the ward method

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  • two things i’m currently obsessed with: avocado & light weight training.

    two things i’m currently obsessed with: avocado & light weight training.

    Somehow, my life lately has been fueled by two things: perfectly ripe avocados and 5kg dumbbells.
    A combo i didn’t see coming, but here we are.

    I’ve always loved avocado (because, duh, who doesn’t?), but lately it’s become my quiet ritual. it’s that little moment in the day that feels… grounding. Whether I’m mashing it onto gluten free toast, scooping it straight from the skin, or throwing it into a smoothie that’s 90% vibe, 10% nutrition, it’s giving simple joy.

    The light weight training thing? That one surprised me, however I’ve been pretty insecure about my muscle tone lately, and I remembered last year, I got really into weight training, and I used to be an all-or-nothing kind of person when it came to workouts, if it wasn’t an intense, hour-long sweat session, it didn’t count.
    But recently, I’ve been lifting light, moving slow, and realizing that strength doesn’t always have to look extreme. It can be soft, steady, and kind of fun.

    I think that’s what I love most about this little duo. They both represent a gentler kind of discipline, the kind that’s not about pushing yourself to the edge or chasing a result, but about doing the small things that make you feel good.
    Because maybe that’s the point, it’s not about perfection or progress charts. It’s about those tiny, grounding habits that remind you you’re doing okay.

    I’m in my “listen to my body and eat good fats” era.
    The kind of routine that doesn’t feel like a routine, just life, but slightly more intentional. And honestly, who doesn’t love avocado.

  • how to mentally prepare for summer (eeek).

    how to mentally prepare for summer (eeek).

    Summer’s coming, and honestly, that’s kind of exciting.
    The energy shifts. The days stretch longer. Everything feels lighter, freer, a little bit golden. But with that comes this quiet pressure to do more, to fill every weekend, to make memories, to be “on” all the time.

    And while it’s fun to crave a main-character summer moment, it’s also okay to want something slower. Maybe this year isn’t about changing everything. Maybe it’s about actually being present for the good stuff you already have.

    Here’s how to mentally prepare for the season, without the pressure to glow up, fix yourself, or turn into a beachy Pinterest board version of you.

    1. Romanticize the real summer.

    Let’s be honest: the perfect summer doesn’t exist, but the real one? That’s where the magic is. Think: long walks at sunset, cold drinks on a warm night, hair that smells like sunscreen, music playing from someone’s car. That’s the good stuff.
    Try this: instead of planning the perfect summer, make a “feel list”, how do you want this season to feel? Calm? Playful? Free? Once you know that, build small moments that match it.

    2. Protect your peace (and your social battery)

    Summer can be social overload, plans, parties, beach days, last-minute everything. It’s easy to burn out trying to keep up with everyone else’s version of “fun.”
    Try this: be intentional with your yes’s. For every social plan, plan a recharge moment too, a solo coffee, a quiet beach walk, a day with no expectations. Summer is supposed to fill your cup, not empty it.

    3. Let “good enough” be the vibe.

    You don’t have to transform just because the season changed. You don’t have to become “that girl” or have your life together by June.
    Try this: do one thing every day that helps you feel like you. Read outside. Go for a drive. Make your favourite playlist. It’s not about being ready for summer, it’s about feeling alive in it.

    This summer isn’t about pressure. It’s about peace.
    It’s soft mornings, salty skin, laughter you didn’t plan for. It’s giving yourself permission to exist, as you are, where you are, right now.

    Same you, just a little sunnier.

  • the drink of the summer? matcha.

    the drink of the summer? matcha.

    summer’s creeping in, the kind of days that smell like sunscreen, sound like playlists you’ve overplayed, and feel like you’re constantly chasing the next iced drink.

    and for me, that drink is matcha.

    honestly, it’s more than just a drink at this point, it’s a ritual. a personality trait. a small, green piece of peace in the chaos.

    there’s something about an iced matcha that just feels like summer, the way it clinks with ice cubes, the creamy swirl when you mix it, that earthy-sweet flavor that somehow wakes you up without making your heart race. it’s calm energy in a cup.

    and that’s kind of the thing, matcha isn’t loud. it doesn’t rush you into the day the way coffee does. it eases you in. it’s slower, softer, intentional. it’s that reminder to breathe between the busy.

    plus, it’s ridiculously aesthetic. i mean, let’s be honest, the green straw, the pastel cup, the sunlight hitting just right for a photo you probably won’t even post. it’s a vibe.

    but beyond the vibe, it’s also how it makes me feel. matcha has this way of turning ordinary moments into small acts of self-care. whether it’s sipping one on a morning walk, grabbing it after the gym, or just having it while sitting on your balcony, it’s that gentle “everything’s okay” energy we all need.

    so yes, summer might be about beaches, road trips, and sunsets, but it’s also about the little rituals that make it feel like you. and for me, that’s a cold matcha in hand, windows down, and nowhere to be in a rush.

    matcha isn’t just the drink of the summer.
    it’s the energy of it, calm, cool, and completely in the moment.

  • why i love minimal makeup + simple skincare.

    why i love minimal makeup + simple skincare.

    somewhere between trying every new “holy grail” product and watching 47-step skincare routines on youtube, i just… got tired. it’s not sustainable, or affordable, my skin wasn’t even happy, and getting ready started to feel like a chore instead of something i actually enjoyed.

    i’ve never really been a full-makeup girl. i’ve always saved it for special occasions, birthdays, weddings, nights out, the kind of moments that feel like they deserve a little extra. but for the most part, i’ve always preferred a bare face.

    and lately, i’ve realized just how much i love that feeling.
    the feeling of looking in the mirror and actually recognizing myself. the lightness of not having layers on my skin. the simplicity of just… being me.

    my routine has become so simple, a bit of concealer, blush, brushed-up brows, lip balm. that’s it. and weirdly, it’s made me feel more confident than any “glam” look ever has. i like that my skin can breathe, that i don’t feel like i’m hiding behind anything.

    same with skincare, i’ve learned that less is more. i used to think having a million products meant i was taking care of myself, but my skin’s happiest when i keep it simple. cleanser, moisturizer, SPF. easy. reliable.

    there’s something so grounding about embracing the natural version of yourself, the one that isn’t filtered or contoured or covered up. i think we forget how beautiful normal can look.

    and maybe that’s what i love most about keeping things minimal, it feels honest. it feels like me.

  • i deleted instagram for 2 months. here’s what actually happened.

    i deleted instagram for 2 months. here’s what actually happened.

    i’ve always joked that instagram is my toxic boyfriend. i know it’s bad for me, but somehow i keep going back. the mindless scrolling, the comparing, the random dopamine hits, it’s like emotional junk food for the brain. but this year, something in me snapped. one morning, i opened the app, scrolled for two minutes, and realized i didn’t actually care about anything i was looking at. so i deleted it. no big announcement, no “digital detox” story post, i just… left.

    and honestly? it was weird at first. like my thumb kept going to the exact spot where the app used to be, as if muscle memory was exposing how addicted i really was. but after a few days, the noise started to fade, and i started noticing things. real things.

    1. i actually have time.

    turns out, when you stop scrolling through everyone else’s life, you get to live your own. shocking, i know. i didn’t realize how much time i was wasting until my weekends started to feel longer. mornings felt calmer. i was making breakfast without also mentally drafting a caption about it. there’s something strangely freeing about doing things without thinking about how they’ll look online.

    2. my brain got quieter.

    without the constant stream of opinions, aesthetics, and “inspo,” my thoughts stopped feeling so crowded. i didn’t realize how much space instagram took up in my head, always comparing, analyzing, trying to keep up. after a few weeks, i felt… lighter. more focused. i could actually sit in silence without reaching for distraction.

    3. i reached out more.

    when you’re not liking everyone’s photos, you actually text them. weird, right? i started texting friends instead of just watching their stories. i had longer conversations, met up more, and realized how much deeper connection feels offline.

    4. comparison lost its grip.

    there’s something about being away from the highlight reel that makes your own life feel more than enough. i stopped obsessing over what everyone else was doing, where they were traveling, what they were wearing. instead, i started noticing how good my own coffee tasted in the morning, how peaceful it felt to walk without headphones, how lucky i am to have the people i have.

    5. i figured out what i actually like.

    this was the most unexpected one. without being subconsciously influenced by trends, I started gravitating toward things that genuinely made me happy, not just what looked “aesthetic” or got likes. i realized i love slick back buns, minimal make-up, baggy clothes, random playlists, and long walks with no purpose. my taste, my style, my thoughts, they felt like mine again.

    stepping back from the app reminded me of something i kind of forgot: scrolling isn’t living. it’s observing. it’s watching other people’s lives through a tiny glass window. but when you shut it for a bit, you realize how much beauty is sitting quietly in your own world, your people, your routines, your quiet mornings, your bad days, your good ones.

    and life offline? it’s slower, softer, more real.
    and honestly… it feels pretty damn good.

  • Why you don’t need a 10-step routine to level up.

    Why you don’t need a 10-step routine to level up.

    We’ve all seen it: the Instagram feeds filled with “be that girl” routines. 6am ice baths, green juices, vision boards, 10-step skincare rituals, morning affirmations in triplicate… and somehow they make it look effortless.

    And honestly? It can feel intimidating. Like if you don’t do all of it, you’re failing at life.

    Here’s the truth: you don’t need all of that to grow, improve, or feel like your best self.

    One habit > ten overwhelming ones.

    The secret sauce isn’t doing everything. It’s picking one simple habit and actually showing up for it consistently.

    • Want more energy? Drink a glass of water first thing in the morning.
    • Want clarity? Journal for 5 minutes.
    • Want focus? Set a timer and work uninterrupted on one task.

    That’s it. Small, repeatable, actionable.

    Why this works.

    Consistency beats intensity. When you show up for yourself in a tiny but meaningful way every day, you build:

    • Discipline – You’re proving you can follow through.
    • Momentum – Each small win makes the next one easier.
    • Confidence – You trust yourself to show up, even when it’s hard.

    Before you know it, those little habits compound into actual, tangible change. And the best part? You’re not burning out trying to live someone else’s “perfect life.”

    How to start.

    1. Pick one habit. Don’t overthink it.
    2. Keep it simple. If it feels like a chore, it won’t stick.
    3. Show up daily. Even 2 minutes counts.
    4. Celebrate progress. Every step is a win.

    Hot take: you don’t need a Pinterest-perfect routine to grow. You just need one habit, done consistently. It might feel boring at first, but that’s where the magic happens.

    Boring? Maybe.
    Life-changing? Absolutely.

  • Every step forward is a victory. Here’s why.

    Every step forward is a victory. Here’s why.

    We live in a world obsessed with the “big wins.” Landing the dream job. Hitting 100k followers. Finally moving into the Pinterest-perfect apartment.

    And while all of that is amazing, the truth is most of life happens in the in-between, the small, sometimes unglamorous steps no one claps for.

    But here’s what I’ve been realizing: every step forward counts as a victory.

    The problem with “all or nothing” thinking?

    How many times have you brushed off progress because it wasn’t the big thing?

    • “I only wrote one page today.”
    • “I went for a 15-minute walk, but it’s not like I ran a marathon.”
    • “I pitched one client, but I didn’t land ten.”

    We act like progress only matters when it’s massive. But the big moments are literally just stacks of small ones.

    Every time you choose to show up, whether it’s sending the email, journaling for 5 minutes, or just deciding not to give up, you’re building proof. Proof that you’re consistent, that you’re learning, that you’re moving.

    And the brain loves proof. It’s like tiny receipts that add up to self-trust.

    That’s why those little steps aren’t “meh.” They’re victories. They’re you proving to yourself that you’re capable of more than your fear wants you to believe.

    Every step forward, no matter how small, is a win. And when you start to see it that way, you stop waiting to feel “successful someday” and realize, you’re already building it today.

    Future you will thank you for the steps you’re taking now.

  • Ghosting your negative thought patterns.

    Ghosting your negative thought patterns.

    We’ve all been there, caught in a loop of overthinking, self-doubt, or that one embarrassing thing we said in 2016. Negative thought patterns have a sneaky way of making themselves at home, like uninvited guests who refuse to leave the party.

    But here’s the thing: just like you can ghost a toxic ex, you can ghost your own negative thoughts. The trick isn’t pretending they don’t exist, it’s deciding they don’t get front-row seats in your mind anymore.

    So, how do you actually do it? Here are two practical (and kind of freeing) ways to start:

    1. Call them out like a bad Tinder date.

    The next time your brain tells you: “You’re not good enough” or “You’re never going to figure this out”, don’t just accept it. Call it out. Literally say (in your head or out loud if you’re dramatic like me): “Cool story, but not true.”

    It’s wild how much power negative thoughts lose when you stop letting them be the authority. Label them for what they are, fear, insecurity, old conditioning, and move on.

    Think of it as swiping left on mental clutter.

    2. Replace the story with a better one.

    Ghosting isn’t just ignoring, it’s choosing something better for yourself. Once you’ve called out the negative thought, replace it with a new story.

    Example:
    Negative thought: “I’ll never be successful.”
    Replacement: “I’m still learning, but every step I take is proof I’m building something real.”

    You don’t have to jump from zero to “I’m a billionaire genius” (though hey, manifest away). Just shift the story into something that feels possible, true, and kind.

    Ghosting your negative thought patterns doesn’t mean you’ll never overthink or spiral again. You’re human. The goal is to stop letting those thoughts run the show. Every time you call them out and rewrite the story, you’re proving to yourself that you’re in charge, not the voice in your head.

    And honestly? That’s the kind of glow-up no one can take from you.

  • Stop wasting your potential babe.

    Stop wasting your potential babe.

    Let’s be real: sometimes life feels like you’re just… coasting. Scrolling, binge-watching, waiting for the “right moment” to do something big. But here’s the truth, potential isn’t about waiting. It’s about showing up, even when you’re not feeling 100% ready.

    Here’s how to start using your energy for yourself, not just letting it drift away:

    1. Stop Overthinking Everything

    Perfectionism is a sneaky thief of potential. You’ll never feel fully ready, and that’s okay. Start small, take imperfect action, and trust that momentum comes from doing, not planning.

    2. Invest in Yourself

    Your potential grows when you feed it. Read the book you’ve been putting off, take that class, try that hobby. Even tiny investments in yourself compound, your future self will thank you.

    3. Ditch People and Things That Drain You

    Your time and energy are precious. Stop spending hours on people or situations that leave you exhausted. Surround yourself with energy-givers: friends who hype you up, music that motivates you, projects that excite you.

    4. Celebrate Action, Not Just Results

    You don’t need a trophy to validate your effort. Every step you take toward growth matters. Show up, create, fail, try again. Action itself is proof you’re not wasting your time here.

    5. Own Your Ambition

    Stop apologizing for wanting more. Stop minimizing your dreams to make others comfortable. Your potential is yours to use, boldly, unapologetically, and fully.

    You’re not here to drift quietly through life. You’re here to make noise, take risks, and shine in your own way. Stop waiting for “the right moment.” It’s right now.

  • I’m actually obsessed with berries. Here’s why.

    I’m actually obsessed with berries. Here’s why.

    We all know berries are tasty, but they’re more than just a sweet snack, they’re basically tiny little powerhouses for your body and mind. If you’ve ever wondered why adding more blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries to your day might actually make you feel better, here’s the lowdown. No gatekeeping here.

    1. Berries Are Packed With Antioxidants

    Antioxidants are your skin’s BFFs. They fight free radicals, those pesky molecules that cause premature aging and dullness. That means a handful of berries a day could help your skin look brighter, fresher, and more resilient. Think glowing, healthy skin that’s a little extra boost for your confidence.

    2. They Keep Inflammation in Check

    Inflammation doesn’t just show up in your body, it shows up on your skin too. Redness, breakouts, and puffiness can all be linked to it. The anti-inflammatory properties in berries help calm your system from the inside out, which often shows in a clearer, calmer complexion.

    3. Berries Support Gut Health

    A happy gut = happy skin and mood. Berries are rich in fiber, which feeds your good gut bacteria. A balanced gut can help regulate hormones and even reduce stress levels, meaning fewer skin flare-ups and a little more zen in your day.

    4. Mood-Boosting Energy

    It’s not just skin-deep. Berries contain vitamin C and natural compounds that help your brain produce serotonin, the feel-good hormone. That little burst of sweetness from a berry snack can genuinely lift your vibe, helping you feel more energized, positive, and ready to tackle your day.

    Bottom line: berries aren’t just cute, colourful additions to your plate, they’re tiny little mood and skin warriors. Eating them regularly can help you feel brighter, both inside and out.