the ward method

Category: Uncategorized

  • How to survive (and actually enjoy) a festival as a sober wellness girly

    How to survive (and actually enjoy) a festival as a sober wellness girly

    Because yes, you can have fun without being three drinks deep and losing your phone.

    Let’s be real, music festivals are loud, dusty, chaotic… and also kind of magical. But when you’re the sober, water-sipping, SPF-reapplying friend who starts talking about their sleep schedule at 9pm, it can feel like you don’t belong.
    Spoiler: you do.

    You’re allowed to love live music, dance until your feet hurt, and romanticize the glitter on your cheeks without having to chug vodka Red Bulls or pretend you’re vibing with that one random DJ set your friend dragged you to. In fact, going to a festival as a wellness girly (sober or not) might just be your secret superpower.

    So here are 3 tips to make the most of it:

    1. romanticize the prep like it’s your Coachella-era main character moment.
    Hydrate. Pack the snacks. Take your magnesium the night before. And do not underestimate the power of cute, comfy clothes that still feel you. Think: linen pants, oversized sunnies, a bikini top, your go-to combat boots, and a tiny shoulder bag with electrolytes and SPF lip balm. You’re not just going to a festival, you’re stepping into a vibe.

    2. find your people.
    Whether you’re going with a sober-curious crew or your front-left friend group, energy matters. Make plans with people who actually want to be there and won’t pressure you into drinking. Dance the night away, and then head home when you feel like it. No guilt.

    3. create your own kind of high.
    Who said being sober means being boring? Drink your overpriced coconut water, get lost in the bass drop, scream your favorite lyrics, and ground yourself in the moment. The dopamine from live music, sun on your skin, and connection with the crowd? That’s real. And the best part? You’ll remember all of it the next day (plus: no hangover anxiety).

    The truth is, you don’t need alcohol to have a good time. You need aligned energy, good music, and a tiny bit of delusion that you’re starring in your own indie coming-of-age documentary.

    So go dance, stay grounded, drink your damn water, and be that girl in the crowd glowing from the inside out.
    Sober and sparkling. Who says you can’t be both?

  • Make your own money & marry someone funny

    Make your own money & marry someone funny

    I saw this quote on Pinterest the other day that said: “make your own money and marry someone funny.” And honestly? I haven’t stopped thinking about it.

    It’s a little cheeky. It’s kind of genius. And it’s also, lowkey, painfully accurate.

    Because somewhere along the way, the whole “girl boss” thing went from empowering to being the internet’s favorite thing to roll its eyes at. But I’ve been thinking, what’s actually so wrong with being a woman who has goals? Who wants more? Who’s working on herself and her finances and her future?

    Like yes, I want inner peace, emotional regulation, and dewy skin… but I also want to build something of my own. Something that’s mine. I think a lot of us do.

    And sure, some people might say that ambition isn’t “feminine” or some men don’t like that or whatever. But respectfully… who cares? If a woman being self-sufficient and successful makes someone uncomfortable, that sounds like a personal problem. Not a her problem.

    Because what is feminine (and honestly, powerful) is knowing you can take care of yourself, emotionally and financially. It’s waking up and choosing to bet on yourself, whether that’s starting a business, freelancing, negotiating your salary, or just opening that investing app you’ve been avoiding. It’s knowing your worth and building a life you actually like.

    And when it comes to love? Let’s just say we’re not asking for yachts and Birkin bags (unless you want to, of course). We’re asking for emotional support, good laughs, and someone who doesn’t shrink at your success. Funny and kind goes a long way.

    So yes, maybe the “girl boss” era got a little cringe. But wanting to be a woman with her sh*t together? That’s never going out of style.

    Normalize the women making their own money. Normalize wanting more. And while we’re at it, normalize marrying someone who can actually make you laugh.

    We’re rewriting the rules. And I kind of love it here.

  • Comfort might be the vibe, but it’s not where the growth is.

    Comfort might be the vibe, but it’s not where the growth is.

    Let’s be honest: comfort is tempting. It’s warm. Familiar. Safe. It’s the “I’ll just stay here where I know what’s going on” mindset. The job that doesn’t light you up, but pays the bills. The routine that keeps you from spiraling, but also keeps you stuck. The “maybe next week” energy when it comes to going after the thing you actually want.

    And look, there’s nothing wrong with wanting stability. Or loving your cozy routines. But if I’m being real with myself (and you), staying comfortable has never been what helped me grow. It just helped me avoid.

    Because growth? It’s awkward. Messy. Slightly unhinged. It looks like imposter syndrome. It sounds like overthinking your first YouTube upload or voice shaking through a pitch. It feels like discomfort, uncertainty, and that annoying little pit in your stomach that whispers, “What if this doesn’t work out?”

    But also, what if it does?

    That’s the thing about comfort: it keeps you safe, but it also keeps you small. It’s the voice that says, “You don’t need to try that. Just stay here.” But staying “here” means never finding out what could be possible if you just pushed through the awkward phase. Or took the risk. Or said yes before you felt fully ready.

    Because spoiler: you’re never really ready. You just get brave enough to start anyway.

    So if you’ve been feeling stuck or stagnant, maybe it’s not because something’s wrong with you. Maybe it’s just time to shake things up. Change your routine. Say the scary yes. Get uncomfortable on purpose. It might suck at first, but eventually you find your rhythm again, and you’ll realize you’ve grown into a version of yourself you didn’t even know existed.

    Comfort is nice. But you weren’t made to live in “nice.”

    You were made to evolve.

  • Embracing your irrelevance.

    Embracing your irrelevance.

    Here’s something wild to consider: you are not the main character in everyone else’s story.

    And thank goodness for that.

    We spend so much of our lives consumed by how we’re perceived, worried about being judged, misunderstood, too much, not enough. But the truth? Most people are too busy thinking about their own stuff to care that deeply about what you said on that Zoom call three weeks ago or why you posted that random reel that flopped.

    It’s a little humbling, maybe. But also incredibly freeing.

    There’s this quiet magic that happens when you realize that your worth doesn’t hinge on being important to everyone. You can just… be. Make things for fun. Say how you feel. Try and fail and try again. Post the “cringe” stuff. Chase that dream. Delete that app. Move cities. Reinvent yourself. Speak up. Stay silent. Whatever you want. Because you’re not being watched half as much as you think.

    When you let go of the pressure to be impressive or relevant or constantly “on,” you actually make space to live in a way that feels more real. More you. It reminds you not to take life, or yourself, too seriously. Honestly, being able to say “lol that was a little embarrassing” and keep going? That’s power.

    So no, you don’t have to be the best or the biggest or the most interesting person in the room.

    You just have to be someone who’s trying, and not care so much.

    And I don’t know about you, but that feels like a mental health win to me.

  • Hot girl breakfast club.

    Hot girl breakfast club.

    There’s something so powerful about a slow, intentional morning, especially when it starts with a good breakfast (we’re not talking dry cereal and vibes). I’ve been in my romanticize-your-life era lately, and honestly? Turning your morning into a whole experience isn’t just cute, it’s game-changing.

    Whether it’s a smoothie in a mason jar, avo toast with chili flakes, or just sitting with your coffee without doom-scrolling… a good morning routine can actually set the tone for your whole day. And yes, breakfast plays a major role.

    Here are 3 solid reasons to start romanticizing your mornings (and feeding your body like you love her):

    1. It literally boosts your mood

    Eating a real breakfast in the morning gives your brain the fuel it needs to function. You’re less likely to feel foggy, anxious, or irritable by 11am if you’ve had something nourishing first thing. Think of breakfast like an emotional support snack, it’s there to keep you grounded and focused.

    2. It helps you feel more in control

    When you take the time to sit down and eat (even if it’s just for 10 minutes), you’re showing yourself that you’re worth the effort. That you matter. That your needs are valid. Suddenly your day doesn’t feel like it’s controlling you, you feel like you’re steering the ship.

    3. It turns the ordinary into something special

    Romanticizing your routine isn’t about being unrealistic, it’s about finding joy in the small stuff. Lighting a scented candle while you cook eggs. Playing your favorite playlist while making oats. Drinking your smoothie on the balcony like you’re in a movie. These moments add up, and they remind you that life doesn’t have to be chaotic to be meaningful.

    So yes, breakfast matters. And so does taking your time in the morning. You don’t have to wake up at 5am or have a Pinterest-perfect routine, just give yourself a little time, a little love, and a little food. Because you deserve to feel nourished, calm, and like the main character… even on a Tuesday.

  • Feel it all (even the messy stuff).

    Feel it all (even the messy stuff).

    If there’s one thing I’ve learned, sometimes the hard way, it’s that being honest with yourself is non-negotiable. Like, no one wins when you pretend everything’s fine and bottle it all up. Vulnerability isn’t weakness. It’s actually what makes you feel human. And feeling human, the highs, the lows, the “what am I doing with my life” spirals, that’s literally what life is. The full experience.

    You’re not supposed to be happy all the time. (Wouldn’t that be exhausting anyway?) But when you’re in a bad mood or feeling stuck, the goal isn’t to “fix” it immediately, it’s to understand it, move with it, and then gently guide yourself back to a better place.

    Here are 3 simple ways I’ve learned to shift my energy when I’m not in the best headspace. No toxic positivity, just real stuff that helps:

    1. Say it out loud

    Literally just… say it. To a friend, into your Notes app, or out loud while you pace your kitchen. Naming what you feel gives it less power. “I’m overwhelmed.” “I feel sad and I don’t know why.” “I’m just in a mood today.” You don’t have to solve it immediately, just let it out.

    2. Get outside (even if you don’t want to)

    Fresh air does more for your brain than Instagram quotes ever will. Go outside. Walk around the block. Touch some grass. Sit in the sun. It’s not about being productive, it’s about shifting your environment so your thoughts have room to breathe.

    3. Do one tiny thing that makes you feel like you

    Not ten things. Not a whole to-do list. Just one. Maybe it’s making a smoothie. Or blasting your favourite playlist. Or doing your skincare routine mid-afternoon, and convincing yourself you’re the main character. It doesn’t have to be deep, it just has to reconnect you to you.

    Bad moods pass. Good moods come back. And the more honest you are with yourself through it all, the more peace you’ll feel in the long run.

    So feel the feels. Be dramatic in your Notes app. Go for a walk. Then come home, throw on a face mask, and remember: being human is the whole point.

  • Berry smoothies > therapy (sometimes)

    Berry smoothies > therapy (sometimes)

    Let’s be real for a sec, if I could only have one meal for the rest of my life, it would 100% be a smoothie. And not just any smoothie. A berry smoothie. With almond milk. Thick, cold, slightly sweet, kind of like a hug in a cup. It’s not just a drink, it’s a whole moment.

    And while it is delicious, the best part? It actually loves you back.

    Here’s why my blender stays booked and busy:

    1. Berries are tiny superheroes
    Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, whatever you’ve got in the freezer, just know they’re loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and all the good stuff your skin, brain, and body love.
    They’re literally out here fighting inflammation and aging while you sip something that tastes like dessert.

    Bonus: They also help with digestion, brain health, and heart health. I mean?? Iconic behavior.

    2. Almond milk is the underrated MVP
    I always go for almond milk. It’s light, creamy, and way easier on the stomach (hello, dairy intolerance).
    It adds that smooth texture I’m obsessed with, and it doesn’t overpower the flavour of the fruit, just blends in and lets the berries be the main character. We love a supportive queen.

    3. It’s fast, filling, and makes you feel like you have your life together
    There’s something about holding a smoothie in your hand that just makes you feel… well. Like yes, maybe I didn’t journal today, but I did blend frozen fruit with intention and sip it while pretending I’m the healthiest person alive.
    Also, it’s actually filling. I’ll throw in some protein powder, chia seeds, or oats when I’m in my “meal prep era,” and boom, breakfast/lunch/dinner is sorted.

    4. Smoothies are joy in a glass
    There’s a reason I love them so much. They’re easy. They’re colourful. They’re happy.
    And sometimes, after a long day or a stressful morning, that’s exactly what I need. Something simple. Something sweet. Something I don’t have to overthink.

    So yes, this is your official reminder to get your blender out and romanticize your next smoothie moment.

    Berry smoothies (with almond milk, obviously) = elite behavior.

    And if you hear me calling it my favourite meal again… just let me live.

  • What I’m reading right now…

    What I’m reading right now…

    Because personal growth is a weird mix of revolution, property management… and Tony Robbins.

    Lately, I’ve been reading a very random mix of books, and honestly? I love that for me. My current reading stack is a little self-help, a little dystopia, a little dad-core (yes, that’s a genre now), and somehow… it all makes sense.

    So, in case you’re looking for something to pick up next, or just want to peek inside my brain, here’s what’s on my shelf right now and why I’m into it:

    1. Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
    This one’s like a personal trainer for your brain. It’s intense, a bit shouty at times, but also packed with useful mindset shifts.
    Tony really said: “You’re the problem and the solution,” and honestly, he’s not wrong. It’s giving “get your life together” energy in the best way.

    Takeaway so far: You get to decide how your life goes. You’re more powerful than you think. (And also, maybe I need a vision board.)

    2. Animal Farm by George Orwell
    A classic I somehow didn’t fully appreciate in school. Re-reading it now hits different, especially as an adult who pays taxes.
    It’s a short book, but wow. It says a lot with very few words.
    It’s also making me question everything. Power, control, the system… you know, light stuff.

    Takeaway: Just because everyone’s chanting doesn’t mean it’s the truth.

    3. Facility Management for Beginners by… my dad
    Yes, my actual dad wrote this book. Yes, I’m reading it.
    It’s a perfect beach read (it’s like having a University class on the beach), but I’m proud of him, and it’s surprisingly interesting to see how buildings are managed. Plus, it’s teaching me that passion can show up in unexpected places.

    Takeaway: Everyone’s an expert in something. Even HVAC systems. Upskilling yourself is always a good thing.

    4. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck by Mark Manson*
    You know this one. It’s straight-talking, kind of rude, and very real.
    It’s not about giving zero f*cks, it’s about choosing what actually matters.
    Perfect for when I start spiraling over random things that won’t matter next week.

    Takeaway: Care deeply, but about the right things.

    5. Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill (aka my nightstand read)
    This is a mindset classic. The title sounds a bit money-obsessed, but it’s more about your thoughts, beliefs, and focus.
    It’s old-school in its language, but the message holds up: what you focus on expands.

    Takeaway: Success starts in your mind. You have to believe it before you live it.

    So yes… my current reads are kind of all over the place, but they’re keeping my brain engaged, curious, and growing.

    Some are pushing me, some are grounding me, and one is helping me understand mechanical ventilation systems (thanks, Dad).

    And that’s the beauty of books, you never know which one will shift something in you.

    What are you reading right now?

  • Healthy-ish, not broke: 3 realistic ways to grocery shop on a budget.

    Healthy-ish, not broke: 3 realistic ways to grocery shop on a budget.

    (because not all of us can drop $17 on moon juice)

    Let’s be honest: we all want to eat well. Fresh produce, quality ingredients, meals that don’t come out of a packet. But sometimes your budget says “instant noodles,” while your Pinterest board screams “farmers’ market goddess.”

    Here are 3 actually realistic ways to grocery shop like a wellness girly, without going full Erewhon:

    1. Shop smart, not fancy
    No hate to the vibey stores with organic eucalyptus bouquets at checkout, but you can get affordable, healthy staples at everyday grocery stores.
    Think: oats, canned beans, frozen berries, brown rice, eggs, sweet potatoes, greens, peanut butter, lentils.
    These are the unsung heroes of healthy eating, and they won’t bankrupt you. Bonus: they’re versatile and can become a million different meals.

    Hot tip: Go in with a plan (and a snack). Walking in hungry = financial sabotage.

    2. Go for frozen over fresh
    Frozen fruit and veg are often just as nutritious as fresh, and way more budget-friendly. Plus, they last longer and save you from the guilt spiral of tossing that wilted spinach you swore you’d use.

    Smoothies, soups, stir-fries, frozen ingredients make it all easier (and cheaper).

    3. Buy in bulk (when it makes sense)
    Buying a five-kg bag of quinoa feels like a commitment… but hear me out. Bulk items like grains, pasta, nuts, and even spices can save you a lot over time.
    You don’t need a membership or an entire cupboard full, just pick a few things you use a lot and stock up when they’re on sale.

    Pro move: Reuse jars and containers so your kitchen still feels cute, even if your budget’s giving minimalist survivalist.

    You don’t need fancy adaptogens or a green juice budget to eat well. Start simple, stay consistent, and remember: good health isn’t about perfection, it’s about making what you can work for you.

    And if you do splurge on that overpriced almond butter every once in a while… no judgment.

  • Make art. Be hot. Period.

    Make art. Be hot. Period.

    I’ve loved art for as long as I can remember.
    Not in a look at me way, but in a quiet, personal way. The kind of love that feels like it’s stitched into who you are without needing to be explained.

    Growing up, I found comfort in poetry, in reading writers like Jack Kerouac and George Orwell, who somehow put feelings into words in a way that made the world feel a little more understandable. I wasn’t the best at math, I didn’t always feel like the smartest person in the room, but give me a blank page or a set of paints, and I felt like I had everything I needed.

    I think that’s the beauty of creativity. It’s freeing.
    It’s not about being perfect or impressive, it’s about being present.
    When I sit down to paint or draw just for the sake of it, when I write messy poetry, I’m not trying to prove anything. I’m just existing. And in a world that constantly asks you to perform or produce, creating for no reason at all feels like the most powerful thing you can do.

    Art has always been a way for me to stay connected to myself. It’s healing in the way that being outside is healing, like when you take a walk, breathe in the fresh air, and realize how small your worries feel compared to the open sky.
    It’s the same feeling I get when I journal after a long day, literally unloading the noise inside my head onto a page and making space for something lighter.

    Creative expression reminds me that I don’t have to have everything figured out. I don’t have to be the smartest, the most organized, or the most logical. I just have to show up and be myself.

    That’s enough.
    It always has been.

    If you’re feeling a little lost (or just brain-fried), seriously… go make something.
    It doesn’t have to be good. It doesn’t even have to make sense.
    Paint something weird. Write the worst poem ever.
    Just create for the hell of it.
    You’ll be shocked at how much lighter you feel after.