I learned that when I ignore the quiet parts of myself that need care, I end up feeling anxious and mixed up inside. I saw how much I had been losing of my true thoughts, real feelings, and honest wishes when I stopped trying hard to get praise from others. Each time I pushed aside what mattered, I hurt myself deeply. For many years, I moved to a beat that wasn’t really mine. I took on roles that seemed safe but left me feeling empty, and I tried to fill that emptiness with short-lived comforts that only made things worse. The parts of me …
Why No One Wants to Lead Your Design Team—And Why That’s Not Entirely Your Fault
A founder recently told me their "dream hire" for a Head of Design had slipped away. They had found the perfect candidate. Seasoned. Visionary. A leader who could transform their product and brand. They threw in a great salary, equity, and all the right perks. The candidate nodded, asked thoughtful questions, seemed engaged. And then? They disappeared. Not a rejection. Just silence. It wasn’t an isolated incident. I’ve heard this from multiple founders, and from design leaders on the other side who say they’re tired—tired of fighting for …
Between Open Hearts and Guarded Walls
There’s a moment in life when sharing a personal truth lights up a room—like the time I spoke candidly at a small dinner and felt the warmth of honest nods all around. That singular, raw moment transformed a routine evening into a space of genuine connection. It felt like a switch flipped: my vulnerability not only deepened my bond with those around me but also invited them to open up in return. Yet, there’s another side to that coin. In a critical work meeting, I chose to keep my thoughts measured. I withheld details that might have stirred …
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The Voice in My Head Thinks I’m an Idiot (And Other Lies It Tells Me)
It starts with a whisper. A tiny, nagging thought. You’re going to mess this up. Before I know it, the whisper turns into a full-scale production. Everyone can see through you. You should probably disappear into the woods and live among creatures that don’t judge. For years, this voice had all the authority of a Supreme Court ruling. It dictated what was true: If anxiety showed up, that meant I wasn’t ready. If envy flared, that meant I was failing. If guilt sank its claws in, that meant I was a terrible person. The voice never considered …
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When Self-Doubt Knocks, Don’t Answer
Doubt has a way of creeping in, whispering that I should be different—stronger, smarter, less me. For years, I listened. Not anymore. Overthinking doesn’t solve problems; it just makes them bigger. So instead of spiraling into Why is this happening? or Am I overreacting?, I ask better questions. What part of this is mine to fix? Not who’s to blame? or why does this keep happening? Those lead nowhere. A better question: What’s actually in my control? And what’s just an old pattern playing out again? Trying to control others is like …
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One Life, Wild Trails: Breaking Free on Himalayan Peaks
It might sound strange, but the best decision I ever made looked like a huge mistake to everyone else. I had a steady routine and a clear plan for the future. Yet, deep down, I felt trapped—like being stuck in a windowless room. I knew something had to change, so I left it all behind and headed for the Indian Himalayas. The first few days on the trail were a brutal wake-up call. My pack felt stuffed with rocks, and every steep stretch pushed me to my limits. My legs burned, and each blister made me question my sanity. Even in that struggle, …
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The Great Illusion of “Rational” Decisions
Most people like to think their decisions are driven by logic and reason. We convince ourselves that we carefully consider all options, weigh the pros and cons, and make choices based on facts. In reality? Most of those decisions—especially the important ones—are led by something much less objective: our opinions. These aren't the well-thought-out opinions that come from experience or reflection. They’re the gut-level opinions, shaped by past experiences, biases, emotions, and, sometimes, our egos. These opinions look a lot like rational …
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When Tiny Steps Feel Too Small, Keep Walking Anyway
Some days, progress is that quiet hum under the floorboards—barely noticeable but relentless. You push a word across the page, another rep at the gym, another lap around your block, and nothing feels different. The world expects fireworks, but real change is a slow trickle, not an explosion. It’s two in the morning edits when your brain begs for sleep. It’s the same hill on your run that once felt impossible. If you wait for excitement, you’ll waste nights staring at a blank screen or miles undone. There’s freedom in shrinking your goals …
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