Eating Disorder Journal Prompts
Writing out feelings, thoughts, and experiences can be healing, and using specialized prompts can help individuals struggling with eating disorders to confront their emotions and begin to heal. Below are some journaling prompts for eating disorders.
Eating disorders are not just physical battles, but mental and emotional as well. Professionals use tools and strategies to help those afflicted with these disorders; though one such popular strategy online is journaling. Writing out feelings, thoughts, and experiences can be healing, and using specialized prompts can help individuals struggling with eating disorders to confront their emotions and begin to heal. Below are some journaling prompts for eating disorders.
1. Describe your relationship with food, and how it has changed over time. This can be a difficult prompt to tackle, but exploring the ways food has affected your life can help you confront your emotions and behaviors.
2. Write a letter to your body. This exercise can be especially beneficial for those with body dysmorphia or eating disorders that affect body image. In the letter, express your gratitude for your body, apologize for any harm you may have caused it, and commit to treating your body with kindness and respect in the future.
3. Reflect on a time when you felt the most anxiety or stress about food, and try to identify the root cause of those feelings. Think about what you were going through then, both emotionally and physically. This can help you understand why certain triggers may be affecting your eating habits.
4. Describe your ideal relationship with food. This prompt can help you identify what kind of relationship you want to have with food, and what changes you need to make in order to achieve that ideal.
5. Reflect on how you view yourself now, and think about how your perception of yourself has changed. This prompt can aid in identifying thinking patterns related to disordered eating.
Writing out your thoughts and feelings can help you confront difficult emotions and behaviors. Using specialized prompts can help you explore specific aspects of your relationship with food and your body. It is important to remember that overcoming an eating disorder is a journey, and that journaling is just one tool in your toolbox. Give these prompts a try to see how the power of journaling can transform your life.
Check out my post about Making Meals Easier With Executive Dysfunction!
Making Meals Easier With Executive Dysfunction
Executive dysfunction can make daily life activities like meal prep or grocery shopping more challenging and overwhelming. However, there are several ways to make mealtime more manageable and less stressful. In this blog post, we will explore some useful tips and tricks to help individuals with executive dysfunction navigate meal prep with ease.
Executive dysfunction is a condition where a person has difficulties with their cognitive abilities, including planning, organizing, or starting actions. It can make daily life activities like meal prep or grocery shopping more challenging and overwhelming. However, there are several ways to make mealtime more manageable and less stressful. In this blog post, we will explore some useful tips and tricks to help individuals with executive dysfunction navigate meal prep with ease.
Plan, Plan, Plan
Planning is crucial to mealtime success. Meal planning helps to eliminate the stress that comes with trying to come up with your meal at the last minute. It also ensures that you have the right ingredients on hand, saving you time and money in the long run. Begin by creating a weekly or monthly meal plan, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This plan will streamline the grocery list, and you only need to shop once a week. Start by choosing simple recipes that you enjoy and branch out once you feel more confident.
Make Use Of Simple Meal Prep Techniques
Meal prepping is a great way to prepare for the week ahead. Simple meal prep techniques include chopping vegetables and storing them in containers, pre-cooking meat or beans, or portioning out snacks for the week. Invest in some high-quality containers that are easy to open and label them with the food and date. Prep meals at the same time each week, such as Sunday mornings, to make them become a routine.
Utilize Kitchen Gadgets
Kitchen gadgets can make meal prep easier and more enjoyable. For instance, using a slow cooker to cook meals overnight means you wake up to a nutritious breakfast, and you have lunch ready. Use a food processor to chop vegetables, so you speed through this time-consuming task with ease. There are tons of kitchen gadgets designed to make cooking and meal prep simple, so explore these devices and find ones that work for you.
Simplify Your Meals
Preparing fancy meals can be overwhelming and time-consuming, especially when executive dysfunction is involved. Simplify your meals by choosing recipes that require less time, effort, and cost. For instance, you can make a large pot of soup or chili to reheat throughout the week. One-pot recipes are ideal. They eliminate the need for multiple pots or pans and make meal prep simpler.
Keep Healthy Snacks on Hand
Eating nutritious snacks throughout the day can help maintain energy levels and prevent hunger cravings. Keep healthy snacks on hand, such as fruit, nuts, and crackers, and store them in a place where it’s easy to grab them. Have a designated snack bin in the refrigerator and pantry to grab items that are ready to be eaten.
To recap: meal planning, using simple meal prep techniques, utilizing kitchen gadgets, simplifying your meals, and keeping healthy snacks on hand can help individuals with executive dysfunction navigate meal prep with more ease and comfort. These tips will save time, reduce stress, and promote better eating habits. With these techniques, you’ll be able to plan nutritious meals that you can look forward to without the hassle. Remember, it’s all about simplifying processes while still meeting your needs.
Check out my post about Journal Prompts For Help With Eating Disorders.
Laundry Tips For College Students
Laundry should not be a daunting task; it’s manageable with a little planning and organization. In this post, we’ll explore some of the essential laundry tips for college students. From separating clothing to folding tips, you’ll learn how to keep your clothes clean and fresh while saving time and money.
College life comes with its own set of challenges. One of these challenges involves doing laundry. It can be frustrating to find clothes that are dirty or not fresh when you need them most. Laundry should not be a daunting task; it’s manageable with a little planning and organization. In this post, we’ll explore some of the essential laundry tips for college students. From separating clothing to folding tips, you’ll learn how to keep your clothes clean and fresh while saving time and money.
Use A Process To Sort Clothes
The first step in doing your laundry is sorting your clothes. Separate whites, darks, and colors to avoid bleeding or discoloration. You can also divide clothes by fabric type, such as towels, sheets, and delicates. This process may require extra time, but it will prevent any damage to your clothes during the washing process.
Choose the Right Detergent
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Using the right laundry detergent is essential for getting your clothes clean and keeping them fresh. Look for laundry detergents that are easy to use, affordable, and effective at removing stains, dirt, and odors. You can also consider detergent with fabric softener to avoid the need for a separate fabric softener product.
Wash Clothes Correctly
To ensure that your clothes get quality clean, read the care label on the clothes, and follow the instructions. Use the appropriate washing cycle, which could be warm or cold water, depending on the clothing. For heavy stained clothes, use a pre-wash cycle. Be sure to use the right amount of detergent to avoid a soapy residue from appearing on the finished load of laundry.
Dry Clothes Correctly
The way you dry your clothes can affect their quality. Use the right temperature setting on your dryer or consider air-drying your clothes. Use dryer balls or fabric softener sheets to soften clothes and reduce static cling. After removing clothes from the dryer, fold or hang them to avoid wrinkles and odors.
Fold Clothes Correctly
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Folding clothes can be a tedious task for many college students. But, it’s essential to fold clothes to reduce wrinkles and maintain their shape. Invest in hangers for shirts, jackets, or dresses, and keep them buttoned up to prevent them from stretching out while hung. For t-shirts, fold them using the KonMari or Marie Kondo method. If you’re struggling to fold any clothing, consider watching a YouTube tutorial, and you’ll be fine.
By now, we’ve already explored some of the essential laundry tips for college students to consider. Doing your laundry can be stress-free with the right tools, techniques, and attitude. The key is to stay organized, separate your clothes, choose the right detergent, wash clothes correctly, dry clothes in a proper manner, and fold clothes in little time. With these tips, you’ll keep your clothes looking clean and fresh for the duration of the college semester while saving time and money.
Feeling nervous about going away? Check out my post about how to deal with Anxiety About Going Away To College!
For more tips on packing for college, check out my Packing List For College here!
How To Cut Bangs On A Wig: The Ultimate Guide
Bangs have become one of the most exciting hairstyles of all time. They enhance the beauty of your face and create the perfect frame for your eyes. But with wigs, cutting them can be a little intimidating. You don’t want to ruin the wig or end up with unsightly bangs. With the right technique and tips, cutting bangs on a wig can be a fun and simple process. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to cut bangs on a wig.
Bangs have become one of the most exciting hairstyles of all time. They enhance the beauty of your face and create the perfect frame for your eyes. But with wigs, cutting them can be a little intimidating. You don’t want to ruin the wig or end up with unsightly bangs.
With the right technique and tips, cutting bangs on a wig can be a fun and simple process. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps to cut bangs on a wig.
Choose the Type of Bangs
Before cutting, it’s important to decide on the type of bangs you want. Do you want them short, long, straight, or side-swept? You can use pictures of celebrities or models with the same face shape as yours to help you decide. Once you’ve chosen the type of bangs, you can go ahead with the cutting process.
Create the Guide Section
To get the perfect bangs, start by creating a guide section. Use a measuring tape to measure the length from the top of your head to where you want the bangs to be. Then, using a comb, separate a small section of hair from the front hairline. This section will be your guide section.
Trim the Guide Section
Using sharp scissors, trim the guide section to your desired length. Be careful not to cut it too short, as you can’t undo it. Trim with patience and check to ensure you’re still on track. Once you’re satisfied with the length, use it as a guide to cut the remaining sections of hair.
Cut the Rest of the Hair
Hold the section of hair you want for your bangs between your index and middle fingers. Then, use your guide section to cut the bangs. Cut the hair in small sections to avoid making mistakes. Remember to taper the edges so the bangs blend in with the rest of your hair.
Style the Bangs
After cutting, use a blow dryer and a round brush to style the bangs. Use a flat iron if you want them to be straight. You can apply hair gel or serum to smooth the edges. Remember to trim them on a regular schedule to maintain their length and the sharpness of their edges.
Cutting bangs on a wig can be simple and easy if you follow the steps above. It will change up your look and add a personalized touch to your wig. You don’t have to be a professional hairstylist to cut bangs; all you need is the right technique and tools. Just remember to have LOTS of patience when cutting!
How To Not Pass Out During Your Tattoo Session
If you’re reading this, you’re interested in getting a tattoo, or perhaps you’ve already booked a tattoo appointment. While they can be a wonderful form of self-expression, the process of getting one can be daunting. Pain, discomfort, and anxiety can lead to fainting or feeling sick during or after the procedure. But don’t worry! In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for your tattoo session and keep your cool during the process.
If you’re reading this, you’re interested in getting a tattoo, or perhaps you’ve already booked a tattoo appointment. While they can be a wonderful form of self-expression, the process of getting one can be daunting. Pain, discomfort, and anxiety can lead to fainting or feeling sick during or after the procedure.
But don’t worry! In this blog post, I’ll give you some tips on how to prepare for your tattoo session and keep your cool during the process.
Make Sure You’re Well-Rested
Getting enough sleep is crucial before a tattoo session, as well as ensuring that you’re hydrated and fed. Feeling weak or faint during a tattoo can occur from hunger or dehydration. You want to avoid this by eating a good meal and drinking plenty of water before your appointment.
Plan Your Outfit
What you wear to your tattoo session matters. Choose comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area of your tattoo. I suggest wearing something you don’t mind staining with ink. Avoid tight-fitting clothes and shoes that restrict your blood flow. You’ll also want to avoid anything that might rub against your tattoo, like skinny jeans or jewelry.
Take Breaks
Getting a tattoo can be a long process, and it’s essential to take regular breaks. It’s okay to communicate with your tattoo artist if you need to take a breather. It’s better to take breaks than to force yourself through the entire session and end up passing out or feeling sick.
Focus on Breathing
This tip may sound quite simple, but it can make a dramatic difference in how you feel during your tattoo session. Breathing techniques such as deep breathing and exhaling can calm you down and ease your discomfort. Focus on your breath and try not to think about the pain. Some people also find it helpful to meditate or listen to soothing music.
Bring a Supportive Friend
Bringing a friend (or family member) can take the stress out of your tattoo session. Talking and laughing with a supportive companion can help you relax and feel more at ease. Just make sure your friend knows and understands the tattoo etiquette and doesn’t distract the tattoo artist.
Getting a tattoo can be an emotional experience and an overwhelming one, especially if you’re not used to getting tattooed. That doesn’t mean it has to be a negative experience. By following the tips mentioned above, you can take control of the situation and your nerves. Remember, getting a tattoo isn’t a race, and take breaks whenever you need, and always communicate with your artist. So, dear reader, take a deep breath, relax, and enjoy getting your new tattoo!
Financial Freedom: Journal Prompts for Money Mindset
Are you ready to manifest abundance into your life? Do you want to let go of limiting beliefs and achieve financial freedom? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, then you’re in the right place.
Attention all goddesses out there: are you ready to manifest abundance into your life? Do you want to let go of limiting beliefs and achieve financial freedom? If you’ve answered yes to both questions, then you’re in the right place. Today, I’m going to share with you some effective journal prompts for money mindset that can help you transform your relationship with money. So, grab your pen or laptop, and let’s dive in!
What is your current financial situation?
First, we need to define where we are at the moment. Financial awareness is crucial in setting financial goals. Take some time to examine your current financial situation. List down your income and expenses, assets, and liabilities. Be honest with yourself and do not judge. This journal prompt will give you a clearer picture of what you need to work on.
What are your limiting beliefs about money?
Limiting beliefs are the negative thoughts that we believe as true about money. We’ve heard the sayings, “Money is the root of all evil” or “I can never be wealthy because of my background”. These beliefs block us from manifesting abundance into our lives. Write your limiting beliefs and challenge them with positive affirmations.
What is your ideal financial situation?
We need to have a clear vision of what we are manifesting. In this journal prompt, write your financial goals and how you feel when you achieve them. Consider different aspects of your ideal financial situation – income, savings, business, and investments. Specify these aspects as much as you can. This journal prompt will give you the motivation to work towards your vision.
What is your attitude towards money?
Our attitude towards money shapes our relationship with it. Our words, thoughts, and actions determine how much money we will attract. In this journal prompt, reflect on your attitude towards money. Do you believe that money flows easily to you, or do you struggle to earn and keep it? Write your money affirmations and declare them every day.
What are you grateful for in terms of money?
Gratitude is a powerful force that attracts more abundance into our lives. In this journal prompt, write what you are grateful for in terms of money. Acknowledge your blessings and how they have contributed to your current financial situation. Expressing gratitude strengthens your relationship with money and opens the door for more opportunities.
And there you have it, my lovely ladies: the five journal prompts for money mindset that can help you shift your relationship with money. You have the power to manifest abundance into your life, but it starts with your mindset. Remember, it’s not about the amount of money you have, but your attitude towards it. Be conscious of your thoughts and beliefs about money, and use these journal prompts to transform them into positive ones. With a bit of patience, faith, and action, you’ll amaze yourself at how the universe will bless you with financial freedom.
Overcoming Anxiety About Going Away to College
You might find yourself anxious about leaving your family, friends, and familiar surroundings behind to embark on a new adventure. Overcoming anxiety about college is essential if you want to make the most out of this life-changing opportunity. In this blog post, we’ll share a few tips on how you can diminish your anxiety and have the best college experience.
Going away to college and leaving the comforts of home to start a new chapter in life can trigger feelings of anxiety and fear. You might find yourself anxious about leaving your family, friends, and familiar surroundings behind to embark on a new adventure.
Overcoming anxiety about college is essential if you want to make the most out of this life-changing opportunity. In this blog post, we’ll share a few tips on how you can diminish your anxiety and have the best college experience.
Acknowledge Your Anxiety
The first step in overcoming anxiety about going away to college is acknowledging that you’re feeling anxious. Understand it is normal to feel nervous about leaving your comfort zone. Denying your anxiety will only make it worse. Talk to a trusted friend or family member to help you process your feelings and find ways to cope.
Plan Ahead
One way to minimize anxiety about going away to college is to plan ahead. You can prepare for college early in three ways: researching your chosen university, planning your schedule, and packing your essentials. Also, attending orientation events can help give you a sense of familiarity with campus life and ease anxiety before the school year starts. Know that the more you plan, the more in control you’ll feel.
Build a Support Group
Surrounding yourself with a supportive network of friends and mentors can help you overcome anxiety about going away to college. Joining clubs, organizations and taking part in social events are excellent ways to connect with like-minded people. You’ll also find support through your participation. Your struggles and successes with a supportive community can help you stay motivated and feel less alone on your journey.
Embrace Change
Going away to college is a significant life change. While change can be scary, embracing it can make it a positive experience. Look at this opportunity as a chance to explore your interests, develop new skills, and meet new people. It’s normal to not feel 100% comfortable right away; but before long, you’ll settle into your new routine.
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is crucial in managing anxiety about going away to college. Take care of your physical and mental health. Exercise, meditation, and mindfulness practices can help you manage your feelings and stay grounded. Getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and avoiding substances and behaviors that are harmful to your health can go a long way in helping you overcome anxiety.
It’s normal to feel anxious about going away to college; but with the right mindset and strategies, you can turn this change into a positive experience. Remember to acknowledge your anxiety, plan ahead, build a support network, embrace the change, and practice self-care. You are about to embark on a journey of personal and academic growth. Using the right tools for yourself will help you make the most out of this opportunity.
Feeling like your anxiety is lying to you? Check out my post about it here!
How Goal Setting Journal Prompts Can Help You Achieve Your Dreams
There’s never a right moment to achieve your dreams. You have to make the moment right by taking action. And, one of the best ways to take action is by setting goals. But, how do you set goals? What steps do you need to take to achieve them? That’s where goal-setting journal prompts can help.
Everyone has dreams, ambitions, and aspirations. But, most of the time, we struggle to achieve them. We start strong but soon lose track. We get caught up in our daily routine and procrastinate, waiting for the right moment. But there’s never a right moment to achieve your dreams. You have to make the moment right by taking action. And, one of the best ways to take action is by setting goals. But, how do you set goals? What steps do you need to take to achieve them? That’s where goal-setting journal prompts can help.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss how goal-setting journal prompts can help you achieve your dreams.
GET OUT THAT NOTEBOOK, THAT LAPTOP, THAT VOICE RECORDER!
Reflect on Your Past Achievements and Challenges
The first step in goal-setting journal prompts is to reflect on your past achievements and challenges. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and give you a better understanding of what motivates and demotivates you. Ask yourself the following questions:
What were your biggest achievements in life?
What were your biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?
What are your top 3 strengths?
What are your top 3 weaknesses?
When do you feel most motivated?
When do you feel demotivated?
What are your biggest fears?
Determine Your Short-term and Long-term Goals
Once you’ve reflected on your past achievements and challenges, the next step is to determine your short-term and long-term goals. Your short-term goals should be achievable in the next 6-12 months, while your long-term goals should be achievable in the next 2-5 years. Ask yourself the following questions:
What are your goals for the next 6-12 months?
What are your goals for the next 2-5 years?
How can you achieve these goals in actionable steps?
How will you overcome the challenges you see down the road?
Break Down Your Goals into Actionable Steps
Setting goals is not enough. You need to break down your goals into actionable steps, which will create an actionable plan to follow. Ask yourself the following questions:
What are the necessary steps to achieve your short-term goals?
What are the necessary steps to achieve your long-term goals?
Are there resources needed to achieve your goals?
How will you overcome the potential obstacles?
Create a Timeline for Your Goals
A timeline can help you visualize your progress and stay on track. When creating a timeline, consider both your short-term and long-term goals. Ask yourself the following questions:
What is your deadline for achieving your short-term goals?
What is your deadline for achieving your long-term goals?
What milestones do you need to achieve in order to meet your deadlines?
What are the consequences of not meeting your deadlines?
Review and Evaluate Your Progress
The ultimate step in goal-setting journal prompts is to review and evaluate your progress. This will help you identify what’s working and what’s not. Ask yourself the following questions:
What progress have you made toward your goals?
How have you overcome the challenges you have faced?
What have you learned about yourself by working towards your goals?
Do you need to revise your goals or adjust your plan?
In this post, we’ve discussed how goal-setting journal prompts can help you achieve your dreams. By reflecting on your past achievements and challenges, determining your short-term and long-term goals, breaking down your goals into actionable steps, creating a timeline, and reviewing and evaluating your progress, you can make your dreams a reality. Remember, goal-setting is not a one-time process. It’s an ongoing journey that requires commitment, dedication, and hard work. But, with the help of goal-setting journal prompts, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Packing Smart: How Much Clothes To Pack For College
Packing Smart: How Much To Pack For College
Packing for college can be an overwhelming task, especially for deciding what clothes to bring. You don’t want to over-pack and clutter your dorm room, but you need enough clothes to last you through the year. So how do you find the right balance? This blog post will guide you through packing for college and help you determine the ideal amount of clothing to bring.
YOUR PREMIUM PACKING LIST
The first step in determining how much clothing to pack for college is to assess your lifestyle. Do you dress up every day for class, or do you prefer a more casual look? Do you play sports or work out? Understanding your everyday routine will help you gauge the clothing you will need. For example, if you plan to work out, you’ll need more athletic wear than someone who doesn’t exercise often.
The climate of your college town is another factor to consider when deciding what clothes to pack. If you’re attending school in a colder environment, invest in warm jackets, sweaters, and boots. Pack lightweight clothes and comfortable sandals if you’re attending school in a warmer environment. Remember to pack items that can transition between seasons, like a denim jacket that can go from summer to fall.
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Use vacuum-sealed bags or collapsible storage to maximize space in your dorm. You can also save space by packing clothes that can be mixed and matched, like solid-colored t-shirts and jeans. Instead of packing multiple bulky sweaters, bring one or two that can be combined with other clothing items.
Most colleges have on-campus laundry facilities, but you’ll still need to decide how often you’ll be doing laundry. Your wardrobe size determines if once-a-week laundry suffices. However, if you’d prefer to do laundry less frequently, you may need to pack more clothes. You’ll also need to bring laundry detergent and dryer sheets.
Last, don’t forget to pack special occasion attire. Formal attire may be required for events or interviews. Depending on your style, this could mean packing a suit or a cocktail dress. Whatever you plan to bring, make sure it’s something you’ll feel confident and comfortable wearing.
Stress-free college packing is possible. Assessing your lifestyle and climate, using space-saving techniques, preparing for laundry, and packing special occasion attire can help you bring the right amount of clothing while avoiding clutter. Remember to pack clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident so you can focus on your studies and enjoy your college experience.
Check out my post for How To Do Laundry: College Student Edition!
LGBTQ+ Pride Flags And Meanings
All LGBTQ Pride Flags and Meanings
HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!
Though I have to say, beyond the flair and fabulous fashion of the community, the best thing you can do for anybody (AND for yourself) is to give unconditional love and support. I, myself, come from a family that has a silent approach to love - as in my mom will leave me sticky notes with hearts on my bed, and my dad has a little rainbow flag standing tall on his work desk. It’s the little things that warm my heart the most.
I know for a ton of allies - mostly parents, family friends, even teachers - there’s a point you realize after somebody comes out to you, where you wonder what you might be able to do to show that you support them. One way you can show it subtly is through a gift, such as a pride flag!
BUT! I also know we have so many different labels in this comunity that makes it hard to understand what they all mean.
So, here’s a list of some of the more commonly sought-for LGBTQ+ pride flags, plus descriptions to understand what each pride flag means. Down at the bottom are some links to browse and buy flags. Enjoy!
TRADITIONAL PRIDE FLAG + PROGRESS PRIDE FLAG
Here’s a visual of both the traditional pride flag and the progressive pride flag. The progressive pride flag includes representation of people of color - the black and brown stripes - and those who identify as transgender - the blue, pink, and white stripes. Buying the traditional over the other doesn’t mean you don’t believe in the significance of the progressive flag; but if you were planning to say, buy a gift for somebody, then it’s best to think about what that person would feel more represented with.
LESBIAN FLAG
The lesbian flag signifies those who identify as woman being attracted to women. The colors are close in shades of orange and pink to represent femininity.
MLM INCLUSIVE FLAG
This is the trans-inclusive gay pride flag, signifying those who identify as men being attracted to men. The colors are close in shades to represent masculinity.
BISEXUAL FLAG
The bisexual flag represents those who are attracted to more than one gender. NOTE: The pink represents attraction to the same gender of how you identify, while the blue represents attraction to the opposite gender, or one that’s different from the gender you relate to. (Unlike common belief, the pink isn’t just attraction to women, and blue isn’t just attraction to men). The purple is clearly a combination of the pink and blue, signifying the attraction to more than one gender.
PANSEXUAL FLAG
The pansexual flag represents those who feel attraction to multiple genders, or regardless of gender. To put it simply, there’s a lot of blending between bisexuality and pansexuality, because both signify to people that they like more than one gender. Unlike the bisexual flag, the pink color does represent attraction to women while the blue represents attraction to men. The yellow signifies attraction to everyone who identifies as something in between or outside these groups.
ASEXUAL FLAG
The asexual flag represents those who don’t feel attraction to any genders, or on a very small scale. The black signifies no attraction while the gray signifies a “gray area”: known as gray-asexuality or demisexuality. Demisexuality is those who only discover attraction to somebody after they have developed a connection. (You can think of it like a “friends first, lovers later”.) The purple represents unity in the community.
POLYAMORY FLAG
The polyamory flag signifies a openness to multiple connections and multiple partners. The blue represents openness between lovers, the red represents love and passion, and the black represents solidarity over the history of those having to hide their relationships. The other unique feature is the Pi symbol in the middle of the flag, representing the infinite number of connections people can build.
TRANSGENDER FLAG
The transgender flag is a symbol for the transgender community. To be transgender is to not relate to your biological gender; you may transition from a man to woman or vice versa, or you may feel outside of both sexes. The blue represents the idea of the traditional boy color, while the pink is the traditional girl color. The white represents those transitioning (crossing over the white to the next color), those who are intersex, and those who are undefined in gender.
NONBINARY FLAG
The non-binary flag represents those who don’t fall into gender representation. While signified in the transgender flag, this flag focuses on this specific group. The yellow represents those who remain outside of the gender binary while the purple represents those who remain in the male or female binary. The white represents those who have multiple genders while the black represents those who have no gender. Distinguishing gender and binary can be hard, I know: here’s a link to the Nation Center for Transgender Equality that explains this in better detail.
GENDERFLUID FLAG
The genderfluid flag represents those whose gender is fluid. They can fluctuate between pronouns and gender expressions. The pink represents feminity; the blue masculinity; the purple a combination between masculinity and femininity. The while represents all genders while the black represents no genders.
INTERSEX FLAG
The intersex flag represents those who were born with variety in their sexual traits, such as in chromosomes or hormone reponses. The colors yellow and purple represent their lack of connection to traditional genders; they exist as gender-neutral colors.
STORE LINKS
Sleeping Tips To Help With Anxiety And Insomnia
Here are five unique sleeping tips for the anxious and insomniacs.
Look, coming from a twenty-something college student who struggles with general anxiety,
a terrible caffeine addiction,
abnormal hormonal repsonses,
the most irritable pms responses,
executive dysfunction,
maladaptive dreaming disorder,
and lung problems that make it hard to breathe while lying down…
Look, I’m just trying to say that I know how hard it is to get quality sleep.
So, if you struggle with anything that I do, here’s some helpful tips that’s worked for me and MAYBE will work for you. Don’t knock anything until you try it!
Sleeping Tips For The Anxious
#1: PREPARE FOR SLEEP BEFORE YOU EVEN THINK ABOUT IT
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The main problem I’ve been having lately is that I wait to wash up, brush my teeth, and pack whatever I need for tomorrow before I lie in bed. Then I lie in bed watching TV, thinking I won’t fall asleep because I don’t usually do; but before I know it, I wake up around 3:30 with my makeup still on, the TV still blaring, and my room in a mess!
SO, TRY THIS: If you want to go to bed at, say, eleven, then around 9pm, do your bedtime routine and pack as much as you can for tomorrow. Take your pills, put up your hair, and then go back to your phone or late-night hobby. Once that first wave of sleepiness comes, don’t hesitate to slide into bed, even with your phone, and just let your mind go where it goes. You’ll be more prone to falling asleep just because you know everything is already done and set for tomorrow, so.
#2: GET RID OF EXCESS ENERGY IN THE EVENING
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A Major Problem for me! I’ve found, especially in school, that the time I work out is super key to when exactly I am tired vs. all worked up. As much as I don’t like it, I do wait until the end of the day to workout. This way, I can give it my all and not worry about being too tired after to do anything, since I can just fall asleep!
SO, TRY THIS: Decide the time to work out that is best for you. If your busy schedule doesn’t let it fit in where you want it, than just adjust where you can. (If you’re like me and working out makes you extremely tired after, then you can try eating more throughout the day, or breaking up the workout throughout the day so it’s not all at one time.)
#3: TELL SOMEBODY WHEN YOU NEED TO BE UP IN THE MORNING
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I know this doesn’t work when you live alone. For that, I suggest having thirty alarms on multiple devices and placing them NOT in your bedroom, but literally down the hall and in a different room. Make sure it’s loud.
I have a great roommate, though, and we both know each other’s schedules well enough to know when the other should be awake in the morning. I can also ask her at times to wake me up if I’m not up by a certain time. This keeps me accountable, and it actually makes me better at waking up, because I have anxiety and it legitimately makes me feel bad thinking about her having to shake me awake, LOL.
SO, TRY THIS: Find an accountable buddy, even if it’s just your phone. You can even be accountable for each other going to bed on time!
#4: FIND A CONSISTENT SOUND TO FALL ASLEEP TO
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Some people swear by white noise, some by violin, some by the TV or the fan outside their room - I don’t care what floats your boat, as long as you stick to it. For me, I have a Youtube playlist of this group of reactors who watch The Office episodes and chat about them. I’ve seen the whole show, so I’m not invested in truly listening to them - I just find their voices soothing, and The Office is a show that makes me forget about any troubles in my life in that moment.
SO, TRY THIS: Find one “piece of sound” to try and stick to it for at least a week. Make sure, if it’s something on your phone like a playlist or video, leave it on the dresser and not next to you in the bed. Also, only listen to it for bedtime, so you can develop a habit of hearing that sound and having your body know that it’s time to fall asleep.
#5: UNDERSTAND ORIENTATION
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It sounds weird, but our bodies are more affected by small things than we know. Think back to when you last fell asleep and question: how were you positioned? Were you facing the door? Were you facing a window, and were the curtains closed or opened? Were you propped up on pillows, or was your face smushed into the fabric? These things matter because they can help or harm our mental and body reponses.
For instance, lying without proper support for your neck leads to soreness in that area when you wake up. Obviously, this causes irritation which can last throughout the day, and even all the way until your next sleep. If you face an open window, this can change your circadian rhythm, depending on when you go to bed/wake up and when light starts coming through the window.
SO, TRY THIS: Close the curtains and the bedroom door, make sure to prop your head slightly, and see what that does for your sleep for a week. I’m not saying this will fix things - and if anything’s impacting you negatively, then change it - but this simple change has done wonders for me in a) the amount of time it takes for me to fall asleep, and b) how my muscles feel in the morning.
THAT’S IT! I really hope these tips can help, but understand a lot of it is just trial and error. Be consistent, and you’re sure to build a routine that will get you that quality sleep we all desire.
Spotify Playlist #2 | Peace
Music recommendations for the Spotify lover. Geared toward a peaceful mindset and for quality sleep.
PEACE PLAYLIST
Investments For The College Student
Here’s a list of items for the average college student, and that I wish I’d known were essential at the START of the year.
Here’s the thing.
We pack - for a trip, for a vacation, for COLLEGE - and we think we do our best, but there’s always that one thing that’s missing. One thing we should’ve brought or bought over something else.
This isn’t going to be the complete college packing list of your dreams; but rather everything that I didn’t think about bringing with me to my dorm at the start of the year. All of these I ended up buying thorughout the school year because of one bad experience or another. Let me tell you, I can’t IMAGINE life without any of these objects now. Every day, these things are coming in clutch.
So, let’s dive right in. Here’s a list of items for the average college student, and that I wish I’d known were essential at the start of the year. Click on the button for a link to browse and buy.
2-in-1 Ice and Heat Pack
It seems simple, but it’ll become essential once you twist that ankle walking all around campus. I suggest a pack that can handle both temperatures - I actually have two of these packs in my mini fridge, and it only takes thirty second to warm them up.
Snuggly Sweatshirt
If you run cold-blooded like me, and/or have a roommate who turns the AC way up at night, then this is a must! I wore it every night in the winter, and even on the days we had a blizzard and they refused to cancel class for some reason.
Quality Pens
An experienced note-taker knows it’s not just about the quality of our handwriting that allows us to have Mona-Lisa-esque notes; it’s also the types of pens we use. Personally, I need a pen that will bleed well enough considering I use light pressure and I tilt my hand at an odd angle. I’m left-handed as well, so it definitely needs to not smudge. Here’s my favorite brand you can find on Amazon.
Quality Notebook with Dividers
I like to separate my notes by classes, subjects, topics, etc., but I don’t need to be lugging around seven 8x11 notebooks in my backpack all day. Here’s a smaller size I use that includes dot grids instead of basic lines. This also allows me to draw images or graphs in my notes, which look cleaner because the basic blue lines aren’t underneath them.
Multiple Chargers
Okay, this seems pretty basic. What I’m specifically talking about is the features. Get a block that has two ports for your laptop and phone. Get a cord that’s at least six feet long, ESPECIALLY if your dorm comes with a loft and you know you want to use your phone in bed!
Earbuds + Headphones
Personally, I need both for different circumstances. One is more accustomed for classes while the other is better accustomed for studying in the library. People don’t bother me when I’m wearing my headphones and they make me feel less anxious when I’m walking, but the earbuds cancel out more noise and I can wear them in the shower and at night without them hurting. Here’s the link to a quality pair of headphones on Amazon. Here’s a link to the earbuds; and for their quality, the price is a INSANELY great deal!
Umbrella
You’ll need to accept bringing an umbrella everywhere you go. I mean, jump in the puddles if you want to, but you know you’ll want to cover your backpack (which is carrying your laptop, your wallet, and other not-waterproof items) when it’s pouring outside. It might be good to have a poncho as well - trust me, nobody’s going to make fun of you when you’re getting to classes on time and they’re coming in late and half-soaked.
Travel Kit
In a very general sense, it’s good to have back-ups of toiletries. You never know how late you’re going to stay at the library, or if you’re going to stay at a friend’s dorm because your roommate’s having their partner over, or if you’re going to walk out of a three-hour lab in the basement not smelling that great. Just a little baggy in your backpack’s side pocket is fine.
Tide Pens
Laundry sucks at college; sometimes there’s a line, sometimes the floor is sopping wet, and the dryers in my building never fully dry my clothes. Ever. If you need to get rid of one stain on a shirt for tomorrow, then you shouldn’t be paying $1.50 for that. Get a couple Tide pens and a good freshener, and that should be enough to tide you over until your mom can help you out next weekend.
Folding Laundry Board
I can’t do laundry for anything. It was my least favorite chore growing up, and it always will be. This board makes it so much easier to put away my clothes, because I don’t have any reason to stuff shirts in the bottom drawer when this board can fold all of them in less than twenty minutes.
Pairing Accessories
Part of looking good and feeling good is to know how to build a sense of personal fashion. This is important to create while in college, for many reasons: a) your sense of style was likely changing anyway from what you were wearing in high school, b) building a style will make it easier to know how to dress for the career you’re pursuing, and c) creating a style that builds on few but simple fashion choices makes it easy to budget when shopping.
Take myself, for instance: in the winter, I wear over-sized sweaters almost every day. This makes it easy to buy and care for just one quality pair of leggings, because my personal touch is focused on the top, not the bottom. I own two pair of boots - one is geared more towards style while the other is for comfort. I have five different winter hats because I wanted different colors, so I got them cheap from a thrift store. On the opposite hand, I have one quality pair of gloves, because I chose comfort over style in that category.
Do you see what I mean? It also makes it easier to organize your smaller-than-you-think dorm closet.
There you have it! I hope these tips help and your adventure into the next stage of your life goes smoothly.
Productivity Tips For New Small Businesses
You never know how starting an online business will truly be until you actually do it. Here’s some advice on how to handle running your business, equipped with tips and a free weekly reflection.
Overview
Hello, all! How are we doing? Need some productivity tips for your business?
Well, one way I keep myself motivated over the weekend is by journaling about the previous week, plus what I need to prepare for when the coming week arrives. It keeps me accountable for tasks I did/didn’t get done, as well as keeping me attuned to my hopes and drive for the future.
While I am a person who doesn’t necessarily thrive on lists, I do find them a requirement for work and school, and ESPECIALLY since starting my business. The reflection part naturally comes while journaling about my productivity, which is a super awesome bonus.
So take out a notebook, a sketch pad, or a laptop and get ready to journal! (Copy and paste the questions down below if you’d like, as well.)
JOURNAL MAP #1: END OF WEEK REFLECTION
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Here’s a list of questions to ask yourself at the end of each week, specifically relating to your business:
If you could sum up the work week in one word (or image), what would it be? Simply think or write: how does seeing that word printed out make you feel?
Journal Sandwich! Stick anywhere on the paper.
Name one thing that went well.
Name one thing that didn’t go well.
Name one more thing that went well.
What was your most productive day? Do you understand why it was? Jot down a short paragraph.
What was your most relaxing day? Do you understand why it was? Jot down a short paragraph.
List all the tasks you completed. Don’t write out long sentences, just short and sweet bullet points.
Take a look at the list and all you accomplished. Well done! Give yourself a pat on the back.
For the next section, consider: are there over-arching goals you need to refresh yourself on? Devote ten minutes at least to thinking, journaling, and/or mind mapping the progress you’ve made concerning those goals this week. If it’s hard to stay focused, set a timer or play a song, then close your eyes to recenter your mind.
For the next section, consider: beyond work, how did you feel mental-health wise? For instance, if you were stressed, was work the reason, or was it something else? Is that stress going to continue into next week and you’ll have to adapt, or can you nip it in the bud over the weekend? Paragraphs, notes, or a mind map: this decision is up to you.
Sum up your mental health in one word, or one image.
At the end of the page or map, sum up this reflection in one word. Relate the word to the time you spent journaling, not the week. (ex: relaxing? worthwhile? overwhelming? messy? understandable?) productive?
Compare your one word (or image) for the week, your one word for mental health, and your one word for this reflection. How connected are they, if at all?
Consider drawing a connection between these three themes for the next week. You don’t have to write anything down unless you desire.
END. Draw a little heart and turn the page.
JOURNAL MAP #2: NEXT WEEK PROMISES
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Here’s a list of prompts you can write about to help you start next week with a plan already set, specifically for your business:
List all the tasks you didn’t complete this past week. Keep it simple (bullet points, not paragraphs).
In the same list, jot your main tasks for the upcoming week.
Take a look and evaluate. Out of your list, what is the biggest priority for next week?
Write down your biggest priority and leave a little space underneath to journal, draw, or create a mind map based on the following questions:
If you haven’t already, describe this priority in one sentence.
List or describe the sections of work it will take to complete this task.
Based on the work needed, when can you expect to get this done?
Go back to the list of all tasks and repeat with the next biggest priority, and so forth.
Once you only have small or routine tasks on the list, simply determine when you could be able to complete them based on your timing for the big tasks. Calendar them in or post a sticky note somewhere for you to remember, but understand they are not your biggest focus for this coming week.
Now, close your eyes and take a second to visualize this week. Include everything: work, school, family, trips, nights out, carpooling, appointments, etc.
Can work be your personal biggest priority, or does it need to be something else? What are you going to do to make sure you don’t lose sight of that priority?
List the major priorities in order. Seeing them printed out, does it feel right to you? If not, re-arrange.
At the end of the page, sum up your reflection with one word (or image).
Think of a word to sum up how you want this coming week to end (ex: productive. simple. comfortable. challenging.).
Also, think of a word for how you would like to end the coming week mental-health wise (ex: happy. safe. assured. motivated. confident.).
Search for a connection between these three themes. Post the words somewhere where you will see and be reminded throughout the week.
END. Draw a little heart and close the journal.
HEY! WELL DONE! You made it to the end of the reflection. Pat yourself on the back, and decide (without thinking too hard) if you want to keep journaling for other reasons, or if you’re done for the day. If it helps, pick a piece of music or a quote for the start of next week that will motivate you, and stick it somewhere.
Then get off your computer! It’s time to relax, and let that productive mindset recharge itself.
Check out my post about Financial Freedom Journal Prompts!
Mental Health Journal #1
Mental Health Journal #1. My state of life and what I’m going to do with my time.
Mental Health - Week 1
MESSY THOUGHTS: All in all, it was a pretty good week. I started this blog - and while that took a lot of effort - it was nice to have something to focus on that distracted me from anxious thoughts.
I’ve been having a ton of doubt, really, about the state of my life. I’m on the precipice of changing everything I thought I wanted it to look like. It scares me, partly because I’m such a people pleaser, and to have my family and friends not understand why I don’t want to follow the “common” path of life is extremely nerve-wracking.
But also, I’m scared about not being able to prove to myself that this is what I want to be doing. This is how I want to be living. There’s worth in the work we do, but when it takes so long to see a result, it feels like all the time we’ve spent working has been a waste.
I’m hopeful, though, for the summer. I have to be or else I’ll go crazy. This is the second week since May where I’ve seen real, concrete proof that my life can work this way, so I’m just going to keep… going.
The time will pass anyways, right? Somebody said that on Tumblr or Twitter, I don’t remember, but it’s stuck with me. The time is going to pass no matter what, so I might as well pass it with a passion for what I’m doing.
Here’s a pic of my petunias and marigolds. They’re doing great this summer!
dated Jun 7, 2023
JOURNAL FOR THE FUTURE: I’ll be honest, I haven’t figured this part out yet. What do I know is that the first half of this is extremely messy and all around the place, so I’d like to counter that by having a neat, structured part. I’ll have to find/create a template of sorts, but that should be a fun, little task to complete next week!
Spotify Playlist #1 | Confidence
Music recommendations for the Spotify lover. Geared toward a personal growth mindset and those in need of confidence.
CONFIDENCE PLAYLIST
First Blog Post - The Plan
My first blog post for my new website, detailing things about me and what to expect for the future.
Hi, folks. Is it bad to say I’m nervous? Ha! Here’s the Plan.
Obviously, this is my first post EVER. This will not be a masterpiece; maybe not even worth remembering by the end of the year, but I have to start somewhere. I needed to form a plan, and let you guys in what on what exactly I’m planning to share.
So. What To Expect?
It’s both a question to be answered for you guys (the audience) and me. I will say, I wrote a very brief summary about expectations in the About page if you’d like to check that out; but for my own sake, I need to put down clearly defined expectations..
Can I put things in a list? Is that going to bother anybody? I’m going to do it anyway.
One: This is a blog.
Two: This is a blog that also promotes a connected business.
Three: This blog (and store) promotes themes centered around women.
I mean ALL women. However you identify, it does not matter to me. I’m being very honest and straightforward because it’s important and it’s a very personal part of my life (being able to express myself), so it’s going to be a big theme on this blog and in my store.
Four: Privacy is important to me. I love having conversations and I hope to start an email list, get responses from people, chat online, etc. But, I don’t use my real name for my online “persona”. You can call me Kow, Kowalski, really whatever you want.
I will list some things about me, though! For instance:
I am a very early twenty-something in college in the Midwest. (No, nothing I am studying relates to anything about this blog or my store. Yes, I very much am struggling with finishing school. This may be a big topic on this blog - it really depends on how next semester goes, if I even get that far without dropping out this summer.)
I’m obsessed with poetry, and I am in the process of publishing some books.
I list song recommendations on every post (usually relating to the topic), because everybody thinks they have the best playlist in the world, except they’re all wrong and I have the best one, obviously lol. (I’ll take recommendations, though!)
I have two cats. (I might share some pictures later on!)
I struggle with ADHD and anxiety, and depression runs in my family. (This isn’t to say I will be a therapist for anybody, but I know so many people out there feel the same struggle. If sharing my experiences can help just one person, then that’s something I want to write about on this blog.)
I’m a vegetarian. (It’s not necessarily on my list to share a ton of recipes; but if I do, don’t be surprised!)
I’m queer. :)
That’s me! In like half a nutshell or something. Everything I listed is probably a topic of sorts you can expect to read about (some definitely more than others), and that’s as much of a plan I can share right now. If you’re looking for “qualifications”, well - I’m a person who’s gone through some stuff. That’s really the only proof I have for being able to write about anything. I won’t float everybody’s boat, but I truly appreciate you taking the time to read this post, search my blog, visit my store; whatever you did to land here. It’s important, and it matters.
By the time this is published, I should have a couple posts talking about real things (lol) as well. Check them out if you can!