the ward method

Tag: life

  • 3 ways to live life that feels like you.

    3 ways to live life that feels like you.

    Life is messy, beautiful, confusing, and sometimes just plain exhausting. And honestly? There’s no one “right” way to do it. But after a lot of trial and error (and some awkward detours), I’ve found a few simple ways to live that actually feel like me, and maybe they’ll resonate with you, too.

    1. Show Up for Yourself, First.

    Before you can really show up for anyone else, you have to be in your own corner. That means honouring your needs, feelings, and boundaries, even when it’s uncomfortable. It’s saying “no” without guilt, carving out time to recharge, and choosing what lights you up instead of what drains you. When you prioritize your well-being, the rest falls into place more easily.

    2. Embrace the Uncertainty.

    Life rarely looks like the perfect plan. Sometimes, things get messy, and that’s okay. Instead of fighting the unknown or trying to control every detail, lean into the uncertainty. Be curious about what might happen next. Growth happens in the in-between spaces, not just the clear-cut milestones. So take a deep breath, trust your gut, and remember: it’s okay not to have all the answers.

    3. Create Your Own Definition of Success.

    Forget society’s checklist of success, the perfect job, the “right” relationship, the dream house. Your version of success might be slower, softer, and way more aligned with your values. Maybe it’s about meaningful connections, creative projects, or just waking up feeling calm and grateful. When you define success on your own terms, you stop chasing and start being.

    Living life your way isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about choosing what matters to you, even when it feels scary or unconventional. It’s about being kind to yourself through the highs and lows and trusting that you’re exactly where you need to be.

    Here’s to living a life that feels less like a checklist, and more like you.

  • Q3 energy = soft goals + steady growth.

    Q3 energy = soft goals + steady growth.

    Somewhere along the way, we decided that planning your life had to feel like a part-time job.
    Colour-coded calendars. 5am alarms. Daily “power hour” blocks and quarterly vision boards.

    Cute in theory. Exhausting in reality.

    So here’s a radical idea:
    What if Q3 didn’t need to be your grind era?
    What if it could be your soft launch season, the one where you slow down, tune in, and grow at your own pace?

    That’s where I’m at.

    I’m calling it my “slow mornings, soft goals, steady growth” era. And no, it’s not a fancy routine with 17 steps. It’s more like a gentle rhythm I can return to when life feels a little loud.

    Here’s what it actually looks like:

    Slow mornings.

    Not “no mornings.” Just… slower ones.
    Ones where I actually pause before reaching for my phone. Where I write something down, make coffee, open a window. Where I let the day greet me instead of chasing it.

    You don’t need a 6-step skincare routine and a sunrise yoga flow (unless you love that). Sometimes, it’s enough to just sit with yourself for a few minutes and breathe.

    Soft goals.

    Not lazy goals. Not vague goals. Just goals that don’t make you want to cry.

    I’ve stopped trying to do all the things at once. Now, I pick 2–3 focus areas for the quarter, things that genuinely matter to me. Things I want to grow, not force.

    It’s less “reinvent your life in 30 days” and more “what can I pour into, slowly and meaningfully?”

    Steady growth.

    This is the part no one talks about.
    The quiet wins. The baby steps. The kind of progress that doesn’t show up on Instagram but feels huge in your own life.

    For me, that means checking in once a week.
    Not to critique, but to reflect:

    • What actually worked this week?
    • What felt off?
    • Did I move in the direction of the life I want?

    I do this with a notebook. Or sometimes in the notes app. Or on a walk. No rules, just realignment.

    We’re so used to pushing for more that we forget how powerful it is to move with intention instead of urgency.

    So if your brain’s been loud lately, if the world feels like a group project you didn’t sign up for, this is your sign to slow down. Pick a few things that matter. Create a rhythm that supports your peace, not just your productivity.

    Because Q3 doesn’t have to be a sprint.
    It can be the season where you finally stop rushing and start savouring.

  • My new mid-morning obsession.

    My new mid-morning obsession.

    I’ve entered my papaya era, and honestly? I’m not looking back.

    I used to be a “grab-whatever’s-nearby” kind of girl when it came to snacks. Half a protein bar, a spoonful of peanut butter, or something random and crunchy just to get through the slump between breakfast and lunch. But recently, I decided to romanticize the mid-morning lull. Enter: papaya.

    Yes, papaya.

    I know, she’s often overshadowed by her trendier cousins, avocado, mango, maybe even pineapple if we’re getting wild. But papaya? She’s the quiet one in the corner with soft skin, golden insides, and main character energy once you give her a chance.

    Here’s why I’m obsessed:

    1. She’s sweet without being chaotic.
    Papaya has this mellow, buttery sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm your taste buds or spike your sugar like a cupcake in disguise. It’s light. It’s gentle. It feels like someone whispering “you’re doing amazing, sweetie” directly into your nervous system.

    2. She supports the gut, and the glow-up.
    Papaya is packed with enzymes (hello, papain) that help with digestion, which means your tummy loves her. And if you’ve ever googled “foods for clear skin,” you’ve probably seen her on every list. Coincidence? I think not.

    3. She’s kind of aesthetic.
    Slice her open, scoop out the seeds, maybe add a lil’ lime juice or a dollop of coconut yogurt or blueberries? Suddenly you’re a wellness influencer in Bali. Or at least vibing like one between meetings.

    4. It’s giving intentional living.
    Something about choosing papaya as a snack feels… elevated. Like you’re not just grabbing food, you’re choosing nourishment. You’re taking a moment. You’re being the version of yourself who hydrates and journals and listens to SZA in the bath.

    Honestly, it’s less about the papaya and more about the energy of choosing it.

    So if you’ve been living off desk snacks or haven’t met your fruit quota this week, this is your sign. Go get yourself a papaya. Scoop her out slowly. Romanticize your Wednesday morning like it’s the start of something.

    Because it kind of is.

  • Are you a Ward or a mouse?

    Are you a Ward or a mouse?

    It’s a line I’ve heard my whole life.

    “Are you a Ward or a mouse?”

    My dad would say it half-jokingly, usually when I was having a meltdown, too scared to take the shot, or spiraling in self-doubt. It wasn’t said to dismiss my feelings, but to remind me of who I am. Of what I’m made of. And more importantly, who I’m capable of becoming.

    At the time, I would just laugh. I mean, hello, let me cry in peace. But now, as an adult, I carry those words like armour.

    Because life is going to knock you down. More than once. There will be days where you question your worth, your path, your abilities, days where everything feels like too much. And in those moments, that little voice echoes in my mind:

    “Are you a Ward or a mouse?”

    Not just a name, not just a catchphrase, but a reminder. That I’m not here to shrink. That I’ve survived things I thought would break me. That fear might visit, but it doesn’t get to drive.

    And maybe you didn’t grow up with that exact phrase, but I bet you’ve got something like it buried deep inside you. A voice that tells you: you’re stronger than you think.

    So how do you tap into that when everything feels heavy?

    Here’s what helps me:

    1. Say it out loud.
    Seriously. Say the phrase, or your version of it. Words have power. Speaking it reminds your body who you are. (Even if you’re crying while doing it. Especially then.)

    2. Do one brave thing.
    Send the email. Go to the gym. Post the thing. Apply for the job. Start the business. Take the step, even if your hands are shaking. Courage isn’t loud, it’s often the quiet decision to keep going.

    3. Make a ‘proof list’.
    Write down three things you’ve overcome. Three moments you were scared, but did it anyway. Let your past remind you that you’ve got receipts for your resilience.

    4. Move.
    Walk. Dance. Stretch. Move the energy around. Sometimes the shift happens not in your mind, but in your body.

    5. Let someone hype you up.
    Text your friend. Call your dad. Watch that YouTube video or listen to the podcast that always lifts you. Borrow someone else’s belief in you until you can feel your own again.

    Being brave isn’t about being fearless, it’s about feeling the fear and showing up anyway.

    You don’t have to roar to prove you’re strong. You just have to choose not to hide.

    So next time life tries to knock you back into your shell, ask yourself the question that’s been passed down in my family for years:

    Are you a [insert your last name]… or a mouse?

    And then remind yourself:
    You were never meant to be small.

  • When you’re tired of feeling everything all the time.

    When you’re tired of feeling everything all the time.

    Some days, I genuinely don’t know how I got out of bed.
    It’s not laziness. It’s not a lack of gratitude.
    It’s the heaviness that sits in your bones when your mind is in overdrive and your heart feels way too full.

    I’ve always been someone who feels deeply. The kind of person who reads between the lines even when no one asked me to. Who notices the shift in someone’s tone, the way their eyes flicker when they say “I’m fine.” Who can feel the energy in a room shift before anyone else does. And while that sensitivity can be a gift, it can also be so exhausting.

    Some days I love my own company. I romanticize my solo walks, matcha mornings, creative work sessions, and quiet evenings. But other days? The silence feels deafening. I look around and realize I don’t have people to share life with the way I want to. And the independence I’m usually so proud of suddenly feels like a wall I didn’t mean to build.

    It’s a strange place to be, craving connection but feeling misunderstood. Wanting to open up but feeling like no one would really get it.
    So you keep it all in. You carry it quietly.
    You smile, you work, you post.
    And underneath it all, you’re screaming into the void, just hoping someone might feel it too.

    I don’t have a magic answer for this.
    But I do know that feeling a lot doesn’t make you weak. It means you’re awake. Alive.
    It means you’re still in tune with the parts of yourself that this world hasn’t numbed.

    You don’t have to “fix” yourself for feeling too much. You don’t have to shrink or harden or pretend things don’t get to you. What you need is grace. Space to feel what you’re feeling without trying to justify it or wrap it in a bow.

    And if you’re in a season right now where everything feels a little heavy, where your bed feels safer than the world, and your thoughts feel louder than your voice, just know this:
    You’re not alone. You’re not dramatic. You’re not broken.
    You’re just feeling your way through it.

    And that’s more than enough for today.

  • How to quiet your inner hater.

    How to quiet your inner hater.

    (Because she’s loud, dramatic, and usually wrong)

    You know the one.
    The voice that pops up the second you start to feel good about yourself.

    “You really think you’re gonna pull that off?”
    “She’s way better at that than you are.”
    “Maybe just… stay small today.”

    That voice?
    That’s your inner hater. And we all have one.

    Some days she whispers, some days she yells. But either way, she’s exhausting, and most of the time, she’s not even telling the truth.

    So how do you quiet her down without pretending she doesn’t exist?

    Here’s what’s helped me:

    1. Catch her in the act.

    The first step is noticing when she shows up. It’s usually in moments of growth or vulnerability. A new opportunity, a first date, a creative idea you’re excited about.
    She’ll try to keep you “safe” by talking you out of anything that feels unfamiliar.

    But once you name her—”oh hey, it’s that self-doubt again”, you take away some of her power.

    Awareness = distance.

    2. Talk back… like a friend would.

    Would you let your best friend say that sh*t to herself? No.
    So when your inner critic spirals into “You’re not good enough,”
    try this instead:
    “Actually, I’m doing the best I can.”
    “This feels hard, but I’m still showing up.”
    “I don’t have to be perfect to be proud of myself.”

    You don’t need to lie to yourself. You just need to be kinder.

    3. Take the action anyway.

    Your inner hater thrives on inaction.
    If you stay stuck, she gets to stay in charge.

    But when you do the thing, launch the blog, go to the event, wear the outfit, say the thing, you collect evidence that she’s wrong.
    That you’re capable. Resilient. Worth listening to.

    And the more evidence you collect, the quieter she gets.

    Your inner critic isn’t bad, she’s just outdated.

    She’s running on old fears, old stories, old insecurities.
    But you? You’re growing. You’re evolving. And you get to rewrite the narrative.

    So the next time she tries to talk you out of your own potential, take a deep breath and remember:

    She’s loud, but you’re louder.

    You’ve got this.
    Even if your inner hater disagrees.

  • Finally choosing yourself?

    Finally choosing yourself?

    For the longest time, I was caught in this endless loop of trying to fit in, please others, and chase versions of myself that weren’t really mine. Maybe you’ve been there too, changing how you talk, dress, or even think just to make other people comfortable or to avoid rocking the boat.

    But somewhere along the way, I realized that choosing myself isn’t about selfishness. It’s about honouring the messy, complicated, beautifully imperfect person I actually am, and giving myself permission to live out loud in that truth.

    It’s not always glamorous or Instagram-worthy

    Choosing yourself doesn’t mean waking up one day and having everything figured out. It’s not a dramatic “mic drop” moment where you suddenly have all the answers or perfect confidence. For me, it was way more subtle, a slow peeling back of layers, little by little, until I stopped hiding who I was.

    It meant saying no to things that drained me, even when I felt guilty. It meant embracing my quirks and my weirdness without apology. It meant spending more time doing what lit me up, and less time trying to be what others expected.

    The freedom that comes from being unapologetically you

    When I started to lean into my own vibe, everything shifted. I noticed my energy felt lighter, my relationships deeper, and even my creativity blossomed. There’s a certain kind of power in knowing you don’t have to perform or pretend to be anyone else.

    Choosing yourself also means trusting that you’re enough exactly as you are. Not because you did something amazing or reached a milestone, but because you exist, and that’s enough.

    Why it’s worth the discomfort

    Here’s the real talk: choosing yourself can feel scary. You might lose people or face judgment. You might confront parts of yourself you’ve ignored or been afraid to face.

    But it’s also the only way to find true peace. When you stop bending to fit the world’s expectations, you start to create space for the people and experiences that actually belong in your life.

    So if you’re still figuring it out, that’s okay. Keep choosing yourself in small ways every day. Keep showing up as your messy, beautiful, authentic self.

    Because at the end of the day, you’re the one you have to live with, and learning to love that person? That’s everything.

  • June gloom got you spiraling?

    June gloom got you spiraling?

    You know that weird, foggy stretch of time where the sky’s grey for no reason, your motivation’s missing, and everything feels a little meh?

    Yep. June Gloom. It’s a thing. And if you’re anything like me, it messes with your vibe just enough to make you feel off, even when everything else seems fine.

    And while it’s not full-on seasonal depression, there’s definitely something about grey skies and that weird middle-of-the-year limbo that makes you question… everything?

    So if you’ve been feeling low-key tired, uninspired, or just kind of over it, here are 3 ways I’ve been dealing with the gloom, without pretending I’m suddenly a productivity machine:

    1. Romanticize your routine, even if it’s boring

    Yes, I said it. The only thing getting me through this grey weather is making my everyday routine feel like a low-budget indie film.
    Warm matcha in a real mug (not a to-go one).
    Reading a chapter of a book instead of doom scrolling.
    Putting on a playlist that sounds like main character energy in the rain.

    It doesn’t have to be aesthetic or perfect. Just intentional. A moody walk in a hoodie. Cooking something warm. Writing a list. Let the weather slow you down, in a good way.

    2. Stop forcing sunshine energy when you’re in a fog

    This one’s for my overachievers. You’re not lazy or broken if you don’t feel like doing it all right now. There’s nothing wrong with needing more rest, silence, or solitude when things feel heavy.

    Your body and brain are responding to lower light, lower serotonin, and the subtle stress of “mid-year pressure.”
    So instead of pushing, pause.

    → Take the pressure off.
    → Do what you can, then give yourself permission to chill.
    → Let yourself feel cozy, even if it’s June.

    3. Get outside, even if it’s just for 10 minutes

    Okay, hear me out, this sounds basic, but it actually helps.
    Even on cloudy days, natural light (especially morning light) can reset your circadian rhythm, boost your mood, and help you feel slightly more alive.

    Grab your hoodie, throw on headphones, and step out for a walk. Go to a yoga flow session. You don’t need to hit 10K steps or see the sun, just move. Let your eyes look far away. Let your brain defog a little. It’s underrated magic.

    June doesn’t always feel like summer mentally. Sometimes it’s grey skies, hot coffee, and being kind to yourself for showing up anyway.

    You’re not behind. You’re not failing. You’re just in a season. And it’s okay to meet it with softness instead of resistance.

    Now go pour yourself something warm, romanticize the fog, and maybe cry to a Slow Pulp song. You’re doing great.

  • 5 Affirmations that will actually shift your mood.

    5 Affirmations that will actually shift your mood.

    Let’s be real. Sometimes life just feels… heavy.
    Maybe you woke up on the wrong side of the bed, or the endless to-do list has you spiraling, or you’re just plain tired of carrying the weight of your own brain.
    We all have those days when our mood is less “I got this” and more “please send coffee and a hug.”

    That’s when I turn to affirmations, not the cheesy, crystal-gazing kind, but real, grounded little phrases I say to myself to get back on track.

    Here are 5 affirmations I use that actually shift my mood and help me breathe easier:

    1. “I am allowed to feel all of this.”

    Sometimes the best permission you can give yourself is to just feel.
    There’s no timeline on emotions, and telling yourself it’s okay to be upset, anxious, or even bored can take some of the pressure off.
    When I say this, it’s like telling my brain, “It’s okay. I see you. You don’t have to fix everything right now.”

    2. “This moment is temporary.”

    Nothing stays the same forever, even that weird cloud of stress or sadness you’re carrying.
    Reminding myself that whatever I’m feeling will pass helps me hold space without panicking or overthinking.
    It’s a small phrase that gives me big relief.

    3. “I don’t have to do it all today.”

    Perfectionism and burnout love to sneak in when your brain tells you you have to be perfect, always.
    This affirmation is a little rebellion against that.
    It lets me slow down, break things into chunks, and remember that progress > perfection.

    4. “I am enough just as I am.”

    Some days, the voice inside your head is your harshest critic.
    This one is a soft hug.
    A reminder that you don’t need to prove your worth or hustle harder to earn love or respect.
    You’re already enough, messy hair, overthinking brain, and all.

    5. “I choose to focus on what I can control.”

    There’s always going to be noise and chaos out there, but this affirmation grounds me.
    It’s about gently letting go of what’s outside my control and putting energy into what I can do, whether that’s a deep breath, a small task, or reaching out to a friend.
    It’s a reset button when everything feels overwhelming.

    I don’t chant them for hours or try to “manifest” a perfect day.
    Instead, I pick one that fits the moment, sometimes just whispering it under my breath when I’m in the shower, or writing it down in my notebook, or repeating it while making coffee.
    It’s the small, gentle reminders that add up over time.

    Give it a try.
    Next time you feel stuck or heavy, pick an affirmation.
    Say it out loud, write it down, or just sit with it.
    You might be surprised at how much a few words can shift your whole day.

  • How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    How I’m adding warmth to my life this winter.

    Winter is a weird time.
    The days are shorter, the air is sharper, and everything just feels a little… heavier.
    Your energy dips. Your motivation goes MIA.
    And suddenly you’re wearing the same hoodie for four days and convincing yourself that avocado toast counts as emotional support.

    Same.

    But instead of fighting the season (or trying to pretend I love the cold), I’ve been learning to lean into it.
    To add little pockets of warmth to my day, not just physically, but emotionally too.
    And honestly? It’s been helping.

    Here’s how I’m turning winter into something soft, not suffocating:

    1. Romanticizing my night routine (just a little)

    The sun’s gone by 6PM anyway, so I’ve stopped resisting the early wind-down.
    I light my salt lamp. I take a long shower. Sometimes I read a few pages of a book I’ve already read 3 times (comfort).
    It’s not about doing more. It’s about softening into the evening.

    My new rule?
    Even if my day felt like chaos, I get to end it slowly.

    2. Dressing like i care about myself

    This sounds dramatic, but hear me out:
    Cosy = confidence.

    My go-to right now?
    A hoodie, relaxed jeans, a chunky scarf, loafers, and my oversized coat that makes me feel like the main character of an indie film.
    It’s comfy, effortless, and still makes me feel put together.
    Like I can romanticize the grocery store.

    3. Sweating it out in the sauna (or a hot yoga class)

    I didn’t realize how much I needed warmth from the inside out until I started doing hot yoga again.
    There’s something about stepping into a heated room that instantly shifts your mood.
    You sweat, stretch, breathe, and come out feeling like you just hit “reset” on your nervous system.

    Even 15 minutes in the sauna after a workout? Instant mental clarity.
    It’s like wrapping yourself in heat therapy and walking back into your life a little softer.

    4. Warmth as a mindset (and a bath)

    I used to feel bad about slowing down. Like I had to earn rest.
    Now? I’m making it part of the ritual.
    Slow mornings. Intentional baths. No phone. Just steam, music, maybe a few dramatic thoughts.
    Let your body catch up to your mind. Let your nervous system exhale.

    Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is stop rushing.

    5. Winter comfort, but make it breakfast

    Avocado toast. Matcha in your favourite mug.
    Winter makes me crave slow breakfasts with good music playing in the background.
    Food that feels like care.
    It’s not about being aesthetic, it’s about feeling held in the small moments.

    You don’t need to love winter.
    But you can still soften into it.
    You can still find tiny ways to feel warm, even when the air bites back.
    Salt lamps, hot yoga, long baths, your favourite hoodie, a meal that hits just right.
    That’s what this season is about.
    It’s the season of slowness, softness, and layering up (inside and out).

    And maybe that’s not so bad.