I am not responsible. I am giving, thoughtful, and aware, but I am not responsible. I don’t have any reason to be available other than assumptions and expectations. I am worthy despite my shortcomings. I don’t owe anyone anything.

Remember to slow down. Take in the moment, sit in the moment. In this hustle and grind culture, it’s okay to be soft and mindful. Appreciate the mundane and quiet. But also embrace the ebb and flow. Peace always wins.

It’s not all or nothing. Doing something positive or productive half-ass is better than not doing anything at all. I need to let go of perfection. I need to be more kind to myself and my shortcomings. I need to be okay with what my body and soul will allow. Something is better than suffering.

I am not responsible. I don’t have to fix it. I do not have the solution to every problem. I am not a martyr. I am not a savior. I am worthy despite all of the above.

Women’s health is so drastically under-studied. If the things I went through every month were experienced by a man—there would be a convenient, straightforward solution by now.

Hi, my name is Kristen and I often intellectualize my feelings/thoughts instead of being my authentic self. I have so far to go, but grateful I can see what I’m lacking.

It’s hard to be empathetic and others-focused in a selfish and egocentric world. Most people can’t see further than their own nose and are offended when someone brings attention otherwise. Some days I wish I could be more like the latter, but I know my disposition has a purpose—even if it’s simple.

We social workers deserve more compensation than we get. We navigate so much. Other disciplines have no clue what we do, yet they feel emboldened to interject their biased beliefs and morals—almost always lacking a holistic approach. Do better.

Fat people are conditioned by society to focus on their weight and not much else. We are constantly forced to think about losing weight and not being good enough, rather than living a joyful life. You are enough. You deserve joy. You make the world better. Don’t sell yourself short.