Reading — Sep 28–Oct 4

Sep 28 — Mind Over Mood

Chapter 2 — Understanding Your Problems

In this chapter, the authors mentioned that how we understand our problems has an effect on how we cope with them. They encourage us to reflect on our lives from five different perspectives. They also mention that each different part of our lives influences all the others. But don't be afraid. The good news is that after listing those things, we can look for the smallest change that can lead to the biggest overall positive improvement.

Specifically, the author explains the difference between depression and anxiety by giving examples, which helps us identify our emotions better.

My thoughts:

Reflection on my life-

Environments / Life Changes / Situations: Resigned from work; my grandpa passed away last year, and I feel like I have no one to rely on. Left the club I devoted so much to because I was deeply hurt. Decided to prepare for the master's entrance exam.

Physical Reactions & Habits: Stopped running or meeting people. Feel sad every time I remember what happened in the club. Staying up late and eating junk food most of the time. My daily routine is completely out of order.

Moods / Emotional States: Feeling like crying; feeling worthless. My mind feels slowed down, and I lack confidence in everything, including my studies.

Behaviors: Avoiding friends. Learning new things slowly.

Thoughts: I don't know how to learn effectively anymore. Severe lack of confidence. Feeling overwhelmed by pressure.

Smallest change can lead to the biggest positive improvement.
Also, I realized something through reading. Love is something that makes us feel better, which can change the levels of certain substances in our brains. A small action can influence the whole community. We can take small actions and create love. 
What's more, through learning from their examples, I realized that we can't judge a person only because they behave well in some circumstances. For example, some people behave well at work, in specific activities, or in their careers, but they treat their family members or vulnerable people terribly. I think we can only really understand someone over time. That's the right way to get to know someone.

well i was rereading Red, White & Royal blue. it was an interesting time just seeing how stuff's changed since 2016 (it's a romcom. kind of reimagining US 2016 election. so the point of the book isn't even seeing the change in time, it's romance. but i was kind of baffled by how the political climate/society's overall view's changed in the last decade. got a bit of a whiplash there.)  

currently reading You've Lost a Lot of Blood by Eric LaRocca which is a horror novella.