It goes without saying that the past year has been one of the most challenging in recent history for nearly everyone. We all know what we’ve gone through globally, nationally, and individually. Through all of the hardships, heartbreak, and loss, though, we have persevered. Over the past 12 months, I’ve endured challenges I never expected to experience, and it all …
There is Beauty in Passion
The other day, I saw a TikTok about being passionate. The scenario is one person asking someone else about what they were really passionate about as a kid, and the other person’s eyes light up as she starts talking about what her childhood passion was. Eventually, though, she starts to feel self-conscious and apologizes for rambling. The first person stops …
Prioritize Yourself
As a society, we tend not to prioritize self-care and mental wellness. We are a career-focused people, and we typically let work take precedence over wellness. With all that has happened in the past year, though, that mentality is starting to change. I’ve noticed the change in my own life, especially over the past few weeks as my work has …
You Deserve a Positive Role Model
This week was the first in a long time that I actually wanted to spend time on social media. The outpouring of love and support for the first black, Indian-American, and female Vice President, the youngest Inaugural Poet, and the new President has been a beautiful sight to see. I, along with many others, woke up nervous on Wednesday. I …
Set Boundaries to Avoid Burnout
We have had to deal with so much lately—not only as a country, but as individuals, too. On the national level, we’ve seen riots at the Capitol, National Guard deployed to D.C. in preparation for Inauguration, economic downturn, and COVID raging on. Plus, we have to deal with anything going on in our individual lives. Maybe a family member is …
Stand Up + Speak Your Mind
This week, our country experienced something it hasn’t experienced in two centuries. Our nation’s capital was stormed. It happened during a traditionally routine and peaceful part of the transition of power process, no less. For many of those watching the attack unfold, it was a terrifying sight to see, and I can’t even begin to imagine the way it felt …
Reflect. Recharge. Reset.
It’s a new year. Again. 2020 is in the past, hopefully taking its negative energy with it. As we enter into a new year, tradition tells us we have to make a list of resolutions. This year, though, instead of coming up with a list of ways to change myself, I’d rather focus on ways to grow and learn from …
Perspective is Everything
The holidays always come with certain expectations, either from or of you. We idealize and romanticize them, with the help of film, television and retail industries, and we hope each year that they live up to what we’ve imagined them to be. This year, though, the holidays were obviously very different. Because of COVID, I didn’t get to experience any …
Feel Your Feelings
I don’t know what normal feels like anymore. Lately, it seems like everyone is competing over who’s coping best or who’s struggling most. Either you’re thriving or you’re barely making it through. It feels like there is no longer a normal middle ground. Being surrounded by this constant struggle between success and failure can be emotionally taxing. Over the past …
Don’t Let Food Anxiety Control Your Holiday Season
It’s that time of year again. Streets are lined with lights, kids are anticipating the end of classes, parents are checking off wish lists. The holiday season is fully upon us. For many, this time of year is filled with joy and love. Families reconnect and gather around the table. It often feels as if the world stands still for …