In a world that celebrates success and achievement, acknowledging the less glamorous side of life can feel like an act of rebellion. We're conditioned to share our wins, to curate a highlight reel that projects an image of seamless success. It’s easy to feel like we're the only ones navigating those times when things just aren't clicking—what I playfully like to call "flop seasons."

In 2023 I completely stopped filming YouTube videos and made a small handful of social media posts. And while I did manage to share a newsletter with you from time to time, you may have noticed even that has been pretty inconsistent. I didn’t have any major life crisis to speak of or some tragedy going on behind the scenes.

So, we often see the holidays as this magical time filled with joy, twinkling lights, and the smell of gingerbread everywhere. But let's keep it real—not everyone's jamming to the same holiday tune. If the festive vibes aren't vibing, it doesn't mean that you’re a total grinch.. Today let's dive into how to navigate this season when everyone expects you to be jolly, even when you're not feeling it.

I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving… with so much going on in the world I wanted to acknowledge that you might have a lot going on too. We’re almost into the final month of the year and for me, it’s a natural time for self-reflection. So often I find myself feeling badly for all the things that didn’t happen for me in the past 12 months. I’m not proud of it, but I also know that some of you might be feeling the same way too.

OMG, Thanksgiving week is here! While it's a time for gratitude and togetherness, it can also be SUPER overwhelming. Whether it's the stress of preparing a ginormous turkey for 50 people, the anticipation of spending time with family, or the pressure to go shopping for the perfect gifts, this week can take a toll on your mental health. But not to worry, I’ve got you! Here are some tips on how to not only survive Thanksgiving week but also keep your mental health intact.

Holidays are supposed to be a time of togetherness, laughter, and warmth, right? But for many, the reality is far from the picture-perfect scenes we see in movies and on social media. If you've ever found yourself struggling with challenging family dynamics during the holidays, whether due to a parent's mental illness, a lack of emotional support, or simply disappointing holiday experiences, know this – you're not alone. Let's talk about three ways to find comfort and guidance during the holiday season when family isn't what you'd hoped for.

Can I be completely honest with you for a second? I am not the biggest fan of Halloween; it’s just not my thing. As a kid, I was afraid of the dark, and watching scary movies was never my preferred way to pass the time. In fact, I remember "The Blair Witch Project" giving me nightmares for days because that shaky camera work made it feel a little too real (shoutout to the fellow millennials who know what I mean 😬).

As we dive headfirst into the cozy and pumpkin-spiced season of fall, it's a great time to shift our focus toward self-care. Just like the leaves change color and the weather cools down, our mental health needs some TLC too. (And is it just me, or does this season completely lend itself to cozy self-care time?) In the spirit of the season, let's chat about how you can embrace fall as the ideal time for self-care without the need for spooky or intimidating routine.

October is more than just pumpkin spice lattes and fall leaves—it's Filipino American History Month, a time to honor the vibrant culture, rich heritage, and inspiring stories of the Filipino American community. As someone who wears the hats of both a psychologist and a proud how Filipina American, I wanted to share with you about the links between our cultural history and mental well-being.

Happy World Mental Health Day! 🌟 Today, we're celebrating something truly essential - our mental wellbeing. It's a chance to honor all things mental health, share stories, and remind ourselves that it's okay not to be okay sometimes.

I signed on for a project two years ago that was something I never dreamt I’d get the chance to be a part of. After much thoughtful effort alongside an amazing team of contributors, it’s finally made its way into the world: my very first workbook and journal!

Do you have a big goal you want to achieve but you're feeling a bit discouraged about how to tackle it? Or are you excited about a task you've set out to accomplish and you want to set yourself up for success? Let's dive into what you need to know about setting effective goals and forming habits to help you bring your vision to life.

As World Suicide Prevention Day approaches on September 10, 2023, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of raising awareness about suicide prevention and supporting those who may be struggling with their mental health.

You've just returned from the vacation of your dreams. Whether you were sipping Mai Tais on a sandy beach, indulging in croissants at a charming sidewalk cafe, or swimming with dolphins in crystal clear waters, those memories feel like a far off dream now. As you settle back into your regular routine, the post-vacation blues have crept in, and the contrast between the magic of your vacation and the demands of everyday life feels jarring. Can't work just understand that it's disrespectful to expect you to return to the mundane after such enchanting experiences?

Remember that feeling of anticipation when you landed your new job?

You were brimming with optimism, envisioning a perfect work environment where your skills would truly be appreciated, and your career would soar to new heights. You had all the hope in the world that your boss was going to love you and you’d get along like old friends. However, as time went on, you realized that your job wasn't quite what you had imagined it to be. The initial excitement faded, leaving you feeling disappointed and unsure of how to cope with this unexpected reality.

We all know that famous song by Barbara Streisand, "People who need people are the luckiest people in the world." And it's true, human connection is an essential aspect of our well-being, and having friends can bring immense joy and fulfillment to our lives. If you’re ever wished you had friends or felt the pang of loneliness, you know exactly how valuable it is to have people to share life with and lean on when times get tough.

Life is a rollercoaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and unexpected detours. As we journey through it, we may catch ourselves playing the comparison game, measuring our progress against others and feeling like we're falling behind. Witnessing friends and loved ones reach milestones like successful careers, marriage, or starting families can make us question our own paths and lead to feelings of inadequacy.

Making new friends can feel daunting and overwhelming, even more so as an adult. Whether you're starting over in a new city, or just realizing you want more connection in your life, it's normal to feel a bit nervous or unsure. Even if you’re usually super confident and outgoing, there are times when putting yourself out there can feel clunky and awkward.