Isn't it curious how we're drawn to like-minded souls, even as adults? We're still navigating high school cliques, seeking familiarity and connection. At work, for instance, we naturally gravitate toward colleagues who share our humor, our rhythm, or even our taste in coffee. It feels easy and safe, like that coworker who gets us. A… Continue reading The Beauty of Diversity: Expanding Perspectives and Belonging | The Clever Confidante
A recent realization struck me: the version myself that emerges can vary significantly depending on the company I keep. As I reflected on this insight, I recognized the importance of seeking relationships where I genuinely like the version of myself that appears when I am with them. This understanding highlights just how crucial it is… Continue reading Choose Connections Where You Like the Version of Yourself
It's fascinating how metaphors evolve over time, isn't it? Four years ago, I wrote about facing the bear in the context of relationships. Back then, the bear symbolized the raw, unfiltered aspects of ourselves that we reveal to those closest to us. It represented vulnerability, the scary moments when we let our guards down and… Continue reading Choosing the Bear
Sometimes, we can hesitate to embrace the feeling of joy. It's common to pause joy, fearing its temporary nature, that there isn't time or space for it, or feeling unworthy of it altogether. Joy can be a daunting emotion. When we allow ourselves to revel and luxuriate in it, we're reminded of its impermanence. This… Continue reading The Complexity of Joy
How beautiful that we're in a perpetual growth, evolution, and self-discovery state. Over the last few weeks, I've had the delight of learning things about myself that now, in hindsight, seem glaringly obvious. I am a creature of comfort. Then again, aren't we all? Our comfort zones provide both safety and a sense of control.… Continue reading A Dance of Self-Discovery
There is nothing more risky than pretending not to care. I gravitate towards this pretense of not caring. I struggle with vulnerability, often tempted to conceal my true feelings and emotions. I am tempted to convince myself that being impassive is to be strong. To be impassive is to be safe. Though I crave connection,… Continue reading Daring to Care
How do we prevent our dreams, goals, and all the things we wish to manifest in our lives from happening? Working through shadow work has allowed me to confront the barriers I've unknowingly erected within myself. It's a process of shining a light on the unhealed wounds and the coping mechanisms that no longer serve… Continue reading Finding Balance and Manifesting Dreams
We encounter a multitude of individuals on our life's journey, and it seems that each person carries a unique purpose. Most, if not all, of the people we meet are destined to teach us valuable lessons. Lessons that, once learned, pave the way for growth and progression. Friends, mentors, lovers – they all come into… Continue reading Recognizing Relationship Lessons
There are periods in our lives where we are invited to release and let go of those things that no longer serve us. This is a process that can unfold gently or with abrupt intensity. It's a journey marked by the release of the old, creating a space that is not merely empty, but potent… Continue reading Anticipation in the Void
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oygrmJFKYZY If someone doesn't know that they want you, walk away. The empowering anthem "Don't Start Now" by Dua Lipa resonates deeply with those who have mustered the strength to walk away from toxic relationships. The lyrics capture the essence of newfound freedom and resilience after leaving behind a destructive relationship. As we strive towards… Continue reading Don’t Start Now: Walking Away From Toxicity
