Written for Psychology Today, this article shares some research on the importance of community and support, and recounts the Buddhist fable of Kisa Gotami.

In the story, Kisa Gotami approaches the Buddha for medicine to help her deceased child. The Buddha agrees to help, and asks her to collect for him a mustard seed from every family in the village who has never experienced grief or loss.

What one thing did you notice today that was worth noticing?

How can I find a voice within myself that is helpful, supportive, and kind, when my default self-talk is so harsh, critical, condescending, and judgmental?

I certainly don’t deny the dopamine-rich pleasure of achievement and its ability to validate some standard of success, but when I review the moments in my life that glow brightest in my chest, I must confess that none have been achievements. In fact, none had to do with doing anything.