In 2020, I met a wonderful psychologist, Dr. Alice Rizzi, who helped me bring mindfulness into my life in a way I had never imagined. At the time, I struggled with setting boundaries, staying true to my values, and maintaining daily practices that nourished me. With her guidance, I began to create space for myself, strengthen my values, and build habits that supported my well-being.
I spent the summer working with Alice, and those three months were transformative. It was a season of discovering who I am and what I stand for. She guided me through life’s most important questions: What are my values? What are my non-negotiables?
Through our work, I came to understand that I deeply value family, respect, communication, loyalty, honesty, and meaningful work. Most importantly, I learned how to hold these values at the center of my relationships and in the people I welcome into my life.
I’ve always been a writer, and journaling has felt natural to me for as long as I can remember. When I realized that writing could also be a form of mindfulness, it became something I could always return to. Alice also introduced me to meditation, which gave me a powerful way to pause, breathe, and come back to myself. As someone who tends to overthink, meditation offered a new outlet to quiet my mind and recenter.
The greatest lesson I learned was this: the way others treat you is a reflection of them—not a measure of your worth.
Core Lessons of Mindfulness
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The power of the present moment
Returning to now instead of replaying the past or worrying about the future. -
Awareness without judgment
Noticing thoughts, emotions, and sensations as they arise—without labeling them as “good” or “bad.” -
Detachment from thoughts
Recognizing that you are not your thoughts; they come and go like clouds, and you don’t have to believe or follow all of them. -
Acceptance
Allowing experiences to be as they are, rather than resisting or trying to control them. -
Self-compassion
Treating yourself with the same kindness and understanding you’d offer a friend. -
Impermanence
Remembering that everything—joy, pain, stress, calm—is temporary. This awareness helps reduce clinging and fear. -
Responding vs. reacting
Creating space between a trigger and your response, so your choices align with your values instead of automatic reactions. -
Gratitude for simple moments
Savoring everyday experiences—your breath, a sip of tea, a walk in nature.