the ward method

Tag: life

  • Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Real talk: balance looks different when you’re building.

    Let’s be honest: the whole “work/life balance” conversation?
    It’s cute in theory.
    But in real life, especially when you’re building a brand, chasing a dream, or trying to create a life you don’t need a vacation from, it’s kind of… BS.

    Because here’s the truth no one wants to say out loud:
    If you want a life that looks different, you have to move differently.
    You have to put in the hours no one sees, believe in yourself when no one claps, and keep going when most people would quit. That’s not balance, that’s commitment.

    And no, this doesn’t mean hustle until burnout or neglect your health. But it does mean realizing that in the beginning stages of anything meaningful, business, personal growth, your dream career, there’s sacrifice. There’s discipline. There’s choosing to stay in and figure it out while everyone else is chilling.

    You get what you give.
    What you pour into your work, your mindset, your energy, comes back. Maybe not tomorrow. But it will come back.

    If you’re thinking of starting a brand or business, here are 3 real, unfiltered tips you need to hear before you jump in:

    1. Start before you’re ready (clarity comes from action)

    Waiting to feel “ready” is a trap.
    You won’t suddenly wake up with all the answers, all the confidence, or the perfect plan.

    Start with what you have.
    An idea. A feeling. A problem you want to solve.
    Clarity comes from doing, not overthinking. You’ll learn more in one month of messy action than a year of sitting on the sidelines planning.

    “Done” beats “perfect.” Every time.

    2. Your brand is built in the boring stuff

    It’s not just about cute fonts and aesthetic Instagram posts (though those help).
    It’s about consistency. Systems. Emails. Following up. Doing the work no one claps for.

    The behind-the-scenes stuff? That’s what builds something sustainable.

    Show up for your brand like it’s already successful.
    Treat it like a job, even before it pays like one. That’s the energy that gets noticed.

    3. Protect your vision like it’s sacred (because it is)

    Not everyone will get what you’re doing. Some people will think it’s a phase. Others will straight-up project their fears onto your ambition.

    Do it anyway.

    This is your life. Your vision. And the truth is, most people don’t have the courage to build something of their own, so when you do, it can make them uncomfortable. That’s okay.

    Protect your energy. Unfollow the noise. And keep building.

    You might not have perfect boundaries every week. Your mornings might not be aesthetic and slow. And you might be tired sometimes. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong.

    It means you’re in it.
    You’re building.
    You’re growing.
    And one day, that freedom you’re working so hard for? It’ll all be worth it.

    So no, this isn’t about balance. It’s about alignment.

    And if the life you’re chasing lights you up inside…
    You’ll find a rhythm that works for you.

    Keep going.

  • Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    Sometimes you just have to say “ew” and move on.

    There comes a moment in adulthood when you stop overanalyzing, stop giving people chance after chance, and just say: “Ew. No. I deserve better.”
    It’s not about being cold or heartless, it’s about protecting your peace, your self-worth, and the future version of you that’s tired of being drained by the same cycles.

    Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is look at a situation, whether it’s a friendship that’s gone stale, a relationship that constantly chips away at your confidence, or a family dynamic that’s been toxic for years, and just decide:
    “This will be the last time I allow this to make me feel small, confused, or not enough.”

    That’s it. That’s the moment things shift.
    Not because anything external has changed, but because you have.

    We talk a lot about boundaries, but rarely about the moment they are born. And often, it’s not in a calm, meditative state, it’s in a burst of raw clarity.
    A “this is so not it” kind of clarity.

    Maybe it comes after another disappointing conversation.
    Another ghosted text.
    Another moment where you realize you’ve been tolerating crumbs when you deserve a full damn meal.

    And that’s when you say it, “ew.”
    Not out loud, maybe. But inside, in your gut, where the truth lives. And you move on.

    It’s about being done.
    Done explaining your worth.
    Done shrinking to fit in.
    Done making excuses for people who show you time and time again who they are.

    You’re allowed to walk away from anything that doesn’t feel good anymore.
    Even if it’s been in your life for years. Even if it looks “fine” on the outside.
    You are not obligated to keep showing up for patterns that make you miserable.

    This goes beyond romantic relationships.

    • That friend who never celebrates you, but always wants your energy when they’re low? Ew.
    • That family member who constantly throws backhanded compliments or dismisses your dreams? Ew.
    • That ex you keep circling back to because “maybe this time it’ll be different”? You already know. Ew.

    You’re allowed to outgrow people. You’re allowed to choose peace over nostalgia.

    Adulthood isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about knowing what you won’t tolerate anymore.
    And sometimes the most radical act of self-respect is to say, “This doesn’t feel right, and I’m not doing it anymore.”

    Let people think you’re too sensitive.
    Let them think you’ve changed.
    Because you have, and that’s the point.

    This chapter of your life doesn’t need more apologies. It needs more honesty.
    It needs boundaries that don’t shake.
    It needs you to look around and decide: “If it’s not good for my energy, my peace, or my growth… I’m out.”

    Say ew, mean it, and move on. Your future self will thank you.

  • Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Letting go of what no longer serves you.

    Your 30s hit different.

    You start craving things you didn’t even think about in your early 20s, like peace, stability, better friends, better food, and a deeper connection with yourself. You start realizing how much noise you’ve tolerated. How many people, habits, and thoughts you’ve kept around simply because you didn’t want to rock the boat.

    But here’s the truth: If it’s draining you, it’s not for you.
    And letting go isn’t dramatic, it’s growth.

    Whether it’s the situationship that’s been stringing you along for way too long, the job that feels like soul dust, the inner critic that’s been living rent-free in your head, or even the group chat that leaves you feeling weirdly off after every message… you’re allowed to outgrow what no longer aligns.

    In fact, you’re meant to.

    Here’s the mindset shift:

    Letting go isn’t losing something. It’s choosing you.

    It’s choosing to make space for better. For things that feel reciprocal. For people who clap when you win. For opportunities that don’t leave you second-guessing yourself. For the version of you that actually feels good to be in.

    Because holding onto things that no longer serve you?
    That’s the real self-abandonment.

    3 ways to start letting go (and not feel bad about it):

    1. Get radically honest.
    Ask yourself: Is this helping me grow, or is it keeping me stuck?
    Sometimes we stay attached to patterns because they’re familiar, not because they’re good for us. Getting honest with yourself is the first step to creating change.

    2. Set boundaries without guilt.
    You don’t have to explain your growth to everyone. You’re allowed to create space without writing a five-paragraph apology text. Boundaries are not walls, they’re bridges to a better version of you.

    3. Let it feel uncomfortable.
    Letting go is not always graceful. Sometimes it looks like crying in your car, deleting a number, unfollowing someone you still care about, or sitting with silence instead of seeking chaos. But that discomfort? It’s where your power builds.

    You’re not too much for wanting more.
    You’re not behind for pivoting in your 30s.
    You’re not selfish for choosing peace.

    You’re just growing into the version of you who knows her worth, and refuses to shrink to fit where she no longer belongs.

    And that version of you?
    She’s not afraid to let go anymore.

  • Believe in your f*cking self (even when it’s hard)

    Believe in your f*cking self (even when it’s hard)

    I’ve wanted to give up more times than I can count.

    Not in a dramatic, “the world is ending” kind of way, but in that quiet, everyday way where you’re just tired. Of trying. Of pushing. Of feeling like nothing’s working. I’ve felt sorry for myself. I’ve let self-doubt spiral me into silence. I’ve told myself stories like “maybe I’m not cut out for this” or “maybe they’re right about me.”

    It’s so easy to let limiting beliefs win. To let other people’s opinions define how big you dream or how loud you speak. But here’s the truth I’ve had to learn (and keep relearning): you don’t get the life you want without believing that you can actually have it.

    Even on the days you feel like sh*t.
    Even when it’s easier to stay in bed.
    Even when you don’t feel “inspiring” at all.

    Believing in yourself is a daily choice, not a one-time decision. And some days, it’s really hard. But if you want the life you keep imagining in your head, you have to keep showing up for it, even when it’s uncomfortable.

    Here are two powerful, real-world ways I get myself into a better mindset when I want to quit:

    1. get brutally honest about the story you’re telling yourself
    When I’m in a rut, I write down what I think is true:
    → “No one cares about what I’m doing.”
    → “I’m behind.”
    → “I’m not good enough.”

    Then I ask myself: Is this helpful? Is this actually true? Or is this fear in a trench coat pretending to be logic?
    Most of the time, the story is BS. Once I call it out, I can rewrite it. Try it, it’s like a personal intervention on paper.

    2. move, even if it’s small
    I don’t mean run a 5k. I mean: get outside, clean your space, take a shower, make your favorite breakfast. Momentum matters. When I physically shift my environment or body, my mind usually follows.
    No, it doesn’t fix everything. But it reminds me that I’m not powerless. That I can create change, even if it starts small.

    Some days I still don’t want to get up. Some days I’m not the most confident version of myself. But I keep going. And you can too. Because life isn’t about being perfect, it’s about choosing not to give up on yourself, not letting other people bring you down, even when no one’s clapping, even when you’re not in the mood to be motivational.

    So yes, believe in your f*cking self.
    Especially when it’s hard.
    Especially when it’s quiet.
    Because that’s when it matters the most. Never give up. Period.

  • I hate change (but I hate being stuck more)

    I hate change (but I hate being stuck more)

    Letting go of a past relationship feels like being asked to erase a chapter of your life that still smells like your favourite candle and sounds like your shared playlist. It doesn’t matter if it ended amicably, messily, or somewhere in between, it still lingers. The what-ifs. The familiar routines. The comfort of knowing how someone takes their coffee or laughs at dumb memes.

    And if you’re anything like me, change isn’t something you run toward. It’s something that feels like it’s ripping the floor out from under you. I hate it. I really do. I hate the uncertainty, the silence after someone you used to text 20 times a day disappears, the “starting over” part. It’s exhausting. But what’s even harder? Staying stuck in something that no longer exists. Clinging to a version of life that isn’t real anymore.

    It’s okay to admit it hurts. It’s okay to admit you miss them. And it’s okay to take your time. But eventually, gently, you have to come back to yourself. To the version of you that existed before them. To the version that will exist after.

    Here are 3 healthy, realistic ways to start focusing on yourself post-breakup, no toxic positivity, no glow-up pressure, just you, healing:

    1. romanticize the little things.
    Make your morning coffee like it’s your love language. Go on walks like you’re the main character in an indie film. Light candles. Listen to sad music. Listen to happy music. Create an atmosphere in your day that makes you feel good, even if it’s small. You don’t need a full rebrand, you just need to start caring for yourself like someone you love.

    2. do something that requires your hands.
    Paint. Cook. Build something. Garden. Journal. Rearrange your room. There’s something healing about doing something physical that gets you out of your head and into the present. It won’t magically fix everything, but it’ll remind you that your life is still yours. That you can still create something out of the mess.

    3. reconnect with people who remind you who you are.
    Not people who want to talk about your ex for hours, but the ones who make you laugh really hard, who text you to go to a random coffee shop on a Sunday, who make you feel like yourself again. Healing isn’t about isolation. It’s about choosing better connection.

    4. go blonde (I might be kidding)
    Sometimes, healing starts with bleach. Or bangs. Or a bob. Changing your hair doesn’t solve everything, but it can give you that subtle “I’m back, and I don’t care” kind of energy. It’s symbolic. It’s fun. It reminds you that you’re in control, and that you’re allowed to reinvent yourself as many times as you want.

    Change sucks sometimes. It’s hard. It’s messy. And if you hate change, like I do, every part of it might feel like a fight. But you deserve a life that feels like yours again. One where you don’t have to pretend to be over it, but where, one day, you’ll notice that you kind of are.

  • The concept of escapism.

    The concept of escapism.

    In my early 20s, escapism looked like late nights, glittery eyeshadow, vodka with ice, bad decisions, and dancing until my shoes gave out. I loved it, probably a little too much. I’d romanticize those neon-lit hours where nothing mattered except the music and whoever you were clumsily making eye contact with across the room. Then I got into my first real relationship, and surprise, we both loved the nightlife. It became our thing. Our escape. Our reckless little corner of freedom from the “real world.”

    And honestly? Those were some of the best times of my life.

    But I think the version of escapism we crave evolves as we do. I’ve outgrown the hangovers, but I still chase that feeling, freedom, disconnection, presence. Just… now it looks a little different.

    Now it’s relaxing with a good book and letting someone else’s story carry me away. It’s listening to a podcast that actually makes me think (or laugh at something completely unhinged Theo Von says). It’s long drives to the beach with Blink-182 or Charli XCX blasting, windows down, mind quiet. It’s laying on the couch on a Sunday afternoon, watching the light shift across the room, and letting that be enough.

    Escapism isn’t about avoidance, it’s about release. And the healthier it becomes, the more grounded we feel coming back to ourselves.

    Here are 2 ways I’ve found that actually help when life gets too loud:

    1. Creative expression.
    Write something. Paint something. Doodle like you’re 10 again. It doesn’t have to be good, honestly, it probably shouldn’t be. Just let your brain play. There’s something magical about making something that doesn’t need to mean anything.

    2. Intentional silence.
    Put your phone away. Don’t even reach for it. Go sit outside. Take a walk. Lay on your bed with a cup of tea and stare at the ceiling. Silence is awkward at first, but it teaches you how to just be. And that’s a skill a lot of us forgot we needed.

    Because sometimes escaping isn’t about running away, it’s about running toward yourself.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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?