CHOICES Magazine

I was too strong for too long. I believed in the lies of self-sacrifice and putting others’ needs ahead of my own. I became adept at masking the constant pain, pushing myself beyond my limits, and learning to live in chronic stress and disease…

Life is an ongoing journey of self-discovery; from the moment we are born to the day we take our last breath. In this journey, the power of self-awareness, reflection, and creating space for growth can be truly life-changing. The key to transformation lies in our ability to adjust the course of our lives with intention, guiding ourselves in new and empowering directions.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding effective ways to maintain and improve our health is more important than ever. While diet and exercise are often emphasized, one powerful yet sometimes overlooked avenue for enhancing well-being is the act of creating art. Engaging in artistic activities isn’t only for professional artists; it’s a therapeutic practice accessible to everyone, regardless of skill level.

We have all encountered the adage, “You cannot pour from an empty cup.” Yet, many individuals operate on an empty cup due to the perceived lack of time for self-care. This mindset can ultimately lead to burnout. The belief that self-care requires significant time investment often deters individuals from engaging in it.

We live in a world today that is fast-paced, and overly stressful, and most of us are juggling way too many things at one time, taking little to no time for ourselves. This can add to our success levels, and allow us to achieve our goals, and maybe even our dreams, but at what cost?

In 2015, I hit rock bottom. I was in pain and despair, watching the young, healthy woman I once knew fade away. I didn’t recognize myself anymore. Confusion, rejection, and fear consumed me, and I worried that the pain I was experiencing would define my existence. Through my tears, I thought, “If this is how my life is going to be, then I’m ready to be done.”

Taking time to review your financial and tax situation could help you (and your family) keep more of what you have earned. While some strategies apply now, others involve anticipating changes to come. For ways to potentially reduce your tax bill this year or moving forward, consider these ideas from Bank of America.

Most of us move at a faster pace than is best for us, and this can be anxiety-producing, ungrounding, and de-stabilizing. Practice slowing down your internal speed as much as possible.

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to escape the constant drumbeat of “hustle culture”—the mindset that glorifies busyness and relentless pursuit of success. This pressure often leads to burnout, leaving us feeling like we’re on a never-ending treadmill, exhausted and chasing a version of success that feels more like survival.

The holiday season can be a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and the joy of giving. However, it’s also a time that can bring a significant amount of stress. From planning holiday meals and shopping for gifts to juggling social obligations and travel, it’s easy to become overwhelmed.

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves swept up in the excitement and festivities that come with this time of year. It’s a season filled with joy, gatherings, and cherished traditions. Yet, as much as we love the holidays, they also bring an undeniable amount of stress, pressure, and sometimes, even exhaustion.

In the wake of a recent lawsuit claiming that hackers may have stolen Social Security numbers for every American, the nation faces one of the most severe cybersecurity breaches in history. The implications of such a breach could be devastating, as Social Security numbers (SSNs) are the cornerstone of identity verification for financial institutions, government agencies, and healthcare providers.