Hannah Aster

SEO Team Lead

Hannah is a seasoned writer and editor who started her journey with Shortform nearly five years ago. She grew up reading mostly fiction books but transitioned to non-fiction writing when she started her travel website in 2018. When she's not writing or traveling, you can find Hannah working on home reno projects, crafting, or taking care of plants.

Expertise

Graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor's degree in English and minors in professional and creative writing

Monetary Sovereignty Means No National Debt

What is a monetary sovereign? Why does Stephanie Kelton, the author of The Deficit Myth, believe monetary sovereigns can print unlimited amounts of money? A monetary sovereign is a country that is the sole issuer of its own currency, and its currency isn’t tied to a finite object or another country’s currency. Believers of modern monetary theory such as Kelton argue this means they can never be in debt because they can always print more money. Continue reading to learn more about monetary sovereignty and for criticism of their arguments.

Dan Harris’s Meditation Journey: Skeptic to Teacher

How did author and former news correspondent Dan Harris go from being a meditation skeptic to writing a book on mindfulness? What sparked his change in mindset? Dan Harris is best known for his on-air panic attack that sparked his long journey from drug addict to self-help author. Dan Harris’s meditation and mindfulness book, 10% Happier, explores his personal journey while providing the advice he learned along the way. Harris hopes to help others overcome anxiety and addiction by providing instructions for easy, everyday meditation practices. Continue reading for an overview of Dan Harris’s journey.

How to Work With a Yellow Personality Type

What traits would you expect from a yellow personality type? In what ways should you adapt your behavior when working with a yellow-dominant person? According to Thomas Erikson in Surrounded by Idiots, Yellow types have a charismatic personality and a bright outlook. Erikson says they see life as a smorgasbord of delights and are the first to try something new. Their driving forces in life are joy and laughter. Erikson writes that Hippocrates refers to this type as “sanguine,” which means “optimist.” Here’s how to work with yellow-dominant people.

Modern Monetary Theory (MMT)— Explained

Are you looking for an explanation of modern monetary theory? What criteria must a nation satisfy to be considered a monetary sovereign? The short version of modern monetary theory is that there are some nations (like the United States) that are unconstrained in their power to spend money because their currencies satisfy certain criteria. MMT is controversial and is criticized by economists. Continue below if you want to learn more about modern monetary theory, explained with analysis.

Debunking the Top 4 Mindfulness Myths

What are the top myths surrounding mindfulness? Have you let those misconceptions hold you back from practicing mindfulness? Author Dan Harris is no stranger to the myths surrounding mindfulness and meditation. Harris was a former skeptic and critic himself. In this post, Harris, the author of 10% Happier, explores the most common mindfulness myths and debunks them. Let’s take a closer look at the four most common myths.

How to Work With a Green Personality Type

What are the traits of a Green personality type? In what ways should you adapt your behavior when working with a Green-dominant person? According to Thomas Erikson in Surrounded by Idiots, the Green personality (which Hippocrates would call “phlegmatic”) is the most common. He labels Green types as the most balanced and describes them as a little bit of every color. Green personalities are even-tempered, kind, and empathetic—and they can go with the flow. Erikson says they can be perceived as shy or unsure of themselves. Keep reading for advice on how to work with a Green-dominant person.

Is National Debt a Problem? Don’t Believe the Hysteria

Is national debt a problem in the United States? Why does Stephanie Kelton believe that government officials are promoting debt hysteria? Stephanie Kelton is an economist, a believer of modern monetary theory, and the controversial author of The Deficit Myth. In her book, she argues that there is no threat from the national debt and that conversations surrounding the United States debt are full of fearmongering. Continue reading to learn why Kelton thinks the United States could wipe its debt at any time.

How to Use Meditation for Success

Do you believe the myth that meditation can hinder your success? Is there a way to use meditation for success? In his book 10% Happier, former meditation skeptic Dan Harris said that he used to believe that mindfulness and ambition could not coexist. He thought that if he took up mindfulness meditation, he would need to sacrifice his career. As it turns out, he was able to find a balance between the two. Here’s how you can make your meditation practice work with your career.

How to Work With a Blue Personality Type

What are the traits of a Blue personality type? In what ways should you adapt your behavior when working with a Blue-dominant person? According to Thomas Erikson in Surrounded by Idiots, Blue-dominant people are extremely organized. Erikson says they have a place for everything, know where every cent goes, and keep detailed schedules. It would not be unusual for a Blue type to plan meals weeks in advance. Keep reading for advice on how to work with a Blue-dominant person.

Codependent No More: Quotes by Melody Beattie

Are you looking for Codependent No More quotes from Melody Beattie? What are the best passages worth revisiting? In Codependent No More, Melody Beattie explores codependency and how it affects people’s lives. A self-help classic and the book that inspired codependency 12 Step Programs around the country, Codependent No More provides explanations, advice, and compassion for people struggling with codependency. Continue reading for quotes from Codependent No More.