Posts Tagged ‘Robert Holden’

Strive and Search for What is Here

March 5th, 2011 | 10 Comments »

For the next few months, I’m hyper-focused on my graduate program. This is actually the first time in my life that I’m putting everything, my passion, focus, and dedication into one single goal. It feels strange and incredibly scary to put everything into one bucket — unsure if I’ll succeed, and knowing that if I don’t succeed, I can’t blame it on not giving my all (a clutch I’ve had in the past when juggling multiple big goals at once).

I want to document this time as much as I can on this blog so the journey doesn’t become too isolated (I’m writing this on a Saturday night in between working, so the isolation thing is already happening) and to be able to regain some perspective of the bigger picture. Oh yes, and of course (silly me!), to possibly connect with others who may be feeling a similar way or can relate to something within my ramblings. I know how important it is for me to read someone’s words and feel for a moment that I’m not alone on this journey and I’m not doing everything completely wrong — others are out there trying, failing, trying, and failing, but learning and persevering.


I love this quote and image found via pinterest. The words are by Robert Holden. If you haven’t read any of Robert Holden’s work, please do so — his wisdom on happiness is unparalleled. And beyond that he is a genuinely incredible person. I’ll always be grateful for his support during my book’s launch and for staying in touch every since to offer support and guidance on my unfolding journey.

… and I turned another year older on Tue March 1st! I’m officially 26 :)

… while I may not be able to respond to all comments, I read each and every one, more than once — and cannot tell you how much strength they give me when the going gets rough. sending you a big virtual hug for your support and for sharing your thoughts with me during this more vulnerable time.

Are you doing too much?

July 16th, 2009 | 13 Comments »

Overworked & Asleep

How often do you think to yourself, “I really need more to do?”

It is natural for most passionate people to fill their buckets with a bit too much at some point in their lives. Well, since it’s natural, does that mean we should just push forward and ignore our current state? Our rational selves would likely answer, “No!” So intellectually, we know we should be doing less. Still, that knowledge doesn’t translate easily into change.

Personally, I justify doing “too much” because I feel I have no other options. Soon enough, I become stuck in a cycle, thinking that I simply have to deal with the pressure and get through that particular episode. Of course, thoughts like those leave me feeling pretty defeated. Add to those the opposing thoughts of “I really am doing too much,” and you’ve created a pretty strong opposing team. Why? Because none of these thoughts give you any insight into how you can turn that knowledge into change; that is, without moving to a deserted island with no Internet service. Unfortunately, that’s not really an option for me right now.

Negativity feeds negativity, which leaves one with precious little internal strength. Because of that conundrum, we’re often left feeling helpless and continue doing “too much” just because we don’t know what else to do.

An Alternative Perspective

A quote by Robert Holden offers us a different way to consider our options:

As we become even more strongly addicted to the pursuit of happiness, we are in no way prepared for happiness when it arrives.

Will you let the pursuit of what you’re doing (which is almost always too much) conceal your ability to enjoy life and the fruits of your work? Well, if you value internal happiness, you won’t let this happen. So how do you create the space you need and room enough to breathe without dropping everything?

The Hardest Part

Many times, I’ve resisted thinking about this question by responding quickly, “I don’t have a clue!” In reality, however, we know exactly what we must do. It’s just a struggle to actually do it.

Answer these questions as honestly as you can.

-> Why are you doing too much? In other words, what are the goals of this work?
-> What can you sacrifice to create the breathing room you need?

Then comes the hard part; actually making the required sacrifice.

Is it worth it? Well, that’s for you to decide. For me, the answer is a resounding, “Yes!”

Each week, I post on Psychology Today and the Huffington Post. To read the most recent posts, please click the links below. I greatly appreciate your support!
Huffington Post – 10 Ways to Nourish Your Inner Zen: Part Two
Psychology Today – How to Take on a Daunting Project