Every Christmas growing up I would get a new journal. While my brother feigned surprise as he uncovered his annual restock of boardshorts and surf, I would excitedly tear the wrapping paper away to unveil the freshly bound pages that would soon be filled with my detailed plans for the year ahead. Tentative to not“ruin” the first page, I would take my newest smiggle pen and write “Goals” in my neatest cursive, before tearing it out and starting again at even the slightest smudge or wonky “a”....

Dopamine is all around us. It’s in the girls bathroom at 1am when you’re deluged with the unmatched “I love your dress!” and “what’s your instagram?” combos. It’s on your phone screen when it lights up with a highly anticipated reply and in the first bite of a Lune Croissant you waited 20 minutes in line for. It’s the pathway to pleasure, deeply rooted in reward and reinforcement. Because if something makes you feel that good, you’re going to want to tap into it again, and again - right? I...

A non-exhaustive list of things I don’t like to be told: Your rego is due I’m just not looking for a relationship right now You’re overreacting I told you so You’ll find someone when you’re not looking for it There’s a weekend surcharge You need to calm down Allocation exhausted You look well You look healthy Overall, I don’t think it’s too original of a list. I don’t know how many people look forward to the bi-annual reminder that they are to pay $400 to drive their car, or welcome the...