People always say we should make decisions rationally, logically, without emotion.  * Try telling that to someone is deciding if they should quit their job and give up everything to move across the country so they can live with someone they love.  * Try telling that to a woman who just had a miscarriage and is deciding […]

I’ve always been an independent thinker. I like to follow my own rules, I don’t like to be told what to do, and I am full of ambition (though what that ambition looks like has changed over the years).  While some little girls dream of their wedding day and who they will eventually marry, I […]

In this episode, Dr. Chris Bjorndal shares her journey with mental health and how she is now helping others regain their mental health. She talks about her book “Beyond the Label,” where she discusses how labels for mental health diagnoses can be stigmatizing and contribute to suffering. Dr. Bjorndal has struggled with anxiety, depression, bipolar […]

Background Behind The Scenes Moment Today I’m talking with Dr. Joan Rosenberg, I actually had a major fan girl moment. So I have to share this story first, if you’ve taken my free workshop on emotional regulation, in it, I referenced this particular technique for managing unpleasant feelings. And the idea was to ride the […]

Is it time to curate your friendships? From Embarrassment to Intentional Living When we first moved into our last home, it was a bit of a fixer upper. The kitchen cupboards were falling apart, the floors were banged up, the bathroom was painted blood red. Even the ceiling. I was having nightmares of the movie […]

Have you ever felt alone? Even as you may be surrounded by other people, or interact with others on a regular basis? Do you want to make new friends and feel connected? Being physically alone is distinct from feeling alone, and the difference is a lack of connection and belonging. As humans we possess a […]

Welcome to the XO Conversations Podcast! I’m your curious host Rishma Walji. This podcast is all about personal growth and loving life, usually with a research and science twist.  If you want to live your own extraordinary life, take my free quiz to find out your decision style. And you can get insider access information […]

I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I’m perpetually on the verge of deleting all my accounts.  But even though many people want to limit their social media usage, it’s really hard to completely leave.  Let me start by confessing that a post on social media literally changed my life. Ok that might be […]

Information Overload Do you ever feel like you know too much?  You know you should exercise more, and take time for yourself more. You also know you should probably take that training or continuing education course, or read about parenting strategies.  Maybe if you’re self employed, like me, you feel like you should be doing […]