why achieving a goal can leave you feeling lost
You worked toward something significant for months, maybe years. You finally got there. And then — instead of fireworks — you felt aimless, confused, maybe even a little let down. If that sounds familiar, the film In A World… (2013) captures this experience better than almost anything else I've come across, and it has something genuinely useful to say about what comes next.
the emotional relief of certainty: why black & white thinking can feel so comforting
Why does certainty about other people feel so emotionally relieving? Using the film Mickey 17, this post explores black and white thinking, snap judgments, and the discomfort of sitting with ambiguity and complexity in other people.
why low self-worth can linger long after trauma
Many people know they didn’t deserve what happened to them — but still struggle to feel worthy of better. Using the film Mickey 17, this post explores how trauma and repeated dehumanization can shape self-worth long after the trauma has ended.
feeling like you’ve wasted your potential (even though you haven’t)
He was the kid everyone believed in. Now he’s an adult who feels left behind. The Kid Detective (2020) is a story about identity, expectation, and what it means to redefine who you are.
becoming our best self: confidence, curiosity & change in my old ass (2024)
Elliott’s journey in My Old Ass offers a realistic look at what it means to be confident in who we are while still being open to change. Through self-discovery and heartfelt awkwardness, the film shows how growth can feel brave, messy, and completely attainable.
the gift of being young & dumb: reflections on my old ass (2024)
A surprising coming-of-age film leads me into a conversation about inner child work, creativity, and the wisdom our younger selves still hold. My Old Ass reminded me that sometimes the bravest, clearest voice in the room is our young, dumb selves.