Thursday, February 27, 2025

LOVE FIRST, ALWAYS! | February 2025 Monthly Favorites

 This was one month that definitely flew by that's for sure! Anyways, I'm gonna share what I was into for February- I got of good things to brag about! Let's get into it!

A good slew of February favorites!

Favorite Music (good round of music all-around- some of it made dance, some of it made me happy, and some of it made me feel angsty):


Favorite Coffee and / or Tea:


Favorite Book(s) I've Read and / or listened to as an audiobook via Spotify:


Well, that's all for this month! Hope you enjoyed reading and looking forward to spring plus all of the hopefully good changes coming (within that season obviously)!

-Lauren-





Monday, February 17, 2025

How to Rid of Negativity: Things I Implement in my day to day life, ones I've tried, and occasionally do | February 2025

 Well, let me come on here and say, "Negativity has no place in our lives." I wish we all stuck to that statement better but in this day & age, it's hard. We can let things control us so much that it makes us want to scream (I know that feeling all too well sometimes). For this year & beyond, I want to work on for my own personal well-being: to not take things personally. It's something I've had a hard time with but I'm gonna work on it. Just have to resist that urge not to scream (even though that's hard too!). Anyways, I'm going into what this post is about- these are the things that I find help me in this chaotic world of ours. Ones I've tried (recommendations will be included on some of these tips) ones I've implemented in my day to day life, and ones I do occasionally. So without further ado, let's get into it!


One I implement in my day to day life: Meditation


This is one I will always suggest again and again because it's true! I've meditated off (there have been days that I've forgotten and it's okay) and on since at least 2015. It's amazing for blocking out any negative forms of energy (as hippie as that sounds- it's still true though). I find sitting cross-legged to be good if I need more of a grounding meditation. Laying down helps if I'm anxious or need to relax overall. Anytime in my life I've felt negativity in anyway shape or form, I know I can do a guided meditation upwards to 15 minutes. It's amazing what it can do! I do know everyone are not believers in this sort of thing so something that might be an alternative- sitting outside in the grass in the sun (if it's not too cold or hot where you live) or standing in the grass- both of these methods are known to make you feel grounded (in a non-meditative way).

One I've tried (including suggestions here for this one): Finding a cozy hobby to get lost in.


This is great for anyone that can just zen out for however long (this would be their preferred form of "meditation") they want to. The ones I've tried (and suggest) are knitting / crocheting (thanks to my sister for being the crocheter in the family; she taught me how to and I find it relaxing), and coloring (I find it even more of a vibe if you got your favorite playlist / audiobook / podcast on). But couple other suggestions I like: candle making (even though mine would be for decor but it's still a cute idea) & puzzles (haven't been in a motivated mood to do one but love how hands-on it can be plus fun wall art for your space when you are done- framed that is). Whatever floats your boat here, go for it. 

One I implement in my day to day life- Unfollowing unhealthy people online (if you use social media that is) & taking a social media break:


This is a tried and true one for me; I've had to unfollow people / accounts that don't make me feel all that great. When you do that, your overall mental health thanks you, too (even when you take a social media break). Just taking that break is so wonderful for you! I treat my breaks like going on a vacation (if that motivates you like it does with me)- I feel genuinely better when I take one. The longest break has been 4 months for me (that's a lot for me!). If you find you need it, just take it- go forth and prosper. I take Sunday's in honor of the Sabbath (on the seventh day, you rest; do no work), and it's my way of a mini reset & recharge for the week ahead, too. 

One I implement on day to day basis- Exercising
I know it's not the one you want to hear but it really helps get rid of that static (stuck) energy in the body- some of it being negative. I've implemented movement in my life (whether it's 4 days a week or less)- I get some form of it in. I do a variety of types (with listening to my body of course) but I do knee-friendly options (hello to those with knee problems / issues here), pilates, weights, core-focused work, yoga, and walking (my preferred when I'm not as motivated to move but I know I need to move). I find getting 30-40 minutes or a bit less is great! I feel clearer & light-headed (in a good way light-headed). I've had a complicated relationship with things in relation to fitness & exercise. I used to be hard on myself in the beginning but now I'm not. I know I need to listen to my body. I know it's good to move (not for the obvious) but for my mental health, too. I just genuinely feel good after I get a sweaty or not super-sweaty workout in. Getting that negative energy out during your workouts (whatever you like do to that is) feels so good.

One I implement occasionally: Cleansing sage


This, my friends, is as hippie as I'm gonna get here with this one. I have found this to be wonderful for clearing out any form of negative energy- clearing out the bad to bring in the good. It's not the most pleasant smelling (I can understand from a personal POV) but I have one of my own and it helps wonderfully. Do keep in mind that you want the bottom part of a window open so when you sage around your space, you are literally clearing out the negative energy out of your space. You can find sage online or at shops that sell that kinda stuff. 

One I implement occasionally- Doing a creative project.


Being a naturally creative type, I'm already drawn to this idea here. I know not all of us are creative at heart but we've got it in us somewhere somehow. The things I like to do (creatively wise): Painting, working on a bullet journal spread, taking pictures with my Instax Mini disposable camera, & writing / journaling. These are ideas are a good kind of distraction especially when you just need to tune out the negative noise in the world & in your mind. Find one thing you can do when you are feeling this way and stick to that- see how it makes you feel before and after. You might have just found the one thing you can do when the world is depressing / sad / negative (you get the idea here). 

Anyways, these are all of things I've implemented daily, occasionally, and have tried in my life to combat the negative energy in the world. It's not gonna help overnight I understand but if I can do something to help it, it's worth it to me. I hope you enjoyed this post and have a great day!

Take care of yourselves, friends! This world can be overwhelming and a lot- so feel free to bookmark this on any of your devices when you need to refer to it. 

-Lauren-