Latest Posts by isis-of-the-moon - Page 7

essential soft skills for personal excellence

+ emotional intelligence: the ability to understand emotions (yours + others) with empathy and how they impact behaviour. without it you are liable to be defensive, self-centred, and experience a feeling of disconnection (from self + others).

+ resilience: how well you react when something bad happens. do you fall apart or can you navigate challenges without setting yourself back?

+ critical thinking: the ability to slow down and approach ideas with rational intelligence so that you can make thoughtful, considered decisions instead of impulsive, reactive ones.

+ adaptability: remaining flexible to the circumstances and cultivating the ability to deal with change (see also: resilience). can be more difficult if neurodivergent; they key is to be gentle + forgiving with yourself.

+ (healthy) self-discipline: doing what you need to do regardless of whether you 'feel like it' (see also: emotional intelligence, so that you're not ruled by your emotional state). remember that you can cultivate healthy discipline with gentle nurture that builds confidence over time, rather than toxic discipline that uses shame, fear, and punishment.

+ self worth: continuously building the foundational idea that you are worthy of the good life. without self worth, most attempts at self-improvement start with grandiose ideas of huge change and result in broken promises, difficulty sticking to goals, and a spiralling shame cycle.

getting out of your own head ✧˚ · .

i've had a topsy-turvy mental health journey in my time and i know that i am really good at self-victimising, self-blaming, and falling into thought spirals where i agonise over events and perceptions that are so tiny in real life.

it is important for me to identify when i am engaging in unhelpful behaviour, so i can find a way to shift. it feels like the hardest thing in the world but healing is a journey unique to everyone.

the info below comes from a single source and i hope to expand on mental health info in the future, but it might be helpful if you have an anxious mind or you're an overthinker.

<image from pinterest, below info source: becoming the one by sheleana aiyana>

BEHAVIOUR THAT KEEPS YOU STUCK IN YOUR HEAD

Responding to feelings by pulling them apart and looking for meaning

Denying how you feel because it doesn't make logical sense

Trying to talk yourself out of feeling sad, anxious, etc

Coming up with a reason for feelings

Overexplaining feelings

Feeling "numb"

Feeling embarassed or exposed by your feelings

Focusing on the "facts" as if emotions have no value or purpose

BEHAVIOUR TO BRING YOU INTO YOUR BODY

Noticing an emotion as it arises and naming it: "I'm feeling sad, angry, joyful, nervous, etc."

Locating and identifying bodily sensations: "I feel tightness in my belly, my chest is feeling constricted, there is tension in my jaw."

Using "I think" when you have a thought and "I feel" when you have an emotion, and knowing the difference

Allowing your feelings and sensations to be there without needing to make sense of them

Creating opportunities to move energy through the body (dance, screaming into a pillow, deep breathing)

 SKILLS FOR THE EMOTIONALLY CONNECTED

Able to differentiate between thoughts, sensations, and feelings

Knowing when to take time and space to process intense emotions before making a decision or initiating a conversation

Trusting the body and exploring the messages it delivers without self-judgment

Being meditative and noticing when the mind is making up a story or being self-critical

Bringing presence into the body when overthinking or spiraling into fear and worry

Having a few favourite self-soothing methods, or reaching out for support when overwhelmed

Valuing both emotion and logic at different times

Making space for a spiritual practice and radical acceptance in your life

Your interests change based on the person you are. If you meet someone and their interests are not aligning with their reality, they are probably not who they say they are.

Always remember that no one, absolutely no one, can close a door that God opened for you

ten habits to adopt for a beautiful life 💭

+ curated shopping: rather than over-consume in fast fashion and trends, buy fewer, high-quality items. frequent vintage shops, boutiques, or markets where you can find unique, timeless pieces.

+ focus on wellness and exercise: consider activities that are beneficial for the body and calming for the mind, such as yoga, pilates, or long walks in nature. choose activities that allow you to connect with your surroundings and maintain balance.

+ mindful eating: prioritise healthy, whole foods and cooking meals from scratch. organic produce, artisanal products, and perhaps even locally sourced ingredients could be staples in your kitchen. eating is a mindful practice, enjoyed at a leisurely pace.

+ cultural engagement: regularly visit museums, art galleries, and theatres, or participate in cultural events that inspire and enrich their creative spirit. value learning and exposure to the arts as a way to keep life vibrant and intellectually stimulating.

+ reading and continuous learning: develop a well-curated collection of books, including classic literature, philosophy, and art, and dedicate time regularly to reading and reflecting on what you've learned.

+ minimalist technology approach: stay up-to-date with necessary technology, but maintain a minimalist approach to its use. limit screen time, avoid social media distractions, and instead prioritise face-to-face interactions or hands-on activities.

+ intentional socialising: carefully cultivate your social life, with a focus on deep, meaningful connections rather than frequent, casual interactions. you likely enjoy hosting intimate gatherings at home, where you can experience conversation, ambiance, and connection.

ultimate IT girl guide

a guide to looking effortlessly perfect

"You’ve got the false narrative of a girl who spends 30 seconds on her appearance, when, in fact, you probably spent hours.”

1. basic hygiene:

having clean teeth and good breath

smelling good 24/7. i highly recommend finding a signature scent as a scent is associated with memory, id suggest something sweet yet not too overpowering like vanilla.

being clean in general. regularly shaving and exfoliating your skin to get rid of bodily hair and dirt that accumulates on your skin to make your skin glow.

clean nails. having clean and maintained nails (with a simple design if you wish) looks better than having acrylics that are wayyy too long and appear tacky.

2. hair :

having smooth healthy hair looks much better than dry and damaged hair. take care of your hair by finding the best products for your natural hair. get rid of your split ends as they make the hair appear really damaged.

in my opinion, loose waves look the most effortless yet pretty. but don’t ruin your natural hair by applying too much heat! you can try heatless styling methods to achieve this look.

3. diet and exercise :

being toned is the way to go to fit this aesthetic

avoid oily foods or sugary foods that damage your skin. don’t completely get rid of these as we all have our cravings, but try your best to avoid it

find a workout plan that works best for you, keeps you healthy but doesn’t burn you out! moreover exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood.

4. makeup and skin care :

natural makeup on clear skin fits this effortless aesthetic perfectly!

take care of your skin by finding a routine that fits you the best, consult with a dermatologist for the best results.

having smooth, blended makeup creates an illusion that you aren’t wearing any at all! this appears much effortless than a full face. also try to avoid those really huge false lashes that make you look tacky.

maintain your eyebrows and find a shape that fits you best!

5. outfits :

having a signature style which suits your body type is essential. experiment until you can find what suits you best! you can use a body analysis app for this.

wearing outfits you’re confident in, hot but not too revealing goes a long way. confidence is key. wearing overly revealing clothing might seem like one is trying too hard, but if you can carry it with confidence then that’s great!

jewellery : having dainty, signature pieces is key! find out which suits you better (gold or silver) through an ai analysis and invest in timeless pieces. personally, i think minimalistic pieces such as solitaires, simple pendants, classic hoops etc. look much more effortless.

6. personality :

don’t be too judgemental towards anyone as you don’t know what they’re going through and this makes you seem unapproachable

don’t talk too much or overshare! this creates a mysterious aura which draws people to you more

confidence is key! posture is very important too, carry yourself with confidence and walk with your head held up high.

7. examples and references :

serena van der woodsen (gossip girl)

mia thermopolis (the princess diaries)

cher (clueless)

elle woods (legally blonde)

rory gilmore (gilmore girls)

robib scherbatsky (how i met your mother)

gigi hadid

It takes 1 month to form a habit

2 months until you to feel it

3 months until you see the results

4 months until everybody sees it

Stop putting it off and start now!

⛧⋆ ˚｡🎀⋆ ˚｡⋆౨ৎ⋆ ˚｡🩰⋆˚｡⋆౨ৎ⋆ ˚｡⋆🌷⋆ ˚⋆⚝˚⋆

More Daily Lucky Girl Affirmations ♡

How to make life a little better

(I’m looking for something prettier to name this so if u have ideas spill!!)

Stop trying to impress people you don’t even like

Stop caring about being judged by the most boring, lame human beings ever (there’s 8 billion people on earth)

It’s immature to keep hating on yourself or others. Like what’s the point? It’s just making u miserable

Always give kindness and love.

It’s the small choices and actions you take everyday that make huge differences

Try to get into the flow state more

Get a diary and write all ur girly nonsense in it

Stop wondering if you’re good enough for others and start wondering if they’re good enough for you

You shouldn’t assume someone doesn’t like you unless they’ve directly told you.

Learn to observe and not absorb

Remember you don’t need to accomplish something in one sitting- whether it’s learning the guitar, crocheting, let yourself take time.

Even if you think ur life is boring and there’s nothing exciting abt it: would u rather mope and sulk or get unreasonably happy about the small mini things?

Life is 20% what happens to you and 80% how you react to it.

Be your own best friend! Push yourself on, cheer for yourself, be there when you cry.

Consciousness if everything.

You may be more inclined to reach your goals if you know someone else is depending on them.

If you don’t want to dwell on things, have things that get ur mind of it. Be busy.

𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧, 𝐥𝐢𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐦𝐞 ⋆˚ 𝜗𝜚˚⋆

upgrade your life by taking note of the objects you use most and slowly replace them with the most beautiful and high-quality versions of those things you can find.

practice, practice and practice. Practice your ideal self privately so that publicly you don’t fumble or feel awkward. Practice the way your ideal self walks, talks, lives, eats, everything even when you’re alone. Over time, your body will get so used to it that it will come to you naturally.

how to follow your dreams ˖ ᡣ𐭩 ⊹ ࣪ ౨ৎ˚₊

𝜗𝜚⋆ 1. try to get in touch with your dreams. what do you dream about in your life? what future makes you feel alive exited inspired and energized?

𝜗𝜚⋆ 2. read blogs books or stories about other people who are following their hearts or living your dreams. try to get ideas and inspiration from them.

𝜗𝜚⋆ 3. talk to people who will support you and encourage you not to give up.

𝜗𝜚⋆ 4. determine what is important to you and what may hinder you on the path to your dream. for example the opinions of others fear of ridicule or failure the need to earn money and be financially secure. do they matter more and will they stop you from achieving your goals especially when there are obstacles scattered along your path?

𝜗𝜚⋆ 5. start taking steps and making changes in your life. as long as you just imagine scenarios your life will remain the same. you need to plan and take action to change reality.

𝜗𝜚⋆ 6. if something doesn’t work then this is not a reason to give up but this is also not a reason to continue in the same spirit. you need to reconsider your strategy and understand why it isn't working for you. then come up with a new plan and try again.

𝜗𝜚⋆ 7. believe in yourself - and continue to strive for your dreams. what's truly worth will require effort and commitment on your part.

༘˚⋆𐙚｡⋆𖦹.✧˚

🌸 Wrapping Up Summer

The last few days of summer are filled summer reading, journaling, baking, antiquing, and going on short trips. Today, I'm headed to Texas for the weekend to attend a conference! I will update you guys on the trip!

Enjoy the arts. Live art. Be art.

that girls summer reset

why reset?

To start a new chapter in your life you need to get rid of things that harm you or don't benefit you. So clean out everything starting from physical things like your phone to mental things.

phone reset

-delete old messages and contacts of toxic people

-go through your following on social media

-delete apps and pictures you don't need

-go through your playlists and remove/add songs

-redesign your phone: new phonecase, wallpaper, widgets

room reset

-deep clean your room: vacuum, mop the floor, through away things you don't need anymore

-donate old clothes

-change your bedsheets (at least every 2 weeks)

-open the windows and let fresh air in

physical reset

-eat clean

-do an everything shower: exfoliate, shave, scalp scrub, hair mask...

-oil your hair

-get a haircut and try out something new

-get your mani and pedi done

-try a new workout routine

-do a full skincare routine: oilcleansing, foamcleasing, exfoliating, facemask...

mental reset

-catch up with school

-challenge your mind: puzzle, quiz, a new language or skill

-try journaling

-meditate or pray

-try yoga

-read a new book

-set a screentime limit

-fix your sleep schedule (7-9 hours of sleep)

Summer movie watch list ౨ৎ

endless love

moonrise kingdom

the last song

the parent trap

the kings of summer

aquamarine

the first time

the way way back

dirty dancing

safe haven

clueless

barbie in a mermaid tale

the lucky one

lady bird

blue crush

monte carlo

call me by your name

mamma mia

the sisterhood of the travelling pants

teen beach movie

As always, please feel free to share your own suggestions and favourite summer movie in the comments! <3

I also made this into a letterbox list which you can find here -> CLICK ME <3

✩‧₊*:・love ya ･:*₊‧✩

dream girl affs ₊˚🦢✩

i'm everyone's dream girl

everyone loves me for who i am

i'm the ultimate it girl

i always shine

i sparkle and bring joy wherever i go

i'm the emulation of everything pink and pretty

i'm the perfect blend of grace and charm

my smile lights up the room

i am adored and admired by all

i am beautiful, kind, and elegant

my heart is as warm as my style is flawless

i am cute and confident

i am enchanting, delightful, and lovely

everyone sees the magic in me

i'm a literal gem among girls

i bring color and happiness to life

my style is always on point

i'm a fashion icon

i am so sweet and alluring

i make the world a prettier place just by being in it

i spread positivity and love wherever i go

my presence is a gift, and everyone appreciates me

everyone dreams of having a friend like me

i'm the girl everyone wants to be around

i turn heads and capture hearts effortlessly

i live my best life every single day

be busy. busy not checking messages. busy reading those books you never started or finished. busy having a good night of sleep. busy taking care of yourself and your skin. busy moving your body. busy helping your community. busy reflecting on your life and what you can improve. busy doing things aside from the capitalistic viewpoint of “productivity.” busy slowing down.

WHY AREN'T YOU DATING YOURSELF TOO?

As I sat sipping my morning coffee, I couldn't help but wonder: why do we often wait for someone else to take us on a romantic date when the perfect partner has been there all along—ourselves?

We get so caught up in chasing love from others we often forget that sometimes that you can give yourself the love you need too.

There’s something soooo empowering about falling in love with your own presence. I mean why wouldn't I want to hangout with myself? I'm amazing, fun and smell good too.

When you take yourself out, you're not just spending time alone— you're setting the standard for yourself everytime you get dressed up and go to that fancy restaurant, everytime you grab your tote bag and favourite runners and go exploring in your city, or even monthly spa visits to pamper yourself. make your solo dates pop so you don't settle for less when it comes to romantic partners and platonic friendships

Physical Solo Date Ideas

Sunset Beach Walk: Slip into your cutest sundress and wander along the beach as the sun sets. You could even pack yourself some of your fave sparkling drinks and some fruits! and everybody always feels better after they spend some time by the water.

Picnic in the Park: Pack a basket with your favorite snacks, a cozy blanket, and a good book. Find a shady spot under a tree 🍓📖

Yoga in the Garden: Roll out your mat in your backyard or a nearby garden. Breathe in the fresh air and stretch your body 🧘‍♀️🌸

Gallery Hopping: Spend an afternoon exploring local art galleries. Take your time admiring each piece and journal about it after 🖼️

Stargazing Night: On a clear night, lay out a blanket in your backyard or a quiet park and look up at the stars ✨

Food Solo Date Ideas

Café Hopping: Spend a day exploring cafés in your city and act like the main character in a sitcom or romcom. My fave thing about cafe's is people watching and making up storylines about people. ☕️

Gourmet Dinner for One: Dress up and take yourself to that fancy restaurant you’ve been eyeing. Put on that dress you've been "saving for a special occasion" and order yourself the whole bottle! 🍷

Baking Adventure: Try out a new baking recipe and create some new sweet treats, whatever you have leftover you can share with your girls 🥮🍪🍰

Farmers’ Market Feast: Visit a local farmers’ market and pick out fresh, seasonal ingredients. Then, head home and cook a delicious, wholesome meal just for you.

Ice Cream Parlor Indulgence: Treat yourself to a visit to an ice cream parlor.

Remember, darling, you're the star of your own show. Every moment spent with yourself is a chance to fall head over heels for the fabulous person you are. So, slip into that cute outfit, step out with all the confidence of a city girl in stilettos, and let the world bask in your glow.

After all, the greatest romance you'll ever have is the one you create within yourself.

pinterest and tumblr are the girls’ version of the dark web

mat workouts for when you don’t feel like standing

8 minute pelvic floor workout by eleni fit

10 minute full body by growwithjo

10 minute back workout by pamela reif

10 minute glute bridge burnout by pamela reif

10 minute core by madfit

10 minute full body by pamela reif

10 minute glute bridge burnout by madfit

10 minute abs and yoga by madfit

12 minute booty workout by move with nicole

15 minute full body slow strength by pamela reif

15 minute slow and on the floor workout by madfit

15 minute abs and booty by madfit

15 minute abs and yoga by madfit

17 minute pelvic floor workout by daisy keech

20 minute thigh workout by emi wong

20 minute slow and on the floor workout by madfit

20 minute full body victoria’s secret workout by mary braun

20 minute pilates core workout by eleni fit

20 minute abs by caroline girvan

20 minute lower body pilates by madeleine abeid

20 minute abs and booty by madfit

20 minute abs by madfit

24 minute full body sculpt by coach kel

25 minute barre and mat pilates by fitbymik

25 minute hourglass pilates by madeleine abeid

25 minute full body workout by emkfit

30 minute abs and thighs workout by emi wong

30 minute abs and booty by growwithjo

30 minute pilates by mizi

30 minute beginner pilates by move with nicole

30 minute pilates core workout by move with nicole

30 minute pilates for weight loss by moving mango pilates

30 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

30 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

30 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

30 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

30 minute abs by caroline girvan

30 minute hourglass pilates by madeleine abeid

30 minute beginner floor cardio by ps fit

30 minute abs by madfit

35 minute abs and booty pilates by move with nicole

35 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

35 minute full body pilates by move with nicole

40 minute full body workout by mizi

40 minute full body pilates by madeleine abeid

workouts for when you don’t want to workout

40 minute yoga workout by lena snow: https://youtu.be/mSpUQMyXYoI?si=n5HB4UeAK2N2joJZ

20 minute slow full body workout by madfit: https://youtu.be/GB5uPT4W6p8?si=7OtK425XUASyOnBS

15 minute slow full body workout by madfit: https://youtu.be/M6m_t10WlfU?si=U_bi7zfbA9zugdUV

15 minute upper body by oppserve: https://youtu.be/3XRzNhPwstg?si=fgEflM6SBysNDaeo

10 minute anti-bloating cardio by blogilates: https://youtu.be/lQDrPsPodA0?si=YelVW1qHeY3Skmie

30 minute pilates for when you are sick by livaligned pilates: https://youtu.be/GZ-6qjHfH14?si=l-mwldr6FyQSAm9p

literally anything by growwithjo (her workouts are a major serotonin boost!)

"How to Life" Masterlist

Cleaning and Tidying

Make your bed in the morning. It takes seconds, and it's worth it.

Reset to zero each morning.

Use the UFYH 20/10 system for clearing your shit.

Have a 'drop-zone' box where you dump anything and everything. At the beginning/end of the day, clear it out and put that shit away.

Automate your chores. Have a cleaning schedule and assign 15mins daily to do whatever cleaning tasks are set for that day. Set a timer and do it once the timer is up, finish the task you're on and leave it for the day.

Fold your clothes straight out of the tumble dryer (if you use one), whilst they're still warm. This minimises creases and eliminates the need for ironing.

Clean your footwear regularly and you'll feel like a champ.

Organisation and Productivity

Learn from Eisenhower's Importance/Urgency matrix.

Try out the two-minute rule and the Pomodoro technique.

Use. A. Planner. (Or Google Calendar, if that's more your thing.)

Try bullet journalling.

Keep a notebook/journal/commonplace book to dump your brain contents in on the regular.

Set morning alarms at two-minute intervals rather than five, and stick your alarm on the other side of the room. It's brutal, but it works.

Set three main goals each day, with one of them being your #1 priority. Don't overload your to-do list or you'll hit overload paralysis and procrastinate.

If you're in a slump, however, don't be afraid to put things like "shower" on your to do list - that may be a big enough goal in itself, and that's okay.

Have a physical inbox - a tray, a folder, whatever. If you get a piece of paper, stick it in there and sort through it at the end of the week.

Consider utilising the GTD System, or a variation of it.

Try timeboxing.

Have a morning routine, and guard that quiet time ferociously.

Have a folder for all your important documents and letters, organised by topic (e.g. medical, bank, university, work, identification). At the front of this folder, have a sheet of paper with all the key information written on it, such as your GP's details, your passport details, driving licence details, bank account number, insurance number(s), and so on.

Schedule working time and down time alike, in the balance that works for you.

Money

Have. A. God. Damn. Budget.

Use a money tracker like toshl, mint, or splitwise. Enter all expenses asap! (You will forget, otherwise.)

Have a 'money date' each week, where you sort through your finances from the past seven days and then add it to a spreadsheet. This will help you identify your spending patterns and whether your budget is actually working or not.

Pack your own frickin' lunch like a grown-up and stop buying so many takeaway coffees. Keep snacks in your bag.

Food and Cooking

Know how to cook the basics: a starch, a protein, a vegetable, and a sauce.

Simple, one-pot meals ("a grain, a green, and a bean") are a godsend.

Batch cook and freeze. Make your own 'microwave meals'.

Buy dried goods to save money - rice and beans are a pittance.

Consider Meatless Mondays; it's healthier, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly.

Learn which fruits and vegetables are cheapest at your store, and build a standard weekly menu around those. (Also remember that frozen vegetables are cheap and healthy.)

Learn seasoning combinations. Different seasoning, even with the exact same ingredients, can make a dish seem completely new.

Misc

Have a stock email-writing format.

Want to start running, but find it boring? Try Zombies, Run!.

Keep a goddamn first aid kit and learn how to use it.

Update your CV regularly.

Keep a selection of stamps and standard envelopes for unexpected posting needs. (It happens more regularly than you would think!)