the october note.
Hey hi hello,
I hope your September was incredible!
These little nuggets that we write about as you may know are picked up along the month. Things to enthusiastically share as a fun fact, or perspective with the intention to provoke further thought.
Let us begin with the chatter of incremental goals. Breaking down your big goal; this could be a dream or daily task, into smaller steps, in order to make achieving it easier. This is similar to incremental games, where the player completes a compilation of tiny tasks to attain something. If you’ve got a goal, it can be broken down and made to seem even more possible. This method not only eases the pressure on ones mind, it also creates a sense of accomplishment with every small step individuals take and complete, reinforcing ones ability to fulfil tasks (Balash, 2025). Thereby the acknowledgement of such a thing allows the creation of a positive feedback loop. The more smaller steps you complete, the more reward you present yourself i.e the ticking off said tasks. A stroke of genius, right?
So yeah, make a to-do list with things that feel like a no-brainer. I literally have ‘drink water’ and ‘attend class’ on mine lol. It helps for sure , it is the little things that go a long way.
Oh, on another note—cry in front of your parents! It’s not like they have never seen you cry before. Just because you’re now an adult doesn’t mean you can’t confide in them. Crying and sharing emotions with loved ones can actually be good for you. Research suggests that openly expressing emotions rather than suppressing them is associated with lower levels of stress and improved well-being (Gross & John, 2003). Think of suppressing your feelings like clogged pores or arteries (yeah, not cute). Bottled-up emotions tend to build pressure and can contribute to anxiety, irritability, and even physical health issues (Pennebaker, 1997).
So… let it rain, let it pour. Talk, chit-chat, reach out, and be honest when people—especially your people—ask how you’re really going. Studies show that emotional disclosure in supportive relationships helps foster trust, closeness, and deeper understanding (Reis & Shaver, 1988; Laurenceau et al., 1998). By allowing these moments to unfold, you not only lighten your own emotional load but also strengthen bonds with those who care for you most.
In other words: tears can water relationships.
P.s Happy October
Yours truly,
