Thoughtful content for thoughtful people

A cartoon for anyone who’s doing their best to be the best they can be.

Some of the friends I’ve made recently! :D
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#hiddenfriends #friendsareeverywhere #kidsstagram #invisiblethings #socialemotionallearning

I shut up long enough to listen. 🙂
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#dramaticconclusion #whatatwist #listentoyourheart #overcomingobstacles #overcomefear #trusttheprocess #trustyourself #receiving #positiveselftalk #affirmation #beconfident

You ever wish life would just chill out and stop being all of the things all of the time?
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#existentialcrisis #itsgonnabeok #lifelessons #acceptance #makespace

Happy cup. 🙂
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#putafaceonit #makefriends #happycup

From the Blog

Blog

Using What’s True to Be Nicer to You

Using What’s True to Be Nicer to You

Our minds tend to fill dead air with unhelpful things, so what might we do to keep that voice quiet?

The Hidden Gift in Meaninglessness

The Hidden Gift in Meaninglessness

Even puppies and baby buffalos have a lot of questions about the universe we’re a part of.

A Happier World Starts With a Happier You

A Happier World Starts With a Happier You

Two parts manifesto, one part invitation. This is the inaugural post for Hug the Universe.

How to Never Fail Again

How to Never Fail Again

Fear of failure is a formidable boogieman, but I have some great tips on how to make that monster go away.

View more posts

Personal Stories:

Dreams & Determination

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Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Cult of Isolation and Fear

Jehovah’s Witnesses: A Cult of Isolation and Fear

A story about the destructive power of false beliefs and becoming free of their influence.

Featured

Chronic Illness and Creating Meaning out of Darkness

Chronic Illness and Creating Meaning out of Darkness

A story about the death of who I thought I was and the birth of who I want to be.

Featured

The Darkness in My Father Did Not Become a Part of Me

The Darkness in My Father Did Not Become a Part of Me

A story about choosing your life instead of merely inheriting one.

Featured

I Love You, but I Can’t Be Your “Little Hero”

I Love You, but I Can’t Be Your “Little Hero”

A story about my mom, mental illness, and the impossibility of making choices for someone else.

Hey, that’s me!

My name is Ryan, and I create things to bring a little more joy and delight into the world we live in. I write words, write music, design stuff, draw things, and dream about what’s possible. It’s nice to meet you. :)