I stumbled through the flames of despair for five long years. After a misadventure with hallucinogenic mushrooms, my anxiety and depression became so overwhelming that I was unable to step out of my house for days at a time. Desperate for help, I consulted with doctors, alternative practitioners, shamans, even…

… it’s actually not that hard! — The iconic song “Danger Zone” from the movie “Top Gun” begins with the lyrics, “Revvin’ up your engine, listen to her howlin’ roar. Metal under tension, beggin’ you to touch and go.” When I recently watched the sequel, I had a strange feeling that I cannot fully describe. It’s as…

The transformative power of becoming your own savior — Throughout the centuries, Christmas has become a time for Christians to celebrate the birth of Jesus and to remember the hope that he brings as the savior of the world. The concept of a savior and the anticipation of their arrival is central to many religious traditions. I believe that…

…and how to deal with bad decisions. — Anxiety has been a great teacher for me over the years. The dark night of the soul yielded much in terms of insight and positive values. However, the challenge remains that when you think you’ve overcome it, it will resurface to test you further. …

I never learned to be disciplined. I never learned to motivate myself. I let life ripple past me and always hoped for a better tomorrow. I always hoped that I wouldn’t have to move out of my comfort zone and that someday someone would just hand me the lottery winnings…

Ich habe nie gelernt diszipliniert zu sein. Ich habe nie gelernt mich selbst zu motivieren. Ich hab das Leben an mir vorbeiplätschern lassen und immer auf ein besseres Morgen gehofft. Ich habe immer gehofft, dass ich mich nicht aus meiner Komfortzone bewegen muss und mir irgendwann jemand einfach den Lottogewinn…

It was another one of those days. I wake up and briefly think that today could be a good day without anxiety and promptly the ever faster spiral of negative thoughts starts. There was a point in the last few years when I thought I had it made and could…

Es war wieder einer dieser Tage. Ich wache auf und denke kurz, dass heute ja vielleicht mal wieder ein guter Tag ohne Ängste sein könnte und prompt setzt sich die immer schneller werdende Spirale der negativen Gedanken in Gang. Es gab einen Punkt in den letzten Jahren, an dem ich…

It was the first class trip. I only have a vague recollection of what happened. A few pictures mixed with fragments of feelings. But I remember one thing as if it were yesterday. I was maybe 7 years old and the first time away from home and after a short…