Embrace the complexity and contradictions of life, understanding that joy and sorrow, good and bad, can coexist, and that finding peace is possible even amidst catastrophe.
Distinguish yourself from your experiences and feelings by recognizing your ‘highest self’ as the observer of life’s happenings, rather than being defined by them.
Confront feelings of shame by asking ‘why do I feel like this?’ and approaching it with acceptance, compassion, and curiosity, recognizing that you are not your shame.
Recognize that harsh self-criticism can lead to judging others; work on being kinder to yourself to foster less judgment towards others.
Understand that grief is an inevitable consequence of deep love and connection; choose vulnerability and connection despite the certainty of future loss.
Maintain a small, persistent sense of hope, even during difficult times, as it provides a pathway to return to and can fuel healing and personal growth.
To cultivate hope, actively seek out activities that bring you joy, even if you don’t immediately feel it, as the act of seeking builds a pathway to joy in your brain.
Disentangle your self-worth from physical appearance and societal beauty standards, focusing instead on what your body can do and its inherent value beyond aesthetics.
Learn to set boundaries by asking for what you need upfront, recognizing that past trauma might lead to disproportionate reactions, and continuously work to balance this skill.
Recognize that contradictory truths can coexist within yourself (e.g., being selfless and indulging in personal desires) and strive to accept both aspects rather than picking one over the other.
Practice discussing past traumatic experiences without re-identifying with them, aiming to create distance and prevent re-traumatization.
Understand that grief is not a linear process; past wounds can reopen, and you may revisit stages of grief even after long periods of acceptance.
Acknowledge and process potential future losses or difficult events when possible, as this can help mitigate acute pain when they occur.
Recognize that deep love and connection can be felt for anyone you protect, including animals, and do not diminish or invalidate this love.
As an ally, initiate calm, clear, and loving conversations with family members or others who hold opposing views, especially on issues affecting marginalized communities, to foster understanding and shift perspectives.
Support and promote civic education to empower people with knowledge about how local, state, and federal governments impact their lives, thereby increasing voter turnout and engagement.
Consider adopting two new kittens after the loss of one pet, as the care and presence of new animals can help alleviate sadness (the ‘Charlotte’s Web rule’).