Table of Contents
Introduction 10
Everyone is going through something 12
What if we don't compare our problems? 13
The worst part of waking up 14
Sometimes it helps to think about breakfast 15
Le Pain Three Ways 16
An easy puzzle for something hard 20
"I'm not a hypochondriac" bingo 21
Types of brain fog 22
Why Is It always six visits? 24
Every day is chronic pain awareness day (if you have it) 25
Have you tried 26
Referral fatigue 27
Have You Tried 28
Elimination diets are actually very easy 30
A quick trip to the grocery store 31
Has anyone found the answer? 32
I have some questions about this treatment 33
Something doesn't feel right 34
Anti-Inflammatory drinking game 35
I've tried everything, but OK I'll try that 36
The cost of healing 37
Making Adjustments 38
Sometimes trying to fit in will only hurt you later 42
Why do I give myself less space? 43
I've been feeling stuck 44
A little better is not nothing 45
Wait, is everyone just here to show off? 46
Make your scrolling finite 47
Maybe one day I will break out of this 48
Should I wait until the pain is gone to tell my story? 49
When I'm caught in the same old loop 50
It might help to stop and breathe 51
A Different Theory of Relativity, Part 1 52
How do I get noticed? 54
What is my "artist statement"? 55
OK, It's time to get to work 56
I'm trying to be original 57
Keep in mind that nothing is original 58
Someone will always be better than you 59
Everything I accomplish will fade eventually 60
What If You Could Change One Thing? 62
How do you stay in control? 66
Am I prepared for the worst-case scenario? 68
There are some things I can control 70
Accept the good things and don't get stuck on the bad 72
Is this who you want to be? 73
It Hurts to Write This, but Don't Worry 74
Sometimes it helps to think about fall 76
You can become a hat person 77
Sometimes you just need a cold drink 78
You may need a variety of drinks 79
Try making a new wish 80
It might help to brighten up the space 81
Close your eyes and picture yourself on a California road trip 82
It's so nice, Isn't It 83
A picnic might help remind you of human generosity 84
Things I'm prioritizing 85
I'm giving up my favorite things, in moderation 86
Everything I already know 87
Feeling Better about Not Feeling Belter 88
Is It luck or hard work or both? 94
You might need a break 95
What do I say to this? 96
It's worse for you if you don't say it 97
It can feel hard to speak up if you're used to getting shut down 98
Sometimes everything can feel overwhelming 100
Try not to let it numb you 101
You might need some air 102
Is It too late to make a difference? 103
Pain Anniversaries 104
It's time we invest in a comfy shoe 106
Sometimes too much of a soft thing can be bad 107
It might help to adopt a dog 108
Maybe try going to a dog park 109
If one day at a time is too daunting, try one meal at a time 110
Relationship advice from the Beatles 112
Take responsibility early and often 113
Why aren't they getting the message? 114
There are some things you can let go of 115
Are you suuure you don't want to talk about It? 116
You don't have to talk about it right now 117
Postmortem 118
Ode to the strict parent 122
Ode to my Immigrant parents 123
There are two types of accomplishments 124
Accept the praise when It's given 125
How do you hold on to hope when it feels frivolous? 126
Sometimes it feels like I should never get excited 128
Having hope can help get you through It 129
Do I want to talk about it? 130
Don't sweep big feelings under the rug 131
Sometimes it helps to listen to R.E.M. 132
Why I'm wearing black today 133
It can help to talk to someone who gets it 134
Share things that make you happy 135
I thought you said this would pass 136
Will you please stop saying it? 137
Everyone keeps asking 138
"It's better that you weren't there" 139
Even when they're gone 140
Ode to the caretaker 142
Energy can neither be created nor destroyed 143
What is this feeling? 144
Getting through the night 145
Ask for help when you need it 146
In the meantime, maybe this will help 147
Maybe someday I'll get there 148
A Different Theory of Relativity, Part 2 150
Sometimes it feels like the end 154
Not all rock bottoms are created equal 156
The lows mean there are highs 158
Just when you think it can only get worse 159
Acknowledgments 160