A solo pool or beach trip sounds immaculate when it’s hot outside, and you’re looking for something to do. You can pack all your favorite snacks and drinks. You can wear a cute swimsuit and take some selfies.

Friendships shouldn’t be a game, and it shouldn’t feel like a code you have to crack.

You shouldn’t have to play the role of always the one reaching out, and you should evaluate if this person is someone worth continuing a friendship with. 

Sometimes the healthiest thing you can do is decenter the why. Why aren’t they so into you that they treat you like a princess and foster a relationship? I have no idea. But forget their reasonings and focus on what you do deserve. 

• Worrying less does not mean I care less.

• I can return to myself whenever anxiety pulls me away.

Being a woman is beautifully complex, and dealing with a monthly cycle is something that most of us have to deal with. 

So let’s make it something more enjoyable and less daunting!

So here’s what to keep in mind and what to tell people around you when they’re dealing with a hard time, negative thoughts, mental health struggles, etc. that isn’t “just think positive.”

You shouldn’t have to live in constant dread about clocking in to work or the eight hours you’ll have to spend on the job.

Let go of some of the anxiety and apathy that may arise at the start of your shift by taking advantage of small methods of self care during the day. 

It’s a privilege to live another year, but I know how birthdays can bring dread about getting older and life not shaping up how you envisioned it. 

If your birthday is coming up, remember the day doesn’t have to be perfect, aging is a privilege and you’re only getting hotter and wiser with age.

“Drugs take you to hell, disguised as heaven.” ― Donald Lyn Frost

Addictions are not pretty, and they are not quirky. But they are very real, and self love is also very real. If you want to better yourself, start by admitting your problem, or at least admitting you want to make a change in your life. 

Then make a game plan, identify triggers, take breaks and let go of addictions for your own sake.

“Betrayal is very sour. Moreso when the one you've been trusting turns out to be the one you should be fearing.” ― Mitta Xinindlu

“Eliminate those fake friends who seem real when you have something and disappear when you have nothing.” ― Rashida Rowe

When a man likes you but says he's not ready for a relationship, it shouldn’t make you question your worth or make you chase them.

It’s not right to string people along and make them believe you’ll be ready for something serious one day, if you know deep down you just don’t like this person.

There are also times when people have random animosity toward you, or secretly hate you, for no reason at all. There are times when people will talk shit about you over little things.

And unfortunately, you can’t control other people’s actions or negativity towards you. You can’t control how people feel toward you and why.

• I don’t have to push through when I’m running on empty.

• I don’t need to prove my worth through burnout.

• I trust my body to tell me what it needs.

It’s fair to say we all want to be loved. Whether it’s romantic, or whether it comes from family and friendships, we crave the feeling of connection and mutual love.

So much of my college years and early twenties post-grad were defined by feelings of confusion and low self esteem due to lack of romantic love growing up.

Being in your mid-twenties feels like a rush. 

You have career ambitions and are trying to figure out what your path looks like, while facing imposter syndrome and comparison. 

You’re trying to find love and potentially start a family, while dealing with complicated feelings and failed relationships and talking stages.

• I’m building a life that feels really good to wake up to.

• Good things are finding me today.

• Yesterday is over, and today is all mine to make the best of.

Sometimes life feels sluggish and flat. There isn’t anything exciting going on, and you constantly feel tired. 

You know there’s something wrong, but can’t put your finger on it. Maybe it’s the extra drink you had last night, or maybe you didn’t get enough sleep last night.