Hello, I’m
Nicole Leatherman

I have a ghost.

Receptivity — or open-mindedness — requires more cognitive effort than dogmatism. Receptivity asks you to welcome uncertainty and information you may not align with, which isn’t always easy.

Diet culture has many definitions and nuances. In sum, it’s a set of beliefs that glorifies a so-called “perfect” body size and vilifies people who don’t reflect it.

New York Times bestselling author Jodi Picoult once said, “The human capacity for burden is like bamboo — far more flexible than you'd ever believe at first glance.”

A state of peace is among the most sought-after human experiences. You, like the rest of us, want it, yet you may struggle to achieve it.

Humans are wired to connect. That’s because, at one time, our cooperation with each other enhanced our ability to survive under the harshest of conditions. Although survival threats are far less today, people still desire and need connection.

Research continues to observe a clear connection between presence, focus, and psychological health. Yet, the tug of distractions, unwanted memories, challenging emotions, and rumination can persist, pulling your attention away and making it difficult to cope or concentrate on the present moment.

Sometimes self-trust can be confused with thinking you need to have all the right answers or that you will always make the best decisions. However, self-trust is the solid reliance on your own integrity. It’s believing in and being kind to yourself regardless of outcomes.

Whether your work time ends at 5:01 p.m. or 11 a.m., powering down mentally and physically is a must. The challenge: Relaxing on demand isn’t necessarily intuitive, particularly in our go-go-go society. Although there’s not a single activity that calms all, these ideas are a place to start so you can discover what works best for you.

Productivity tips go down easy. Advice on ways to do less this year? Not so much. And that’s because it’s incredibly difficult to do less. Doing less means being more, and that’s kind of scary for most of us. It requires you to go deeper and get acquainted with yourself and what’s important. Learn some ways to get started.