An important life lesson from my favorite carbohydrate

Are you missing the bagel?

_{(image source: unknown, please let me know if this is yours!)}

If so, it’s not your fault.

The human brain has evolved to notice and remember every single bagel hole.

We have a bagel hole bias.

Says science.

This bias is particularly intense when we’re stressed or if we have a history of trauma.

The bagel holes are everywhere and impossible to ignore.

But just because our brain is obsessed with bagel holes, doesn’t mean our fixation is helpful or accurate.

Searching for and hyperfocusing on bagel holes is how we survive.

Remembering to look for and savor the bagel is how we make a life worth living.

So this is just a reminder (to myself):

Look for the bagels.

That will make it easier to keep showing up to deal with the (very real) holes.

One more thing.

I don’t want to tell anyone how to enjoy their bagel, buuuuut:

The waitress in this little story is my hero, such chutzpah!

 
STARTING NEXT WEEK

"This course teaches you how to see bagels take control of your life."
- Stephanie, Community S/N Org

Compassion Fatigue Strategies, Plus! at UFL’s Shelter Medicine Program starts Monday! Will you join me?

“If you are seeking concrete ways to change your thinking about compassion fatigue, and if you are seeking concrete steps to making self-care a choice, this course is a fantastic way to start that journey!

I highly recommend Jessica's approach: compassion without clinginess, logic without forgetting emotions.” - Emma, Donor Relations & Program Coordinator

Join me and a wonderful group of animal care and welfare pros for eight weeks of learning, connecting, and trying to see the bagels, so we can keep fixing the holes.

More info and register here!