Learning Freedom: Building Emotional Boundaries
We need relational connection. But how we connect matters. A major way I’ve grown in freedom this past year is in building better emotional boundaries.
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Handling Conflict: Some Tips for the Conflict-Averse
I am naturally conflict-averse. I always have been, and I still am. But over the years I’ve learned how to better manage my sensitivity to tension, how to better communicate with those I disagree with, and how to stay true to myself while still being considerate of others. I’m still a work in progress, but […]
Read MoreMisconceptions About Guarding Your Heart
Since I was young, people have constantly warned me to guard my heart. It was harder than I thought. I kept getting hurt. I kept having so many feelings. At times I wanted to cut off all contact with the opposite sex, because that seemed the only safe course. Don’t make my mistakes. To hopefully save you time and grief, here are some insights I’ve gained the hard way […]
Read MoreThe Moments That Make Up a Life
Lately I’ve been wondering about the meaning of my life. Right now. In these minutes and hours that are filling my days. What is the measure of these moments? Sometimes it feels like I’m just barely getting by. The past few months have been busy. I’ve been balancing a lot of duties, roles, goals, and relationships, and it’s been exhausting. I’ve […]
Read MoreLiving Alone: Some Tips
My roommate has been gone for over a month now and isn’t coming back for a few more days. That is SOOO long! Despite being an introvert and prizing my alone time, I can’t wait for her to come back! In the meantime, here are some tips I’ve picked up in the past month for thriving amidst solo […]
Read MoreTeacher Life: Broken Trust & Fresh Starts
On Monday, I returned to work after a two-week vacation. I love returning to places after vacation. Everything feels so fresh. The time away gives you space to miss people, to miss the routine. Despite one student’s “No hello, Teacher” greeting on Monday, I couldn’t help feeling all warm inside as I welcomed the kids back. There was one student, however, I was slightly apprehensive about seeing…
Read MoreOne of Those Moments
Tonight my nine-year-old sister said to me, “You’re awesome, you know that?” I was about to play dodgeball with her and our younger brother in the basement, which she had been wanting to do all evening. I suppose that’s what triggered the comment, but whatever the motivation, I have to say, it warmed me up inside. Nothing […]
Read MoreAlone and Helpless: Encounters with Strangers
I locked myself out of my house the other night. Suffice it to say, I found myself outside with a bag of trash and not much else. No phone. No key. No money. No roommate at home to let me back in.
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