QUESTIONS OF CALLING

unearthing beauty, mining meaning, and seeking truth

This is a place for anyone who wants more, who is not content to be comfortable, who seeks a life of truth and meaning, not just happiness.

Here, we ask hard questions, tell true stories, and turn life inside out to unearth the ragged beauty within.

I’m honored to have you to join me.

Good Thoughts on Feeling Bad: What If We Stop Chasing Happiness?
emotional health Mara Eller emotional health Mara Eller

Good Thoughts on Feeling Bad: What If We Stop Chasing Happiness?

What if feeling bad sometimes is just part of the human experience rather than something to avoid, fix, or berate oneself about?

As an Enneagram 4, I’m pretty adept at embracing negative emotions (rather than denying, distracting, or quick-fixing). But I am realizing that I’ve nevertheless picked up the habit of feeling guilty or disappointed in myself for having those bad feelings—seeing them as a sign that either I’m doing something wrong with my life or, worse, I’m somehow broken . . .

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Emotional Burnout: Protecting Your Mental Health as an Introvert and Mother

Emotional Burnout: Protecting Your Mental Health as an Introvert and Mother

I’m just gonna say it: Recently, I’ve wondered if having a third child was a mistake.

It has nothing to do with the actual child: our youngest is as sweet and easy as you could hope for, full of toothless grins, adorable squeals, and delighted giggles.

Rather, my doubt has to do with feeling completely overwhelmed and burnt out by the constant stream of needs and emotions that demand my attention. Constant. Even when I’m at work or they’ve all gone to bed, their hypothetical future needs and past emotions are at the forefront of my psyche, buzzing like static, fraying my attention and swamping my heart. . .

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