the ward method

Author: kelly ann ward

  • Let’s normalize being best friends with your partner.

    Let’s normalize being best friends with your partner.

    Let’s just normalize this already: your partner should be your best friend. Period.

    Not in a cheesy, “we wear matching pajamas” kind of way (though, honestly, love that for you). I’m talking about real friendship, the kind where you laugh at dumb sh*t together, feel safe being your weirdest self, and don’t need to perform to be loved. Where comfort is chemistry. Where being seen and accepted as you are is the whole point.

    And I’ll be honest… that’s not the kind of love I used to chase.

    For way too long, I found myself drawn to emotionally unavailable guys. The ones who were hot and mysterious and said things like “I’m just not ready for anything serious right now” right after trauma-dumping on our second date. You know the type. Charming enough to keep you hooked, distant enough to keep you confused. And for some reason? That felt exciting.

    When someone isn’t emotionally available, your brain can trick you into thinking that inconsistency = a challenge. And chasing that validation starts to feel like a reward. Like, if I can just get him to pick me, it means I’m enough.


    But real love?
    Real love doesn’t make you earn it.

    I’d stick around for the crumbs of affection, convinced that the little moments meant something deeper. That if I just held on, the dream version of him I created in my head would eventually show up in real life. But he never did, because I wasn’t in love with him. I was in love with the idea of him.

    And here’s where it got even messier: sometimes I think I chased emotionally unavailable people because I was scared of actual intimacy too. If they’re never fully in, I don’t have to be either. It’s a built-in escape plan. I can say I’m trying without risking too much. It’s safer, in a weird backwards way.

    But that safety? It’s also what keeps you stuck.

    Lately, I’ve been thinking about what love actually should feel like. And it looks a lot less like chasing and more like choosing. Choosing someone who chooses you back. Someone who texts first, who asks about your day, who knows your coffee order and what show you rewatch when you’re sad. The kind of person you want to do boring errands with and send unhinged TikTok’s to at 1AM.

    Someone who feels like home.
    Like your best friend.

    Because here’s the truth I’m finally learning: love isn’t supposed to feel like you’re auditioning. It’s supposed to feel safe, steady, fun, full of laughter, late-night convos, and forehead kisses. It’s supposed to feel like you. Messy, silly, fully human you. Where you can show up without needing to shrink or sparkle for someone else’s approval.

    So yes, I’m done romanticizing the slow-burn situationships and chasing guys who keep me guessing. I want the friend. The soft place to land. The person who stays when life gets hard and loves me in the most real way possible.

    Because when love is also friendship? That’s when it’s the good stuff.

  • If avocado toast were a personality.

    If avocado toast were a personality.

    So, here’s a fun fact you might not know: 70% of serotonin is made in your gut. Yup, that’s right. Your gut is basically the mood factory for your brain. Which means… what’s going on in there? It’s going to affect your mood, anxiety, focus, and even your mental health. Kind of a big deal, right?

    I’ve had my fair share of low-energy days when I feel like I’m running on fumes. My brain’s foggy, I’m irritated at everything, and if someone even mentions doing something I just want to throw a blanket over my head and call it a day. And it’s not that I don’t want to feel good, it’s just that sometimes, I forget how much the food I’m putting in my body actually plays a role. And when I’m eating like junk (the occasional pizza or mcflurry), my energy crashes. It’s a spiral, and it sucks.

    I feel like eating well is a form of self-care. It’s not just about looking good in a bikini or fitting into your favourite jeans. It’s about feeling good, inside and out. Because when you feed your body with good things, it responds. Better mood, better energy, clearer head (no crying to Gracie Abrams for an hour). It’s all connected. Sounds lame, but our body’s like a plant, give it the right nutrients, and it’ll thrive. Skip the water, and it’s going to start wilting.

    2 realistic ways to start bringing good eating habits into your routine.

    1. Start your day with protein.
      I know, I know, everyone says breakfast is important, but protein? What’s that even supposed to look like? It’s easy to roll out of bed, grab a coffee, and maybe a granola bar (if you’re feeling fancy). But listen, that’s not giving your body the fuel it needs. Starting your day with a solid dose of protein helps stabilize your blood sugar, boosts your energy, and keeps you full longer. Try scrambled eggs, a protein smoothie, or even a handful of nuts. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but your body will thank you.
    2. Swap one snack for something green.
      Okay, I’m not going to ask you to give up chips (unless you’re really feeling fancy), but just try swapping one snack for something green. Like, I don’t know… a handful of spinach (kidding), maybe some avocado on toast. Start small. You’d be surprised at how good you feel when you’ve got something fresh and green in your system. Plus, your gut? It’s going to love it, and your serotonin will thank you. Small swap, big difference. It’s basically like feeding your brain its daily dose of happiness.

    Eating well isn’t about being perfect or sticking to some crazy diet. Trust me, growing up, I’ve literally tried every diet or fad eating trend on the market and nothing works, but choosing to nourish your body properly.

    It’s about being kind to your body and feeding it the nutrients it needs to keep you feeling like the best version of yourself. Your gut and brain are connected, so when you start taking care of your body, your mood, focus, and energy will follow. Self-care isn’t just bubble baths and face masks. Sometimes, it’s the little things like fueling your body with the right foods that make all the difference.

    So next time you’re feeling low, remember this: What you eat matters. And maybe, just maybe, it’s time to swap that bag of chips for something that’ll make you feel real good.

  • Feeling lucky? Well, you should be.

    Feeling lucky? Well, you should be.

    Here’s the thing: optimism isn’t just for Instagram influencers posting their daily matcha orders. It’s about boosting your self-esteem and mental health. And there’s no reason we can’t lean into that, especially when it comes to dealing with all the chaos life throws at us.

    Lucky girl syndrome isn’t about being blindly positive or pretending everything’s perfect. It’s about harnessing the power of positive thinking while also recognizing that, yes sure, life’s messy and sometimes you just need to vent. It’s the perfect balance between manifesting good things and owning the fact that it’s okay to not have it all together.

    And that’s the sweet spot.

    Two things you’ll hear a lot when diving into lucky girl syndrome: manifestation and positive affirmations. Don’t roll your eyes yet. It’s not all “just think positive and it’ll happen.” There’s actual science behind it, and I swear, it works.

    When we use positive affirmations, especially in the present tense, we’re training our brains to believe that we already have the things we desire.

    In other words, when you start believing that good things are possible for you, it’s not just wishful thinking, it’s setting yourself up for actual change, because you are believing it on an emotional level too.

    Here’s some inspiration to get you started:

    • I am so lucky.
    • Everything always works out the best for me.
    • My dreams are coming true.
    • I am attracting unconditional love.
    • I have everything I need (this one is a game-changer).

    Yes, it sounds cheesy. Yes, it’s kind of like telling yourself you’re a rockstar before you actually hit the stage. But trust me, it works. And it’s all about repetition, consistency, and truly believing that the universe is on your side.

    Now, here’s where we need to draw the line: toxic positivity. No one should be pressured to be happy 100% of the time, and honestly, that’s not what lucky girl syndrome is about. Life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, and that’s okay. Sometimes you’re going to feel all the feelings, anger, frustration, sadness, and that’s just part of the ride.

    The key is to balance the good with the not-so-good. You don’t have to fake it. It’s about allowing yourself to feel what you feel while also knowing that good things are on the horizon. That’s the true magic of lucky girl syndrome.

    Oh gosh, have I lost you yet?

    So go ahead, embrace those affirmations, write them down, let the good energy flow, and give yourself space to feel all of it, because it’s all part of the process. And, guess what? it’s way better than pretending everything’s perfect when it’s not.

    Lucky girl syndrome is about shifting your mindset from self-doubt to self-belief. It’s not about pretending everything’s always rosy, it’s about trusting that the universe is on your side, even when it feels like life is throwing you curveballs. By focusing on what you want, using positive language, and being kind to yourself through the messy parts, you’re setting yourself up for real change.

    So, are you ready to catch the lucky girl vibe? Because the universe? It’s got your back. And you’ve totally got this.

  • Crying > Coping > Main Character Energy

    Crying > Coping > Main Character Energy

    So…I just turned 30 (2 months ago).
    Which is wild, because mentally I still feel 22, emotionally I’m 55, and physically? Somewhere between a Pilates girlie and a grandma with a heating pad.

    But here’s the thing: this year, I’m choosing me. Not in the cliché, hashtag self-love way. I mean really choosing myself. Saying no more often. Trusting my gut. Letting go of versions of me that played small just to be liked.

    Thirty feels like shedding, softening, and finally stepping into something real. And honestly? I’m kinda into it.

    Change doesn’t always come in softly. Sometimes it shows up unannounced, flips your world upside down, and leaves you staring at your ceiling asking, “What the hell am I even doing?”

    It’s awkward. It’s uncomfortable. It’s the emotional version of growing out your bangs and wondering if you made a mistake, but deep down, you know you didn’t.

    That’s where I am right now.
    Somewhere in between who I was and who I’m becoming.

    You know that moment when you’re tired of being unhappy and you start wanting more for yourself? Yes, that. I’m relearning who I am. Letting go of old habits, old narratives, old versions of me that once felt safe, but now feel like wearing jeans that don’t fit anymore.

    And while this growth thing sounds empowering, sometimes it just feels like confusion with a little hope sprinkled in.

    Even in the mess, there’s this quiet knowing, that this discomfort is leading somewhere good. That I’m not falling apart, I’m unfolding.

    Because change isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about remembering who you’ve always been… underneath the fear, the overthinking, the self doubt, the people-pleasing, the “shoulds.”

    If you’re also in a weird little season of becoming, just know this:

    You’re not behind.
    You’re not lost.
    You’re just in progress.

    And progress doesn’t always look cute on the outside. Sometimes it looks like crying at 2PM, deleting Instagram, buying a journal to deal with your intrusive thoughts, or making playlists at midnight. Still counts.

    Change is weird. Growth is weird. But staying stuck just to feel comfortable? That’s even weirder.

    So here’s to letting go, starting over, getting uncomfortable, and trusting that the new chapter is going to be so damn worth it.

    We’re going to be okay. Actually, we’re going to be better.

  • Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Burnout? Not hot. Protect your peace.

    Let’s talk about hustle culture for a sec. Look, I am an ambitious girlie too. However, grinding 24/7, glorifying burnout, answering emails at 11PM like it’s cute. We’ve all been there. But let’s be real: constantly being “on” isn’t the flex it used to be.

    Being exhausted isn’t a personality trait. And honestly? Hustle culture is just corporate gaslighting in a hoodie.

    So if you needed someone to tell you it’s okay to slow down, hi, it’s me. Here are 5 little self-care hacks for when you’re ready to unsubscribe from the productivity cult and actually enjoy your life.

    Give yourself permission to be unproductive

    Yes, really. No checklists. No “just one more task.” Just you… chilling. Your worth is not measured by your output, babe. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is absolutely nothing.

    Make it a vibe: wear your fluffiest socks, stare at the ceiling, or nap like you’re getting paid for it.

    Turn on DND and disappear into a good book or show

    You do not need to respond to that email right now. Or that group chat. Or that random DM from your ex.

    Put your phone on Do Not Disturb, grab a cosy blanket, get on the couch and binge that show you’ve already watched five times. Rewatching Vampire Diaries again? Iconic behaviour.

    Text someone you miss

    Connection is underrated. And sometimes, a simple “Hey, I was thinking of you” is enough to make someone’s day (and yours).

    No need for a deep convo or perfectly crafted message. Just hit send. Emotional support doesn’t have to be complicated.

    Have a solo moment (yes, that kind)

    Let’s stop pretending that self-care is only skincare and smoothies. Sometimes, some self-pleasure can work wonders for your mood.

    Pleasure isn’t just allowed, it’s essential. Your body deserves to feel good without guilt. Explore, connect, repeat.

    Romanticize something stupidly simple

    Light a scented candle before answering emails. Make your morning coffee like you’re starring in a French indie film. Put on a cute outfit just to go to the grocery store. Life isn’t always aesthetic, but you can make the tiniest moments feel special anyway.

    How can you achieve your goals, if you’re constantly exhausted? Take care of yourself first, everything else can wait.

  • 4 Amazing benefits of green juice (the gift that keeps on giving)

    4 Amazing benefits of green juice (the gift that keeps on giving)

    Let’s just get this out of the way: green juice looks like it tastes like grass. We know. And sometimes it actually does. But listen, it’s also one of the easiest, most underrated hacks for feeling good, looking glowy, and pretending your life is together (even if your fridge is 87% iced coffee and one sad lemon).

    If you’re on your wellness girl arc, or just trying to survive another Monday, here’s why sipping green juice might be the move.

    Skin that gives “I get 8 hours of sleep” even when you don’t.

    You know that “your skin is glowing??” compliment? Green juice is kind of the cheat code for that.

    Packed with vitamins like A, C, and E (hi, antioxidants), it helps your body fight off inflammation and free radicals that dull your skin. Translation? You look like you’ve been gua sha-ing and masking and hydrating, even if you just rolled out of bed and drank your greens with a messy bun.

    Your gut will actually chill out for once.

    If your stomach is dramatic (same), green juice might help calm it down. All those leafy greens = fiber + enzymes = smoother digestion.

    Basically, it gives your gut the green light (pun intended) to do its thing properly. Less bloating, more balance. You’re welcome.

    It gives energy… but like, in a non-jittery way.

    Caffeine is the love of our lives. But green juice is that lowkey bestie who shows up with good vibes and no dip in energy.

    Thanks to nutrients like iron and magnesium, green juice gives your cells what they need to actually function. So instead of running on espresso and chaos, your body gets energy the natural way. (Crazy, we know.)

    It’s self-care in a cup, even if the rest of your life is chaos.

    Drinking green juice feels like making your bed or deleting 600 unread emails. It’s a small win. A little “I’ve got this” moment. And when life is giving stress and skin is giving tired, a green juice can honestly feel like a reset button.

    Plus, it makes you feel like you’ve got your wellness life together, which is basically half the battle.

    You don’t need to be a green-juice-every-morning person to feel the benefits. Even a few times a week can work some magic. Now go sip your greens and romanticize your life. You deserve it.

  • Stuck in a rut? Here’s the no BS advice you actually need

    Stuck in a rut? Here’s the no BS advice you actually need

    One of the biggest myths out there is that people can’t change. Um, the reality: they totally can. Most people just choose not to. But that doesn’t mean you have to follow suit. I’m a firm believer that anyone can improve their situation, mentally and physically, it’s all about how much you want it.

    To make it happen, you need four things: a vision, a plan, discipline (and rest). The vision is where you get to dream big. Think vision boards, words that light you up, all the juicy goals you want to smash. Then, you map out the plan, get specific, because the more detailed, the better. Next up is discipline. Commit to doing the work.

    Finally, and this one’s crucial, rest. Yes, rest. Hustling endlessly is overrated and toxic. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so make sure you’re recharging too. Without rest? The whole thing falls apart.

    So here’s the deal: start today. Dream it, plan it, do it, and don’t buy into any of that “people can’t change” nonsense.

    A week ago, I made a conscious decision to start doing things differently. Why? Because I was stuck in a relationship with a guy who never really chose me, and when it ended, it affected me subconsciously for 3 years, it hit hard. (Yes, I’m being dramatic, but if you’ve been in love, you know it hurts.) For a long time, I couldn’t get past it. I kept replaying the past in my head, romanticizing what was. But then one day, I got over it. The sad girl routine? It wasn’t serving me anymore, so I decided to change.

    I started choosing myself. I got into better habits (I’m a proud green juice girl), daily gratitude journaling (writing 3 things I’m grateful for every morning and night), reading a few pages before bed, focusing on positive things that actually matter. I won’t lie, there are still days when I feel down, but I feel so much better knowing I’m not stuck anymore. I’m pushing forward, and that’s all that matters. So if you’re feeling stuck right now…push forward, because the Sun will shine again.