There is so much dread this time of year. Not just because it's spooky season. There's a lot of dread because days are getting darker, the air is getting colder, and the lull in summertime fun and fall activities starts to fizzle out once the first frost blows over.
The holidays are just a good distraction above all else. Even in recent years I was either cramming for final exams or trying to navigate my way through the city while the months started to drag—my mindset started to drag. All of that promise and motivation at the beginning of fall simmers, but this time around I don't feel it that much.
After over a year of just utter confusion, despair, and all things chaos in the world, I think I am coming to terms with finding new ways to cope and have been re-evaluating my outlook when it comes to my mentality and being proactive in finding ways to combat those fall-time blues.
Connect & Rekindle...
One of the best ways I've committed to a more positive mindset is by surrounding myself with positive and supportive people—seems easy right? I am lucky enough to have close relationships with my family members, but as of late, I've been meeting a lot of genuinely good people. Whether it be at my gym, rekindling old high school friendships while at home, or even fostering new ones with my colleagues now that I've headed back to the office as of late.
As much as I thrive being on my own and finding my own modes of independence, I rely on others as much as becoming immersed in their stories and knowing that there's always more to learn from people. That in itself has given me comfort because for a long time, there was nobody, and I felt like there weren't ever opportunities to meet new people.
Wholesome Habits...
In addition, I've been creating healthier habits for myself and am latching onto them on a daily basis. Every morning I make sure to not just log into my phone or computer and actually take time to get ready, listen to a short podcast or horoscope like Leo Today, and set my intentions for what I want to do and get done that day. I'm also working out and am being consistent with how I treat my body. Not to mention, limiting my alcohol intake and just fueling my body with what it really needs.
Fear is Temporary...
I can't remember if I read this on a notepad or saw this quote on my Motivation app, but I think it definitely fits the theme of spooky season and has resonated a lot with me lately because I'm finding myself taking a lot of risks and jumping head on into situations I don't think twice about—in a good way, at least.
There are so many things that hold us back from making decisions. So much so, that I am just taking my own free will to trust my gut and jump on opportunities that come my way. Whether it be a simple decision like whether or not I introduce myself to a new colleague in the hallway or committing to something more physically challenging like squatting 185 pounds. Whatever it may be, I am beginning to admire the new part of myself that is open and not afraid to be uncomfortable any. more. I know this fear will go away eventually, so why not take the risk?
We all have the ability to change or improve our mindsets and I think developing a positive outlook, as hard as it can be, is something we all try to reach for. I mean who wants to be sucked into a lonely hole in their head? I hope the answer is no one.
Surrounding myself with positive people I care about, maintaining and developing consistent healthy habits, and letting myself be open and one with the process is how I've embraced discomfort and have learned to cope with those sometimes unsettling thought clouds.
My mental health is a huge priority for me right now, as it always has, but I feel reassured in knowing where I'm at and benchmarking my progress from months ago. The more I write and the more I talk to others, the better it gets, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who has been feeling at a loss with their head or just need some clarity and relief from noise.
Sometimes I forget how much I love makeup, but truly, the allure of hunting for a specific product everyone is hyping up on YouTube is just so thrilling sometimes. My best friend and I would run to CVS in middle school for the next EOS lip balm flavor or Mane and Tail shampoo. There's something so comforting about drugstore makeup and it's just as good if not better than some of the higher end products I've used before.
The first tried and true product, one that I always pick up when I run out, is the Maybelline Instant Age Rewind concealer which saves me when I'm on the run and don't have the time to fix or prep and oh look I'm out the door! This concealer does wonders and half the time I don't use any other face makeup with it.
This next one was a recent addition, but one that I cannot live without anymore! I'm all about achieving that "JLo Glo" and the Wet 'n' Wild MegaGlo highlighter is my go-to. I used this throughout high school and college. It's the creamiest pearlescent highlighter I've ever used!
Walking on Eggshells was thee palette I used when I didn't want to "waste" my Tarte palette for every day wear. Smooth, creamy, with just a tad bit of fallout to smoke it out a bit and create the perfect golden smoky eye in minutes. All while using one finger and studying the eyeshadow placement diagram on the back of the palette. Topping it all off with some dreamy Clinique High Impact mascara, which I know is not drugstore, but would always find in my mom's makeup bag growing up.
I have very thin eyelashes, so much that I've taken to research lengthening serums and formulas that will thicken my lashes. I never thought you could even grow your lashes or eye brows, but the Maybelline Lash Sensational Serum has turned my lashes into butterfly wings. I kid you not, I can tell the difference after using it for one week and my lashes just look and feel fuller when I put mascara on.
I've definitely swayed away from using lipstick over the years, but there's always a time and a place for ramping up my usual look. I stick to neutrals mainly like nudes or rose-blush shades, like the Maybelline Nude Nuance or any of the cult Sensational Creamy Matte lipsticks they have. I used to be into the deep red and berry shades, but have not been that bold as of late.
Maybe it's time to switch it up? That's what I love about these drugstore finds, they're accessible and affordable—but also just hands down great products that everyone can reach for. What are your current fall beauty must-haves?
Making space can be hard when you're living in a room you've since grown out of, staring at the same four walls you've painted over and over again, and finding room for growth can seem disheartening even when you've become satisfied by making tweaks here and there.
Recently, I've discovered the importance of making "space," or similarly, making room in my life for opportunities, discomfort, happiness, risk, and all else in between.
After months of introspection and working on myself—focusing on my mentality, physicality, and fostering relationships with those I care about, not to mention with those who show up—I have also realized the intricacies of living openly, freely, and accepting whatever may come my way.
As of late I've found it simpler to make "space" in my life rather than trying to control my surroundings, my interactions, my relationships, or my career. It's a vulnerable process. Having to submit to a "going with the flow" mentality is not always easy, especially for someone like me who is type-A and is constantly trying to fill out this "template" for how life should be.
I've learned through the people around me that we just cannot obsess about how the next day, night, week, or season will go. No matter what we're "waiting for" or "looking forward to," I can't help but wonder what I would be missing out on if I didn't just make space to be vulnerable, open, and willing to step outside of this comfort bubble in the current moment. Extending my capabilities beyond pre-set expectations.
Now you're probably wondering what all of this metaphorical mush is about (and I'll get there don't worry), but one example of this has been my strength journey and relationship with exercise as of late. For months I was always intimidated by the power-lifting at the gym, but through supportive friends and trainers who talked me through the process of safely and effectively weight lifting, I was able to squat 135 pounds! Look at them gains!
As a woman lifting that much weight in the gym, I thought I was going to take up space, but being uplifted by fellow trainers and even other people working out around me, I felt confident, secure, and powerful about making my own space to be a little uncomfortable and to try something new. I took that risk to see how far my body could take me.
Making enough space or just the right amount of space is contingent upon your comfort level, but taking those moments to step back and be open to the possibility of change, or creating change, in your life can happen in an instant. It's truly all about your mindset.
I'm definitely at this point in my life where everything is new, but at the same time, I have to stop trying to submit to one way of living, thinking, or being and just allow things to come as they please.
Whether it be reaching new strengths, reconnecting with old friends and forming new ones, being okay with spending time alone with myself, or planning spontaneous adventures—I know I am capable of creating those growth opportunities if I just make space for it.
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