why i stopped trying to be COOL

the loneliness nobody talks about (and what it's actually telling you)

Today, Hazel talks about the quiet, often unspoken feeling of having “no one” and what that experience might actually mean. Instead of offering quick advice or surface-level comfort, she explores the deeper layers of loneliness: how it can lead us to seek connection in the wrong places, lower our standards, or build relationships that don’t truly fulfill us. Through her reflection, she reframes this empty space not as an ending, but as a beginning. In this episode, Hazel gently walks through the shift from loneliness to solitude, and what it looks like to turn inward—to understand who you are when no one is watching, and to build a life that feels whole on its own. She also shares why developing a relationship with yourself changes the way you connect with others, and how real, healthy connections often come when you’re no longer trying to be saved, but simply ready to share your life. This is a thoughtful and honest conversation for anyone who has ever felt alone, questioned their worth, or wondered how to find meaningful connection. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

why i stopped trying to be COOL

Hazel talks about the quiet pressure of trying to be “cool” and how that idea slowly turned into something exhausting. Through a recent trip to Whistler, she reflects on how easily life can become overly serious, where every choice needs to feel productive, meaningful, or “right.” She shares how this mindset shows up in everything from hobbies and relationships to the way we spend our time and how it slowly takes away the ability to simply enjoy things. Looking back at childhood, Hazel explores what it meant to do things without questioning their value, and how that sense of play and trust in ourselves can get lost over time. This episode is a gentle reflection on redefining what it means to be “cool” not as an image to chase, but as the ability to trust your choices without constant doubt. A conversation about letting go of pressure, being less serious, and finding your way back to something more natural. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

I used to overthink everything, and this changed it.

In this episode, we talk about overthinking. why it happens, why it feels like control, and how it slowly takes away your peace, presence, and ability to move forward. I also share a few simple, practical ways to break the cycle, including how to notice when you’re overthinking, how to stop letting worries take over your entire day, and how small actions can help you get out of your head. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

still can’t speak English?

In this episode, I read through real comments from people learning English and something interesting stood out. Almost everyone is asking the same question: “How long does it take to become fluent in English?”And behind that question, there’s usually a deeper feeling, frustration, confusion, and the sense of “I’ve been studying for years, so why am I still not fluent?” So in this episode, I share my honest thoughts and personal experience with learning English, not as a perfect speaker, but as someone who also went through the same process. We talk about why memorizing sentences doesn’t last, why your mind goes blank in real situations, and why your English might feel like it’s “not working” even when you’re studying consistently. Instead of focusing on perfect methods, we explore the actual process of language learning, repetition, exposure, making your own sentences, and slowly building a natural sense over time. This episode is really about that in-between stage of learning English, where you understand a lot, but still can’t fully express yourself. If you’ve ever felt stuck, inconsistent, or frustrated with your English progress, this conversation is for you. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

I stopped reacting to rude people

Ever had someone just… throw off your whole mood? Not with words or insults, but with tone or attitude alone. It can leave you frozen, frustrated, and questioning yourself. In this episode, I share a moment that taught me there’s a third way—beyond reacting with anger or shutting down. It’s about choosing kindness with boundaries, even when people are rude, distant, or unreachable. We’ll talk about why most of someone’s negativity isn’t actually about you, how to protect your own peace, and why responding kindly can be a powerful choice—even when it doesn’t seem to change anything. Whether you’re navigating work, friendships, or family, this episode offers a practical perspective on keeping your cool, standing your ground, and choosing empathy in moments that could easily ruin your day. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thisishazel.substack.com [https://thisishazel.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]