the ward method

Author: kelly ann ward

  • How to be non-toxic.

    How to be non-toxic.

    Let’s be real, no one wants to admit it, but we’ve all had moments where we overreacted, got defensive, or just plain made things about ourselves. Being non-toxic isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being self-aware, thoughtful, and willing to grow. Here are some simple ways to keep your energy healthy for yourself and the people around you:

    1. Stop Making Everything an Issue

    Not every little thing needs a reaction. Sometimes, it’s fine to let things slide. Not every word, action, or mistake has to become a debate. Chill a little. Your energy will thank you, and so will the people around you.

    2. Stop Reacting to Everything

    Pause before responding. Take a breath. Ask yourself: Does this actually matter? Not every comment or situation needs your emotional energy. Reacting less doesn’t make you weak, it makes you in control.

    3. Learn to Be Supportive

    Celebrate others’ wins, listen without judgment, and offer help without expecting anything in return. Support isn’t transactional, it’s about genuinely caring. When you lift others up, you lift yourself too.

    4. Don’t Let Insecurity Drive You

    Jealousy, comparison, and defensiveness often come from insecurity. When you feel triggered, pause and reflect: What am I really afraid of? The more you work on self-confidence, the less you’ll project negativity onto others.

    5. Humble Yourself

    Ego is a fast track to toxicity. Be willing to step back, admit you don’t know everything, and let others have their moment. Humility doesn’t make you small, it makes you approachable and trustworthy.

    6. Admit Your Mistakes

    Nobody’s perfect. Saying “I messed up” is far more powerful than insisting you’re always right. Owning your errors builds respect and keeps resentment from creeping into relationships.

    7. Be Thankful

    Gratitude is one of the easiest ways to detox your mind. When you focus on what’s good, you naturally stop obsessing over what’s not. A little appreciation goes a long way, for yourself and for others.

    Bottom line: being non-toxic isn’t about controlling others or suppressing your emotions. It’s about taking responsibility for your energy, being mindful of your reactions, and choosing growth over defensiveness.

    Small shifts, big impact, the more you practice, the more effortless it becomes.

  • 4 ways to feel more positive (even on the messy days).

    4 ways to feel more positive (even on the messy days).

    Let’s be real, life isn’t always Instagram-perfect. Some days you wake up, spill coffee on your shirt, and wonder if anything’s actually going right. But positivity doesn’t have to be some grand, unattainable state. Sometimes it’s just about the little things that help you shift your vibe. Here are four ways I try to feel a bit lighter, even when life gets messy:

    1. Move Your Body Without Pressure

    You don’t need a full workout or an intense gym session. Walks without a destination, dancing around your room to that one album you’ve been obsessed with, or even stretching while your coffee brews, all of it helps shift your energy. Moving your body reminds your brain that you’re alive, capable, and ready for whatever comes next.

    2. Give Yourself Small Wins

    Positivity grows when you actually see yourself doing things, even tiny things. Make your bed, finish that podcast episode you’ve been putting off, or make yourself a snack you genuinely enjoy. These small wins tell your brain, “I’m doing okay, actually.”

    3. Curate Your Mental Diet

    What you consume affects your mood. Music, books, podcasts, even the social media accounts you follow, all of it adds to your mental landscape. Surround yourself with things that uplift, inspire, or entertain you, not just things that stress you out or make you compare.

    4. Celebrate the Small Joys

    It sounds cliché, but noticing little things makes a difference. That matcha you’ve been obsessed with, a hilarious show you can’t stop bingeing, a cute outfit, or just the sunset on your evening walk, these tiny moments are the fuel for positivity.

    Bottom line: positivity isn’t about ignoring the hard stuff. It’s about creating pockets of light, energy, and comfort in your day, the things that remind you life isn’t only chaos.

    Sometimes it’s just that small shift that makes the whole day feel a little brighter.

  • A poem about intense love.

    A poem about intense love.

    You tasted like escape,
    like glitter spilled on the floor
    after midnight.
    I swore you were art,
    but maybe you were just the mess
    I didn’t want to clean up.

    We called it love,
    but it was really
    two broken things
    dancing on glass.
    You lit me up in the highs,
    and left me choking in the lows.

    I liked us better in the night
    when the shadows hid the cracks,
    and I could pretend your hands
    meant safety, not survival.

    But daylight came,
    and so did the silence.
    And all I could hear
    was the echo of lies
    I kept painting as truth.

    You were my vampire
    not the kind with fangs,
    but the kind that drains
    every part of you,
    until you don’t know
    whose reflection
    you’re staring at anymore.

    Still,
    I miss the chaos,
    the fire, the ruin
    because sometimes,
    broken feels better
    than empty.

  • A few things I’m loving rn.

    A few things I’m loving rn.

    Life feels a little less overwhelming when you slow down and notice the little things that are currently making you happy. Here’s a list of what I’ve been obsessed with lately, the random mix of music, drinks, hobbies, and small joys that are making my days feel more like me.

    1. G-Eazy’s HELIUM album (on repeat, literally)
    I don’t think a day has gone by without me playing this album. It’s one of those soundtracks that just gets under your skin in the best way, moody, therapeutic, nostalgic, but also motivating in a weird way. There’s something about having an album on repeat that feels comforting, like you’re creating the backdrop to your own movie.

    2. Justin Bieber’s Swag album
    Okay… Justin came back with this album and it’s everything I didn’t know I needed. It has that confident, playful Bieber energy but still hits you with emotion in the right places. It’s been giving me 2010s nostalgia while still feeling super fresh and artistic. I catch myself humming it while making coffee, which is basically the ultimate stamp of approval.

    3. Matcha Frios (my current personality trait)
    I’m in my matcha era. I don’t know what it is, but an ice-cold matcha frio feels like therapy in a cup. Maybe it’s the earthy flavour, maybe it’s the ritual of sipping something green and aesthetic, but it’s definitely become my go-to little pick-me-up.

    4. Reading weird poetry
    Lately I’ve been gravitating toward poetry that doesn’t necessarily make sense right away. The kind that feels more like a vibe than a structured story. There’s something freeing about reading words that just exist for beauty and emotion, without needing to be “solved.”

    5. Vintage-style sunglasses
    Big, bold, slightly over-the-top sunglasses have become a part of my identity. They’re dramatic but effortless, and the right pair can make you feel like the main character even if you’re just running errands. I love anything vintage that has some real character.

    6. Making jewelry
    This has been my creative outlet lately. There’s something so grounding about sitting down with beads, chains, and wire, and turning them into something you can actually wear. It’s almost meditative, plus, it feels good to make something tangible in a world that’s mostly digital.

    It’s funny how these little obsessions come together to paint a picture of where I’m at right now, nostalgic, creative, slightly caffeinated, and finding joy in small, beautiful details.

  • Lately I’ve been in my head too much.

    Lately I’ve been in my head too much.

    Lately, my brain has been loud. Not in a creative, let’s-write-50-ideas-down kind of way, more like anxious, overthinking, spiraling-at-2am loud. I’ve been feeling off: low energy, sad for no clear reason, and kind of disconnected from myself.

    Some days, I wake up ready to go. Other days, I stare at the ceiling wondering how I’m going to make it through the day. And honestly? It’s exhausting.

    I’ve been trying little things to get out of my head, because if I sit in the noise too long, it swallows me whole. Here are a few things I do that sometimes help (keyword: sometimes):

    Walks with no destination. I’ll put on a random playlist, leave my phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and just wander. Something about moving my body without a plan makes me feel lighter.

    Driving around. Weirdly therapeutic. Even if I don’t have anywhere to go, I’ll just roll the windows down and drive. Bonus points if the sun is setting.

    Journaling… but not cute Pinterest journaling. Just messy word dump on paper. It’s not about being profound, it’s about getting the chaos out of my head and onto the page.

    Little treats. A smoothie, an iced coffee, a snack I usually wouldn’t buy. It sounds small, but it’s like telling myself, “Hey, I see you. You’re trying.”

    Comfort shows. Sometimes I don’t need advice or motivation. I just need The Vampire Diaries or some other comfort show playing in the background while I zone out. Currently binge watching comedy films and classic sitcoms.

    Reading – There’s something about diving into another world that calms me down. Right now, I’m reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and it’s been exactly the vibe I need, messy, adventurous, imperfect, but somehow freeing. It reminds me that life isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about actually living it.

    I guess what I’m learning is that it’s not about fixing my mental state in one big move. It’s about small resets, tiny moments that remind me I’m human and that I’ll get through this wave.

    If you’ve been feeling stuck in your head lately, just know you’re not alone. We’re all just figuring it out, one messy journal entry and one iced coffee at a time.

  • 3 reasons a green salad is your new best friend in your 30s.

    3 reasons a green salad is your new best friend in your 30s.

    Let’s get real for a second: taking care of your skin in your 30s feels like a full-time job.
    The days of “just wash and go” are kinda over, and suddenly you start obsessing about everything from hydration to collagen.

    But here’s a little secret that doesn’t get enough hype: sometimes, your skin just wants a damn good salad.

    Not just any salad. I’m talking about my go-to: crisp lettuce, crunchy cucumber, salty olives, feta, creamy avocado, briny gherkins, and a perfectly hard-boiled egg. Basically, the dream team on a plate.

    Here’s why it’s such a game-changer for your skin (and your sanity):

    1. Hydration Boost

    Lettuce and cucumber are mostly water, which means they help keep your skin plump and dewy from the inside out.
    Hydrated skin = fewer fine lines and that coveted natural glow. Plus, when your skin’s happy, your whole face just looks fresher.

    2. Packed with Antioxidants

    Olives, feta, and avocado aren’t just delicious, they’re loaded with antioxidants and healthy fats.
    These little powerhouses fight off free radicals that speed up aging, helping to keep your skin smooth and resilient.

    3. Protein for Repair

    That hard-boiled egg? It’s not just for breakfast. Protein is key to repairing skin cells and maintaining firmness, two things we definitely want more of in our 30s.

    Eating salads like this regularly isn’t just good for your body, it’s a solid, delicious skin care move. Plus, it’s a reminder that self-care can be simple and tasty.

    So next time you’re stressing about your skincare routine, maybe start with your plate first. Your skin (and your taste buds) will thank you.

  • Doing more for your soul, not your ego.

    Doing more for your soul, not your ego.

    There’s a quiet war happening inside all of us.
    Between the part that wants to be seen, praised, and admired, and the part that just wants to be real.

    Your ego loves noise. Likes the spotlight. Wants to shout.
    But your soul? It whispers.
    It asks for quiet mornings, honest work, and a little space to breathe.

    It’s easy to confuse the two.
    Chasing likes, applause, and approval feels like fuel.
    But it burns fast.

    Doing more for your soul means slowing down.
    Listening to the small things. The early light, the sound of your breath, the pulse beneath the chaos.

    It’s choosing meaning over status.
    Choosing depth over flash.

    Not everything has to be seen or heard to matter.

    Some days, doing something just for you is enough.
    Reading a book that has nothing to do with success.
    Walking somewhere with no destination.
    Sitting still.

    The soul doesn’t need to prove itself.
    It just needs to be fed.

    Feed it more.
    Not your ego.

  • Stop taking life so seriously (enjoy it more!)

    Stop taking life so seriously (enjoy it more!)

    Over the weekend, I went to a bachelorette party.
    You know the kind, full of ridiculous games, questionable outfit choices, way too many sexual jokes, and at least one moment where you think, “Wow… we are absolutely the main characters right now.”

    It was fun.
    Like, actual, hysterical-laughing, nothing-else-matters kind of fun.

    And it hit me:
    I need to bottle this energy and bring it into my day-to-day life.
    Because lately, I’ve noticed I can be… kind of intense and too focused on productivity or achieving something.
    Always thinking about my next project. My to-do list. The future.
    Basically, I’ve been living in my head instead of in my actual life.

    But at the bachelorette?
    I wasn’t thinking about emails or algorithms or whether my socks matched.
    I was just there.
    Dancing in someone’s pool house, making bad decisions with good people, and feeling so grateful for tiny, silly moments that don’t matter in the grand scheme, except they totally do.

    So here’s my little reminder (for you and for me):

    1. Do the ridiculous thing. Wear the matching t-shirts. Say yes to the 3rd round of never have I ever. Laugh so hard you cry.
    2. Don’t overthink your own existence. Nobody’s analyzing your every move like you are. Let it go.
    3. Find a “bachelorette moment” in your normal week. No, you don’t need a sash and champagne. Just something fun for no reason, a coffee date, a spontaneous walk, a silly photo with a friend.

    Life’s too short to be only about productivity.
    Sometimes the most important thing you can do is stop taking yourself so seriously…
    and just show up for the moment you’re in.

  • Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Green juice in the morning is my secret mood boost.

    Let’s set the record straight: I don’t drink green juice to “be good.”
    I drink green juice because it makes me feel good.

    You know those little rituals that feel like a hug from your higher self? That’s what green juice in the morning is for me. It’s not about being perfect, clean, or aesthetic, it’s about giving my mind and body something kind before the day starts demanding everything from me.

    Here are two underrated, mood-boosting benefits of starting your morning with a green juice:

    1. It helps clear the mental fog (a.k.a. the brain cobwebs)
    You know that weird groggy feeling where your brain feels like it’s still booting up? That used to be my morning norm, until I swapped my first cup of coffee for a cold, zesty green juice.

    Most green juices are packed with nutrients that actually wake up your body, like chlorophyll, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium. These all help support circulation and give your cells a nudge to do their thing. Translation? More oxygen to your brain = clearer thoughts, more energy, and fewer mid-morning crashes.

    And no, you don’t have to be a full-on celery juice cult member. A mix of cucumber, lemon, apple, spinach, and ginger works just fine. It’s like mental clarity in liquid form.

    2. It sets the tone for the day (in a low-pressure way)
    There’s something psychological that happens when you do one kind thing for your body first thing in the morning. It sends a little message to your brain: I’m taking care of us today.

    That one decision, before emails, noise, and life stuff kicks in, has a ripple effect. You feel a little more grounded. A little more in control. A little less like you’re scrambling to keep up with the day, and a little more like you’re in the driver’s seat.

    Even if everything else goes off the rails (which, let’s be real, sometimes it will), you already gave yourself a win. And that matters.

    Green juice won’t fix everything. But it’s a vibe.
    It’s not about being the “that girl” version of wellness. It’s about finding small ways to support your mental state, without overthinking it. So next time you’re feeling a little bleh, try reaching for something green. Not because you should, but because it might just make you feel more you.

  • The simple things that help me mentally.

    The simple things that help me mentally.

    Let’s be honest, life can get loud. There are moments when everything feels like too much and other times where it’s just this dull, empty static. In those in-between moments, I’ve found that the things that help me mentally aren’t always grand or Instagram-worthy. They’re the soft, simple, solo rituals that bring me back to myself. No guru, no subscription needed.

    Here’s my (not-so-secret) list of little things that actually help when my brain needs a breather:

    Solo matcha dates
    There’s something healing about sitting alone with a warm drink and no pressure to perform. Just me, my thoughts, and the creamy comfort of a homemade matcha (or the overpriced but emotionally necessary café version). It’s less about the drink, and more about giving myself permission to just be.

    Reading in the sun
    Nothing recalibrates my mind like reading outside. It feels romantic and slow and slightly European. Bonus points if I’m wearing sunglasses and pretending I’m the main character in a coming-of-age film. It’s the simplest escape, and my brain? Loves it.

    Beach walks
    Barefoot if possible. Hoodie on, hair messy, ocean air in my lungs. It’s not about hitting 10k steps. It’s about remembering the world is bigger than my overthinking. The waves don’t care about my inbox. And that’s kinda beautiful.

    Hiking
    Not for the aesthetic. For the quiet. For the burn in my legs that reminds me I’m alive. For the moment I reach the top and realize I didn’t check my phone once. For the grounding reminder that nature isn’t in a rush, and I don’t always have to be either.

    Painting
    I am not Picasso or anything. That’s the point. I grab some paints, maybe some cheap brushes, and just throw colour around until something makes sense, or doesn’t. It’s messy, freeing, and not for anyone else’s eyes. Which makes it kind of sacred.

    Writing poetry
    Sometimes I just write one line. Sometimes a whole page. But when my thoughts feel tangled, poetry unties the knot. It doesn’t have to rhyme or be “deep.” It just has to be honest.

    Yoga
    The real kind. The “I just rolled out of bed and my mat is dusty” kind. Some mornings, it’s five minutes. Other days, I stay in child’s pose for what feels like a lifetime. It’s less about flexibility and more about feeling my body again.

    Journaling
    My therapist in a notebook. It’s raw, repetitive, and sometimes wildly dramatic. But it helps. Getting the chaos out of my head and onto the page makes everything feel lighter. Less scary. Less stuck.

    Couch days
    Because sometimes mental wellness looks like doing nothing. Lying horizontal with a comfort show playing in the background. Fuzzy socks on. Snacks within arm’s reach. No pressure to be productive, just a reminder that rest is part of the process.

    None of these things “fix” me.
    They don’t make the anxiety disappear or magically erase bad days. But they help. They soften the edges. They give me space to feel, reset, and come back to myself without the pressure to be anyone else.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little tired of being a human, try starting small. Sit in the sun. Paint something weird. Walk by the water. Do it just for you.

    Because healing doesn’t always look like a breakthrough.
    Sometimes, it just looks like a quiet moment with a matcha.