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Minimalism, the peace in a loud world

JuliaLeave a comment
  • Minimalism: a lifestyle involving a reduction or simplification of one’s material possessions that frees one to lead an existence that is more intentional, purposeful, spiritual, etc

I didn’t wake up one day and decided to become a minimalist. It was a gradual unlearning, a slow peeling back of layers of “more.” More clothes. More things. More commitments. More noise. Somewhere along the way, I realized I was craving less: less clutter, less stress, and more space to breathe. I no longer wanted my life to revolve around what I owned, but around the experiences and memories created.

Clarity Over Clutter – Minimalism isn’t about owning the least, but about keeping what adds value. Over time, I noticed how physical clutter mirrored mental clutter. My apartment, my calendar, even social media, it all felt overstimulating. Each unused item and unnecessary “yes” became a quiet source of anxiety. Life began to feel calmer and less overwhelming.

I started letting go and, in that process, I gained something far more valuable: CLARITY.

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What Emotional Safety Means to Me

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For a long time, I thought relationships were just about chemistry and compatibility. However, over the years and honestly, through a lot of trial and error I’ve learned that what really makes or breaks a relationship is something deeper: emotional safety.

Emotional safety is what allows people to show up as their true selves, to be vulnerable, and to trust that they won’t be shamed, judged, invalidated or manipulated.

When I feel emotionally safe, I can exhale. I can be myself without overthinking, without bracing for criticism, without worrying that I’ll be punished for being honest. But when I don’t feel safe? I shut down. I hide pieces of myself. I shrink. I withdrawal. I give up.

As I continue my self-healing journey, I’m learning what emotional safety means to me—the ways I’d like to receive it and the ways I hope to provide it to my future life partner.

Here are a few practices one can consider when build emotional safety:

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The Power of Simply Showing Up in Therapy

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It was almost midnight, and I found myself lying in bed, debating whether I should cancel my therapy appointment—again. I hadn’t done my therapy homework, and shame was creeping in. Part of me wondered: “Maybe I’m not ready for therapy. Maybe I should just quit.”

That thought wasn’t new. I have a habit of giving up when things get hard. It’s a pattern I know well: when the weight of expectations gets heavy, I look for an exit. Ironically, this very tendency is the reason I went back to therapy in the first place.

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Why Being a Nice Guy Isn’t Enough

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Not too long ago, I was scrolling through a relationship forum when I saw someone post: “Women don’t really want nice guys.” I had to laugh, because I’ve heard that line so many times. The older I get, the more I realize how damaging that mindset actually is, both for men and for the women who end up dating them. Here’s the thing: being nice is important. It matters, but it’s not enough to keep a relationship healthy or fulfilling.

I’ve dated men who were very “nice” on paper—they opened doors, sent good morning texts, remembered birthdays, but when it came down to the deeper stuff, like being vulnerable, communicating their feelings, or showing up emotionally… they weren’t there.

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Daily Prompt #6

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What positive emotion do you feel most often?

If I had to choose the positive emotion that shows up most often in my life, it would be gratitude. It may not always be loud or dramatic, but it has a steady presence, like a quiet hum.

Gratitude greets me in the morning when I realize I have another chance to grow, to try, to simply exist. It sits with me while I sip my morning tea. It arrives in a smile from a stranger or in a burst of laughter with someone I love. Even in hard seasons, gratitude manages to slip through the cracks—through a kind word, the comfort of a soft blanket, or the reminder that pain and joy can live side by side.

What makes gratitude so powerful is the way it transforms how I see everything else. It doesn’t mean life is perfect. It doesn’t erase frustration, sadness, or stress, but softens them, reframes them, and reminds me of the bigger picture. Gratitude teaches me that the ordinary moments are often the most beautiful, if I pause long enough to notice them. For me, gratitude is what keeps me grounded, hopeful, and open to joy.

I think of gratitude as a kind of superpower. Not the “fake it till you make it” kind of positivity, but the genuine realization of blessings and the ability to savor them. When I truly take stock of what I’ve been given—relationships, opportunities, the beauty in small things—it makes me thankful. Gratitude itself creates happiness, because the act of appreciating what I have is joy.

That’s the gift of gratitude: it transforms perspective and in that shift, it brings fulfillment.

Things to Consider When Relocating for a Job

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Relocating for a job can be exciting, intimidating, and full of unexpected lessons. Whether it’s your first move or your third, it’s easy to focus solely on the paycheck and forget how important lifestyle factors are in shaping your overall well-being. As someone who has moved across the country more than once, I’ve learned that salary alone isn’t enough to guarantee happiness or fulfillment. When relocating here are some essential things to consider before packing your bags.

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A Thought That Once Was

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Entangled in the thought of what could be, a breathtaking connection filled with a sense of familiarity.
Comfort came so easily as time spent brought an overwhelming sense of happiness, laughter, and vulnerability.
Soul connection, is this meant to be?
Confusion in intensions with no sight of peace
Soul connection, is this meant to be?
Comfort in a bond draped in unhealthy attachment fueled in fears of intimacy and past trauma. Push and pull this instability breeds exhaustion within me.
Once plagued by the loss of what could have been, is now free to accept the peace that accompanies what was not meant to be.

Daily Prompt #5

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What do you enjoy most about writing?

What I enjoy most about writing is the freedom to express myself without interruptions or restrictions. Writing allows me to take my time in formulating my thoughts without feeling rushed. As someone who enjoys learning new things formally or on my own, I feel writing gives me the freedom to explore topics I find interesting. I enjoy informing the public of issues they might otherwise not know of. Additionally, I enjoy the therapeutic benefits that come with writing.

Over the summer while at a coffee shop studying a man approached me inquiring about what I was working on. He took notice of the enthusiasm I had while working. Although I should have been studying, I was writing on a topic I was quite passionate about. This encounter is a perfect example of the excitement I feel when writing. Will I gain a different perspective? Will my readers have a similar or different opinion?

If a song could express how I feel when I write it would be Lying Together by FKJ, soul vibrating.✨

Hello 2024!

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What a year 2023 has been. As I sit here and reflect on all that has happened over the past year, I give gratitude to the highest for giving me the strength to make it through. 2023 was not an easy year and came with many challenges, but above all I am thankful for the growth. This year has challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. It has brought a deep sense of humility. It has reinforced I can not control all aspects of my life because my timing may not align with Gods timing. We are never too old to challenge ourselves and learn from our experiences because growth is constant, and I find that to be a beautiful thing. I am thankful to have made it through 2023 and I am looking forward to the growth in 2024.

This year my top new year resolutions are

Forming community and nurturing my relationships 
Committing to heathy eating and my fitness journey

Remember, it’s never too late start a new goal and stay encouraged as you work toward achieving your goals for 2024.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

Daily Prompt #3

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What strategies do you use to maintain your mental health when feeling down?

Lately, I’ve found that what keeps me grounded isn’t doing something huge or life-changing. It’s setting small, manageable goals each day. Things like “text X back” or “clean out the closet.” And when I actually complete those little tasks, I make sure to praise myself. That simple act of acknowledgment boosts my confidence and improves my mood.

I also like to remind myself of the good things happening in my life. Sometimes I’ll write them down, other times I’ll just say them out loud to myself. Either way, it helps me focus on the progress I’m making rather than getting stuck on setbacks.

Of course, not every day is easy. When I get caught in a spiral, I allow myself a day to simply exist in my feelings. For me, that looks like secluding myself, staying in bed, ignoring calls and texts, binge-watching a show, or comfort eating. I just let myself be. By the end of the day, I usually feel a little lighter, the way you sometimes feel better after a long cry.

When the weather is nice, I push myself to get out of the house. I’ll go for a jog, take a hike, read at the park, or spend time with loved ones. Just being outside in the sun and nature always shifts my mood for the better.

For me, it really comes down to this: take it one day at a time. Celebrate small wins, honor the hard moments, and keep finding little ways to move forward.

Remember, you are loved ❤️

Daily Prompt #2

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What is your favorite holiday? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite holiday is New Year’s Eve. People are often surprised when I say this, probably because it’s not considered one of the traditional family-centered holidays. It also isn’t a federally recognized holiday in the United States, though it does fall within the holiday season and is even recognized in some states.

I love New Year’s Eve because some of my fondest childhood memories took place at my grandfather’s house during our big family gatherings. The atmosphere was full of laughter, children running around, and aunts and uncles gathered near the grill. Unlike most other holidays, we barbecued, which I absolutely loved. My grandfather’s house sat on a secluded hill surrounded by ice plants, which made it the perfect place for fireworks. And when it came to fireworks, we went all out—sometimes even traveling to Mexico to buy them.

I also enjoy the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Some people argue that you shouldn’t wait for the new year to start a goal, but I don’t see it that way. I think people should begin when they feel ready, and for many, the new year brings a natural sense of motivation. To me, it feels like a chance to reinvent yourself. You could have stumbled through the last 360 days, but the start of a new year offers another chance to do better. That sense of renewal is freeing.

Finally, I love the celebratory spirit of New Year’s Eve itself. As someone who enjoys dressing up and making a statement, I appreciate the bold outfits, sparkling decorations, and festive energy. I love the parties, fireworks, noise, and excitement in the air. New Year’s Eve is all about celebration, and I embrace it fully!

Goals, Goals, Goals

Julia

Hello 2023! What a time to be alive. This year is a big year for me given I will be graduating PA school. I’m still in aww when I think about it because it has been quite the long journey. While cleaning out my wallet I stumbled across this list I made in 2020 of my goals. For the longest I had this list tapped on my refrigerator so I could see it every day and be reminded of the progress I was making. It was a way to hold myself accountable. It’s crazy to think there was a time where I so badly wanted to get into PA school, and I did! Similarly, I remember the financial burden of a monthly car payment and having the goal of quickly paying it off. I am proud of myself for staying consistent in achieving these goals and with the new year it only makes sense to make new goal list. I’m still working on my list, but figure I share them here because this will force me to see them regularly to stay motivated. Some of my goals for the next 5 years include:

  • Paying of my braces by the end of 2023
  • Get straight As Spring Semester 2023
  • Graduate PA school with GPA ≥ 3.5
  • Graduate PA school and pass the PANCE!!!
  • Securing employment 3 months post grad
  • Apply for loan repayment
  • Starting my weight gain journey—My goal is to gain 15lbs
  • Purchase a condo/tiny home by end of 2024
  • Learn how to play an instrument
  • Being more intentional with dating/finding my person
  • Start developing business idea in 2024—Still not sure which idea I would like to explore, but I do want to start tapping into developing residual income
  • Start vlogging by 2024—As much as I love writing, I would also love to tap into vlogging as a different way of expressing myself and sharing my thoughts.

Anyway, I hope all are doing well. What are some of your goals for the new year? I challenge you to write down your goals. Whether they be for 2023, 5-year, 10-year, etc. Write them down so you can stay encouraged!

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️

Done with didactic year and off to clinicals!!!

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Hello beautiful people! I’m semi-back from under the rock I’ve been hiding and it feels good to be back in the world lol. This past week I officially finished my didactic year of PA school!!! As I write this blogpost, I have a huge grin across my face. It feels me with such joy to know I am officially done and will now be off to seeing patients. PA school, by far, has been one of the hardest things I have done in my life. The late nights, deprived sleep, imposter syndrome and constant stress, are a few of the challenges that come with this journey. However, despite the challenge I am thankful to be here because I worked so hard to get here. I remember nights praying for this, praying for an interview, an opportunity, an acceptance, and here I am. Thank you God!!!

For those on this journey do not give up. Keep faith and continue putting in the work, you will be rewarded. Okay enough of my soapbox lol.

Anyway I wanted to share a few of my memories. #survivingandthriving #blessed

Stay blessed. Remember, you are loved ❤️