
Emily’s Musings


What makes you feel in control?
Like you, I’ve been experiencing a full range of emotions during the past few weeks. I consider myself to be a pretty grounded person. I can usually find the ground even when things feel topsy-turvy. But this time, with the…
You Need a Lot of Space to Be Limitless
You guys, you guys! Did you know the end of the decade is right around the corner? Something about endings and beginnings make me extra reflective. Does it feel like this ending snuck up on you? I’ve definitely been feeling…
Is Boredom the Key to Happiness?
I’m thinking about how to embrace boredom in the digital age. Technology has changed my life. At the risk of dating myself, I grew up before the Internet was available in nearly every home around the globe. When I was…
Quieting the Inner Critic Or How I’m Teaching Myself Self-Compassion
“Come on, dumbass, what are you doing?” “Pay attention! Stop being stupid!” “Stop wasting time and get to work!” “Well, you’ve screwed up again. Surprise, surprise!” Good God, this person is an asshole. Who is saying this stuff? Who in…
Are You Making Music or Just Passing the Time?
Today marks the official one-year anniversary for The Pocket Phd. Woo hoo! I’m celebrating by taking a long weekend in the mountains of Asheville. I can’t wait to get on the road. But right now, I have a headache and…
Small Business Ups and Downs (Warning: May Induce Evil Clown Nightmares)
On Valentine’s Day, my sweetheart and I went skydiving. Okay so it was indoor “skydiving.” But it was still really fun and super thrilling. We had a blast! At first though, I was super nervous. While you wait for your…
2017, I’m Coming For You!
I’ve spent too much time this week trying to compose a “profound” post to recap the year. Instead, I’m just going to leave you with some parting thoughts (most of which are decidedly not profound) about 2016. “You can’t hurry…
Feel Like Slacking Off? 4 Tips to Outsmart Your Inner-Slacker.
I spend a lot of time writing in coffee shops (well, one coffee shop in particular), which means I get to observe all kinds of people working, socializing, and slacking off because that’s what people do in coffee shops. Fortunately…