed to show the perfect way ...

CW: Therapy, depression, Do you know the point in every romantic comedy when the main character hits rock bottom? They sit in sweatpants, wallowing in their sadness, eating junk food as they cry. For the past few years, I have been a few inches from rock bottom. I started counseling last year to develop better ...

Void – to be withoutThe lack thereofNot validNothing of value Constant reminders thatYour hair should be bone straightVoid of its waves, kinks and curls You are fooled into thinkingThat your body should be leanWith your collar bones protruding That your curves are too lewd, nasty or sexyYour breasts are taunting, tantalizingly or crudeYour lips too ...

Every year, people think about what their New Year’s resolution is going to be for the coming year. Going into 2021, rather than making the typical resolutions or goals, start small and reframe what you are asking of yourself. Reflecting on the main important areas of your life, and choosing one thing to do differently ...

Forgiveness Day is observed on June 26th each year. Typically, forgiveness is thought to be an action that you give to someone else — someone who has hurt you or wronged you in some way. However, there is a more empowering form of forgiveness: as a gift you give yourself. While this type of forgiveness ...