Shells from a Beach

Stories of life, love, and learning

Welcome!

This blog was sparked in text conversations with a friend who told me I write “beautifully” amidst discussions that helped me reclaim myself. Then, it was like dominoes: multiple friends stopped me to say that my writing was beautiful. I thought “I’m not a writer, I’m a mathematician…” but, in truth, I write a lot. I type my notes for classes to ensure that the conceptual understanding is clear, I journal things, I take forever writing emails because my words mean something to me.

Their words grabbed me. I feel vulnerable sharing my writing, but I want to share the work I’ve done in the hope that others can benefit from it. I hope you enjoy my words. I hope you find ways to reclaim yourself, love yourself, and spark the light inside you.

Love, -S.

Start from the beginning: Hello Internet

Or, read the latest posts:

  • The power of flow

    Available as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/WcjxKZkmoxb Perhaps you’ve heard of it: Flow. An almost trance-like state experienced when you are so present in the moment that what you’re doing is in flow, or in other words, so natural and connected that you feel “in it.” It’s common in arts, sports, and teaching. I love flow.

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  • Oh, rumination

    Available as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/iRfU7V4q4wb I’m obsessive. My mother tells me so, far more frequently than I appreciate. I think it’s a trait I inherited from my father, but my mother was determined to push me past it. Surprise! I still struggle with it. Intrusive thoughts are in my nature. I will likely struggle

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  • Be kind, but firm

    Available as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/mXl1xW4q4wb Kindness is the heartbeat of connection to others. Understanding is the warm hug. Boundaries define who we are willing to be when we connect to others. I wasn’t always bad at boundaries, and sometimes I wonder what happened. That’s what this post is about. I’ve mentioned before that I

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  • Like Parent, Like Child

    Available as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/W9ErUW4q4wb My mother was an artist, my father was a scientist. I could never decide which of these I really am. Probably because I’m both. I wish more people viewed themselves this way. In teaching mathematics, “I was never good at math” is the most common phrase any person says

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  • Hello Internet

    Available as a podcast here: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/TBVdsX4q4wb I’m S. I write a lot of things out for myself. This blog was started by conversations with friends (mostly via text), and sharing things I’d written out for myself. My friends say I’m eloquent or something, but I think you’ll find that I write colorful, crafted stories. Stories

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