The day didn't go as bad as I had imagined. Started working on some school assignments on my to-do list after eating a nice breakfast (more like lunch) and watching an episode of A Sign of Affection =)
Here's to the possibility that I will face the more daunting task of continuing to write the literature review part of my thesis. Cross my fingers that I finish the day strong and satisfied!
I like this post! It reaffirmed some things I've learned in the past =)
Two things I would modify from the first two bullet points under the first point are:
Be authentic: Don't fake it if you're feeling not OK, sad, or other negative emotions. You don't need to fully explain yourself (it's a privilege for the people who care about you and you trust). But don't hide your true self and put on a mask just because you don't want to scare people away. Life has its ups and downs. The right people for you are going to understand that we have our feelings and it's OK.
Understand what you needs and communicate your needs: I learned this from my therapy training. There are times we want to vent, to scream, to cry, to talk about our problems with someone else. If you have experienced people pulling away because you're talking about your problem or "complaining," it might not be because you shouldn't talk about your problems and just go figure it out yourself. It might be due to the people you talk to do not know what you need and they want to handle your problem based on their own way. They could also have low energy when you share with them and they do not have extra energy to share your pain. If you want to vent, ask the person you want to talk with if they have the time and energy for you to vent about what is going on. And if you cannot find someone to vent to and you know you need someone to give you a safe and non-judgmental space to talk, it is always an option to see a therapist and see if it is what you need.
Have a wonderful day, lovely humans 🩵
for the girlies who want more than just superficial relationships
be light, not draining. bring warmth, humor, and softness where you can. I always try to smile at people when I talk to them or see them, and people notice how I'm happy to hang out with them. just bringing a positive energy immediately draws people towards you.
try not to complain. everybody has struggles, and while venting can feel natural, it can also quietly drain the energy from conversations and people listening. personally, I struggle with this too. but, when we constantly focus on what's wrong, we unknowingly push people away. no one wants to feel like every conversation is a weight to carry.
instead, try adding something lighter or more meaningful. instead of saying, "I'm so stressed," try "this week is super busy, but I'm making time for a break soon." it's not about pretending that life's perfect, but being mindful of the energy you bring to a space.
show up with consistency. make plans for lunch and actually show up. remember small things that they say in conversations. it's always the greatest feeling when someone remembers that I had an important performance or difficult test and then ask me about it afterwards.
make eye contact. it's uncomfortable, I get it. but, when you look someone in the eye while they're talking to you, it makes you look 1) more engaged about what they're saying, and 2) more genuinely appreciative of their presence. practice doing it little by little every day, and soon, it will become like second-nature.
share stories, not just facts. I think that conversations come alive with small stories with details that make moments memorable. for example, instead of just saying “I had a phone as a kid because I was on the soccer team” (fact), i added layers: “I got a phone because I went to soccer matches as a kid! I was terrible at soccer, but I helped the team by tricking opponents into thinking I’d get the ball. basically, I was a glorified decoy” (story). true story, by the way.
greet them by name. when you see them while walking, make an effort to remember their name and say hi. I feel that greetings come off as much more genuine when I address them personally.
if you don't know their name, still make an effort to smile and wave. I would still appreciate it if someone takes the time to acknowledge me, even for a little moment, because it shows that they care.
take compliments. I'll be the first to admit, I struggle with this too. but, isn't it a bit awkward when you give someone a compliment and they instantly deflect it with "oh but I look so ugly today like my hair is whack and my eyeliner is uneven" (calling myself out...)? instead, I think it's best to thank them genuinely for noticing you, even if you don't fully agree with their compliment. receive it with gratitude, not self-criticism. it's not about actually being perfect, but appreciating the kindness behind their words.
compliment them back, and be observant about it. you could just say, "you look amazing too" (though that's still nice). but, the next step could be noticing something specific, like their earrings or the way they carry themselves. or, share what you actually admire about them, like their kindness or determination. it's about making your compliment feel personal and thoughtful.
if you admire someone, tell them. it only sounds fake if you make it fake.
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remember, real connections are built on authenticity and kindness. it's not about being perfect. it's about being genuine, showing up, and appreciating the people around you. now, you just have a few more tools on how to make these connections and be the friend that you would appreciate in your own life.
thank you for reading all the way through as always. wishing everybody all the good things in the world and a blessed rest of your day <3
sending lots of love, q's playlist
Good morning 🌞 I tried a new routine today and I love how I feel right now! Well, I didn't really change that much of my morning routine. I just decided to not cook and eat breakfast for an hour before I wrapped up my thesis work, which, to be honest, was motivating because I am starving right now and I finished revising my paragraphs in 1 hour (right?!!). I think I just saw that it was almost 1pm by the time I was able to cook breakfast, and I didn't want to drag on my day, feeling like I have my thesis dangling in front of me. So it was a BIG WIN!!! (if you haven't followed my progress so far, thesis tasks are the ones I procrastinate with the most lol)
Mood right now:
✅ Yoga ✅ Walk my dog ✅ Thesis revise paragraphs (guess I ate the frog this morning hehe) ✅ Breakfast ✅ Case study paper: do research (1 hour) ✅ Case study paper: writing (3 hours lol) ✅ Video review paper: read instructions ✅ Dinner ✅ Watch Love and Leashes (it's so good and very consensual!!)
⏹️ Shower (another reward!! most likely going to do this after the movie~)
SO PROUD OF MYSELF TODAY!!!
OK, I feel well-rested today, and I am still proud of myself for deciding not to go to the workshop yesterday because my friends are all complaining about how they are exhausted and annoyed. Their emotions are getting to me, so I'm dipping out for the sake of my peace 😅
I'm actually starting my study day early today, so let's see how it goes~
✅ Breakfast ✅ Listen to chill podcast ✅ Revise thesis paragraphs (2 hours) ✅ Play A Little to the Left 😺 ✅ Phone call with partner ✅ Therapy ✅ Watch anime ✅ Check and reply to school emails ✅ Fill out surveys (got a gift card!) ✅ Play Xbox with partner ✅ Clinic report formatting... (30 minutes)
⏹️ File taxes ⏹️ Clinical document x1 ⏹️ Clinic report results x1
I started off strong with my thesis, and woohoo! I worked on it for 2 full hours today so I can send my new draft to my advisor, and I'm just so proud of myself rn. I kinda took the rest of the day a little too chill, I guess lol. I can definitely tell how much I do not want to do my taxes, even tho I've done it before and I know it is really not that hard. I also ended up playing Xbox longer than expected so I didn't have too much time to finish the rest of the tasks.
End of Day: 12:28am - we'll try again tomorrow 🩵
Some laughs for today 😂
The Productive One: refilling a drink, crossing a task off your to do list, the comfort of knowing that you're exactly on track.
The I-can't-fucking-take-this-any-longer: flinging yourself dramatically onto the couch or bed because this subject is turning your brain into mulch. snacking on something unhealthy but so delicious. texting friends who are suffering alongside you just to cry or scream together.
The "Just five more minutes" : Scrolling through tumblr or instagram. trying to pull your thoughts together on a bad day. convincing yourself that viewing motivational posts online is almost the same as actually doing that homework, really!
The Leg Cramp: No idea how long you've been sitting motionless but you gotta MOVE. Dancing badly and singing along to your favourite song. The joy of realising you've accomplished more than you hoped.
It's been helpful posting a little motivation before I start studying and working on tasks that I dread or fear 😊
This is my first time seeing this collage, and it really resonated with me! I like how it shows different aspects of life (mainly studying), which is a good balance. Looking forward to bringing more of this energy into my life 🩵
I've never been a person who studies or works on her couch, but I finally understand why people love it. It feels so wonderful and heartwarming to be cozied up next to my dog who is having his little dreams while I try to finish my assignments close to midnight. I feel so much like a doting mom enjoying the simple presence of her kids. After everything that has happened in the past week, I cannot be more grateful to be relaxing on the couch with my dog by my side =)
✅ First day back to school (the anxiety and anticipation almost killed me the night before lol)
✅ Completed work tasks at my part-time job
✅ Organized my work desk
✅ Cleaned up the mess my dog made at home while I was at school
✅ Randomly called my parents to say hi =)
✅ Revised 2 client notes based on feedback
✅ Finished writing 2 client notes
I am finally wrapping up my schoolwork at 1:17am! Now I just need to pack my lunch for tomorrow and then wake up at 6:30am for school at 8am =") Wish me luck 🍀
Have a restful night, lovely humans 🩵
realizing life is a constant progress to be the version of me I choose to begrowthblr | phd | psychology | ♉ | overthinker
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