Have you ever convinced yourself that a new planner, another notebook, or that random gadget in your online shopping cart was going to change your life?

You're not alone.

In this first installment of Sunday Seeds of Thought, Dr. Carmela Maxell explores the psychology behind weekend impulse purchases and why so many of us find ourselves filling our carts on Sunday evenings. What if those purchases aren't really about what we're buying—but about what we're feeling?

Through humor, practical insights, and thoughtful reflection, this episode invites you to pause before clicking "Buy Now" and consider what you're really searching for.

Sometimes the greatest investment isn't another package on your doorstep—it's preparing your mind, your heart, and your week.

Join us for a lighthearted conversation that just might change the way you think about your shopping cart...and yourself.

Sunday Seeds of Thought is a weekly 10-minute series designed to help you begin each week with greater intention, resilience, and perspective.

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What does it cost to survive systems that weren't built for you? In this episode Dr. Carmela Maxell explores the mental health impact of navigating institutions as a person of color or marginalized identity — examining weathering, racial battle fatigue, and intergenerational trauma. This isn't abstract. It lives in your body. And there are ways through.

Have you ever picked up your phone to check one notification...only to realize an hour has disappeared?

In this episode of Rooted & Rising, Dr. Carmela Maxell explores the hidden psychology behind doomscrolling and why endless scrolling affects more than just your screen time—it can quietly influence your creativity, motivation, decision-making, and even your ability to pursue the life you truly want.

Together, we'll unpack concepts like the Zeigarnik Effect, decision fatigue, the psychology of infinite scrolling, and why watching productive people can trick our brains into feeling productive ourselves. More importantly, we'll discuss practical strategies to break the cycle, reclaim your attention, and start investing your time in building your own dreams instead of endlessly consuming someone else's.

If you've ever felt mentally exhausted after scrolling, struggled to focus on your own goals, or wondered where your creativity has gone, this conversation is for you.

It's time to stop doomscrolling your dreams...and start living them.