How to be far less flappable

unflappable seagull at Niagara Falls

You know how some people can change your mood, just by being around them? Some people spread happiness like grass seed. On the other hand, you might be feeling fine until you run into Mr. Pit of Despair. If you’re not careful, you can absorb his mood and feel like […]

The third-scariest thing I’ve ever done (and why it was awesome)

Ignite Retreat in the Smoky Mountains

Ignite Retreat 2016 was frickin’ amazing. I hate that so many people missed it, so I want to share some of the highlights. But first, I want to tell you what a huge thing it was for me to plan and host this retreat. Not only was it an enormous […]

Are you highly sensitive?

a line drawing of an anxious brain, representing the way highly sensitive people feel in many situations

I used to think something was wrong with me. I need to eat frequently or I get grumpy, then stupid. Shrill noises give me a headache. I can’t think when there’s too much going on or if there’s a loud environment. A scratchy tag in my shirt can ruin my whole day. If someone makes a careless remark, it can bother me for days afterward. Sound familiar?

On cubicles, a death wish, and how I bought back my life

A car speeding toward you--the first step to overcoming fear?

I stood frozen, watching the car speed toward me. It was a deer-in-the-headlights moment: I knew I had to get out of the way, but there I stood, rooted to the spot as the car got closer.

Taking off the mask I didn’t even know I was wearing

Live life to the fullest by overcoming fear: take off your mask!

I pride myself on being real, but I feel like I’ve been putting on a false front here lately. It’s made it impossible for me to work. I’m tired of being afraid, so today I spill all.

How Adam Baker paid off $18,000 in debt: an interview

The Baker family with their RV

Money can be one of the most stressful things in the world. After I quit my job, I started worrying more about money. I have my freedom fund to live off of–it’s not that I’m broke–but it still makes me kind of nervous not to have that cash infusion I […]

Obsessions and Love Potion: How I’ve Almost Ruined My Life (Again)

"love hate" and an arrow (this way!) written on a sidewalk

You’re overwhelmed, overbooked, overstretched. It feels like there’s no time to exercise or rest or do anything fun, yet you know those are the things that recharge you and make it possible to do the things you need to do. What do you do?

Big dreams and scary leaps: How I quit my job

triumphant girl

This is a story about dreaming big. This is a story about taking a chance and growing into the person you need to be to make things happen.

Why Denzel Washington told Penn grads to fail (and why we should, too)

graduation

“I had to come exactly because I might make a fool of myself,” said Washington. “I’ve found that nothing in life is worthwhile unless you take risks. Nothing.”

6 Common mistakes that can ruin your relationship

Two tense people having it out

Tolstoy famously said “Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.” I disagree. Most people are unhappy in the same ways, and it’s mostly due to making the same few mistakes.