As I was reflecting on the rhythm of modern life, I couldn’t help but notice how much we, as humans, consume—not just food, but resources, experiences, attention, and even emotions. There’s an almost insatiable pull toward more: more possessions, more pleasures, more stimulation. Yet, the paradox is clear: the more we consume, the more our inner peace often diminishes. Overconsumption is not only unsustainable for the planet, it can weigh heavily on our own mental and emotional health, fueling stress, dissatisfaction, and even subtle forms of suffering.

We often hear about stress in general terms, but not all stress is the same. One powerful distinction is between controllable and uncontrollable stressors. Understanding this difference can help us not only navigate our own lives more skillfully, but also build deeper compassion when we’re in the presence of those who are facing stress they can’t easily change.

What that experience taught me—and what I saw mirrored in the Kardashians’ stories—is that our harshest judgments often stem from within. We tend to criticize in others what we haven’t yet come to terms with in ourselves. And when I watched them navigate their own challenges—balancing motherhood, relationships, business, and self-identity—I saw them wrestling not only with public perception, but with their own inner narratives.