How to Practice Intentional Grief for Literal & Symbolic Losses

A woman standing in front of an urn in her living room, practicing intentional grief

Are you mourning a loss in your life? How can practicing intentional grief help you process your loss? Practicing intentional grief involves deliberately setting aside time in your day to grieve. You may be grieving the loss of a loved one, being laid off from a job, the end of a marriage, or something else. The important thing is that you allow yourself to process the loss. Here’s how intentional grief works, the different types of mourning, and advice for practicing it.

Why the Cycle of Poverty and Eviction Is So Vicious

A poor family of four standing in front of a house with an Evicted sign on the door

What is the cycle of poverty and eviction? Why is it so difficult to escape the cycle? How can this lead to crime? Sociologist Matthew Desmond argues that it’s nearly impossible to break out of the cycle of poverty and eviction because each situation exacerbates the other. Some who end up in this loop end up living in motels or even turning to crime. Continue reading for a deeper look at the poverty-eviction cycle.

How to Cope With Emotions That Accompany Grief

A woman sitting on a bed looking sad and stressed who is learning how to cope with emotions

Do you struggle to cope with emotions? How can you overcome the emotions that arise with grief? Bruce Feiler’s book Life Is in the Transitions deals with overcoming major life changes called “lifequakes.” When changes happen, it’s normal to grieve the life you used to have. However, learning how to handle those emotions is an important part of moving forward. Here’s Feiler’s advice for learning to cope with fear, sadness, and shame.

How Stagnant Wages Are Contributing to the Housing Crisis

A cartoon of a woman with stagnant wages and an empty wallet holding a bill and looking stressed

When was the last time you got a raise at work? How much has the minimum wage increased since 1970? According to Matthew Desmond, the author of Evicted, a big contributor to the housing and eviction crisis is stagnant wages. Over the years, the cost of housing has risen, however, wages have not increased to meet it. Keep reading to understand why eviction rates are rising.

What’s Causing the Eviction Crisis? The 2 Reasons

A man handing a rent check to his landlord. The renter looks stressed because of the eviction crisis and low wages

Why is there an eviction crisis in the United States? How much is a household supposed to pay in rent? Matthew Desmond, the author of Evicted, says that there are two major causes of the eviction crisis: stagnant wages and renters who don’t stand up for each other. These two issues combined are resulting in eviction rates higher than during the Great Depression. Here’s a closer look at the two causes of the rising eviction rates.

Life Is in the Transitions by Bruce Feiler: Book Overview & Advice

A cartoon depiction of a sad girl reading a book on a couch with plants near her

How can you cope when life throws unexpected changes your way? What are the different types of life changes? Why should you let go of your dream of living a “linear life”? For his book Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler traveled around the US, interviewing hundreds of people about the ups and downs of their life stories. He argues that although popular wisdom tells you to expect one major midlife crisis, most people actually face dozens of life-changing events. Here’s an overview of Feiler’s book, along with tips for overcoming what life throws at you.

Evicted by Matthew Desmond: Book Overview and Exercises

A mother and two children stand outside a house that has an "Evicted" sign on the door

Why are eviction rates rising in the United States? Why is the poverty-eviction cycle so hard to break? Can anything be done to help the situation? Imagine living with the knowledge that you could lose your home at any time, for any reason. In Evicted, sociologist Matthew Desmond explains that millions of Americans live every day under the threat of eviction, and it takes a heavy toll on them both psychologically and financially.  Keep reading for our brief overview of Desmond’s book Evicted.

4 Ways to Tap Into Your Creativity (Bruce Feiler)

A woman sitting on a couch who is tapping into her creativity by crocheting a blanket

Why is creativity therapeutic? How can you be more creative? Navigating life changes can be difficult, but in Life Is in the Transitions, Bruce Feiler argues that you can make it easier by approaching it intentionally and proactively. One of the methods he proposes for adapting to life changes is tapping into your creativity. Continue reading to learn how you can become more creative.

How to Embrace Change: Do These 3 Things (Bruce Feiler)

A cartoon of a man smiling while sitting in front of a burning house, representing how to embrace change

Want to know how to embrace change? How can you decide your next steps after a life change? Bruce Feiler, the author of Life Is in the Transitions, says that life changes are difficult because you’re required to find a new way of being. He discusses three things you can do to figure out your next steps. Here’s a look at Feiler’s advice for embracing life changes.

Evictions in the US Rise Because There Is No Solidarity Anymore

A group of people standing in front of an apartment complex opposing evictions in the US

What does community have to do with evictions? How has renter solidarity changed since the Great Depression? Matthew Desmond, sociologist and the author of Evicted, says that a primary reason why evictions in the US are rising is that renters don’t stand up for each other anymore. Renters are allowing predatory landlords to walk all over them in fear of losing housing. Here’s a look at how renter solidarity has changed.