Listen. The world we currently reside in is chaotic. It’s a nonsensical mess of unkempt emotions, perpetuation of mind-numbing content (brain-rot, if you will), unrealistic expectations on both men & women, so on and so forth. To make matters worse, a solid portion of our generation is riddled with developmental disabilities/mental illness (I, for one, sport ADHD and anxiety in my resume of “mental fuckery” I have to work with/around on a daily basis). Regardless of your brain’s chemical composition, you’re truly only human. So, if you resonate with my notion that our environment– digital and physical– is overwhelming, I’m here to tell you…

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…yeah, it really is. But it’s also so beautiful.

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I won’t sit here convincing you the world is perfect. It’s far from it. But it’s a place interwoven with eras of the human race, the evolution of fauna and flora, & remnants of ecological disasters and miracles. Upon taking the necessary step back to detach and observe, you’ll also realize the shit-show of society (especially in America) is merely a collective of silly little bipedal creatures scampering around, trying to make a name for themselves.

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You’re not condemned to be stuck in the immersion of hustle culture, emotional suppression, or whatever trends that restrict individuality. You can carve your own path. Trust me– don’t bother trying to understand humanity as a whole– we all have our different motives, desires, nightmares, etc. Every stranger you meet will present a level of complexity in their behaviors that you likely will not be able to wrap your head around. And that’s okay.

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What I always suggest to my loved ones– especially when an external force (whether it be a shitty job or an accident or, God-forbid, a nonchalant & emotionally-unavailable man) knocks them off their feet, is:

 

Retreat Inwards.

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My version is less “hippie-dippy” than people may enjoy, but I think simplification of healing is needed for people to feel comfortable with it. I love spirituality, and I practice it a lot, but if I’ve learned anything from my logistic-coded boyfriend– some people just don’t like it. And that’s okay! I can work with that.

 

The point is to simply just ask yourself “Who Am I?” Not in some philosophical, existential-crisis-inducing way: but figure out the basics: What brings you joy? What foods do you like? What activities do you participate in for shits & giggles?

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Ask yourself the questions you’d present to someone on a 1st or 2nd date. Take note of it– in a journal, on your Notes app, on a napkin in a coffee shop– wherever. But write it down so you can visually absorb & align with your answers. Don’t convince yourself you’re going to ingrain it into your mind– you’re human and you will get distracted easily by everything around you.

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There are plenty of other ways to nurture your internal microcosm. Some of my favorites:
 

Meditation.

 

Full disclosure: Meditation used to be something I really struggled with. I always thought it meant completely shutting off my brain — like, if I had no thoughts, I’d finally find peace. And we all know– ADHD will beat your brain into mush before deciding to let you have a singular train of thought.

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But that’s not how it works at all. The first time I really started to get into this mindful practice was when I tried this app called Headspace. In their guided introduction meditation, the narrator shared a comforting visual: Imagine you’re sitting in a cozy chair or on a rock by the side of the road. You’re sitting strong and still, just watching the road in front of you. And naturally, cars pass by. These cars are your thoughts: You’re not driving them — you’re simply watching.

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You can’t blame a road for having cars, just like you can’t blame your mind for having thoughts. That’s what it’s made for. But you can choose to be the observer instead of the driver. For me, that was such a freeing way to think about it.

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Once I stopped trying to control everything and just let the thoughts pass by, it became so much easier to focus on my breathing and just be still. I also stand by the idea that meditation can be practiced wherever and whenever. Find an empty office at your job, or in your cubicle. Put some headphones on while on public transportation (don’t meditate while driving, please). All you need is yourself.

Journaling.

My personal favorite. Simply because it has absolutely no rules: you don’t have to write an essay dissecting your inner turmoil, I promise. I used to write these passages describing how I was feeling, new life updates & upgrades, etc. It was fun when I had the time; but I felt a sense of distaste growing towards how my wrist would hurt, how slow I’d scrawl my thoughts down, how messy my handwriting would be.

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This is where I suggest the Notes app, or something similar. I won’t deny– handwriting does lead to better connection and absorption with the content before you. But for corporate/college girls like me? I get it, babe. You don’t have the time nor energy to hand write an essay today (you probably already wrote something similar for class or work). So, type it out. Let those pretty, manicured fingers fly over your keyboard.

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Something I’m also obsessed with is LISTS. You will never ever be able to separate my and my burning love for list-making. There’s something so cathartic about breaking down arguably gargantuan goals into micro-bites of tasks that I can check off. Or, for more whimsical purposes (the idea of connecting with the self)– One of my favorite practices is writing down “Monthly Favorites.” It allows me to romanticize what people may consider the mundane, and to see what is currently bringing me joy so I can incorporate it all into my lifestyle. I’ll be sharing my February Favorites soon.

Nature Immersion.

Pretty self-explanatory. You are a product of nature: get in touch with the extensions of you. Whenever things get too chaotic, go outside for a bit. Even a 10-minute walk in the park or sitting by some trees can do wonders. Listen to the birds, feel the wind. If you live in the city, find a tree and sit under the shade it generously gives. It’s like a reset button for your mind and soul.

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There’s also: Creative Expression, Silence Practice, Body Movement…

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…and so much more. I’ll talk about those in depth as time goes on and I get the hang of regularly publishing. But until then, digest what I’ve presented to you. Take your time with it. Know that, even in this chaotic world, you are loved and appreciated.