National Quitters Day (January 9th) is suppose to be the day people “fall off” their goals. But when it comes to mental health, quitting isn’t something to be embarrassed about, it can be your nervous system speaking up.

photo credit: Max Nikhil Thimmayya (Pexels)

When Goals Ignore Mental Health, Quitting Is Protective

Many New Year’s resolutions are created from pressure, not care. We promise to “do more,” “be better,” or “fix ourselves” without considering our emotional capacity.

If you quit a goal because it increased anxiety, exhaustion, or self-criticism, that’s not failure. That’s your mind and body setting boundaries.

Mental health doesn’t improve through force. It improves through safety, flexibility, and compassion.

Quitting as a Signal, Not a Shortcoming

Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” try asking:

• What felt overwhelming about this goal?
• Did this expectation add stress or support?
• Was I trying to change myself—or punish myself?

Quitting often reveals misalignment. It tells us when a goal was rooted in shame rather than care, or urgency rather than readiness.

The Harm of All-or-Nothing Thinking

All-or-nothing thinking—I failed, so I stop—is especially common when mental health is involved. Missing a therapy appointment, skipping journaling, or breaking a coping routine can trigger feelings of guilt or hopelessness.

But mental health progress is not linear. Healing includes pauses, detours, and rest.

Stopping doesn’t erase the benefit of what you’ve already done.

Sometimes quitting isn’t about giving up—it’s about choosing a gentler path. Rest is not quitting. Adjusting expectations is not weakness. Choosing ease is not failure.

What to Do After You Quit a Mental Health Goal

If you’ve already stepped away from a goal this January, try this instead of starting over:

• Lower the bar — ask what feels manageable right now
• Keep the intention — even if the action changes
• Remove guilt — shame makes change harder, not easier

Small, consistent acts of care are more effective than big promises made under pressure.

National Quitters Day, Reframed

For mental health, National Quitters Day can be a check-in rather than a verdict. It’s an opportunity to ask whether your goals are supporting your nervous system—or overwhelming it.

Quitting doesn’t mean you failed. It means you noticed something important.

And noticing is the beginning of real care.

Based on an incredible true story, Focus Features’ inspirational love story SONG SUNG BLUE, is exclusively on digital* platforms January 13, 2026, and on Blu-ray™ and DVD on February 17, 2026, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Featuing Academy Award® nominees Hugh Jackman (Les Misérables, The Greatest Showman) and Kate Hudson (How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Almost Famous), in her Golden Globe® and Actor Award® nominated role, go backstage and experience the strength and perseverance that drives this unforgettable romance as the feature film adaptation.

With never-before-seen extended musical performances and all new behind-the-scenes featurettes, diving deeper into the drama, humor, and Diamond’s timeless anthems.

Based on the award-winning 2008 documentary by Greg Kohs (The Great Alone, AlphaGo), writer and director Craig Brewer (Hustle & Flow, The Poor & Hungry) brings the remarkable true story to life by exploring the power of music and the timeless influence of iconic musician Neil Diamond.

Boasting a stellar “A” CinemaScore and Verified Hot with a 97% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes

SYNOPSIS

Mike (Hugh Jackman) and Claire (Kate Hudson) are two down-on-their-luck musicians who prove that it’s never too late to find love and follow your dreams. They form a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band called Lightning and Thunder, rising from a humble garage to dive bar gigs to unexpected hometown stardom.

When tragedy strikes, their love for each other and passion for music give them the strength to overcome hardships, rediscover hope, and inspire everyone around them.

Reminding audiences that music has the power to heal and unite, SONG SUNG BLUE showcases emotionally riveting performances as Jackman delivers a transformative depiction of a Neil Diamond tribute band performer, with powerful vocals that combine heartbreak and redemption, while Hudson who gives a heartfelt and moving portrayal of a woman who discovers resilience through music as she navigates longing and adversity.

The film’s star-studded cast also features Emmy Award® winner Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos,” Goodfellas), Ella Anderson (Suncoast, The Glass Castle), King Princess (Bottoms, Crush), Mustafa Shakir (Ghosted, Emancipation), Hudson Hensley (The Wildman of Shaggy Creek), and Academy Award winner Fisher Stevens (The Cove, the Short Circuit franchise) and Emmy Award® nominee Jim Belushi (“Saturday Night Live”).

Song Sung Blue | Watch At Home on Digital, Blu-ray & DVD



Exclusive Bonus Content When Purchased At Participating Retailers:

• EXTENDED PERFORMANCES:
• Crunchy Granola Suite
• Sweet Caroline
• ONE PLUS ONE EQUALS THREE - There is no Lightning without Thunder. Watch as Hugh and Kate reminisce on their characters' love story, co-dependency, and their undeniable electricity.
• LIGHTNING IN THE BOTTLE - A love letter to the small-time performers, go behind the scenes with Writer/Director Craig Brewer to see how he brought SONG SUNG BLUE to life.
• EYE FOR STYLE - In this featurette, Costume Designer Ernesto Martinez reveals the art of storytelling through stitch and style.
• FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH WRITER/DIRECTOR CRAIG BREWER

*A digital purchase provides a limited license to access the content. See the retailer’s terms for details.

The film is co-produced by Emmy Award® nominee John Davis (Prey, I, Robot), John Fox (Game Night, Uglies), and Craig Brewer.

Learn more, visit - www.universalpicturesathome.com/movies/song-sung-blue-2025

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Based on the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical hit, "Kiss of the Spider Woman" the movie is available On Demand and Digital ($14.99 SD / $19.99 HD) November 11, 2025.

SYNOPSIS

Valentín (Diego Luna), a political prisoner, shares a cell with Molina (Tonatiuh), a window dresser convicted of public indecency. The two form an unlikely bond as Molina recounts the plot of a Hollywood musical starring his favorite silver screen diva, Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez).

Bill Condon’s visionary new adaptation is based on the acclaimed 1976 novel Kiss of the Spider Woman by Argentinian writer Manuel Puig and the Tony Award®-winning Broadway musical of the same name by the multiple Tony Award®-winning playwright Terrence McNally (Master Class, Ragtime) and composer/lyricist team John Kander and Fred Ebb (Cabaret, Chicago).

Written for the screen and directed by Bill Condon, this visually stunning and emotionally charged adaptation stars Emmy Award® nominee Diego Luna (Andor, Y tu mamá también), Tonatiuh (Carry On, Promised Land), and Emmy®, Grammy® and Golden Globes Award-nominated superstar Jennifer Lopez (Hustlers, Out of Sight), who also serves as an executive producer alongside Diego Luna.

Produced by Barry Josephson, p.g.a., Tom Kirdahy, p.g.a., and Greg Yolen.

KISS OF THE SPIDER WOMAN | Official Trailer



Bill Condon, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Mark Scheinberg, Dani Bernfeld, Kevin Halloran, Michael Joe, Mickey Liddell, Pete Shilaimon, Whitney Williams, Jennifer Lopez, Elaine Goldsmith-Thomas, Courtney Baxter, Diego Luna, D. Matt Geller, Pamela Thur, Sam Weisman, Daniel Weisman, and Margaux Weisman serve as executive producers.

An Artists Equity and Mohari Media presentation, Kiss of the Spider Woman is a Josephson Entertainment / Tom Kirdahy / Greg Yolen / Nuyorican production.

Learn more, visit - www.kissofthespiderwomanfilm.com

This October, join Behind the Sweets: Chocolate Tours on a journey through Philadelphia's chocolate history, hosted by Historic Philadelphia, Inc. (HPI) every Thursday starting October 9.

photo credit: icimageworks

Immerse in the artistry and heritage of local chocolate-making traditions and learn how experts at Shane’s Confectionery transform cacao beans into delicious bars. Discover the evolution of chocolate from Colonial times to today while indulging in handcrafted tastings that exhibit changing flavors and techniques throughout time.

Date: Thursdays in October 2025
Time: 5:30-6:30 pm
Location: The Cacao Pod, 104 Market St, Philadelphia, PA
Price: Tickets: $30 per person

Along the way, you will taste four unique sweet samples that showcase the evolution of flavor and technique. With vegan and gluten-free options available, this hands-on experience includes up to 18 guests per session.

Learn more, visit - www.historicphiladelphia.org/events/behind-the-sweets-chocolate-tours/

About Historic Philadelphia, Inc.

In partnership with Independence National Historical Park, Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s Once Upon A Nation features immersive walking tours and field trips, History Makers, Storytelling Benches throughout Philadelphia’s Historic District and at Valley Forge National Historical Park, and the Benstitute to specially train all staff.

Franklin Square is a family-friendly play place with playgrounds, Fountain Show at the Rendell Family Fountain, Philadelphia-themed Mini Golf, the Parx Liberty Carousel, SquareBurger (operated by Cooperage), and parties and special events in the Pavilion in Franklin Square.

The Betsy Ross House takes visitors into the life and stories of America’s most famous flagmaker, with interactive exhibitions.

Learn more, visit www.historicphiladelphia.org

From writer-director James Sweeney, TWINLESS is a provocative, thought-provoking, disarmingly comic look at how we define love, friendship, and ourselves now available On Demand and Digital October 3, 2025 from Lionsgate.

SYNOPSIS

In Twinless, Roman (Dylan O'Brien) and Dennis (Sweeney) meet in a twin support group and form an unlikely friendship as they both search for solace and an identity without their other halves.

They quickly become inseparable outside the group, but when Roman meets Dennis’s effervescent colleague, Marcie (Aisling Franciosi), things begin to fall apart as each man harbors secrets that could unravel everything.

Cast: Dylan O'Brien, James Sweeney, Aisling Franciosi, Chris Perfetti, François Arnaud, with Tasha Smith, and Lauren Graham

Twinless (2025) Official Trailer



Written and Directed by: James Sweeney
Executive Producers: Dylan O'Brien, Miky Lee, Kevin M. Sullivan, David Gendron, Ali Jazayeri, Liz Destro
Produced by: David Permut, p.g.a., James Sweeney, p.g.a.

Learn more, visit - www.twinlessfilm.com

Amtrak's new high-speed trains – NextGen Acela – are now in service for travel trips and it's a fast and comfortable ride. How do I know? Because I rode on one of the first NextGen Acela trains from NYC to Boston.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

While being one of the select people to ride Amtrak's NextGen Acela train is exciting on it's own, there's lots more to enjoy besides the fast ride.

From the moment I stepped into the train's business class car, I could see the new interiors renovations. The train cars were bright, airy and the seats looked comfy with plush head rests and lots of leg room.

After settling into my seat, I looked over the brochure to learned about the new features including power outlets and reading lights on the seats. I also discovered the seats smoothly lean back and slide out when the side button is pushed.

I also learned about the new Cafe Acela, which has fresh, food and beverages. Of course I went to see what they had.

I was pleased with the variety of food options which included salads, sandwiches and fruit. There is also hot beverages and staff to help if you have any questions or specific needs.

After enjoying my mini meal, there was nothing else to do besides relax and watch the views. And the views were lovely.  There's lots to see during the swift ride from NYC to Boston and the stop in between.

But for those who need to do more then relax, NextGen Acela has seats with tables where you can plug in and get work done, or watch a movie on your laptop or tablet.

The bathroom area is also easily accessible and surprisingly huge, so no worries about squeezing into a tight corner. It also has hands-free system for you to wash and dry your hands.

With everything designed so well, my ride was nice, easy and fast. I arrived in Boston within 4.5 hours ready to start my #VisitBoston adventure. Of course I plan on taking Amtrak's NextGen Acela when I'm ready to head back to NYC.

Amtrak NextGen Acela Train

NextGen Acela is the all-new, premium ride from Amtrak, running between major city centers from Washington, DC, to New York to Boston and destinations in between. Designed with innovative features and amenities, customers can experience First Class and Business Class travel on America’s only high-speed rail service

• Free, high-speed, 5G enabled Wi-Fi, as well as individual USB ports, power outlets, and reading lights are at each seat.
• Wide, ergonomic seats have been designed to offer comfort with plenty of legroom, and a winged privacy headrest.
• A tilt system results in a smoother, quieter ride.
• More daily departures and 27% more seats per departure increase travel options for customers.
• A top speed of 160 mph, higher than today's fleet which has a top speed of 150 mph

ACELA First Class

First Class provides an exceptional experience with Metropolitan Lounge access, boarding made easy by the dedicated car at the front of the train, spacious seating, including solo seats, and at-seat meal service, featuring the dishes of James Beard award-winning restaurateur, Stephen Starr

Acela Food and Beverage

In Cafe Acela, the full-service attendant will assist customers with their purchase of new, fresh items, hot favorites, snacks, and a variety of beverages to suit every need.

New to Cafe Acela is the addition of grab-and-go self-service for quick and easy checkout. Cart service will also travel the aisles on select departures with popular drinks and food, enabling customers to purchase refreshments at their seats.

Made in America

The NextGen Acela fleet was assembled at Alstom’s facility in Hornell, NY by skilled Machinists Union workers, using components from over 180 suppliers across 29 states—creating approximately 15,000 U.S. jobs.*

“The NextGen Acela trains are the first high-speed trains built in America. The team at Alstom has brought nearly five decades of global experience in high-speed rail to the United States to deliver the fastest and most technologically advanced trains in the nation,” said Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO of Alstom.

*Calculation based on the American Public Transportation Association’s (APTA) 2020 analysis, “Economic Impact of Public Transportation Investment” which estimates that $1 billion of public transportation spending creates 12,600 jobs. Total estimate adjusted for inflation and provides general scale of impact.

Booking Amtrak NextGen Acela Train Service

NextGen Acela trains are marked with a unique ‘tag’ on Amtrak.com and in the Amtrak app, making them easy to identify when booking.

You can also look for the following train numbers (subject to change):
Weekdays: Trains 2153, 2154, 2170, and 2173
Saturdays: Trains 2250 and 2251
Sundays: Trains 2248, 2258, 2259, and 2271

Learn more, visit - www.amtrak.com/nextgenacela

Rokid hosted an event to unveiled their full-function Rokid Glasses, which are lightweight AI-powered AR smart glasses with a built-in 12MP first-person camera, Micro LED waveguide displays, and integrated audio.

Note: I was invited as media to this event. However, any views expressed are always 100% my own.

Designed for both consumer and professional use, the Rokid Glasses feature real-time translation, object recognition, navigation, transcription, notifications, and other AI-driven functions in a wearable frame.

First Thoughts about Rokid Smart Glasses

As a person who's on the go alot, I liked the nagiavtion and memo taking feature.

But it's the real-time translation feature that really impressed me. The world has become more globally connected and being able to connect without a language barrier or having to use multiple translation devices is impressive.

For a smart glasses that does so much, the frame itself is very light weight, so easy to wear during the day.

Rokid AI & AR Smart Glasses ($599)

Rokid Glasses is now available for early supporters on Kickstarter for $499, offering backers the chance to be the first to experience the future of AI-powered wearable computing.

Learn more - bit.ly/4myIhh9

Features include:

AI & AR Tools

• Real-Time Translation – Supports multiple languages with on-screen subtitles.
• Object & Scene Recognition – Identifies items or landmarks via AI-enhanced image processing.
• Live Transcription – Converts spoken conversation into on-screen text for accessibility or note-taking.
• Teleprompter Mode – Displays scrolling text for presentations or public speaking.
• HUD Navigation – Displays turn-by-turn directions directly in the field of view.

Camera & Media

Wide 109° field of view for immersive capture. Privacy indicator light to signal active recording. First-person stills and video recording for personal, professional, or creative use.

• LLHDR Night Vision Dynamic Range Optimization
• HDR: built-in HDR quality detection
• MFNR: multi-frame noise reduction
• Electronic image stabilization

Audio & Voice

• Built-in speakers for music, calls, and notifications without earphones.
• Four-microphone array with AI noise cancellation for clear voice commands and calls.
• Works with AI assistants, including ChatGPT integration, for contextual queries and task automation.

Specialist Insights: Panel on AI Glasses

The launch featured the panel “From Mobile to Wearable: The Rise of AI Glasses”, where experts explored the shift from smartphones to wearable AI devices and the broader implications for communication, industry, and accessibility.

The panel featured Andrea Smith, technology journalist with CNN Underscored and former ABC News correspondent; Dr. Vasant Dhar, Professor at NYU Stern School of Business and the Center for Data Science and founder of SCT Capital Management; Dr. Orson Xu, Assistant Professor at Columbia University specializing in human-computer interaction and AI for health; and Dr. Shawn Shen, founder of Memories AI and former research scientist at Meta.

Topics ranged from the adoption curve of AI glasses to their impact on human-computer interaction, healthcare applications, privacy, trust, and the future role of wearable AI in society.

Storytellers Kick Off Rokid World Tour

The launch also marked the beginning of Rokid’s “Dream Journey” World Tour, a global initiative designed to showcase how AI glasses integrate into real-life scenarios while fostering collaboration with creators worldwide.

From a skateboarder chasing foreign streets, to a tech analyst testing how wearables fit into fast-paced travel schedules, to a couple capturing the joy of their honeymoon, each will share their personal journeys through the lens of Rokid Glasses.

Together, these stories will build a broader narrative that highlights the real-world impact of AI-powered wearables, moving beyond technical demonstrations to meaningful, human-centered experiences.