Leigh Cala-or
Bio
Hey, I’m Leigh. I write full-time for Urban Era Marketing, and part-time for the soul. I share stories inspired by everyday life, creative work, and the little things that make us feel seen.
Stories (19)
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Empaths Don’t Need Thicker Skin, They Need Better Boundaries
Being an empath is often treated like a badge of honor. You’re the one people turn to when they’re overwhelmed, confused, or hurting. You listen deeply, sense emotional shifts instantly, and care in ways that feel natural and instinctive. But over time, that constant emotional openness can come at a cost.
By Leigh Cala-or3 days ago in Humans
Why Emotional Regulation Might Be the Most Underrated Career Skill
Career advice often sounds the same. Speak up more. Be confident. Network harder. Build visibility. While these strategies have value, they rarely address the emotional foundation required to sustain success over time.
By Leigh Cala-or23 days ago in Humans
Healing from Depression Beyond the Pill
My Diagnosis and the Search for Balance When I was first diagnosed with Bipolar II and depression at 19, it felt like my world shifted overnight. I was overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty, and I didn’t know how to navigate life with this new label. I faced a stark choice: rely entirely on medication or continue spiraling alone.
By Leigh Cala-or2 months ago in Humans
When the Muse Becomes a Cage: How Creatives Fall Into Addiction
At first, it feels like devotion — a writer chasing midnight inspiration, a painter sipping “just one more cup” to keep the vision alive. But behind that devotion, a quieter story unfolds: addiction disguised as art.
By Leigh Cala-or2 months ago in Humans
Edit Less, Stress Less: 10 Minutes to Creative Clarity
There’s something about deadlines that makes even confident writers freeze. The heartbeat quickens, the cursor blinks louder, and suddenly every word feels wrong. You tell yourself you’ll just fix “a few things,” but two hours later, you’re still stuck in the same paragraph. Sound familiar?
By Leigh Cala-or2 months ago in Humans
The Freedom Formula: How Office Hours Made My Freelance Business Grow. AI-Generated.
I used to think that being “always available” was the secret to success. If I replied instantly to messages, clients would trust me more. If I said yes to every project, I’d look committed. For a while, it worked—until I realized I was running out of energy faster than I was earning.
By Leigh Cala-or2 months ago in Humans
Substance Use and Mental Health: The Unspoken Battle We All Need to Face
We live in a culture that glamorizes “a drink to unwind” after work and laughs off “needing something to take the edge off.” But beneath the jokes lies a quieter story — one where substance abuse becomes a substitute for self-care.
By Leigh Cala-or3 months ago in Humans
The Healing Art of Travel: How Culture Reconnects Mind and Meaning
There’s something quietly magical about standing in a place where everything feels unfamiliar yet deeply human. The colors, the language, the air—it all reminds you that the world is wider and kinder than your daily routine lets you believe. Traveling isn’t only about adventure—it’s about awakening. The travel benefits for mental health go far beyond a break from reality; they help us remember who we are when the noise of everyday life fades away.
By Leigh Cala-or3 months ago in Humans
Friendship Boundaries: The Art of Choosing People Who Feel Like Home
In your 20s and 30s, friendships start to shift in quiet but powerful ways. You realize it’s not about who’s been around the longest, but who makes you feel seen, respected, and safe. This piece explores the five green flags and five red flags that reveal whether a friendship nourishes your energy—or drains it—and how setting boundaries can change the way you connect for good.
By Leigh Cala-or3 months ago in Humans
Mentorship Made Me Better: How Editorial Feedback Sharpened My Voice
When I first joined Urban Era Marketing as a writer, I thought I knew my voice. I was confident that if I researched thoroughly, structured carefully, and delivered on time, my drafts would be enough. What I didn’t realize was that author mentorship would become the key to unlocking the kind of writing that doesn’t just inform, but resonates.
By Leigh Cala-or4 months ago in Humans
Burnout Isn’t Laziness—It’s Emotional Exhaustion in Disguise
We often mistake burnout for laziness. We call ourselves unmotivated, undisciplined, or just “bad at adulting”—especially when we’re too tired to keep up with life. But what if what you're feeling isn’t failure... but a quiet form of emotional collapse?
By Leigh Cala-or5 months ago in Humans
