How should I reward myself?

How should I reward myself after making significant academic progress?
How should I reward myself after making significant academic progress?

Maybe it is because my Mom is a sea wall, but my favorite incentive is a trip to the beach. Any time of year is good; now would be perfect! Congratulations on making significant academic progress.

How to maintain a romantic relationship when two people have completely different political values? Thanks!

How to maintain a romantic relationship when two people have completely different political values? Thanks!
How to maintain a romantic relationship when two people have completely different political values? Thanks!

That can be challenging! But also potentially rewarding. The thing to do is talk about underlying values: what moral/ethical values lead each of you to your political positions? You might find common ground in those underlying values, even if the path to achieving them is different.

Do I reconcile with a friend?

So, do I reconcile with a friend if our values have drastically changed?
So, do I reconcile with a friend if our values have drastically changed?

Friendships can be the most life-giving relationships but if the relationship has changed so that both people are no longer contributing, then it might not be a friendship anymore. It is ultimately up to you to determine if you think the friendship is worth fighting for and rebuilding, or if you want to give it time or let it go.

How do I finish all my work?

How do I finish all my work and sleep for 8 hours a day?
How do I finish all my work and sleep for 8 hours a day?

These are terrific goals! Sounds like Academic Coaching at the Connors Family Learning Center (bit.ly/BC-connors) would be just the ticket – why not give them a try…

I wanna chat with you

I wanna chat with you but I have social phobia. What should I do?
I wanna chat with you but I have social phobia. What should I do?

Changing formats like this is a great idea. Maybe try texting if talking in person is too scary? You could also try changing situations. Maybe a quiet place? Maybe a small group instead of a large one? Or maybe bring a friend to make you feel more secure? It’s all good. Figure out what’s comfortable for you.

Will Russia win?

Will Russia win?
Will Russia win?

It is anyone’s guess how this will end, but I fear there is very little “win” in most scenarios. I am heartbroken over the destruction and loss of life.

Why doesn’t she like me?

Why doesn't she like me? Why am I not enough for her? :(
Why doesn’t she like me? Why am I not enough for her? 🙁

Super disappointing when someone you like doesn’t feel the same way, my sympathy. There are a million possible reasons why two people don’t connect, but zero of them are a judgment of whether you are “enough”. You are fine as you are.

How to live?

How to live? Tips and tricks
How to live? Tips and tricks

I’m a Wall, and my answer would be simply to be surrounded by as many people as possible that I can support (and get to know!), which means I couldn’t be happier right now. I asked my Library helpers too and they have lots of ideas:

  • Good friends
  • Even if things seem grim, be optimistic.
  • Therapy
  • Live with wonder, humility, gratitude, and transparency. Also, love generously and be quick to forgive.
  • Laugh often, find moments in the day for reflection.
  • Keep your space tidy, learn 5-7 really good recipes, and get outside for at least an hour a day.
  • Spend time in the sunshine
  • Get out in nature any time you can!
  • Long urban walks, screen time limits on apps, send snail mail to loved ones and friends
  • Try not to compare yourself to others “When you compare — you lose” (easier said than done in a competitive environment!) Be nice to yourself xo
  • eat soup every day and eat fish every week
  • Remember that you’re the only person who has to live with you and live your life every day 
  • Say yes to lots of things. Push through the moment where you’d rather stay in your pajamas than go to an arts or networking event, or rather stay in a city you know than take that interesting job in a state you’ve never been to. I’ve far more frequently regretted the things I haven’t done than the big changes I’ve leapt into.
  • “No legacy is so rich as honesty.” -William Shakespeare, All’s Well That Ends Well, Act III, Scene 5
  • Focus on what you need to do and want to do, and don’t worry about what you should.
  • Put chips in sandwiches. 
  • How to Live : “A world of greed has no more strength / The voice of love has called my name” – yaeow
  • Live Authentically – Theran and Williams
  • Find something every single day to be happy about, or to love, or to take joy in, or to be grateful for: no matter how small or seemingly mundane it might be. Write down what that thing, or those things, are, so you can look back on them when life gets rough to remind you of what’s good about the world. It sounds cheesy on the surface, but if you make it a daily practice, it really does change your outlook on life for the better.
  • Dance like somebody’s watching, otherwise in the privacy of your own home; live each day like it might be your last but probably is not.