the ward method

Category: Uncategorized

  • Make your mind a happy place to be.

    Make your mind a happy place to be.

    You spend your whole life living inside your head, it might as well be a good place to hang out.

    Lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about this. About how important it is to not just survive in your own mind, but actually enjoy being there. To feel safe, light, encouraged, even when things outside of you feel messy, uncertain, or downright chaotic.

    Because no matter where you go, what you achieve, you’re the only one who has to live with your thoughts 24/7. Might as well make it a cozy place to be, right?

    For me, that’s looked like learning to be kinder to myself. Less judgmental. Less of a negative critic and more of a best friend. It’s realizing that beating myself up for not being “perfect” doesn’t actually get me anywhere faster, it just makes the journey heavier.

    It’s about celebrating the small wins instead of rushing past them. Talking to myself like someone I actually like. Giving myself permission to mess up, start over, pivot, or simply rest without drowning in guilt.

    It’s realizing that peace isn’t found in ticking every box or chasing every shiny thing, it’s built in the tiny, invisible choices I make every single day:

    • The way I talk to myself after a bad day.
    • The way I let myself dream without immediately questioning if I’m “good enough.”
    • The way I forgive myself when I fall short.
    • The way I choose to believe that good things are still ahead.

    And sometimes? Making your mind a happier place means stepping outside of it for a bit.
    Getting out into the fresh air.
    Feeling the sun on your face.
    Taking a walk, breathing deep, moving your body, letting nature remind you that life is bigger (and more beautiful) than whatever spiral you’re stuck in.

    Journaling helps too (trust me), getting those messy, chaotic thoughts out of your head and onto paper where they don’t feel so heavy. Sometimes when you see it all written down, it’s easier to breathe through it. Easier to remind yourself that you’re not your worst day or your scariest thought.

    Making your mind a happy place doesn’t mean you’ll never have bad days. It just means you build a foundation strong enough to weather the storms without losing yourself.

    It’s realizing you deserve a mind that feels like home.
    And honestly? It changes everything.

    Because when your mind is a good place to be, the outside world gets a little less scary. You trust yourself more. You dream bigger. You move forward, even when it’s hard.

    At the end of the day, life gets a whole lot better when you like the person you’re living it with.

    And that person is you. Period.

  • YOLO energy: How a podcast helped me find my voice.

    YOLO energy: How a podcast helped me find my voice.

    Three years ago, I hit record on the very first episode of my podcast, Chill Out with Kelly Ward.

    At the time, I didn’t really know what I was doing, honestly, I still have moments where I don’t, but I knew I needed an outlet. Somewhere real. Somewhere honest. A space where I could talk about the struggles I’ve actually lived through, not just the Instagram highlight reel version of life.

    Starting this podcast became one of the most positive things I’ve ever done for myself. It’s been a place where I can process the weird, messy, “why is this even happening?” moments, and try to find some kind of light at the end of it. Over the years, it’s also turned into a space where I share healthier ways to deal with hard stuff, because let’s be honest, life will life. But you don’t have to let the bad moments define you.

    One thing I strongly believe (and basically built this podcast around) is that the world is your oyster. Seriously. You kind of have to believe in yourself so much that it feels borderline delusional… but hey, that’s where the magic happens, lol.

    Setbacks? They’re not dead ends. They’re just stepping stones. Little redirections toward something even better than you planned.

    New episodes of Chill Out with Kelly Ward drop every Sunday. And yes, I know putting yourself out there like this can feel borderline cringe sometimes… but honestly? YOLO.

    I’m grateful for every single person who’s listened, shared an episode, or sent me a message saying they related to something I said. It means more than you know.
    Here’s to growing through what we go through, together. 🤍

  • Everything I want wants me more.

    Everything I want wants me more.

    I used to worry way too much about how I came across online. Like, crippling self-awareness every time I posted something quirky or hit “publish” on a YouTube video that felt too unfiltered. I’d overthink the captions. I’d cringe at the sound of my own voice. I’d spiral thinking, what if someone from work sees this and laughs?

    But then I turned 30.

    And I don’t know what exactly shifted, but I stopped caring in a way that felt… freeing.

    Now? I post the weird little video. I write the blog. I say what I actually mean. I romanticize the chaos. I give things a go even if I know people might not get it. Because here’s the thing, every time I show up as the most me version of myself, life mirrors that energy back. Opportunities come. The right people show up. Confidence builds.

    I started to believe in this idea that the things I want, the career, the friendships, the love, the freedom, the creative expression, they actually want me more. And when you really think about it, that mindset changes everything.

    It turns your self-doubt into self-trust.

    It turns the “what if they judge me” into “what if this opens doors I can’t even imagine yet?”

    Because the truth is, the people who are doing cool things in life aren’t the ones who waited until they felt 100% ready or polished or perfect, they’re the ones who went for it even when it felt cringe.

    So I’m no longer subscribing to the idea that I need to shrink myself to be liked or palatable.

    I’m here to be real. To be bold. To post the vlog. To follow the vision I’ve had in my head since forever. And honestly? It feels so good.

    Let this be your reminder that you don’t need permission to want more.
    And you definitely don’t need to water yourself down to be worthy of it.

    So go after it, even if it’s messy, even if it’s loud, even if it’s different.

    Because what you want… is already on its way to meet you.
    And it’s probably cheering you on, waiting for you to stop caring what other people think.

  • 4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    4 ways to actually enjoy your weekend.

    Let’s be real: Some weeks feel like they’ve lasted 84 years. You’ve been in meetings, running errands, answering texts you didn’t have the energy for, and just doing the most. And by Friday? You’re a shell of a person who just wants snacks and silence.

    So, here’s your little reminder that the weekend isn’t just a time to catch up on laundry or stress about Monday, it’s also your time to feel like a human again.
    Here are 4 ways to help you do just that:

    1. Romanticize the hell out of your morning.

    Slow mornings are the ultimate act of rebellion in a world that loves urgency.
    Sleep in a bit. Light a scented candle. Put on some Addison Rae. Make your favorite breakfast. Drink your coffee slowly, like you’re in a film set in Italy.
    Put on a playlist that makes you feel like the main character and pretend you don’t have a single worry in the world, just for an hour or two.

    2. Do something fun with zero productivity attached.

    You don’t need to “earn” rest or joy. Pick something that makes you happy and do it just because.
    A cute farmer’s market stroll. A spontaneous drive. An art class. A Pilates session you barely get through but feel cute doing anyway.
    The goal is to do something that feels like you, not just something that looks good on your calendar.

    3. Disconnect to reconnect.

    Yes, I’m talking about a little break from your phone (even if it’s just for a few hours).
    Put it on Do Not Disturb. Go outside. Be with the people you love, or be alone with your thoughts (they’re not always as scary as we think).
    Go touch some grass, take a walk, breathe in the air like it’s your first time on Earth. Nature really is free therapy.

    4. Check in with yourself, gently.

    Use part of your weekend to ask yourself how you’re really doing.
    Not in a pressure-filled, “let’s fix everything” way, just a little mental check-in. Journaling, reading, reflecting, maybe even planning your week softly if that helps calm your brain.
    Give yourself space to feel whatever you need to feel, and remind yourself that you’re doing your best. Because you are.

    You don’t need a 3-day vacation to reset.
    Sometimes, all it takes is a weekend filled with intention, the kind where you take your power back, even in small ways.
    So go ahead: do less, laugh more, and don’t check your emails unless the building’s on fire.

    You deserve peace. And a pastry. Preferably both.

  • Maybe slowing down isn’t what I actually want.

    Maybe slowing down isn’t what I actually want.

    An honest take on productivity, purpose, and why staying busy might just be your kind of peace.

    I used to think the goal was a quiet life.
    Slow mornings. Simple pleasures. Peaceful days that stretch out like soft sunlight on the floor.
    And honestly? That still sounds beautiful.

    There’s something deeply romantic about living gently, taking time to appreciate the little things, drinking your coffee slowly, reading books in the afternoon, and going on long walks with no rush to be anywhere. And I think it’s important to have those moments. To know how to rest. To let yourself rest.

    But I’ve also come to a conclusion lately, which is, of course, subject to change because I’m human, but I don’t think that kind of slowness is what I truly want all the time.

    Because I know myself. And the truth is… I like being busy.
    I need to be building something. Doing something. Pouring myself into work or a project or an idea I care about.
    Being productive doesn’t drain me, it energizes me. It clears my mind. It gives me purpose.

    When I’m working on something I love, or even just having a full, busy day, I feel good.
    I feel like me.
    I’m not stuck overthinking or getting caught in a spiral about the past or what could’ve been.
    I’m moving forward. I’m in motion. And there’s something healing about that.

    I think we sometimes forget that being “busy” doesn’t have to be a bad thing.
    Sure, if you’re running on 5 cups of coffee 24/7 and never giving yourself a break, that’s a different story. But when you’re doing things that light you up? That challenge you? That make you feel capable and fulfilled? That’s not burnout, that’s fuel.

    Work, in the right context, keeps you young.
    It gives you something to wake up for. Something to grow towards.

    And of course, there are days when everything feels like too much. When the world is loud and heavy and you just want to rot on the couch with your comfort show and a snack, and that’s more than okay. We need those days too.
    But I don’t think I’m meant to live my life in slow motion. I think I’m meant to build.
    To do.
    To create.

    And maybe that’s your kind of peace too.

    So if you’ve been feeling guilty for loving the hustle, or if the idea of a “soft life” doesn’t totally resonate with you, you’re not broken.
    You’re probably just someone who finds calm in the chaos, clarity in the momentum.

    Keep showing up. Keep creating. Keep working on what makes you happy.
    Because that’s a life worth living, too.

  • Hug a tree today <3

    Hug a tree today <3

    I’ve always been drawn to nature.
    The ocean when it’s still.
    The mountains when they make you feel small in the best way.
    The quiet you only find when there’s no signal and no one asking for anything.

    Growing up, some of my favourite memories were made outside, camping with my family, hiking dusty trails, swimming until the Sun dipped low and your fingers pruned. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those moments were shaping me. Teaching me how to be still. How to listen. How to notice beauty that asks for nothing in return.

    Nature has always been a grounding force in my life. When things feel loud or uncertain, I go back to the Earth. I stare at the waves. I breathe in mountain air. I let myself be, without fixing, rushing, or proving.

    And on days like today, I’m reminded how lucky I am to have built that connection from such a young age. It’s made me who I am. It’s why I care. It’s why I’m still learning how to live in a way that respects and protects her.

    So here’s to slowing down.
    To getting outside.
    To remembering that we’re not separate from nature, we are nature.

    Happy Earth Day, friends.
    Let’s treat her like home. Because she is.

  • I love Sunday’s omg.

    I love Sunday’s omg.

    I’ve always loved Sundays.

    Maybe it started when I was a kid, those sweet, simple Sundays with my family, getting ice-cream and going for long drives with the windows down and no real destination. It was the kind of day where nothing was rushed and everything just felt good. It’s funny how those small rituals become the ones you carry with you forever.

    Now that I’m older, Sundays still feel sacred. But they look a little different.

    They start with a yoga class in the morning, nothing crazy. Maybe I’ll grab a matcha or a smoothie afterwards, something that feels nourishing. And then, I head home, hop on the couch with a book, and just be for a while. No pressure. No notifications. Just sunshine pouring through the windows and a quiet blue sky above.

    It’s the kind of peace you can’t fake.

    Sometimes, I’ll throw on a face mask, scroll through Netflix until I land on some chaotic reality TV (you know the type), and let myself fully vibe out. Not because I’m avoiding the world, but because I need to check in with myself before stepping back into it.

    And that’s the thing. Alone time isn’t loneliness. It’s an act of care. A gentle pause. A reset.

    In a world that glorifies productivity, choosing to slow down, choosing yourself, is powerful. It’s not selfish. It’s essential.

    Because when we give ourselves space to rest, to breathe, to just exist without the pressure to perform…we come back stronger. Softer. More grounded. More ourselves.

    So if you’ve been craving some quiet, take it. Romanticize it. Protect it. Whether it’s a Sunday or a random Wednesday night, carve out time to just be with you.

    Trust me, you’re good company.

  • There was nowhere to go but everywhere.

    There was nowhere to go but everywhere.

    An ode to staying soft and brave, even when the road is uncertain.

    “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep rolling under the stars.” — Jack Kerouac

    I come back to this quote often. Not just because Kerouac is one of my favourite writers, but because these words feel like a gentle reminder from the universe: you’re not stuck, you’re just in motion.

    Life isn’t linear. It doesn’t always make sense. And sometimes, it takes breaking down on the side of your own metaphorical highway to remember that you’re still allowed to dream. Still allowed to get back in the car, blast your favourite song, and take the long way home.

    There’s something comforting about the idea that you don’t need a perfect plan to keep going. That you can be messy and unsure and still brave. That rolling under the stars, wherever they lead you, is enough.

    I think sometimes we convince ourselves we’ve missed our shot. That if we didn’t figure it all out by a certain age, or if things didn’t go as planned, then maybe we’re not cut out for the life we once wanted. But the truth is, we’re never too late for anything meant for us. Not love. Not growth. Not big, soul-filling dreams.

    And you don’t need to have it all figured out to start. You just need a little courage and a lot of heart. The rest? It comes as you go.

    No matter how old you are.
    No matter how defeated you’ve felt.
    You are strong enough to do hard things.
    To change direction.
    To start again.
    To roll on, dusty, hopeful, a little broken, but still here.

    So if you needed a sign today, this is it.

    You don’t need a map.
    You just need movement.
    Keep rolling.
    Keep showing up.
    There’s still everywhere left to go. Chase your dreams.

  • How to maintain friendships as an adult.

    How to maintain friendships as an adult.

    This morning, I had coffee with one of my good girlfriends. We hadn’t seen each other in almost two months. Life, as always, got in the way. Work, schedules that never seem to line up. But sitting there, catching up over cappuccinos and just unpacking life, it reminded me just how grounding and healing good friendships are, and how important it is to water them, even when you feel like you’re running on 5 expressos and delusional happiness.

    I used to think friendships just happened. That if you were close with someone, it would always stay that way. But now that I’m older, I know that’s not true. Friendships, especially in adulthood, take effort, the kind that’s soft but intentional. So I’ve been thinking a lot about how to maintain the ones that matter, even when life feels chaotic.

    Here’s what I’ve learned:

    1. Stay connected regularly (in the realest way).

    Not every check-in needs to be a 3-hour FaceTime with wine and a therapy session. Sometimes it’s just sending a “this reminded me of you” meme, a voice note on the way to work, or a quick text that says, “Miss you. Let’s catch up soon.” It doesn’t have to be big to mean something.

    2. Send small, thoughtful gestures.

    The older I get, the more I love the random little things, like dropping off someone’s favorite treat or writing a positive text just because. It’s about showing you see them. That they’re on your mind. That they matter.

    3. Share your changes.

    We’re all growing and shifting. If you want your friends to understand where you’re at, you’ve got to let them in. Tell them what’s been heavy lately. What you’re excited about. What you’ve outgrown. Relationships lose their depth when we assume people just know who we are without updating them.

    4. Practice safe vulnerability.

    Not everyone deserves full access to you, but your real ones? Let them in. Let them hear the overthinking, the insecurity, the mess, the joy. Real intimacy starts when you drop the façade and get a little honest.

    5. Manage expectations.

    No one person can be everything to you, and that includes your friends. Some will be your hype girls, some your deep-convo girls, some your brunch-once-a-month girls. That’s okay. Let them show up in the way they can, and love them for it.

    Lately, I’ve realized that friendships are just as important as romantic relationships. Maybe even more, at times. They’re the people who witness you becoming yourself. Who sit with you in silence when you can’t find the words. Who send “I’m proud of you” texts after something big (or small).

    If you’re reading this and you’ve been “meaning to reach out” to someone, this is your sign. Call them. Send the text. Make the plan. Because life moves fast, but a good friend will always slow down for a coffee and a catch-up.

  • Don’t settle for a life you don’t want.

    Don’t settle for a life you don’t want.

    Let me be real for a second: I’ve compared myself to everyone.

    The friend who’s married.
    The influencer (I don’t even know) who just bought their dream house.
    The girl who travels full-time and somehow always looks like she belongs in a Pinterest board.
    Yes. I’ve scrolled. I’ve spiraled. I’ve questioned my path more times than I’d like to admit.

    But comparison? It’s not a vibe.

    And honestly, it’s exhausting trying to measure your life by someone else’s timeline.
    Been there. Not going back.

    I’ve realized I don’t want a life that just looks good. I want a life that feels good.
    One that’s mine. Not someone else’s recycled version of “success.”

    I don’t want to settle for a job that doesn’t fulfill me.
    I don’t want to force relationships that don’t feel right.
    I don’t want to shrink myself to make other people comfortable.

    And I definitely don’t want to chase milestones that don’t even align with what I want, just because everyone else seems to be doing them.

    Here’s the thing: no one else is living your life.

    They don’t wake up in your body. They don’t feel your passions. They don’t pay your bills. They don’t hear your dreams whispering to you when it’s quiet at night.

    So stop living for the audience.

    Start tuning into yourself. Your heart. Your truth.

    I’ve been guilty of losing focus. Of settling. Of trying to fit into versions of myself I outgrew a long time ago. But every experience, even the messy ones, made me stronger. Every time I questioned my path, I ended up creating a better one. One that actually feels like me.

    So if you’re in a season where things feel unclear, where you feel behind, where the comparison trap is louder than your own intuition, I get it. But here’s your sign to stop looking around and start looking in.

    You’re not too late. You’re not too much. You’re not falling behind.

    You’re just waking up to your own potential.

    And you deserve a life that lights you up, not one that chases validation from other people. Stop focusing on everyone else, and focus on you. Period.