It’s nice - even preferred - to feel special, right? To feel exceptional? However, to be special and exceptional requires being different. So why do we disparage weirdness? Why do we actively criticize/avoid it?

I get into why.

I also get into why we shouldn’t; why our oddities should be celebrated and even cultivated. I share some of my own weirdo tendencies, and offer a pretty strong argument on letting your freak flag fly (whatever that means to you).

Be you. Be awesome. You little weirdo.

xx,

w

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

Visit https://clearstem.com/?ref=eubxjtws and use code WHITNEYRICHARDS for 15% off!

We’re constantly encouraged to have a growth mindset; to be disciplined; to always strive to improve and to evolve, in virtually every area of life. But can that ever be taken too far? How do you know when it’s become problematic? What can you do to prevent that? Is there ever a time when a growth mindset is not appropriate or beneficial? What is true growth?

In this solo episode, I highlight red flags to be aware of and questions to consider when setting goals and seeking your highest self. I offer a re-definition of your actual highest self, and explore the importance of self-trust. I differentiate between discipline and dogmatism, and propose how to own your routine (rather than it owning you). I explain why rigid rules are common for those with conditions such as ADHD and eating disorders, and what that rigidity indicates. I reveal the reasoning of why I chose The Nativist brand name, and how I feel about it now.

It’s all so simple, yet so complex. C’est la vie.

Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram @the_nativist

The series on addiction continues. In this episode, my long-time amiga Nicholia speaks on addiction in general and alcoholism in particular. Not only has Nicholia specifically taught on the subject to her high school students, but she also personally experienced it in her home growing up (and into adulthood).

Nicholia shares her experience of having an alcoholic parent, and how that affected her own parenting. She describes how her mother’s approach to it was especially impactful to Nicholia, as a person and as a mother herself.

She tells us about the scary close call that finally led to her father’s sobriety, after doubting it would ever happen.

We discuss generational trauma and how our current habits (and addictions) impact not only us, but our posterity. We emphasize the importance of digging into the discomfort and facing your demons, to heal and prevent generational and current trauma.

Nicholia gifts us with wisdom and a gorgeous message of hope.

Images by Brooke Richardson Photography

This was a presentation I provided for the Women’s Networking Group. For those unable to attend, I got yo back - I recorded me giving the same speech!

In this episode, I discuss the importance of setting personal and professional boundaries. It heavily draws from a previous blog post I wrote on the criticality of boundaries in exercising true, lasting compassion.

I hope you love.

xx,

-w-