the ward method

Author: kelly ann ward

  • Eat your greens babe.

    Eat your greens babe.

    Let’s be real, no one’s ever craved a bowl of spinach the same way they do fries.
    But when your skin is looking dull, puffy, or just tired, it might be time to look at what’s on your plate.

    Here’s the thing: greens aren’t just “good for you” in a vague wellness-y way. They’re a secret weapon for healthy, glowy, bounce-back skin. Yep, the kind that actually looks like you’re drinking enough water, sleeping well, and managing your stress (even when you’re not).

    If you’re all about that natural glow, anti-aging without the 12-step routine, and feeling good from the inside out, greens are your girls. Here’s why:

    1. They’re packed with skin-loving antioxidants

    Think of antioxidants as your skin’s bodyguards.
    Dark leafy greens like kale, spinach, and Swiss chard are loaded with vitamins A, C, and E, all of which fight free radical damage, reduce inflammation, and help protect your skin from environmental stressors (like pollution and sun exposure).

    Vitamin C in particular boosts collagen production, which keeps your skin firm and plump. So if you’re after that youthful, dewy look, greens are basically edible skincare.

    Glow Tip: Blend a handful of spinach or kale into your smoothie with pineapple and lemon for a vitamin C boost that hits different.

    2. They help detoxify your skin (from the inside out)

    Your skin is your body’s largest organ, and when your liver or gut is overloaded, it shows on your face. Breakouts, dullness, or uneven tone? That could be a sign your body’s struggling to detox efficiently.

    Enter: chlorophyll, the green pigment in plants.
    It’s known to support liver function and help your body get rid of toxins. When your insides are happy, your skin reflects that.

    Glow Tip: Add parsley, cilantro, or arugula to your meals for a natural detox kick that supports clearer skin.

    3. They’re anti-inflammatory (goodbye, puffy skin)

    Greens are full of magnesium and phytonutrients that help reduce inflammation, and if you’ve ever woken up with a puffy face, you know how important that is.

    Less inflammation = less redness, fewer breakouts, and skin that just looks healthier.
    Over time, consistent intake of anti-inflammatory foods can slow signs of aging like sagging skin or fine lines caused by chronic stress in the body.

    Glow Tip: Make a warm kale + broccoli stir fry with garlic, olive oil, and lemon. It tastes amazing and your skin will thank you.

    You don’t have to go full green juice girl overnight. But adding more leafy greens to your meals, smoothies, and snacks? That’s a small shift with big impact.

    Skin health isn’t just about what you put on your face.
    It’s about how you nourish yourself, every meal, every day.

    So if you needed a sign to start eating your greens… this is it.
    For your glow, your confidence, your future self.

  • I went blonde (a few times) and they do have more fun.

    I went blonde (a few times) and they do have more fun.

    Going blonde wasn’t just a hair decision, it was an identity shift.
    A bold move. A “let’s change things up and see what happens” kind of energy. And let me tell you: something happens.

    It’s hard to explain unless you’ve done it, but there’s something about stepping into a new look (especially a blonde one) that feels like you’ve shaken off the old version of you, the one that played small, overthought everything, and needed permission to be bold. Suddenly, you’re walking into rooms with a little more confidence, making decisions a little faster, and flirting with the version of yourself you almost forgot existed.

    I didn’t go blonde thinking it would change my life… but it kind of did.

    Here’s why blondes do have more fun, especially when you’re in an era of rediscovery and becoming that girl again:

    1. You stop taking yourself so seriously (in the best way)

    Blonde energy is carefree energy. Not careless, carefree.
    It’s not about being perfect. It’s about choosing lightness. It’s permission to have fun again, flirt with life, and stop carrying the weight of every single decision.
    When I went blonde, I stopped needing to have it all figured out. I just let myself enjoy the moment more. Say yes to spontaneous nights out. Laugh louder. Wear the outfit I felt like wearing, not the one I thought I “should” wear.

    Sometimes when you’re figuring out who you are again, the best thing you can do is stop taking life so seriously and start playing a little more. Blonde-me understood that.

    2. You channel main character energy without trying

    Something about blonde hair makes people notice you, but more importantly, it makes you notice you.
    It’s the reminder that you can reinvent yourself whenever you want.
    And when you look in the mirror and see someone bold staring back at you, you feel bolder, too.

    Suddenly, you’re not overthinking the text.
    You’re walking with confidence.
    You’re trying new things.
    You’re becoming the version of you that you always imagined but never quite gave yourself the freedom to be.

    Going blonde became a symbol of my “I’m done playing small” era.
    And honestly? I’m still not over her.

    3. You unlock a new level of IDGAF energy

    You can’t go blonde without committing.
    You’re literally bleaching away the old.
    And that kind of commitment does something to your mindset, it shifts it.

    Blonde-me didn’t over-apologize.
    She didn’t obsess over what people thought.
    She said “ew” and moved on when things didn’t feel right.
    She posted the picture. She wore the red lipstick. She said no without explaining why.

    In short, going blonde helped me tap into my I don’t care what you think, I’m doing me era.

    And if you’re in the thick of rediscovery, healing, or just wanting to feel alive again… that kind of energy is magic.

    Going blonde might just be hair dye to some people.
    But to me? It was a line in the sand.
    A bold “I’m back, and I’m better” moment.
    A reminder that change can be fun. Reinvention can be healing. And sometimes, a new era starts at the salon.

    So yes… blondes do have more fun.
    Especially the ones finding themselves again.

  • Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    There comes a moment in adulthood when you stop overanalyzing, stop giving people chance after chance, and just say: “Ew. No. I deserve better.”
    It’s not about being cold or heartless, it’s about protecting your peace, your self-worth, and the future version of you that’s tired of being drained by the same cycles.

    Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is look at a situation, whether it’s a friendship that’s gone stale, a relationship that constantly chips away at your confidence, or a family dynamic that’s been toxic for years, and just decide:
    “This will be the last time I allow this to make me feel small, confused, or not enough.”

    That’s it. That’s the moment things shift.
    Not because anything external has changed, but because you have.

    We talk a lot about boundaries, but rarely about the moment they are born. And often, it’s not in a calm, meditative state, it’s in a burst of raw clarity.
    A “this is so not it” kind of clarity.

    Maybe it comes after another disappointing conversation.
    Another ghosted text.
    Another moment where you realize you’ve been tolerating crumbs when you deserve a full damn meal.

    And that’s when you say it, “ew.”
    Not out loud, maybe. But inside, in your gut, where the truth lives. And you move on.

    It’s about being done.
    Done explaining your worth.
    Done shrinking to fit in.
    Done making excuses for people who show you time and time again who they are.

    You’re allowed to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel good anymore.
    Even if it’s been in your life for years. Even if it looks “fine” on the outside.
    You are not obligated to keep showing up for patterns that make you miserable.

    This goes beyond romantic relationships.

    • That friend who never celebrates you, but always wants your energy when they’re low? Ew.
    • That family member who constantly throws backhanded compliments or dismisses your dreams? Ew.
    • That ex you keep circling back to because “maybe this time it’ll be different”? You already know. Ew.

    You’re allowed to outgrow people. You’re allowed to choose peace over nostalgia.

    Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you won’t tolerate anymore.
    And sometimes the most radical act of self-respect is to say, “This doesn’t feel right, and I’m not doing it anymore.”

    Let people think you’re too sensitive.
    Let them think you’ve changed.
    Because you have, and that’s the point.

    This chapter of your life doesn’t need more apologies. It needs more honesty.
    It needs boundaries that don’t shake.
    It needs you to look around and decide: “If it’s not good for my energy, my peace, or my growth… I’m out.”

    Say ew, mean it, and move on. Your future self will thank you.

  • Why avocado is basically my breakfast obsession.

    Why avocado is basically my breakfast obsession.

    Lately, my breakfast has been looking like this: sourdough or gluten-free toast, smashed avocado, maybe a hard egg on top, and a sprinkle of chilli flakes if I’m feeling spicy. And let me tell you, it hits every single time.

    Avocados have entered their main character era in my kitchen, and I regret nothing.

    Here’s why they deserve the hype:

    1. healthy fats = happy you

    Avocados are loaded with monounsaturated fats, aka the good kind. These fats support brain health, help reduce inflammation, and keep your heart ticking nicely. And no, eating fat doesn’t make you fat. It makes you full and fuels your body like a boss.

    2. your skin will thank you

    Avocados are rich in vitamin E and antioxidants, which are known for supporting skin health. Translation? That glow might not just be from your skincare routine, it could be from your breakfast.

    3. keeps you full (so you’re not rage-hungry at 10am)

    Pairing avocado with fiber (hello, sourdough or GF bread) and protein (egg, tofu, or whatever you vibe with) = the breakfast trifecta. It helps regulate blood sugar and keeps you satisfied for longer. You’ll feel balanced, not bloated.

    4. gut-friendly girl era

    Avocados contain fiber and nutrients that support digestion and a healthy gut. No need for a mystery greens powder, just eat the damn avo toast.

    It’s honestly kind of wild how something so simple can feel so luxurious.
    So yes, I’m deep in my avocado era. I’m not saying it’ll solve all your problems, but it’s a delicious place to start.

    BRB, going to toast some bread.

  • How to make your bedroom more cosy + zen (aka your soft girl sanctuary)

    How to make your bedroom more cosy + zen (aka your soft girl sanctuary)

    Your bedroom should feel like an exhale.
    Not another to-do list, not a Pinterest board you forgot to finish, and definitely not a pile of clothes that gives you anxiety the second you walk in.

    If you’ve been feeling overstimulated lately (read: everyone and their mom on TikTok is yelling about “that girl” routines and productivity hacks), your bedroom might be due for a reset. Because the truth is, your environment plays a big role in how calm (or chaotic) your mind feels.

    Let’s romanticize rest. Let’s bring the softness back. Let’s make your room the kind of space that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day.

    Here are 4 ways to make your bedroom more cosy + zen:

    1. Lighting makes the mood (literally).

    If your overhead light is giving “pharmacy chic,” it’s time to switch things up. Think: warm lamps, string lights, a salt lamp, or even scented candles (safely, of course). Soft lighting instantly makes your space feel calmer and more grounded. Pro tip? Get a dimmer or plug your lights into a smart plug so you can control the vibe from your bed.

    2. Declutter, but like, gently.

    No, you don’t have to become a minimalist overnight. But clearing out the random receipts, tangled cords, and skincare bottles you haven’t used since 2021? That’ll help. Your space doesn’t need to be perfect, just peaceful. Choose intentional pieces that make you feel good when you look at them.

    3. Add cozy textures.

    Layer your space with soft, comforting materials: plush throws, a fluffy rug, maybe even a linen duvet cover that feels like a cloud. When your space feels good to touch, it’s easier to relax in it. Also, don’t underestimate the power of fresh bedsheets. (Life-changing.)

    4. Create a no-phone zone.

    This one’s hard, but worth it. Try charging your phone outside of your room or setting it on Do Not Disturb after a certain hour. Replace that endless scroll with a book, some journaling, or a wind-down playlist. Your nervous system will thank you.

    The goal isn’t perfection. It’s peace.
    It’s creating a space that helps you sleep better, breathe deeper, and feel more like you again.

    Because your bedroom should feel like the calm after the chaos.
    A soft place to land. A little pocket of zen, just for you.

  • Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Your 30s hit different.

    You start craving things you didn’t even think about in your early 20s, like peace, stability, better friends, better food, and a deeper connection with yourself. You start realizing how much noise you’ve tolerated. How many people, habits, and thoughts you’ve kept around simply because you didn’t want to rock the boat.

    But here’s the truth: If it’s draining you, it’s not for you.
    And letting go isn’t dramatic, it’s growth.

    Whether it’s the situationship that’s been stringing you along for way too long, the job that feels like soul dust, the inner critic that’s been living rent-free in your head, or even the group chat that leaves you feeling weirdly off after every message… you’re allowed to outgrow what no longer aligns.

    In fact, you’re meant to.

    Here’s the mindset shift:

    Letting go isn’t losing something. It’s choosing you.

    It’s choosing to make space for better. For things that feel reciprocal. For people who clap when you win. For opportunities that don’t leave you second-guessing yourself. For the version of you that actually feels good to be in.

    Because holding onto things that no longer serve you?
    That’s the real self-abandonment.

    3 ways to start letting go (and not feel bad about it):

    1. Get radically honest.
    Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow, or is it keeping me stuck?
    Sometimes we stay attached to patterns because they’re familiar, not because they’re good for us. Getting honest with yourself is the first step to creating change.

    2. Set boundaries without guilt.
    You don’t have to explain your growth to everyone. You’re allowed to create space without writing a five-paragraph apology text. Boundaries are not walls, they’re bridges to a better version of you.

    3. Let it feel uncomfortable.
    Letting go is not always graceful. Sometimes it looks like crying in your car, deleting a number, unfollowing someone you still care about, or sitting with silence instead of seeking chaos. But that discomfort? It’s where your power builds.

    You’re not too much for wanting more.
    You’re not behind for pivoting in your 30s.
    You’re not selfish for choosing peace.

    You’re just growing into the version of you who knows her worth, and refuses to shrink to fit where she no longer belongs.

    And that version of you?
    She’s not afraid to let go anymore.

  • 3 yoga moves that actually help you sleep better.

    3 yoga moves that actually help you sleep better.

    In the last year, I’ve really gotten into my yoga practice, not in the “perfect poses and Pinterest board aesthetics” way, but in the wow-my-nervous-system-needed-this kind of way. Yoga has helped me mentally more than I expected. Especially at night, when my brain insists on running a marathon of overthinking right before bed.

    If you’re someone who struggles to unwind (same), here are 3 yoga moves that have helped me slow down, breathe deeper, and actually sleep better:

    1. legs up the wall (viparita karani)
    Literally what it sounds like: lie on your back and put your legs straight up against the wall. That’s it.
    It helps regulate blood flow, calm your heart rate, and reduce swelling or tension in your feet and legs, especially after long days of standing or doom-scrolling. I do this for 5–10 minutes, breathing deeply, and it instantly puts my body in chill mode.

    Why it works: It activates the parasympathetic nervous system (aka: rest + digest), which helps signal to your brain that it’s safe to relax. Plus, you feel kind of weightless. It’s dreamy.

    2. child’s pose (balasana)
    This is my go-to for everything, stress, overwhelm, period cramps, you name it.
    Kneel down, fold forward, stretch your arms in front of you, and just melt into the mat. I like to rest my forehead on a pillow for extra comfort.

    Why it works: This pose gently stretches your lower back and hips, and the forward fold helps calm the mind. It literally signals your body to slow the hell down.

    3. reclining butterfly pose (supta baddha konasana)
    Lie down on your back, bring the soles of your feet together, and let your knees fall open like butterfly wings. You can place pillows under your knees if that feels better. Add a blanket, eye mask, or calming playlist for extra magic.

    Why it works: It opens your hips (where we store a lot of tension), and when combined with breathwork, it’s like giving your nervous system a warm hug.

    Yoga has become my gentle anchor. It’s not just about flexibility, it’s about quieting the chaos. These moves aren’t complicated, they don’t require anything fancy, and they work even when you feel off. So next time your mind won’t shut up at night, roll out the mat, light a candle, and let your body lead the way.

    Because rest is not a reward, it’s needed.

  • Believe in your f*cking self (even when it’s hard)

    Believe in your f*cking self (even when it’s hard)

    I’ve wanted to give up more times than I can count.

    Not in a dramatic, “the world is ending” kind of way, but in that quiet, everyday way where you’re just tired. Of trying. Of pushing. Of feeling like nothing’s working. I’ve felt sorry for myself. I’ve let self-doubt spiral me into silence. I’ve told myself stories like “maybe I’m not cut out for this” or “maybe they’re right about me.”

    It’s so easy to let limiting beliefs win. To let other people’s opinions define how big you dream or how loud you speak. But here’s the truth I’ve had to learn (and keep relearning): you don’t get the life you want without believing that you can actually have it.

    Even on the days you feel like sh*t.
    Even when it’s easier to stay in bed.
    Even when you don’t feel “inspiring” at all.

    Believing in yourself is a daily choice, not a one-time decision. And some days, it’s really hard. But if you want the life you keep imagining in your head, you have to keep showing up for it, even when it’s uncomfortable.

    Here are two powerful, real-world ways I get myself into a better mindset when I want to quit:

    1. get brutally honest about the story you’re telling yourself
    When I’m in a rut, I write down what I think is true:
    → “No one cares about what I’m doing.”
    → “I’m behind.”
    → “I’m not good enough.”

    Then I ask myself: Is this helpful? Is this actually true? Or is this fear in a trench coat pretending to be logic?
    Most of the time, the story is BS. Once I call it out, I can rewrite it. Try it, it’s like a personal intervention on paper.

    2. move, even if it’s small
    I don’t mean run a 5k. I mean: get outside, clean your space, take a shower, make your favorite breakfast. Momentum matters. When I physically shift my environment or body, my mind usually follows.
    No, it doesn’t fix everything. But it reminds me that I’m not powerless. That I can create change, even if it starts small.

    Some days I still don’t want to get up. Some days I’m not the most confident version of myself. But I keep going. And you can too. Because life isn’t about being perfect, it’s about choosing not to give up on yourself, not letting other people bring you down, even when no one’s clapping, even when you’re not in the mood to be motivational.

    So yes, believe in your f*cking self.
    Especially when it’s hard.
    Especially when it’s quiet.
    Because that’s when it matters the most. Never give up. Period.

  • I hate change (but I hate being stuck more)

    I hate change (but I hate being stuck more)

    Letting go of a past relationship feels like being asked to erase a chapter of your life that still smells like your favourite candle and sounds like your shared playlist. It doesn’t matter if it ended amicably, messily, or somewhere in between, it still lingers. The what-ifs. The familiar routines. The comfort of knowing how someone takes their coffee or laughs at dumb memes.

    And if you’re anything like me, change isn’t something you run toward. It’s something that feels like it’s ripping the floor out from under you. I hate it. I really do. I hate the uncertainty, the silence after someone you used to text 20 times a day disappears, the “starting over” part. It’s exhausting. But what’s even harder? Staying stuck in something that no longer exists. Clinging to a version of life that isn’t real anymore.

    It’s okay to admit it hurts. It’s okay to admit you miss them. And it’s okay to take your time. But eventually, gently, you have to come back to yourself. To the version of you that existed before them. To the version that will exist after.

    Here are 3 healthy, realistic ways to start focusing on yourself post-breakup, no toxic positivity, no glow-up pressure, just you, healing:

    1. romanticize the little things.
    Make your morning coffee like it’s your love language. Go on walks like you’re the main character in an indie film. Light candles. Listen to sad music. Listen to happy music. Create an atmosphere in your day that makes you feel good, even if it’s small. You don’t need a full rebrand, you just need to start caring for yourself like someone you love.

    2. do something that requires your hands.
    Paint. Cook. Build something. Garden. Journal. Rearrange your room. There’s something healing about doing something physical that gets you out of your head and into the present. It won’t magically fix everything, but it’ll remind you that your life is still yours. That you can still create something out of the mess.

    3. reconnect with people who remind you who you are.
    Not people who want to talk about your ex for hours, but the ones who make you laugh really hard, who text you to go to a random coffee shop on a Sunday, who make you feel like yourself again. Healing isn’t about isolation. It’s about choosing better connection.

    4. go blonde (I might be kidding)
    Sometimes, healing starts with bleach. Or bangs. Or a bob. Changing your hair doesn’t solve everything, but it can give you that subtle “I’m back, and I don’t care” kind of energy. It’s symbolic. It’s fun. It reminds you that you’re in control, and that you’re allowed to reinvent yourself as many times as you want.

    Change sucks sometimes. It’s hard. It’s messy. And if you hate change, like I do, every part of it might feel like a fight. But you deserve a life that feels like yours again. One where you don’t have to pretend to be over it, but where, one day, you’ll notice that you kind of are.

  • The concept of escapism.

    The concept of escapism.

    In my early 20s, escapism looked like late nights, glittery eyeshadow, vodka with ice, bad decisions, and dancing until my shoes gave out. I loved it, probably a little too much. I’d romanticize those neon-lit hours where nothing mattered except the music and whoever you were clumsily making eye contact with across the room. Then I got into my first real relationship, and surprise, we both loved the nightlife. It became our thing. Our escape. Our reckless little corner of freedom from the “real world.”

    And honestly? Those were some of the best times of my life.

    But I think the version of escapism we crave evolves as we do. I’ve outgrown the hangovers, but I still chase that feeling, freedom, disconnection, presence. Just… now it looks a little different.

    Now it’s relaxing with a good book and letting someone else’s story carry me away. It’s listening to a podcast that actually makes me think (or laugh at something completely unhinged Theo Von says). It’s long drives to the beach with Blink-182 or Charli XCX blasting, windows down, mind quiet. It’s laying on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, watching the light shift across the room, and letting that be enough.

    Escapism isn’t about avoidance, it’s about release. And the healthier it becomes, the more grounded we feel coming back to ourselves.

    Here are 2 ways I’ve found that actually help when life gets too loud:

    1. Creative expression.
    Write something. Paint something. Doodle like you’re 10 again. It doesn’t have to be good, honestly, it probably shouldn’t be. Just let your brain play. There’s something magical about making something that doesn’t need to mean anything.

    2. Intentional silence.
    Put your phone away. Don’t even reach for it. Go sit outside. Take a walk. Lay on your bed with a cup of tea and stare at the ceiling. Silence is awkward at first, but it teaches you how to just be. And that’s a skill a lot of us forgot we needed.

    Because sometimes escaping isn’t about running away, it’s about running toward yourself.