Since finishing my MAPP (masters in applied positive psychology) degree in August 2019, I’ve been plodding away at this simple website and blog. As I complete this post in March 2022, obviously so much has changed. But upon reflection, it turns out that my reasons for starting this little endeavor are still very much the same.
Keeping up the writing habit. From William James to James Clear, habit formation is paramount to well-being. I’ve also enjoyed writing the most in my life when I was consistently putting words to paper (or characters to screens), although those times were basically limited to graduate school. This blog and website will make sure that I stick to a strong writing habit, and I’m excited to write from inspiration, rather than from assignments.
Sharing ideas. Another thing I miss about being in graduate school and working on HOBY (my youth leadership organization) is the constant sharing of ideas. Whether it is theory, research, or application, I thrive when there’s a daily exchange of new information. Listening to podcasts is fantastic, reading articles is… okay. But I want to be in conversation and connection, so putting my ideas out there in the world is the first step.
Building relationships. Most of my friendships are not those of convenience – the people I’m closest to are scattered around the country and world, and we’re connected more because of shared interests and values rather than shared geography. I’ve also been lucky to develop professional relationships that are similarly based on interest, through NACADA (the global community for academic advising), higher education more broadly, or the larger positive psychology community. Building upon the theme of sharing ideas, I have experienced how powerful building relationships around ideas can be.
Staying accountable in my authenticity. I realized recently – probably not ground-breaking to anyone else – that unless I put words into the world that explain my point of view, no one will actually understand where I’m coming from. I’ve always had the terrible tendency of thinking that folks can read my mind, or assuming that everyone processes experiences in the same way I do. Getting my ideas and perspectives out there on this site helps ensure there’s no lack of clarity about how I think or feel.
Emotional outlet. There are so many experiences of the last two years that I would have processed more productively had I been writing consistently. Like so many others, I’ve spent so much of the pandemic in my head, ruminating and reliving every negative experience and conversation. Writing allows me to name and describe my emotions, a key aspect of well-being.
Please do reach out – I would love to chat with you about ideas, passions, questions, and experiences!
