#Resilience Development

[mentalhealthperformance]

Competing at the collegiate level demands more than physical prowess—it requires mental toughness. Developing resilience and a strong mindset can significantly enhance an athlete’s performance and overall well-being.

[adviceformefromme]

How to win this month…

Speaking life into yourself daily, no more judging yourself because you didn’t go for a run, or wake up at 5am. Choosing to love yourself unconditionally. Choosing to write those affirmations and stick them on the bathroom mirror, choosing to infuse your mind with loving, kindness, gratitude and all that yummy stuff on an hourly basis.

Focus on move the needle tasks. You want to write that book, loose 100 lbs, compete in the Olympics - whatever is your PRIMARY goal in life (and choose the primary one only), focus 100% on that task. Creating momentum around this one thing each and every day. Your primary goal should be your only focus. Secondary goals, are irrelevant. Nothing comes above your PRIMARY GOAL, and doing small little tasks each day to support this is how you make progress.

Organised days. As much as the feminine loves, flow, ease, loose unstructured days this truly does not bag you the life of your dreams. Break your day into 4 hour blocks, setting tasks in each block from when you wake up to the evening. This allows organised, focused, and productive days.

Using your resources wisely, if you��re still recovering financially from xmas, or on some kind of budget, ensure you spend wisely. Choosing health over aesthetic, choosing the Pilates membership over the designer trainers. The intolerance test over the sculpting facial. Investing in the inside before the outside is a priority. Making smarter financial decisions from a place of inner love.

Main character energy. Putting yourself first on a whole new level. No more thinking about the guy who you’re not even dating, no more putting mental energy into anything other than becoming your very best self. Period. If it’s taking mental energy from your purpose , from those move the needle tasks, from your organised days, from spending wisely. RE-ALIGN, create space and re-centre and get back on the track. We're winning the race this year.

[mecachrome]

Alex Albon for High Performance

It was this weird thing, because — for example with Yuki, I wanted to take his seat! He was a potential candidate that I could replace. And I remember having that chat with Helmut Marko, and he told me at the time, "You need to driver-coach this guy." And I was like, "I'm not going to. That's a potential seat." And he said, "No, he's already signed. He's guaranteed." So I was like (throws hands), "Okay, fine. Then I'll help him."

[artmindlens]

The Son of Man by René Magritte (1964)

The Psychology of Transgression and Guilt Magritte’s The Son of Man immediately captivates with its two central symbols: the apple and the figure’s formal attire. The apple, suspended in front of the man’s face, evokes not only the biblical narrative of Eden but also the Oedipal Complex, where transgression against the father’s law leads to guilt. In the biblical tale, Adam consumes the forbidden fruit offered by Eve, symbolizing the birth of self-awareness, shame, and the burden of guilt. In this painting, the man’s face is concealed behind the apple, echoing the unresolved guilt from that original transgression.

From a psychoanalytic perspective, the apple mirrors the child’s desire for the mother and the violation of paternal boundaries, evoking the tension between desire and punishment. Before consuming the apple, Adam was unaware of his nakedness, just as the child, before transgressing paternal laws, is innocent of their own desires. Magritte’s man, in contrast, is fully dressed—his body covered by a formal suit, suggesting an overcompensation for that earlier transgression. His attire, like the suit of a corporate leader, represents conformity to societal rules and the defensive structures built to contain one’s hidden impulses.

However, it’s the apple that holds the deepest psychological weight. By hiding the man’s face—his core of identity and expression—it creates a psychological tension between the desire to be seen and the fear of being exposed. For a leader or executive, this speaks to the unconscious burden carried beneath the polished exterior, where the drive for success is continually shaped by the fear of transgression and the guilt of overstepping social or professional boundaries.

The Suit as a Symbol of Conformity and Defense The man’s formal attire serves as more than just a uniform of professionalism—it becomes a psychological defense. The suit, much like the hat perched atop his head, symbolizes social status and conformity, a way to signal adherence to the expectations of society, much like corporate leaders navigate the demands of shareholders, regulatory bodies, and industry norms. Yet, behind this polished exterior, the apple remains—a reminder that no matter how much we align ourselves with social structures, the hidden burden of guilt and the desire to transgress still linger beneath the surface.

Leaders who resonate with this painting might feel an unconscious connection to this duality of identity. On one hand, they must project a facade of control, success, and conformity. On the other, they may grapple with the weight of unresolved guilt from past decisions or actions—choices that, like the apple, remain hidden from public view but deeply influence their sense of self.

Transgression, Authority, and the Pursuit of Power The Oedipal Complex present in this work also extends into the realms of power and authority. The apple, symbolizing forbidden desire, creates a tension with the suit, a marker of societal success and control. For those drawn to this painting, it may evoke a subconscious acknowledgment of the transgressive impulses that often drive ambition—the desire to challenge authority and push past boundaries, while simultaneously seeking approval from the very structures they seek to defy.

For executives or professionals who might display this work, The Son of Man serves as a psychological mirror, reflecting the internal struggles faced in their journey toward leadership. The fear of exposure, the guilt of transgression, and the need for external validation all intertwine within the image. It reminds us that no matter how elevated one becomes in status or authority, the unconscious drive to rebel and the weight of guilt are never fully erased.

The Apple as the Unconscious Burden of Guilt At its core, the apple not only hides the man’s face but represents the guilt of wanting more—more power, more success, more control. In leadership, this often translates into a continuous striving for achievement while carrying the fear of overstepping boundaries. The man’s face, hidden yet central, reminds us that in the pursuit of success, there is always a part of the self that remains concealed—driven by past transgressions and the desire to surpass societal limitations.

For those drawn to this painting, it could signal an unconscious recognition of the cost of ambition—that the pursuit of power, while necessary, also comes with a burden of guilt and the need to reconcile one’s hidden desires with public expectations.

[bookishdiplodocus]

Beat your imposter syndrome and self-doubt on your personal Hero’s Journey

You probably know the Hero’s Journey popularized by Joseph Campbell, the basic structure for many beloved stories. A hero gets called to action, enters an unknown world, faces challenges and temptations, fails, learns what they need to change, applies said new insights, et voilà: success.

I just realized you can apply this to your imposter syndrome and self-doubt. Many of you feel (or fear) you don’t have the skills to bring your big, new project to an end. I’m here to tell you: you don’t need to.

The hero at the beginning of the story doesn’t have what it takes to bring their journey to a successful end. It’s the journey itself that transforms the character into someone who has what it takes to finish it. The character at the end of the journey is not the same as the character at the beginning of the journey.

So start ambitious projects that you feel underqualified for. It’s not imposter syndrome or writer’s block. You're in the challenges and temptations phase of your journey. Don’t let them hold you back. Let them transform you. Identify the skills you need to acquire to make your journey into a success. Learn. Practise. You’re not “not good enough”—you’re on your Hero’s Journey and you’re on the threshold of your transformation phase.

(I told my husband about this idea and he played Don't stop believin' by Journey. Per-fection.)

If this helped you, you might want to take a look at the rest of my writing advice.

Now go tackle your dream!

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

Growth isn’t always constant. Relapses happen. It doesn’t erase all your success.

[storytellerslense]

JJ Maybank character analysis

The meaning of the gun

"I got this thing, you know, to protect us" (JJ Maybank, Season 1, Episode 3)

At the start of the Pilot we see JJ Maybank as a funny, imaginative, rebellious guy who, although doesn't really think through the consequences of his actions, seems quite harmless.

However, his personality becomes a bit darker and erratic after he steals a loaded gun. He gets literally obsessed with always carrying it around and, to the dismay of the Pogues, does not hesitate to show it off for intimidation.

The possession of the gun holds a deep symbolic meaning for JJ Maybank, which goes far beyond the simple necessity of self-defense. Psychologically it can be described as "compensation" and a "defense mechanism." These terms describe how individuals use symbolic objects or behaviors to cope with inner conflicts or to make up for a lack of control in their lives.

The gun as a symbol for power and control

For JJ, who grows up in an environment where he has little control over his own life and safety, the gun symbolizes the opportunity to regain control. The gun gives him the feeling that he can protect himself and his friends.

Also, JJ is the one who faces the most oppression from many sides—whether it's from his abusive father, societal stigmas, or conflicts with the Kooks. Owning a gun represents a form of power that he otherwise lacks. It serves as a means for him to defend himself against those who oppress him.

In a powerful scene in Season 1, JJ points the gun at his abusive father and later breaks down crying to his friends: "I can't take it anymore... I was gonna kill him!"

The gun as an expression of JJ's inner conflicts

JJ's decision to possess a gun is an expression of his inner anger and desperation. The weapon represents his deep-seated frustration and his drive to combat the feelings of helplessness that overwhelm him due to his familial and social circumstances. It also expresses JJ's self-destructive tendencies. His willingness to take extreme measures highlights the depth of his emotional pain and despair.

The gun as a proof of coming of age

For JJ, forced to grow up early due to parentification, the gun also symbolizes his claim to independence and maturity. It is a means through which he can prove himself as capable and adult, someone who can protect himself and others.

Because he is often not taking seriously, JJ believes that possessing a gun will earn him more respect. It is an attempt to strengthen his position in the social hierarchy and assert his autonomy.

"(...) Remind you that I am the only one who can properly defend us." (JJ Maybank, Season 1)

The key moment of JJ losing his weapon

In "Outer Banks" Season 2, Episode 4 JJ Maybank finally gives up his weapon. It happens when the Pogues are about to get cornered by the police. JJ brandishes his gun in order to assert control over the situation. Recognizing this, John B steps in by assertively taking the gun out of JJ's hand, letting it fall to the ground, gently reassuring him, that he is going to be ok.

This message was extremely important for JJ, lifting the heavy weight of responsibility finally off his shoulders. JJ, being usually prepared to constantly put his own life on the line for the well-being of his father or his friends in order to "earn" their love and respect, was now protected and guided himself by his best friend.

"It's gonna be alright." (John B., Season 2, Episode 4)

After a short moment of indecisiveness and shock, JJ gives in and completes the act by quickly kicking dirt over the gun, so it stays hidden before the police can find it.

This is one of the most powerful, though underrated scenes in Outer Banks, because it really marks a key moment of JJ's personal development. It signifies his willingness to confront his inner demons: giving up control- for once not relying on himself but really trusting someone else's judgement. He is also accepted and cared for without having to proof himself or fulfill someone else's needs beforehand.

[handweavers]

i think more than anything what is stopping me from cutting my hair is that it would really really really upset my mom. like it would make her cry a lot and she would be angry with me for doing it. i think in a way it would actually more acutely bother her than poppy dying which may sound strange but it's true. and she's already sad enough i don't want her to be sad about my hair too. so i'll leave it alone i won't cut my hair. i have more self control than that

[conscious-love]

Change is hardest at the beginning, messiest in the middle and best at the end.

Robin S. Sharma

[thepersonalwords]

Do you want a level of income to fit your lifestyle or a lifestyle to fit your income level?

Miles Anthony Smith, Becoming Generation Flux: Why Traditional Career Planning is Dead: How to be Agile, Adapt to Ambiguity, and Develop Resilience

[riptidekissesblog]

✧hey girlies,

today while i was tanning i came up with this quote. if you enjoy the present moment, your focus will be where it really matters. if you're not enjoying the present moment, what a waste of time!! make little changes to make life more fun! I'll have to make a post soon listing ways to start living in the moment.

love you babe, follow for more༺♥༻∞

[corellianhounds]

I know part of Leia’s character in the original trilogy is rooted in her stoicism in the face of overwhelming odds but her maturity, capability, and levelheadedness on the Death Star and beyond makes her a largely stagnant character over the course of the original trilogy. Her arc in Empire and Return of the Jedi is being able to swallow her pride and start opening up to Han. Han and Luke both go through drastic and notable character arcs over the course of each movie and the trilogy as a whole which makes them dynamic and interesting to watch

Leia doesn’t have to mature or learn anything because she’s already mature. Though it makes sense for her to need and have that as a young senator being thrust into the role of a war general at a young age, we don’t really get a whole lot else from her (which is why I think we’ve had girlboss!Leia as a cultural sticking point and merchandise opportunity for almost fifty years).

For the most part I’m kind of… indifferent to Leia on her own because we don’t really get Leia on her own. In the original movies the biggest part of her character comes from her interactions with Luke and Han, and then she’s responsible for running the Rebellion after that. Personally, I think the most unique and interesting actions we get to see from her come from the Jabba’s palace sequence, starting with her entrance as Boushh and ending with her strangling Jabba the Hutt. The rest of the time we’re seeing her in the context of the war and/or her romance with Han, but not dealing with the larger implications of some of the things specific to her. She and Luke aren’t together much on Endor especially after the sibling/Darth Vader reveal, and her relationship with Han is still one where the two of them are on largely equal ground with each other. She’s allowed to be angry and irritated with and take out her frustrations on him (which to be fair is a kind of vulnerability in itself) because he has the ability to get under her skin and (largely) has the wherewithal to take what she dishes back, and she doesn’t HAVE to play nice with him the way she does the rest of the people under her command. After that, Leia doesn’t get much outside of what she’s doing for other people.

And I get it! There’s only so much story you can tell in two hours! And I know it’s a fairytale, I know these are still stock character tropes within the context of a space opera, and that’s fine! I don’t dislike the movies or Leia because of that, and I would have been fine with her arc being one of a strong-willed, independent, and capable, mature young woman having to learn to rely on the people around her and learn to ask for help and humble herself to the point of vulnerability with the people who care about her IF…

If they had applied those aspects of her character to more than just her romance with Han. We really only get one genuine moment of vulnerability from Leia in the sibling reveal on Endor where she’s distraught and Han finds her. The rest of her emotional moments are still played with the mask of aloofness and control, and while it DOES make sense for that to be necessary of her because of the position she fills within the story and the Rebellion, it does still make her a little bland in terms of character development because we have nothing to contrast that control with.

Stoicism and regality and capability are more impressive when we’ve seen the other side of that spectrum in the character. Leia’s resilience would have been more poignant and impressive and heartbreaking if we’d gotten to see her grapple with things that are beyond her ability to remain stoic about; the two big ones are the destruction of Alderaan, and finding out who her real father is.

I know Luke is the main character of the trilogy. I know there wouldn’t have been time to explore the gravity of those moments with Leia in a meaningful way without the movies being much longer and running the risk of diverting focus from the story Luke was driving, and the movies are, at the end of the day, supposed to be fun. They’re not meant to be hard dramas.

But can you imagine. Can you imagine.

If we’d gotten to see Leia truly devastated by the destruction of Alderaan happening in front of her very eyes. Can you imagine seeing her break free from the guards to run to a massive viewport that makes her look small and powerless against the black void of space, Vader and Tarkin allowing it because they finally have something that’s getting a reaction out of the unflappable princess who has apparently endured hours of torture without giving up the location of the Rebel base. Leia struggling and failing to keep down the rising panic as Tarkin threatens to destroy an entire planet, her home world, family and friends and people she’s known her entire life in imminent danger as the Empire closes in with a battle station the size of a moon.

Her mother and father are down there.

The Sith lord is silent behind her as Imperials around the bridge work with complete indifference to this woman whose home and people they are planning to destroy, Tarkin’s boredom and feigned polite tone of voice asking her again where the rebels are located. Leia hesitates at the window, not looking at any of them, and the smile Tarkin had before dissipates as he orders the men to ready the shot. Leia turns back from the viewport to come halfway back across the bridge, struggling to keep up the front of diplomacy as she lies and tells them the rebel base is on Dantooine, desperately pleading with them to spare Alderaan and praying against all hope that she’s bought them some time.

Tarkin finally looks satisfied. And then he gives the order anyway.

Leia finally breaks as the men around them fire up the laser, her pleading with Tarkin not to do it, to spare her people, she’s given them what they want, she gave up the Rebel Alliance, please, there are billions of people there with nothing to do with the Rebellion, please you can’t do this, please—

The sound of a massive energy surge accompanies a flash of brilliant green light behind her. Leia screams “No!” as she turns and runs back to collide with the viewport, her face stricken in horror as she slams her fist against it in a futile effort to stop them, to do something, to do anything—

But there never was anything she could have done that would have stopped Tarkin’s order. Alderaan is annihilated, an entire planet and people blasted into oblivion by an uncaring Empire.

Leia sinks to the floor in horror, one hand against the window and the other covering her mouth as complete and utter heartbreak plays out across her face. Tarkin motions for two guards to drag her to her feet and they begin to take her away. The Sith Lord and Imperial Moff watch impassively as the princess without clan or kin weeps into her hands for the homeworld she would never have been able to save, no matter what she tried to bargain with.

For the rest of the movie we see Leia seemingly untouchable, calm and in control. Nobody thinks to ask if she’s okay because she never gives them a reason to think otherwise. It’s only when those closest to her find her alone that they see how vulnerable she really is, and it won’t be until she nearly loses them too that the façade starts to break.

[lolliepopper]

walk gently on the

earth for she

is your

medicine

[adviceformefromme]

How do you deal with projects or goals not going as planned? I had perfectly planned the year 2024 and did my best to follow that plan, but so far, everything has gone wrong.

I honestly lack the motivation or the discipline to turn my life around once again.

So things didn’t work out as you planned…And? You just quit on your dreams? You just give up? You just stop trying? That’s not how you win, that’s how you stay stuck…So the choice is yours sweetie. You either do some reflecting and learn from your failures this year (which is actually always the recipe for growth and resilience) or you swirl in the lower frequencies of feeling defeated, victimized, and at a loss?

Life is always, always going to throw you curve balls, and things are always not going to go how you planned because you are not God.

The true power is in how quickly you can pivot, take your L’s, and get back up.. And that is the difference between winning and failing.

My Dms are open if you need more support and guidance xoxox

[blueeyesfilledwithpassion]

Remember, Boundaries

Amen To That. 💙🙏🏼

[northnodal]

i had a revelation that i’ve been trying to protect myself from heartbreak by 1. approaching relationships with cold logic and 2. distancing myself from “passionate” romantic feelings. overall, i’ve been subconsciously keeping my guard up.

i realized that there’s always a risk when dating, but that shouldn’t stop me from leaning into intimacy. i’m more mature now; i possess discernment and self-respect. that’s the best i can do for myself in a relationship—the rest is out of my control.

loving is scary, but it’s better than never loving at all.

and so i am opening myself up.