It’s 2018, I’m crossing an American border, entering the country with my new Green Card for the very first time. After residing in the US for three years, the moment has finally come when I can afford to revisit my hometown in Kazakhstan without the constant concern of uncertain travel parole. This time, a sense…
Liberating Ourselves from Guilt: Embracing Aspirations and Cultivating Freedom
In our journey through life, it is not uncommon to encounter moments of despair and inadequacy, especially when we feel unable to accomplish all the things we believe we should. This overwhelming sense of depression and guilt can stem from a demanding inner voice that constantly reminds us of our unmet expectations. However, upon closer…
Mastering New Skills: Navigating the Challenges of Transitioning Professions
Embarking on a journey to change professions and learn new skills from scratch can be a daunting and transformative experience. Similar to how children learn fundamental skills, such as walking and talking, individuals transitioning to unfamiliar professions must navigate the complexities of skill formation. To effectively master new abilities and adapt to novel roles, we…
Mastering Self-Discipline: Unveiling the Secrets to Overcoming Resistance
We all face moments when we must tackle tasks we find difficult, unpleasant, or outright resist. Whether it’s starting a new exercise routine, studying for an exam, or facing a challenging project at work, we often struggle to muster the motivation to take action. In such instances, relying solely on willpower may not be enough…
“Nobody loves me”. The Journey to Healing: Nurturing Love Within
Realizing that there is a lack of love in one’s life can be a profoundly painful experience. However, by understanding two different models of experiencing love, we can begin to address this emotional void. The child’s perspective, where love is received, and the mature perspective, where love is given, offer valuable insights. It is essential…
Rethinking Responsibility: Moving Beyond Guilt and Embracing Agency
Introduction Responsibility is a complex concept that carries different meanings for different individuals. While some perceive responsibility as synonymous with guilt, others view it as simply doing things right. However, these interpretations can lead to either overwhelming burdens or a fear of taking responsibility altogether, ultimately limiting personal agency and growth. In this article, we will explore the…
The Creative Trap: Unraveling the Link Between Depression and Creativity
The notion that depression and creativity are intertwined has long been a topic of interest. While popular belief suggests that depressed individuals possess a heightened creative capacity, cognitive theory challenges this perspective. According to cognitive theory, emotions can arise without a specific cause, leading individuals to search for outlets to experience and channel these emotions.…
Navigating the Painful Journey of Losing a Parent in Adulthood
The loss of a parent is an indescribable pain that transcends age, impacting individuals even in their adult years. The death of a parent often triggers a complex process of separation, typically experienced during childhood. However, when this separation process is initiated in adulthood, it becomes more agonizing and less socially accepted. Adult children, in…
If Antidepressants Don’t Work
I decided to write this article as a response to the many cases I encounter when antidepressants don’t help people with a diagnosed major depressive disorder. For these people the situation when drugs fail to produce relief from this debilitating experience is dire, but it doesn’t have to be. The hopelessness and helplessness that set…
What I Struggle With Most as a Life Coach
The hardest part of coaching for me has always been this: “believe in your clients’ success”. Success in this mantra would usually take the form of wealth, popularity, impressive career, luxury lifestyle… The type of superficial, egocentric, consumeristic “successful success”. I always struggled with the idea of “empowering clients” for something like this, and not…