8 Comments
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Dr. Nicole Mirkin's avatar

I like how you point to flexibility and presence as strength instead of constant self-improvement. It makes space for being real without turning every feeling into a problem to solve. That kind of freedom feels far more sustainable than chasing another version of “better.”

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

In a world that has taught us that hurried is normal, presence is something we can all practice. One breath at a time, being here now.

Denise Servais's avatar

There’s a lot of wisdom here. Thanks for sharing.

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

It’s my pleasure. Thanks for reading 🙏🏻💗

Red Blue Iris's avatar

This reminds me of something I wrote a while ago... unconditional love is the ultimate ego death. You could say allowing yourself to be you in your entirety is in essence happiness, and in interpersonal relationships when someone allows you to be you in your entirety and is fully present with your emotions that is true love. Resisting yourself creates suffering so love more. :-)

Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

I couldn’t agree more. Thanks for sharing.

Chad Christensen's avatar

A thoughtful reflection on how easily growth-oriented language can become another form of pressure. As someone working in forensic psychology, I often see a similar dynamic in clinical settings where people interpret normal emotional experiences as evidence that something is “wrong.” Your point that the pursuit of happiness can become a rigid standard rather than a lived experience is particularly compelling. Allowing space for the full range of human emotion is often where genuine insight and change actually begin.

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Jan 25
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Nikki Kountouriotis's avatar

It’s typically comes down to fear and control. But it stays hidden until we look at the deeper motivation behind why we do what we do and what is the belief underneath it. If you feel called, come back and let me know what comes up for you when contemplating the questions.