Nov 1, 2021Member-onlyWhat it Feels Like to be Discouraged by Someone’s WordsThe short answer is it feels soul-crushing — My immediate answer is that it feels soul-crushing and it creates blocks within yourself that fuels self-doubt. I can remember distinctive instances in my life where people I looked up to and held up on a pedestal discouraged me when I expressed my dreams and aspirations. …Self3 min readSelf3 min read
Oct 31, 2021Member-onlyMoving Away from Home is a Life HackEveryone should do it at least once for self-expansion — I left home again. And while this feels more like a homecoming than a departure, I’ve left my country of origin for one more preferred. When I try to sift through my emotions and describe what this feels like, I haven’t pinpointed it. That’s possible because I haven’t settled yet…Travel5 min readTravel5 min read
Published in Candour·Oct 31, 2021Member-only5 Different Types of Boundaries You Need in Your Relationships#3 Emotional boundaries are respected when people honor your feelings — Establishing and maintaining boundaries is necessary for a healthy relationship; be it romantic, platonic, work, or familial, all relationships require limits to hold toxicity at bay. I had to learn this the hard way. I grew up in a family where boundaries were nonexistent. In the earlier part of my…Relationships7 min readRelationships7 min read
Published in An Injustice!·Oct 23, 2021Member-only7 Questions You Should Not Ask a Survivor of Trauma#5 Why do you let it have so much power over you? — One pivotal part of your healing journey is to discuss what happened with friends and loved ones. However, sometimes this can reopen the wound you haven’t yet healed from, especially if they don’t know how to respond to your trauma. Four years ago, I was on a bus to Paris…Trauma7 min readTrauma7 min read
Published in An Injustice!·Sep 25, 2021Member-only5 Signs You’re Gaslighting Yourself#2 You constantly invalidate your feelings — The most important relationship we’ll ever have in our entire existence is the relationship we have with ourselves. This relationship could fall into a healthy, thriving relationship or a toxic and abusive relationship. Ascertaining which one you’re presently engaged in can be as simple as analyzing your inner monologue. In…Mental Health6 min readMental Health6 min read
Published in Candour·Sep 22, 2021Member-onlyUltra-Independence is a Trauma ResponseA personal essay of triumph over trauma responses — My parents fondly recollect that I was an ultra-independent child from day 1. They often say I was their most advanced child and I always wanted to do things on my own. …Self5 min readSelf5 min read
Published in Candour·Sep 19, 2021Member-onlySix Ways to Maintain a Healthy Relationship with a NarcissistLove does have the power to conquer all — Finding yourself in a relationship with a narcissist can be severely damaging to your mental health, self-esteem, and autonomy. Most people would advise you to steer clear of the narcissist because of narcissistic abuse and the dark psychology they employ but I’m of the school of thought that you can…Mental Health5 min readMental Health5 min read
Published in An Injustice!·Sep 18, 2021Member-onlyCan Poor Nutrition Negatively Impact Your Mental Health?The short answer is yes but here’s how you can mitigate a nutrition deficit for stronger mental stability. — Disclaimer: This piece does not seek to give mental health advice on medication or supplements for mental health disorders. It is purely for information and awareness. When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder (aka manic depression) my friend and psychologist surmised that the proliferation of my mental health issues may…Mental Health6 min readMental Health6 min read
Aug 31, 2021Member-onlyWhat to Do When You Don’t Have the Words to WriteHow to get your creative juices flowing by adopting 5 easy habits — My creativity is a bit shot and I don’t know how to fix it. I’m wondering if I’m just empty and in great need of filling. …Creativity4 min readCreativity4 min read
Published in Candour·Aug 25, 2021We’re Coming Back!Hey there Candour Reader, It’s been quite some time since I’ve sent out a newsletter and even longer since this publication has had a stream of new stories. The pandemic really proved to be an instrument that took a toll on our mental health. I’ve spent the last year mentally…Publication1 min readPublication1 min read
