Midlife can feel like a juggling act performed on a rollercoaster. Work stress, family drama, and that inner critic whispering, “You’re not enough.” But here’s a truth bomb: you don’t have to be perfect . Embracing your messy, fabulous self is the key to thriving. Here’s how to sprinkle a little self-compassion into your daily chaos without turning your life into a meditation retreat. 1. Talk to Yourself Like a Friend Swap the harsh self-talk for encouraging, supportive word

The sadness began to dominate, the phobias started to prevail, and a sense of helplessness in my environment set in. Usually people with anxiety disorders hide it well, although in their minds they think everyone can tell. The fear of everyone looking at them when near other people is overwhelming. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults in the United States age 18 and older (18% of U.S. population). Anxiety disorders dev

Broken by Jenney Lawson on Audible . As I started back into my gym routine, I decided to bring a friend — not a real, sweaty workout partner (those people scare me), but Jenny Lawson’s Broken (in the Best Possible Way)  on Audible. There I was, pedaling away on a stationary bike, sweating like a champ, while laughing at the absurd, raw, and painfully relatable moments of Jenny’s life. If anyone was watching, they probably thought I was losing it — grinning one minute, sniff

We’ve all heard the jokes—men worrying about baldness, women stressing over the size of their butt in a new pair of jeans. But when it comes to advice about self-confidence, awareness, and body image, most articles are directed at women. So, what about men? Would the same guidance benefit them in the same way? Do men need their own pep talks, different from the advice often aimed at women? Facing Fears and Body Image Challenges One common suggestion for improving self-image i

Let’s be honest — “self-possession” sounds like something out of a ghost show. I know, I thought spirits possessed me too. 👻 But no, this kind of possession is about something far more empowering — it’s the ability to control your behavior, emotions, and responses  no matter what’s happening around you. It’s self-command , willpower , and that grounded sense of “I got this” that nobody can take away. And in a world where every post, email, and commercial tells you to love yo

A Real Talk About Body Image, Media Illusions & Learning to Like Ourselves Again Barbie was normal when I was a young girl — dressing her up, brushing her hair, and trying to find matching shoes before the dog ate them. Marsha Brady brushed her long blonde hair a hundred times before bed. Twiggy was impossibly thin with no breasts — I related to that part. I was called “bean pole.” Meanwhile, Farrah Fawcett and Cheryl Tiegs were plastered on boys’ walls. That was my normal —