Do you truly respect yourself, or are you outsourcing your worth to the opinions of other people? It’s easy to confuse being liked, approved of, or validated with actually valuing yourself. But external validation is temporary—it fades the moment it’s not being actively given. Self-respect, on the other hand, is quieter and more stable. It’s the internal agreement you make with yourself about how you will be treated, how you speak to yourself, ...
Book Review: The Turn of the Screw by Henry James | A Classic That Crosses the Line
I don’t even know where to start with The Turn of the Screw by Henry James. I hate sounding like a broken record every time there’s a disappointing book to discuss, but sometimes that’s just the truth. Occasionally, a book is so frustrating that when you sit down to write your thoughts—to convey them and connect with another reader who might feel the same—you want to get it right. Yet, sometimes the words fail because it’s hard to sum up your ...
Coping with Stress: Aromatherapy, Tarot, and Grounding Rituals
Stress is a constant in our lives, quietly influencing how we work, connect, and grow. How we handle it can shape both our future and how others see us. I admit I don’t always handle certain kinds of stress well. As someone with strong expectations of myself and a tendency toward self-doubt, I find that reminders of my limitations can make my world feel like it’s falling apart. Handling stress with grace has been a challenge. Emotional ...
Book Review: Jaws by Peter Benchley | Nasty Ellen Overshadows the Shark
I have to be perfectly honest: I have no idea where to start with this review, so I guess I'll just begin here: Dun… dun… Dun… dun… Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun Get ready to dive into these shark-infested waters because, honestly, I was rooting for the shark to win in this book. Let me make myself clear: the characters in this book are absolutely revolting. I’m specifically pointing to Ellen— and I’m ...
Book Review: Unspeakable by Jessica Willis Fisher | Trauma, Faith, and Religious Harm
Unspeakable by Jessica Willis Fisher is a heartbreaking memoir that explores religious trauma, abuse, and survival. At times, it is difficult to digest — but it is absolutely worth the read. Because Jessica narrates the audiobook herself, I highly recommend listening to it in that format if possible. Hearing her gentle voice tell her own story — and sing her lyrics — creates a profound sense of intimacy, camaraderie, and understanding. The ...
