“Isn’t an anti-optimist just a pessimist?”

No, we are constantly bombarded with the idea that positive thinking will solve our problems. This may sound nice, but unfortunately, positive thinking does not cure cancer, curb addictions, or bring back lost loved ones.

A real, full, human life involves a wide array of emotions, not just the ones that we label as “good.” Our feelings change very frequently. Sometimes they are pleasant, sometimes they feel nearly unbearable. Believing we should only experience “good” emotions is not realistic. Thinking that we must always be happy can be a great burden on our well-being. Many of us do this without realizing it.

It’s easy to look at everyone else with their seemingly perfect, joy-filled lives that fill up social media feeds and wonder, “What’s wrong with me? Why am I the only one struggling?” You are not the only one. You are not alone. This is a false impression encouraged by our modern lifestyle and can lead to profound unhappiness.

My role is to help you figure out how to act according to your values in both the good times and the bad, instead of getting swept away in your emotions.