the ward method

Tag: love

  • Lately I’ve been in my head too much.

    Lately I’ve been in my head too much.

    Lately, my brain has been loud. Not in a creative, let’s-write-50-ideas-down kind of way, more like anxious, overthinking, spiraling-at-2am loud. I’ve been feeling off: low energy, sad for no clear reason, and kind of disconnected from myself.

    Some days, I wake up ready to go. Other days, I stare at the ceiling wondering how I’m going to make it through the day. And honestly? It’s exhausting.

    I’ve been trying little things to get out of my head, because if I sit in the noise too long, it swallows me whole. Here are a few things I do that sometimes help (keyword: sometimes):

    Walks with no destination. I’ll put on a random playlist, leave my phone on “Do Not Disturb,” and just wander. Something about moving my body without a plan makes me feel lighter.

    Driving around. Weirdly therapeutic. Even if I don’t have anywhere to go, I’ll just roll the windows down and drive. Bonus points if the sun is setting.

    Journaling… but not cute Pinterest journaling. Just messy word dump on paper. It’s not about being profound, it’s about getting the chaos out of my head and onto the page.

    Little treats. A smoothie, an iced coffee, a snack I usually wouldn’t buy. It sounds small, but it’s like telling myself, “Hey, I see you. You’re trying.”

    Comfort shows. Sometimes I don’t need advice or motivation. I just need The Vampire Diaries or some other comfort show playing in the background while I zone out. Currently binge watching comedy films and classic sitcoms.

    Reading – There’s something about diving into another world that calms me down. Right now, I’m reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac, and it’s been exactly the vibe I need, messy, adventurous, imperfect, but somehow freeing. It reminds me that life isn’t about having it all figured out, it’s about actually living it.

    I guess what I’m learning is that it’s not about fixing my mental state in one big move. It’s about small resets, tiny moments that remind me I’m human and that I’ll get through this wave.

    If you’ve been feeling stuck in your head lately, just know you’re not alone. We’re all just figuring it out, one messy journal entry and one iced coffee at a time.

  • The simple things that help me mentally.

    The simple things that help me mentally.

    Let’s be honest, life can get loud. There are moments when everything feels like too much and other times where it’s just this dull, empty static. In those in-between moments, I’ve found that the things that help me mentally aren’t always grand or Instagram-worthy. They’re the soft, simple, solo rituals that bring me back to myself. No guru, no subscription needed.

    Here’s my (not-so-secret) list of little things that actually help when my brain needs a breather:

    Solo matcha dates
    There’s something healing about sitting alone with a warm drink and no pressure to perform. Just me, my thoughts, and the creamy comfort of a homemade matcha (or the overpriced but emotionally necessary café version). It’s less about the drink, and more about giving myself permission to just be.

    Reading in the sun
    Nothing recalibrates my mind like reading outside. It feels romantic and slow and slightly European. Bonus points if I’m wearing sunglasses and pretending I’m the main character in a coming-of-age film. It’s the simplest escape, and my brain? Loves it.

    Beach walks
    Barefoot if possible. Hoodie on, hair messy, ocean air in my lungs. It’s not about hitting 10k steps. It’s about remembering the world is bigger than my overthinking. The waves don’t care about my inbox. And that’s kinda beautiful.

    Hiking
    Not for the aesthetic. For the quiet. For the burn in my legs that reminds me I’m alive. For the moment I reach the top and realize I didn’t check my phone once. For the grounding reminder that nature isn’t in a rush, and I don’t always have to be either.

    Painting
    I am not Picasso or anything. That’s the point. I grab some paints, maybe some cheap brushes, and just throw colour around until something makes sense, or doesn’t. It’s messy, freeing, and not for anyone else’s eyes. Which makes it kind of sacred.

    Writing poetry
    Sometimes I just write one line. Sometimes a whole page. But when my thoughts feel tangled, poetry unties the knot. It doesn’t have to rhyme or be “deep.” It just has to be honest.

    Yoga
    The real kind. The “I just rolled out of bed and my mat is dusty” kind. Some mornings, it’s five minutes. Other days, I stay in child’s pose for what feels like a lifetime. It’s less about flexibility and more about feeling my body again.

    Journaling
    My therapist in a notebook. It’s raw, repetitive, and sometimes wildly dramatic. But it helps. Getting the chaos out of my head and onto the page makes everything feel lighter. Less scary. Less stuck.

    Couch days
    Because sometimes mental wellness looks like doing nothing. Lying horizontal with a comfort show playing in the background. Fuzzy socks on. Snacks within arm’s reach. No pressure to be productive, just a reminder that rest is part of the process.

    None of these things “fix” me.
    They don’t make the anxiety disappear or magically erase bad days. But they help. They soften the edges. They give me space to feel, reset, and come back to myself without the pressure to be anyone else.

    If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a little tired of being a human, try starting small. Sit in the sun. Paint something weird. Walk by the water. Do it just for you.

    Because healing doesn’t always look like a breakthrough.
    Sometimes, it just looks like a quiet moment with a matcha.

  • 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.

  • Female friendships in adulthood.

    Female friendships in adulthood.

    Adulting is hard. Between careers, relationships, self-care routines, and everything else, keeping friendships alive can sometimes feel like a full-time job, and honestly, it kind of is. But healthy female friendships? They’re everything. They’re the tribe that holds you up, makes you laugh when you want to cry, and reminds you that you’re never really alone.

    Here’s the truth: maintaining friendships as adults isn’t about constant texts or weekly hangouts. It’s about quality over quantity, real connection over surface-level “likes,” and showing up in ways that matter.

    Here’s how I keep my friendships healthy, honest, and meaningful, even when life gets chaotic:

    1. Make Intentional Time (Even if It’s Small)

    Life gets busy, and “catching up” can sometimes mean a quick text or a 20-minute phone call. That’s okay. The key is being intentional. Schedule those little moments, even if it’s just grabbing coffee or sending a thoughtful message, to remind your friends they matter. Quality beats quantity every time.

    2. Be Real, Always

    Adult friendships thrive on authenticity. That means showing up with your messy, imperfect self. Share your wins, your struggles, your bad days, and your good ones. Vulnerability deepens connections and builds trust, even if it feels uncomfortable at first.

    3. Respect Boundaries

    Everyone’s energy ebbs and flows. Sometimes your friend needs space, and that’s okay. Respecting boundaries, whether it’s around time, topics, or emotional capacity, keeps friendships sustainable and loving, rather than draining.

    4. Celebrate Each Other’s Growth

    Adult friendships evolve as we do. Instead of comparing where you each “should” be, celebrate the different paths and milestones. Whether it’s a new job, a tough decision, or a mental health breakthrough, being your friend’s biggest cheerleader is a superpower.

    5. Let Go of Guilt

    Maybe you missed a call, canceled plans, or haven’t spoken in a while. It happens. Let go of the guilt. True friendships survive silence, and sometimes life just takes over. What matters is the intention to reconnect and keep showing up when you can.

    6. Have Fun, No Pressure

    Friendships don’t always have to be deep conversations or emotional support. Sometimes, the best moments come from doing nothing serious, laughing over bad movies, crazy exes, dancing in the kitchen, or sending memes that make no sense.

    Friendships in adulthood aren’t perfect, but they’re worth the effort. They remind us who we are beyond the hustle, anchor us when things feel heavy, and bring joy when we least expect it.

    If you’re feeling disconnected, don’t overthink it, just reach out, be honest, and remember that real friendships aren’t about always being present, but about being present enough for each other.

    Because at the end of the day, it’s those bonds that keep us sane, inspired, and whole.

  • 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.

  • A father’s day letter to my best friend.

    A father’s day letter to my best friend.

    I’ve always believed that the best kind of lessons in life don’t come from textbooks. They come from quiet moments, small habits, unspoken encouragement, and, in my case, from watching my dad.

    My dad is my best friend. The person I turn to for advice, for comfort, for a reality check when I’m spiraling a little (okay, a lot). But more than that, he’s the reason I believe in hard work, showing up, and chasing what sets your soul on fire, even when it doesn’t make sense to anyone else.

    He taught me grit, not by preaching it, but by living it. By waking up early. By never quitting. By trying, failing, and trying again without complaint. He showed me what it looks like to be driven but grounded, humble but powerful.

    He also taught me the beauty of being yourself. Fully. Unapologetically. Whether that meant making jokes in serious moments or choosing a path no one expected, he showed me that it’s not just okay to be different, it’s necessary.

    And maybe the most powerful thing? He taught me to never stop learning. To stay curious. To be open. Because being a strong person doesn’t mean knowing everything, it means being willing to grow.

    As I’ve gotten older and carved out my own creative path, I see so clearly how much of him is in me. His love for the outdoors. His ability to talk to anyone. His belief that life is about showing up for the people you love and doing what you love with all your heart.

    So, this Father’s Day, I just want to say thank you.

    Thank you for being my best friend and mentor in life.
    Thank you for being an example.
    Thank you for letting me be me, and for reminding me that being me is enough.

    Happy Father’s Day to the man who taught me everything that actually matters.

    Love you forever.

  • Things I’m obsessed with rn.

    Things I’m obsessed with rn.

    Lately, I’ve been in this really fun, creative little bubble where I just want to romanticize my life and soak up everything that makes me feel like me. I don’t know if it’s the change in season or the fact that I’ve finally stopped forcing myself to hustle 24/7, but I’ve been leaning into the things that spark joy (yes, I said it).

    So here’s a not-so-serious list of things I’m currently obsessed with, no gatekeeping, no judgment, just vibes:

    1. Charcuterie boards, always
    I don’t care if I’m alone or with friends, give me a wooden board, some crackers, cheese, olives, a drizzle of honey, and I’m set. Something about arranging snacks like a little artist with a palette just feels so healing. It’s not even about the food (okay, it kind of is), it’s the aesthetic. It’s the ritual. It’s the pretending I’m in a European indie film.

    2. Getting creative with my wardrobe
    I’m done playing it safe. Lately, I’ve been mixing textures, layering weird combos, and pulling things out of my closet I forgot I owned, just to see what happens. Sometimes it works. Sometimes I look mildly unhinged. But I always feel like me.

    Fashion is basically dress-up for grown-ups, and I’m here for it. If it sparks joy and turns heads (in a good or confusing way), I’m wearing it.

    3. Almond milk cappuccinos
    Is this a personality trait? Maybe. I feel like an off-duty poet every time I sip one. There’s just something about the smoothness of the almond milk and the foam situation that makes me feel centered. Bonus points if I’m drinking it while journaling or pretending to be productive at a coffee shop.

    4. My digital camera
    I recently dusted off my digital camera (not a fancy DSLR, I’m talking early 2010s, blurry flash vibes), and let me tell you: the content is immaculate. It gives everything a nostalgic, artsy energy that iPhones just can’t replicate. I’ve been documenting the random moments, messy dinners, sunsets, outfits I love, trees, and it honestly makes life feel more cinematic.

    5. Books that feel like soul food
    I’m in my “reading to feel things again” era. I’ve been gravitating toward books that either inspire me creatively, make me cry, or make me want to write my own. There’s nothing better than a story that pulls you out of your head and into someone else’s world, especially when it inspires you to show up in your own life a little differently.

    So yep, I’m fully leaning into my artsy, emotional, coffee-fueled era, and I love her.
    She’s romanticizing the little things. She’s playing dress-up for the plot. She’s editing blurry photos like it’s 2008. She’s not taking life too seriously, but she’s savoring it in her own way.

    And maybe that’s what embracing your creative side is all about: letting yourself feel things, follow random sparks of joy, and curate a life that looks and feels like your own little masterpiece.