Blog | Unexpected Happiness

I was making it all about me

After hearing Dan's story, Ariel recognized a pattern in her own life. A reflection on self-criticism, self-consciousness, and why caring more about others than your own performance can change everything.

Acceptance

I sobbed into a stuffed turtle

After writing about compassion fatigue, Ariel discovered she had skipped the most important step. A reflection on why we can't release emotions we haven't fully allowed ourselves to feel, and what finally helped her let go.

Acceptance

What are you carrying into the next thing?

Amanda's story about compassion fatigue led Ariel to an uncomfortable realization: she didn't need to solve her emotions, she needed to give them a few minutes to be felt before carrying them into the rest of her day.

Acceptance

I'm Glad He Didn't Make State

We spend so much of our lives chasing goals. But what if the greatest gift isn't reaching the destination? This is the story of a young wrestler, a terrible squirrel drawing, and why becoming the person your goal is shaping you into might matter more

Acceptance