A place for me and my personal development musings
I’ve been an anxious person for as long as I can remember. And I mean this literally – some of my earliest memories, dating back to kindergarten, are of me panicking over things that you wouldn’t want a child to obsess about (excessively worried that I could make a mistake, get in trouble at school, … Continue reading High-functioning anxiety: what I’ve learned
Why focusing too much on happiness will actually make this goal less achievable.
*Originally posted August 2018. Updated July 2022 I’ll admit that the first time I ate lunch in my car was an act of desperation. It was a hectic day at the office and suddenly the thought of eating in the cafeteria, going to my favourite coffee shop, or even taking a walk felt incredibly overwhelming. … Continue reading Why I eat lunch in my car, and why this is totally ok
A few weeks ago, I was feeling overwhelmed at work and decided that it was best to step away from my desk for a breather. It should have been a simple choice – I could have taken a quick walk, made myself a cup of coffee, or a number of other things. Instead, I felt … Continue reading Yes – it’s possible to overdo self-improvement…
A few months ago I had to have minor surgery. I wasn't particularly stressed about the surgery itself, as I knew what to expect, and was actually quite proud of myself for being able to put some of the coping skills I had learned into practice. Unfortunately, a few weeks before the big day I … Continue reading The right way to respond to someone’s anxiety
A few years ago I shared an office with a social worker. Our professional lives were totally separate, but naturally evolved into a work friendship due to the shared space. I’ll admit that I absolutely loved picking her brain about stuff – developing my listening skills, becoming a better communicator, and conflict management tips, to … Continue reading “99 percent of the time, it’s not about you” (AKA the best advice I was ever given)
How familiar does this sound? It’s the beginning of the new year, and you’re psyched for all you’re going to accomplish. If you’re like me, you might even grab some markers and make adorable lists, charts, and timelines. But…a few weeks later you start to feel overwhelmed, and those lists don’t feel quite as adorable … Continue reading Struggling to meet your goals? Check out these three tips!
If you’re like me, you might freeze on the TED homepage, overwhelmed by all the choices. I often heard about the talks, but didn’t know where to start, which probably stopped me from exploring the wealth of information on the site. About a year ago, my employer was undergoing a series of rapid organizational changes … Continue reading The TED Talk That Changed My Life
I am the type of person who is always “working on stuff”. Whether it's my own informal research, a self-help book, or seeking the advice of a professional, I feel like I am constantly hungry for new information, and seeking new tips and tricks on how to be happier and healthier. But at the back … Continue reading How to Nail Self-improvement (hint: by steering clear of these common pitfalls)
For the majority of my life, conversations would typically go like this… Friend: Let’s go out for dinner tonight! Me: I’ve actually had a headache all day, and think I need to go home and relax. Friend: Awww, come on! Maybe if you eat you’ll feel better! Me (mumbling, avoiding eye contact): No, I don’t … Continue reading Why Being More Assertive Should be on Your Top Priority List
Kara Foster blogs 