Posts by Ian Emorsson
What Is Metacogstate?
What Is Metacogstate? Metacogstate is awareness of both your thinking and the internal state shaping it. It combines two kinds of recognition: awareness of what your mind is doing; awareness of the condition from which your mind is doing it. You may notice: “I am assuming the worst.” That is metacognitive awareness. You may then…
Read MoreIs It Too Late to Start Again? A CalmGuide for Your 50s and 60s
Is It Too Late to Start Again in Your 50s or 60s? There can be a strange pressure that arrives in your 50s or 60s. You may not feel old. You may not feel finished. You may not feel ready to retire, slow down completely, or accept that your best contribution is behind you. But…
Read MoreWhy Do I Doubt Myself So Much?
Why Do I Doubt Myself So Much? Self-doubt can make even simple choices feel heavy. You may question what you think. You may question what you feel. You may question whether you are capable. You may question whether you are making too much of something. You may question whether other people know better than you.…
Read MoreWhat to Do When Your Mind Feels Full
What to Do When Your Mind Feels Full Sometimes your mind feels full before the day has properly begun. Not full in a useful way. Full in a crowded way. There may be too many thoughts. Too many things to remember. Too many unfinished tasks. Too many decisions waiting. Too many conversations replaying. Too many…
Read MoreWhat Is Procrastination?
What Is Procrastination? Procrastination is often described as putting things off. You know there is something to do. You know it matters. You may even know that delaying will make life harder later. And still, you do not begin. Or you begin, then avoid returning to it. Or you wait until the pressure becomes impossible…
Read MoreWhat Is the “Let Them” Craze All About?
What Is the “Let Them” Craze All About? The phrase “Let Them” has become a powerful self-help idea. At its simplest, it means this: Let people do what they are going to do. Let them have their opinions. Let them make their choices. Let them misunderstand. Let them leave. Let them be disappointed. Let them…
Read MoreWhy Do I Feel Tense Even When Nothing Is Wrong?
Why Do I Feel Tense Even When Nothing Is Wrong? It can feel confusing to feel tense when nothing obvious is wrong. There may be no immediate crisis. No clear threat. No dramatic problem. No visible reason for your body to feel alert. And yet, something in you feels braced. Your shoulders may feel tight.…
Read MoreMy Life Feels Like a Mess. How Do I Start Again?
My Life Feels Like a Mess. How Do I Start Again? There are times when life does not feel difficult in one clear, manageable way. It feels difficult everywhere. Work is uncertain. Money is worrying. The house is disorganised. Relationships feel strained. Your health, habits or motivation have slipped. You are behind on things…
Read MoreWhat Is Metacognition—and Can It Help Me Think More Clearly?
What Is Metacognition—and Can It Help Me Think More Clearly? You may have noticed yourself doing it without knowing that it had a name. You catch a thought and wonder why it appeared. You question whether you are seeing a situation clearly. You notice that you keep reaching the same conclusion, even though it…
Read MoreHow Do I Stop People-Pleasing Without Feeling Guilty?
How Do I Stop People-Pleasing Without Feeling Guilty? People-pleasing can feel kind from the outside. You say yes. You make things easier. You avoid causing upset. You keep the peace. You try to be helpful, agreeable and easy to be around. But inside, it may feel more complicated. You may feel tired. You may feel…
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