As I watched this sweet canine pause to smell every blade of grass, every pinecone, every dried up leaf, I began reflecting a little more deeply about what “being present” looks like.
Did Your Resolution Love You As Much As You Loved It?
Maybe you spent months dreaming up a plan that was sure to take you to new heights or maybe you thought the exciting energy surrounding the trending new diet, exercise or self-help regimen sounded like the next best thing for you, too. Now, for whatever reason, your in-it-to-win-it spirit has turned into God-how-I-hate-this-I-just-might-puke-if…or a You-suck-you-quitter/loser/faker/despicable/[insert your whatever]-You.
Regardless of how you came to setting your resolution, it is obvious that this is more than a little slump; it is just not working for you. In fact, it could be all wrong for you. A few simple questions will help you isolate where the breakdown(s) might be and help you redirect.
Ask Annah: Am I a Lost Cause?
Dearest Neighbor, Oh, how I relate to your current struggle and remember well feeling like I was the only person on the planet who wasn’t “getting it.” “I just can’t relate to my friends, my family, or my therapist because what they are saying just doesn’t make sense to me. Am I a lost cause?” Let me assure you that … Read More
Ask Annah: How Do I Move Forward When the Past Keeps Repeating Itself? Part II: Overcoming Fear of Failure
Dearest Neighbor, I hear you. I feel your fear. I think it is fairly safe to say that all of us have experienced times where we keep making the same mistakes over and over. Maybe you keep choosing relationships with people who tear you down rather than lift you up. Maybe you burn dinner more nights than not because you … Read More
Ask Annah: I Feel So Lost! How Can I Find My Way Through My Grief?
Dear Neighbor, I hear you. I feel your pain. I understand how crazy making it is to feel like you are walking in circles or to be utterly, hopelessly lost in the middle of nowhere. I live on a two-hundred-acre parcel of land, complete with hills, valleys, and thick forests. My husband is an avid outdoors-man and can tell you … Read More
Ask Annah: I’m Overwhelmed and Not Sure I Can Do “The Holidays.” What Can I Do?
Dearest Journeyer, The holidays and special events can be a difficult time–period–with additional demands on your time, energy, and focus. Add in grief and it’s no wonder you might be feeling a little overwhelmed. First, I’m sorry you’re struggling, yet I’m happy for your courage to find the resolution that works for you. Chances are, if you’re here, you want … Read More
Ask Annah (and Tiny Buddha): Why Do I Feel so Alone?
Dear Journeyer, Nearly every day I read this question or hear someone pleading for an answer to the overwhelming fear or loss they feel inside. A sense of loneliness or of feeling alone can impact any combination of your academic, emotional, physical, social, and spiritual facets and it is one of the factors that could be standing between you and … Read More