alexnicolle.com, Author at ALEX NICOLLE

Let’s Talk About Feelings

31 May 2024

Why is talking about our feelings so hard? I think we all know the blanket answer is because it opens us up to being hurt. It’s painful to not be seen or heard by someone we care about. I’ve been on the fearing side, and the enforcing side of this, but lately I’ve been trying to embrace vulnerability. It’s been both healing and excruciating.

Those two feelings go together more than people realize. Because regardless of how much we desire to be better, change is a difficult process. It requires us to leave what we’re used to and get comfortable with the uncomfortable. At the lowest stakes, we experience these emotions whenever we learn a new skill. For me, the most obvious example is my yoga practice. I enjoy it, and I’m generally ok at it, until a move requires hamstring flexibility. Within a matter of seconds I go from graceful, to defeated.

Each time it happens I think back to the requirements for the class: “an open mind, an able body, and a desire to learn.”* During that inflection point, I feel myself wanting to stay stuck. Resting safely within my own limitations rather than experience the discomfort of testing them. I don’t know what’s on the other side. What if it’s something I can’t handle? Honestly it’s the same fear I have when talking about feelings. What happens after? What if it’s something I can’t handle? What if they leave me? The fear was so big I was willing to deny my own needs so no one else would have to.

It took a while (years), but in the past year I finally reached the point where I didn’t want to shrink anymore. Instead, I started having the difficult conversations. I won’t lie to you, it was brutal at first, but then things got better.

The biggest benefit I’ve received from this practice is knowing when it comes down to it, my people are going to show up for me. Maybe not immediately, or in the exact ways I expect, but they’ll show up, as will I for them. From there, all that’s required is an open mind, and a desire to learn.

*Mr. Brent Laffoon himself

My Master Book List

24 April 2024

I frequently get asked for book recommendations so consider this my master book list. I’m only including titles I’ve enjoyed and will be updating regularly so be sure to check back for new reads!

Hate Gratitude Lists? Do This Instead

22 March 2024

Of all the well-being practices, I struggle with gratitude lists the most. Not out of lack of trying — I’ve sat at my table every morning for months listing 10 things I’m grateful for…

I am grateful for my home

I am grateful for my family

I am grateful for my friends

I am grateful for my boyfriend

I am grateful to have healthy food

I am grateful for the ability to move my body

You get it. It goes on and on, and yet, no matter what I put on the list, it just doesn’t do it for me. I don’t get the feeling of being grateful — which is the whole point. These lists feel so detached to me. So, I created my own versions instead.

Everyday I recall, in detail, one unique encounter that I’m thankful for — instead of making a broad list.

What I value the most in my life are my relationships with other people, so I figured this is where I should be focusing my practice. I recall a time someone did something kind for me, or made my life better in any way. Big or small, anything that made me feel special/thankful/lucky to have them in my life. Like a friend going out of their way to bring me medicine when I’m sick, or a boss expressing his faith in me. Maybe it’s just knowing that I have the kind of people I can count on in a time of need. Whatever it is, I focus on the moment, and let the gratitude flood in.

Take a breath and feel grateful in the moment.

There are so many things I’m grateful for everyday that I take for granted. Instead of writing them on a list, which feels removed, I try to be present and have a moment of appreciation for them while they’re in use. These moments happen every day, it’s more a matter of taking the time to notice them.

Ex: When I have to run across the street to make the light, I say in my head “I’m thankful I’m able to move my body.” When I wake up and hear the rain, I take a moment to feel thankful for my shelter from it.

Regardless of whether you use mine, or make your own, I hope to serve as a reminder that you can always adapt practices to work for you. Personalizing them doesn’t mean we’re “doing it wrong.” The only incorrect wellness practices are the ones that leave you feeling bad. So take what serves you, and leave what doesn’t!

Wellness Supplements — Worth It?

15 March 2024

Listening to wellness podcasts, I repeatedly get ads for the same products over and over again. Considering I love anything that will help me feel my best, I always end up trying them. Below are my honest reviews in case you’ve been curious about these products too!

Pique Matcha:

Oh my god the amount of instagram ads I got for this matcha. In addition to the usual benefits of matcha, this one in particular boasted a quadruple toxin screen, and radiant skin. Unfortunately, this product really fell flat for me. After drinking it daily for one month, I didn’t see any benefits to my skin and honestly I didn’t love the taste. I found it to be much grassier than my usual matchas. For now, I’ll be sticking to Cha Cha Matcha or matcha.com. Final Verdict: Not worth it

Seed DS-01:

I LOVE Seed. I didn’t start taking a probiotic until I got eczema and learned about how much our gut affects our skin (as well as our immune system, and mood). After doing a lot of research to find the best probiotic, I’m convinced Seed is it. (Technically their product DS-01 is a symbiotic (pre + pro biotic)). While everyone is different and it can be hard to tell if a probiotic is ‘working,’ the reason I love Seed is because they are serious about the science backing their products. Not only have they done extensive clinical trials on DS-01, but they also specify the exact strain of each probiotic included, so you can research the clinical trials done on each of those, and validate the benefits they claim. In a mostly unregulated market, I think Seed sets the gold standard for quality and transparency. Final Verdict: Worth it

If you want to try Seed, use my link for 50% off your first order! https://refer.seed.com/x/Iq4O91

Athletic Greens — AG1:

Starting the day with a greens juice just feels healthy, right? Coming in at 75 ingredients, AG1 has a lot more in it than your typical greens juice; including adaptogens, vitamins, and probiotics. It tastes sweet, which was kind of weird to me at first, but I ended up getting used to it and actually enjoying it. In terms of health benefits, the founder’s goal was to create a single supplement that can replace all others in your routine. Unfortunately, after trying this for a few months, I can’t say I noticed any changes in how I felt. That doesn’t mean AG1 wasn’t working, internal improvements are hard to detect, but at $79/month it does mean it wasn’t worth continuing. Instead, I’ve opted for individual supplements that I know are targeting my unique needs. Moving forward, I’ll just get the AG1 travel packs for vacations. Final verdict: Depends on your health goals/preferences

Arrae Bloat:

While I’m specifically talking about the bloat capsules here, in general I love how clean and minimal the ingredients in Arrae’s supplements are. Not only are they super simple (bloat has only 6 plant ingredients), but they actually work! I take two bloat pills on occasion if I’ve had a particularly heavy meal and the discomfort usually goes away within an hour. While I don’t need them daily, it’s a good product to have on hand when traveling, or any time you’re straying from your normal diet. Final Verdict: Worth it

LMNT:

I feel like out of nowhere electrolyte powders/drops have flooded the wellness scene, or maybe I just caught up. Initially I started taking them at a holistic practitioner’s recommendation, but the ones she gave me tasted like the ocean 🤢 After trying a few different brands, I’ve decided to stick with LMNT. All of the flavors I’ve tried are good, and each only have 10 calories per serving. I specifically love the citrus and watermenlon flavors (watermelon tastes like a jolly rancher). Whenever I’m feeling dehydrated or run down I pour a pack in my water and find they give me a little boost. Like most wellness supplements, these are great for travel too. I know I keep saying that, but that’s when our bodies need extra love! Final verdict: Worth it

Have you tried any of these supplements? Let me know what you think!

This site is for informational purposes only and is not intended diagnose, prescribe, or replace professional medical advice. The testimonials published represent real life experiences. However, these experiences are unique to the individual and may not represent all users of all products. We do not claim, and you should not assume, that all users will have the same experiences.

Scared? Do It Anyway

8 March 2024

“Define failure as not trying” – Amal Clooney

There have been many times in my life where I have refrained from attempting something because of my fear. I assumed the people I looked up to had reached a special status in which they got all the answers before they acted. Thinking I too would get there, I waited. Doing all of the self work, but still never feeling ready. That’s when I realized I’m going to have to go imperfectly. I’m going to have to feel the fear, and do it anyway.

These blog posts are a good example of that. Writing them is often a difficult process for me. I feel like I’m not good enough. It’s uncomfy putting myself out there, and yet I’m doing it anyway. I do it because I like writing, and posting a finished piece makes me proud. It quiets the urge inside of me that tells me I can do more. That I should try.

Ironically, I got here by living life small. By refusing to go after what I want, due to a fear of failure. The result was a perfectly fine life, accompanied by insufferable daily anxiety reminding me that I was living out of alignment with myself. That fear of reaching the end of my life, always thinking I could do more, but never actually going after it, began to scare me more than failing. At this point, I think I’d rather just try and find out. Even if it’s messy and imperfect.

I know that, and yet I’m still hesitant every time I start a new endeavor. I see myself trying to pre-determine what the outcome will be. During these times, I find it helpful to come back to a quote by Amal Clooney where she says we need to “define failure as not trying.” It’s such a small perspective shift, but it always seems to do the trick for me.

For a while I didn’t start this blog because I didn’t know what the point of it was. I still don’t, but I don’t let my doubt doesn’t stop me anymore. Instead, I decided wanting to do it is enough. Even if I don’t have a plan. Even if I have to be bad at first. Even if people laugh at me (btw no one really cares, and if they do, it probably means they’re not doing anything themselves). Regardless of how I feel, I’m doing it anyway.

I don’t know if life lived this way actually turns out better, but I do know it feels better. And if things go wrong, well I’m hoping (praying? wishing?) I’ll be able to figure that out when the time comes.

If you too are feeling scared, embarrassed, unqualified, etc., about going after what you want, I hope to serve as a reminder that that’s normal! Do it anyway.

Love, Alex (who is currently doubting this post)

Workouts I Love

28 February 2024

Over the years I have tried A LOT of workout classes, and now often get asked for recommendations. Whether your new to working out, or just looking for a change, below are some of my favorite workouts!

High Intensity:

Solidcore – I’m convinced no workout will give you abs faster than reformer pilates. Something about it just gets in there. This class is equally as challenging as Barry’s but in a slower, more elongating way. My only con for the class is the weight load can be too much for someone that builds muscle easily. For that reason, I like to stick with the lightest spring load and focus on moving slowly.

Barry’s — Most people know Barry’s but I had to include it. I have never been as exhausted after a workout as I am after Barry’s. Thanks to the combination of running and floor exercises, this is a great class for someone looking to burn a lot of calories.

Body by Leslie — Kind of a combination of Barry’s and Solidcore; this is my favorite at home (or vacation) workout. It’s so fun and hits in all the right ways. Her sequencing includes weights + traditional pilates moves, and she brings big Barbie energy. Leslie is sweet, empowering, and consistently pushing her clients to be the best versions of themselves. I dare you not to love her after just one class.

Slowing it Down:

Melissa Wood Health — The workout I’ve been doing the most of lately. Classes can be super short, usually using your own body weight. Similar to solidcore, the moves are elongating but without the excess weight. One of my favorite benefits of MWH is how grounded I feel mentally after a class. Great for women with adrenal fatigue, high cortisol, or beginners looking to ease into exercise.

Yogazan — By far the greatest hidden gem I have found in Los Angeles. The studio itself is simple but the instructors are out of this world! Taking class here is what made me actually enjoy yoga. Not only are all of the instructors great at teaching, but in my experience they all truly embody the yoga practice both on and off the mat. My favorite classes are with Jay, the owner, but every class I have taken here has been excellent.

Beach Yoga w/ Brent Laffoon — I actually found Brent through Yogazan and completed my yoga teacher training with him in 2020. Brent is incredibly knowledgeable about yoga, and in wicked shape. His class is more challenging than most yoga classes I’ve been to, but well worth it. A bonus benefit: Brent’s classes cultivate the feeling of community more than any other workout I’ve been to.

Walking — The easiest and cheapest workout! My daily 3 mile walks have become a staple in my routine, both for the physical and mental gains. I prefer walking to running because I don’t get the increased appetite that comes with running, my face doesn’t get red, and I simply find it more enjoyable.

My 2023 Reads

23 January 2024

All of the books I read last year + a quick review of each, in case anyone needs recs for this year!

I’m Glad My Mom Died By Jennette McCurdy

I cannot even begin to describe this book. SO many shocking revelations. Shows we truly have no idea what someone is going through behind closed doors. 10/10 recommend.

The House of the Spirits by Isabelle Allende

My second favorite book of the year! An epic that spans three generations. Beneath the political revolution it follows, this is a book about love and how the feeling can transform even the most stubborn of us.

The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett

This was a suggestion for my boyfriend from his dad, but due to the lack of book options around I started it on holiday and then had to finish it. It’s another epic tale, more engrossing than I initially imagined. If you’re into medieval times, this is a good pick for you. That said, at 1,000+ pages, it’s a big commitment.

The No Show by Beth O’Leary

This book stole my heart! Such a sweet read with an unexpected ending.

Never Finished by David Goggins

A motivational kick in the butt for anyone who is facing long odds, or wants to give up. His story will get you back on track.

Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann

One of those stories that creates a web of characters from different walks of life that are all connected in some way. Unlike most books that do that, this one balances the introduction of new characters with the development of current ones very well. That said, not much from the plot itself stuck with me.

I Contain Multitudes: The Microbes Within Us by Ed Yong

Very science-y book. If you’re interested in the topic then it’s great. The information is presented in a way that’s easy to understand.

Verity by Colleen Hoover

A female centric thriller that I could not put down! If you liked Gone Girl, you’ll love this one

Beautiful World Where Are You by Sally Rooney

As much as I try to be, I’m just not a Sally Rooney fan. Maybe I don’t understand her books enough, but I always find not enough happens. They’re more commentaries on society than they are stories, which some people may revel in. I do not.

The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

It’s been so long since I’ve read a mystery novel. This one was fun

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

My favorite book of the year — you all already know I loved this one. See full review here.

The Candy House by Jennifer Egan

Another story that creates a web of characters who are all intertwined. However, this one was confusing to me. Too many new characters, not enough development for any of them.

The Heaven & Earth Grocery Store by James McBride

Sweet book but I wanted it to move me a little bit more

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

A typical Reese Witherspoon book club pick — which is never disappointing! Part romance, part mystery. I read it in 2 days.

Finding Faith

27 November 2023

I’m scared to write this article. In fact, I’m more scared writing about this than I was opening up about my depression. I don’t care if you all know I’m sad, I’m told it happens to everyone. However, I am fearful for you to find out I believe in God. I’m scared because I think you’ll take every bad thing religious people have done, and say I condone it. I’m scared because I’m worried you’ll think I’m an evangelist. One that will hate you if you don’t believe what I believe. That I’ll judge you based on some aspect of your identity. I’m fearful of all of that, and I still think this is an important piece of my life to share with you. It’s part of my truth on my path to purpose, and I promised to tell you the truth.

Growing up, religion was slightly present in my life, not all consuming. We didn’t go to church, but I prayed every night until around middle school. Both the traditional prayers and my own. I was baptized Catholic, and got my communion around 3rd grade. (I had no say in the baptism, but led the charge on the communion because I was upset my cousins could eat the cracker in church and I couldn’t.) Fast forward to my teenage years: religion started to feel complicated + I stopped praying. Like most kids, I was more focused on my friends than figuring out what I believed in. During that time, I think deep down I still knew some higher power was there for me, but I don’t know, I guess we fell out of touch.

It stayed that way until last year, when I experienced depression again for the first time in six years. I felt so alone and overwhelmed with my life, I was desperate for help. Therapy was too expensive, and there’s only so much support anyone else can provide. I needed more. Around this time, I saw someone post something about God and I got jealous. Jealous they had someone to throw their problems up to and trust he would help work them out. I craved that support.

Feeling defeated, I did the only thing I felt I could. I prayed. (It’s called a Hail Mary for a reason.) In my prayer, I asked God to help get me through that season. I listened to sermons, prayed, believed, and in return, received. Now if you don’t have faith, what I’m about to say is going to sound crazy, but I received God’s presence with me. Much like when I was a child, it was a palpable feeling — like there is someone up there looking out for me. His presence reminded me that I already possessed all of the strength I needed to get through that season. After years of not speaking, he was still there when I needed him. Waiting for me. Ready to walk with me.

The truth is, I only turned to God because I didn’t have anywhere else to go, but I’m glad I did. My faith helped get me through that depression*, and it’s still helping me now that I’m out. I pray all the time, bringing everything to God. Sometimes they’re deep prayers, other times they’re more one-eye open looking to the sky for reassurance half prayers. Mostly, they’re somewhere in the middle. I pray for courage, that he leads me to my purpose, uses me to help people, and above all, I pray that he stays with me.

My life has only been enriched by returning to my faith, but I’ve also learned it doesn’t take away all of the struggles and fear. Nor can it transform me without effort on my part. Instead, what it does is show me there is always a way forward, if I’m brave enough to walk it. It encourages me to believe in myself and to take inspired action, especially when I don’t feel like enough. My faith takes the odds against me, and flips them. Most importantly, it shows me that even though I’m the first in my family to walk down many roads, with God I don’t have to do it alone.

*My faith gave me the strength to show up and hope for a better tomorrow. However, I still needed to go back to therapy and get help. I do not believe in, nor am I advocating for shunning medical / mental health advice in the name of God. Everything on this blog is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for medical advice.

5 Things I Will Never Do – Safety Edition

3 November 2023

I’m not going to claim to be the MOST street smart person, but there are some basic things I will never do in order to keep myself safe. Do you avoid any of these things too?

Go on a walk with noise canceling headphones

We have ears for a reason: to be aware of our surroundings. You will never catch me creating an ideal situation for someone to sneak up on me. Not today, not tomorrow, not ever.

Tag + post my location while I’m still there

A newer one for me, but I’m doing my best to lean into it. I mean if you think about it, tagging your location is like giving find my friends access to anyone who follows you on instagram. That’s weird. Now I save the pic, and post + tag once I leave.

Leave my drink unattended. Yes, even in a coffee shop.

Unless it’s coming directly from the bartender / barista, I don’t want it. And if I have to go to the bathroom, I finish my drink first so that it’s not left unattended.

Get in an uber without checking the license plate / having the driver confirm my name.

Uber has gotten better at this so now you have an option to request a code that your driver has to give you in order to start the ride. Such a small thing, but just like we wouldn’t take candy from strangers, let’s make sure we’re not getting in the car with them either.

Ignore my gut feelings

I’ve done this before out of fear of being rude, and it led to me being followed and yelled at by a man for three blocks with no one around to help me. Guess I was the only one concerned with being rude in that situation … Now if something feels unsafe, even if I don’t cognitively know why, I do what I can to avoid the situation.

Whether you agree or not, I hope you stay safe and don’t let anyone catch you slipping 🤍

Why I’m Not Rushing to Get Married

11 October 2023

Last week I celebrated my three year anniversary with my boyfriend and next month I turn 27. Put those two things together and it’s not surprising people keep asking me if we plan on getting married. The answer is always the same, yes we plan to, no it’s not happening anytime soon. This is the way both of us want it, and it doesn’t have anything to do with each other as partners. I won’t speak for my boyfriend, but here are my reasons why:

I feel a little too young to be married

First, for anyone that recently got married — I’m truly happy for you! Right now just isn’t MY time. So much of mine and my boyfriend’s lives are still up in the air. I’d rather hold onto the freedom to let that stuff fall as it may than feel rushed into big decisions like picking a place to live, buying a house, etc.

My finances are not where I want them to be

Speaking of buying a house, or even paying for a wedding, the second reason I’m not in a rush is because my bank account isn’t ready. When the time comes to do those things, I want it to be exciting and fun, not stressful. For me, that may require waiting a little bit longer so that I can enjoy the process and get what I want.

I don’t know who I am yet

Lastly, the biggest reason I’m not ready is because I’m afraid marriage would swallow me up right now. At this moment in my life, I’m still figuring out what I want to do, and how I show up best to do it. To assume the identity of ‘wife’ during this time, would just replace my current incomplete identity, rather than add to it. I know I would let it distract me. It would feel good and I would want to be the best wife I can be, but ultimately I think it would keep me from taking the necessary time to discover who I am outside of my marriage. That would be the greatest disservice to everyone involved.

All in all, I’m simply not ready, and that’s okay. By looking at it this way now, I know when it does happen, it’s going to be for all of the right reasons. I will feel comfortable moving forward, with a confidence in myself that will allow the marriage to thrive. Plus, I already know I’m going to have the greatest husband out there 🤍

The Most Important Book I Read in 2023

4 October 2023

“Age old story, who gets to look down on who, for what reason” – Barbara Kingsolver, Demon Copperhead

I’ve always loved a story’s ability to expose us to worlds vastly different from our own. For better or worse, I want to see them. I want to understand. Barbara Kingsolver’s Demon Copperhead full heartedly delivers on this front, offering the reader a window into the life of a boy grappling with poverty, foster care, and addiction in the Appalachian Mountains. The story broke my heart in a hundred different ways, reminding me how much of our lives is determined by the lottery of where we are born, and to whom.

On the surface, Demon Copperhead and I have nothing in common. However, the spirit of his being remains relatable throughout the book. He is undoubtedly resilient, but nowhere close to perfect. Many times his choices do not line up with what the reader wishes for him, and yet I think any of us would be hard pressed to judge him. How can we after knowing everything he has been through? At the heart of it, he is just a person trying his best to play the hand he was dealt, much like the rest of us.

By the end, I found myself overflowing with compassion for Demon, and the real children who are struggling with these issues. Wanting them all so badly to receive the love and care they deserve. In my opinion, that’s the real win of the book. It gets us to feel deeply for someone we have no ties with. Having empathy in spite of a life that has made us numb, feels like a collective step in the right direction.

Moving Through Depression with Hope

22 September 2023

“I need you to know you’re going to be okay. I don’t even need you to believe it right now, I just need you to know it.”

The other day I read Dr. Curt Ritcher’s study about rats that swam for over two days straight. Rats are supposed to be excellent swimmers, but what was remarkable about these particular rats is that just a few days earlier, they were drowning after only 15 minutes of swimming. In that first round, after the rats gave up, but right before they died, the scientists saved them. They dried them off, gave them time to recoup, and then put them back in the experiment. The second time they were put in the water, the rats swam for 60 hours on average. The only difference being, this time they had hope.

I love the message of this study because even in my darkest days, in the midst of depressive episodes, I’ve always had a tiny morsel of hope. The mere possibility that things could get better was enough to keep me going. So that’s the advice I gave anyone during a difficult time—just keep going. One hour after the other, one day after the next. Eventually things will get better. I truly believed it—right until life knocked me down so much it completely demolished my hope.

Last year I found myself failing, for maybe the first time in my life (a story for another time). I was unemployed after chasing my dream, having troubles with my health, and trying to piece my life back together without the slightest idea of where I wanted to go next. Things weren’t getting better, and yet I still clung to the advice I gave out because it was the only thing I had. Giving up wasn’t an option, but how long could I keep going just to stay afloat? How could I keep going day after day, if I didn’t have hope for a better tomorrow? I tried to find it hidden deep within me, but I couldn’t. I had completely lost hope, and suddenly my advice to keep going was no longer good enough.

Since giving up wasn’t an option, I knew I had to find a different way to survive. During that season, there was no way I could see all of the reasons why I should continue on for myself, so I stopped trying to. Instead, I decided to keep going for the people I love. Specifically, for my younger siblings. I’m the oldest of four, with the age gap varying from 11 to 20 years. Suffice to say sometimes I see them as my own children. That love makes me want to be someone they can depend on, no matter what. The kind of person they deserve. For me, that was enough. In my darkest moments, they became my why.

I got back into therapy and slowly started to rebuild myself. At the end of the first session, my therapist told me something important. She said, “I need you to know you’re going to be okay. I don’t even need you to believe it right now, I just need you to know it.” While I wasn’t capable of much at that point, I could do that. In the past I’ve always believed it would get better, but this go around I’ve had to rely on trusting it would, regardless of how I actually felt.

It took some time, but I have gotten to the point where I’m living for myself again. Now that I’m on the other side of it, I wanted to write this for anyone else who is in that lonely place of despair. To remind you that things can get better if we don’t quit on ourselves. Getting out of depression is a lot of work, but I’m proof it is achievable. I got my hope back, and I know you can too.

Before you read the steps that helped me, let me be clear, this isn’t Alex’s 8 step guidebook on How to Get out of Depression. That’s a journey that will look different for everyone. I’m just here to share my story and help you find the resolve to keep going, because just like the rats, having hope is half the battle.

Make a pact with yourself right now: giving up isn’t an option. Just take it completely off the table.
- This is the most important step, and it’s non-negotiable. I don’t actually think quitting is always a bad thing. However, if there is one thing in this life we should not be allowed to quit on, it’s ourselves. You are always worth it. Bonus, once the quitting path is fully removed, you might find you suddenly get a lot more creative in figuring out how to move forward.
If you have hope, cling to it.
- It doesn’t have to be a lot. Just hold onto it tightly, and take it one day at a time.
If you don’t have hope, know (like you know the sun is going to rise again) that you’re going to be okay, and make your why bigger than yourself.
- During this time, I find it helpful to keep going for someone you love: a parent, sibling, partner, friend, neighbor, cat—it doesn’t matter. This part is temporary. It just allows you to get through the difficult moments until you can get back to believing it’s going to be okay and continuing on for yourself.
Commit to getting better, whatever that looks like for you
- You have to want to get better. No one can do this for you, but they can help once you decide. Reach out to someone for support. Being vulnerable enough to seek the aid you need doesn’t make you weak, it makes you strong

**Please note: The information on this website is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a doctor or any type of qualified mental health professional. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical/mental health advice, diagnosis or treatment. Do not ignore advice you receive from a medical or mental health professional because of the information on this site.

Beach Reads:

Other Fiction:

Novels:

Biographies / Memoirs:

Self Help:

Spirituality: