Hi, my name is Amy Phoenix, and I’m a mother of five, a Midland native, and the owner of Arising Phoenix Solutions. I’d like to share Life Hack #83, The Power of And, which has been a meaningful tool for my wellbeing.
For me, this life hack is about acknowledging the complexity of our emotions. We often experience a mix of feelings—some that might even seem to contradict each other—and that’s okay. The Power of And helps me embrace that I can feel multiple emotions at the same time, like sadness and hope or frustration and love. It’s a way to hold space for all of it without judgment, bringing in a sense of compassion and curiosity.
I’ve found this approach especially helpful when I notice tension or black-and-white thinking creeping in. By recognizing that conflicting emotions or thoughts can coexist, I’m able to process them with more objectivity and care. Sometimes, I’ll even grab a piece of paper and write or draw what I’m feeling. Giving each emotion or thought a voice helps me process them and reduce stress, which often bubbles up when I try to suppress or ignore what’s going on inside. Taking this step makes space for clarity and allows me to respond rather than react.
If you want to try this life hack, start by paying attention to moments when you feel conflicted or tense. Ask yourself, “What am I thinking and feeling here? Could it be both and?” Putting your thoughts on paper can help you see them more clearly, especially if you’re a visual learner like me. This doesn’t mean acting on every feeling but rather acknowledging them with curiosity. It’s about giving yourself permission to be human, to feel what you feel, and to find a little more peace in the process.
