I used to think something was wrong with me.

Not just in the “my family is difficult” kind of way, but in the way that makes you question your worth down to the bone. I was raised in a household where love came with a price tag and silence was the currency. If you spoke up, you were “too sensitive.” If you set boundaries, you were “ungrateful.” And if you dared to want more—for yourself, for your life—you were selfish.

I never planned to become a caregiver.
But when someone you love needs you, you just step in. No questions. No instructions. No roadmap.

At first, it felt like love in action. I could do hard things. I wanted to help. But over time, the days started blending together. The needs got heavier. The seizures more frequent. The mental fog, deeper. The emotional outbursts, unpredictable.

People expect disability to look a certain way. A cast. A cane. A wheelchair. Something obvious. Something they can point to and say, “Ah, yes. I understand.”

But when it’s invisible—when it’s neurological, or autoimmune, or mental—it’s easy for others to doubt it. And when people doubt it, you start to doubt yourself.

Feeling overwhelmed? According to a new study from Stanford Medicine, there’s an easy, at-home way to help lower your stress level: It’s called cyclic sighing, a controlled breathing exercise that emphasizes long exhalations. What’s more, it can take as little as five minutes to experience less anxiety, a better mood, and even decreased rates of breathing at rest, a sign of overall body calmness.

​Stress is an inherent part of the human experience, serving as the body's natural response to perceived threats or challenges. While short-term stress can be beneficial, motivating us to meet deadlines or escape danger, chronic stress can have profound effects on both the mind and body. Understanding these effects is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.​

Negative thinking is a mental pattern that can trap us in a cycle of self-doubt, stress, and inaction. It can impact our confidence, relationships, and even our physical health. However, like any habit, negative thinking can be unlearned and replaced with healthier, more productive thought patterns. In this article, we’ll explore why breaking free from negative thinking is crucial and actionable strategies to help you cultivate a more positive and resilient mindset.