Sociologists call it a “third space”—a setting outside of your responsibilities where you can simply be. It might be your neighborhood library, your church, a pottery studio, the climbing gym, a quiet bench in your favorite park. It doesn’t have to be fancy. It just has to feel like yours.

If you’re holding back because you’re burned out, stuck in perfectionism, or feeling like it’s too loud out there to add your voice—I see you. You’re not wrong to feel overwhelmed. You’re not weak for needing support. But your voice still matters.

Many of us know the feeling: your brain is brilliant and infuriating, full of ideas and doubts, dreams and distractions. Some days, it’s like trying to complete a project with a partner who shows up late, changes the topic halfway through, and wants snacks instead of solutions.

This is especially true for creatives—for people who live inside their minds more than most. That inner world can be rich and imaginative, but also chaotic and self-critical. One moment you’re brimming with purpose, the next you’re googling “quiet jobs in the forest where no one will ask me to self-promote.”

We’re constantly navigating external pressures that impact how we feel, how much we give, and how much we have left to give. But here’s the important part: Burnout doesn’t have to be the end. While some factors might be out of our control, there are ways we can reclaim our energy, happiness, and joy.

Burnout is real, and it affects more people than we realize. It can be especially tough for people who are driven, passionate, and always giving their best. If this resonates with you, remember: you’re not alone, and there’s no shame in acknowledging it. Burnout isn’t a sign of weakness, but rather a signal that your body and mind need rest, realignment, and support.

Your purpose is like the compass guiding you through life, while your goals are the individual steps that move you in the direction of that greater purpose.

When you have a clear sense of purpose, your goals become more than just tasks to check off—they become meaningful, connected actions that align with your bigger vision.

The good news is, there’s no one “right” goal to choose. But there is a way to figure out what makes the most sense for you, right now.

Let’s walk through it together.

When goal setting doesn’t seem to be working, it’s usually not because you’re doing something wrong—it’s because something about the goal, the timing, or the approach needs adjusting. Let’s talk about what to do when you feel like you’ve hit a wall.

Measurable goals give your efforts shape. They help you track your momentum. And they can be surprisingly motivating—especially when you pair them with self-compassion and flexibility.

Goals, when done well, give your desires a shape. They create a sense of focus. They help you notice progress, even when it’s incremental. And—maybe most importantly—they help you make choices about how to spend your time, rather than letting the demands of the day make those choices for you.

When overwhelmed, what to do and where to start. Pratical tips for overwhelmed health care workers, writers, caregivers and other professionals.

60 writing prompts to help get the creative wheels turning.

If you’re someone who thrived on the external motivation of NaNoWriMo but found yourself struggling once the month ended—or if the fast-paced approach left you overwhelmed—there’s another way.

If you’ve ever felt stuck—truly unable to see what’s next—you’re not alone. Many creatives, healthcare workers, and professionals reach a point where they feel drained, directionless, or trapped by indecision. The path ahead is unclear, and the problem itself is so big it’s hard to even imagine what life beyond it looks like.

The beautiful paradox I've discovered is that by having these pressure-free creative spaces in my life, I've become more resilient and innovative in other aspects of my life. It's as if these joy buffers create a psychological safety net, allowing me to take bigger risks and stay grounded even when life gets unpredictable or chaotic.

If you’ve been feeling drained by your own creative work, you’re not the only one. It happens to so many of us. But the pressure, the overthinking, the self-doubt? They don’t have to stay in control.

Those insights emerge because your brain has already been doing the work—showing up, engaging with ideas, and laying the groundwork for connections to form. Then when you release the pressure valve on them, they’re able to simmer and turn into something delightful. 

The cornerstones of centenarian cuisine? Beans, beans, and more beans! Fava, black, soy, and lentils are the unsung heroes of the Blue Zones diet. They’re like the Swiss Army knife of nutrition — packed with fiber, protein, and nutrients.

The centenarians in Blue Zones show us that when we become part of something larger than ourselves, we create a legacy that extends beyond our individual existence.

Think of downshifting not as another item on your to-do list, but as an invitation to return to a more natural rhythm of life.