This past Monday, I had the honor of attending my sister’s Ph.D thesis defense. She’s been on this path since she was in college, but this hour-long talk was the culmination of six years of serious work. We’re talking late nights and weekends in the lab, lots of experimental failures, and plenty of going back … Continue reading When You Hit the Wall, Ask “Why?”
Category: Values
Want to Build Mental Strength? Move Your Body.
Illustration: Moncho Massé When I started running 14, my initial motivation was ego. After trying and failing to run with my dad, I wanted to get faster and keep up with him. I ran cross country in high school, and while I decently fast, I was a total headcase. During races, it took all the … Continue reading Want to Build Mental Strength? Move Your Body.
Leaping Into the Unknown
Today is the last day at my job. I gave five weeks notice, put together a hand off plan, met with all the stakeholders, and created a step-by-step manual on how to do my job when I’m gone. This work comes naturally to me as a process-oriented, Type A human. The most difficult work came … Continue reading Leaping Into the Unknown
There is Nothing Wrong With You
Illustration: Nishant Choksi For as long as I can remember, I've possessed a Harder, Better, Faster, Stronger mentality. I never settle for where I'm at; I stay focused on where I'm going and how I can be better. But forever living in the future with your ideal, "best self" can wreak havoc on your mental … Continue reading There is Nothing Wrong With You
My Own Private Anxiety
Illustration: Evelin Bundur I started my morning thinking about anxiety. Unlike a typical morning, where these thoughts swirl in my own brain, I was listening to Big Medium founder Josh Clark speak about the future of technology and how it impacts our lives. Centering on the theme of anxiety, he illustrated the importance of checking … Continue reading My Own Private Anxiety
Unlocking Your Keystone Habit
Illustration: Denise Eliane As a driven, Type-A human, I crave structure. I love planning my week, writing to-do lists, and generating goals. If left to my own devices, I will impose structure on an otherwise freeform day. For me, there’s something comforting about exerting control over my time and environment. And yet, as a human, … Continue reading Unlocking Your Keystone Habit
Heather Havrilesky: “Why Am I So Lazy?”
Photo-Illustration: Stevie Remsberg; Photos: Getty Images In light of the new year, I've reflected a lot on the stories I tell myself. It's amazing how a seemingly simple narrative can shape your perceptions of yourself and others. Since these narratives were at the forefront of my mind, this advice column hit particularly hard. The reader … Continue reading Heather Havrilesky: “Why Am I So Lazy?”
One-word Resolutions
Image: Lauren Lee To close out 2017, I gathered with friends to celebrate the season. As the group discussed family traditions, my friend P told us about her own. Each year, her family members share their resolution for the new year. The catch? It must be summed up in one word. Some members of our … Continue reading One-word Resolutions
Roxane Gay: “I’m Really Bad at Saying No”
I appreciate and admire Roxane Gay so much. My copy of Bad Feminist is filled with marginalia and I follow her on Twitter to keep up with her latest essays. She writes in a way that examines her subject from all sides and illustrates the complexity of situations that may seem black and white. Her … Continue reading Roxane Gay: “I’m Really Bad at Saying No”
LoveIsWise’s Illustrations
Image: LoveIs Wise Maybe it's because I saw the stills from Family Feud and I'm fantasizing about an Afrofuturist, feminist world, but I really enjoy LoveIs Wise's lush illustrations. Her use of color and her fluid style caught my eye and gave me joy on this chilly Wednesday. 2018 goals: spend more time appreciating awesome … Continue reading LoveIsWise’s Illustrations