Thursday, December 7, 2023

Five Songs You Need on Your Playlist Expeditiously

As someone who works at a college radio station, I often get asked what music I listen to. And honestly? It ranges dramatically.

Lately I have been really into soft indie pop, which is perfect for relaxing or mourning my romances that live solely in my mind. Other times, I enjoy listening to punk music to really let out that pent-up angst I never let out as a teenager (I was an ASB kid, so I did the opposite of being angsty). 


But honestly, I feel like putting yourself in a genre box is not really productive. Why can’t we just enjoy music? So what if my playlists do not make any cohesive sense, I just want to listen to what I like.


So, with that, I want to share five songs that have been on repeat for myself. These songs add a certain je ne sais quoi to my playlist, and I would love to share the same je ne sais quoi with you.


  1. “Ungodly Hour” by Chloe x Halle




The title track of the sister duo’s debut album really can do no wrong. With a fun, KAYTRANADA-esque production, the song is sure to make you dance, or at least tap your feet. Plus, the added vocals from the BeyoncĂ©s-to-be add for a dynamic listening experience. For the best experience, listen with headphones (or your car speakers cranked up as loud as possible), and pay attention to their backing vocals! Those vocals are probably the closest I will ever hear to hearing angels sing to me.


  1. “Another life” by PinkPantheress featuring Rema




I had no clue PinkPantheress was dropping an album this past month, but I was pleasantly surprised when I decided to listen. What caught my eye at first was the fact that many of the songs on her album are way longer than the typical minute-and-a-half song PinkPantheress usually provides. This song, weighing in just under three whole minutes, squeezes in as much fun and movement as an artist possibly could. The song is super fun, and I can’t help but feel like I am in some sort of fast-paced video game level when I am listening to the song. I had also never heard of Rema, but enjoyed his verse!


  1. “Sea, Swallow Me” by Cocteau Twins and Harold Budd




Shifting the tone dramatically, I could not help but include a song by one of my favorite bands ever. This song comes off of their 1986 joint album with Harold Budd, and is sure to leave the listener with some sort of existential dread. Hey, it may not be the typical upbeat music most people enjoy, but experiencing all different kinds of emotions makes us more emotionally mature. Right…?


  1. “Houdini” by Dua Lipa




Yeah, yeah, a top 40 radio hit is on my radar. Sue me! “Houdini” is such a fun experience. I cannot help but dance when I hear this song. While Dua Lipa is admittedly no vocalist, she sounds wonderful on the song and is irresistible to not sing along with. It is also a lengthier track compared to most modern top 40 hits (Thanks, TikTok) so that is definitely added points for me.


  1. “Prescription” by Remi Wolf




My favorite song on this list, “Prescription” is just a whirlwind from start to finish. I am not sure how to define the genre of this song, but when I was telling my friend how I need to “inject this song into my veins,” I described it as psychedelic-grunge-pop. Honestly, I feel like that descriptor fits the song perfectly. The wacky production mixed with Remi Wolf’s insane vocals, especially in the last 30 or so seconds of the song, really make this a fun experience for your ears. 


Ultimately, I understand everyone has their own unique music taste. So, I would love to hear from you! If you totally loved one of these songs, or even totally hated one, let me know. Or, feel free to drop what song(s) you think I should listen to!


Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Embracing the Spirit of Christmas in New York City

'Tis the season to be jolly, and there's no better place to immerse yourself in the festive spirit than the iconic streets of New York City during Christmas. As the city that never sleeps adorns itself with twinkling lights and decorative ornaments, the air becomes infused with a sense of joy and wonder.

The world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree takes center stage, standing tall and proud, decked with thousands of glistening lights and a stunning array of ornaments. It's a symbol of hope and togetherness that draws locals and visitors alike, creating an enchanting focal point that captures the essence of the season.

As you stroll down Fifth Avenue, the flagship department stores showcase elaborate window displays that seem to come alive with holiday magic. From Saks Fifth Avenue's enchanting light show to the whimsical scenes at Macy's, each window tells a story, igniting the imagination of young and old alike.

Venture into Central Park, and you'll discover a winter wonderland that beckons you to embrace the brisk air and snowy landscapes. The Wollman Rink transforms into a magical ice-skating haven, where music fills the air as skaters glide.


For a touch of charm, the holiday markets scattered throughout the city offer a delightful shopping experience. From Bryant Park's Winter Village to Union Square's market stalls, you can find unique gifts, handcrafted ornaments, and delicious treats to satisfy your festive cravings.

Of course, no Christmas in New York City is complete without catching a show. Broadway theaters embrace the season with special holiday performances, ensuring that the magic of live entertainment adds an extra layer of joy to your visit.

                                            

Whether you find yourself in the midst of the bustling crowds of Times Square or enjoying a quiet moment in the peaceful corners of Central Park, New York City during Christmas is a symphony of sights, sounds, and sensations that will leave you with cherished memories and a heart full of holiday cheer.

As I gear up for my trip to the city this season, I am thrilled to immerse myself in the magic and holiday spirit for the first time and watch it come to life. An atmosphere I've only dreamed of being apart of as I viewed it through the movie screen among my childhood years.

A24, The Not So Indie Anymore Production Company Behind Some of Best Films of the Decade

A24 is an American independent entertainment company that has quickly become a mainstream name in the film industry. Known for contemporary horror and arthouse films, it unfortunately gets branded often as the studio behind the “hipsters film bros’” favorite films you roll your eyes to. Not to say there aren’t some overrated films in the A24 catalog, but you can’t deny the long list of exceptional films. Their recent dominance at every major award show backs that up.

There’s something about A24 movies that really stick with you. Every single film by them I have seen is so visually distinct, emotionally provocative, and takes time to sink in. In an age of Hollywood filled with reboots, remakes, and overdone concepts, it is refreshing to watch fresh voices get their shot. Although I have to mention that I thought Midsommar was so disturbing. I still shutter thinking about it.


They built the company with two basic principles in mind:

  1. Give directors complete freedom, spend majority of budget here making their vision come to life

  2. Use cheaper, less traditional, viral forms of marketing and word of mouth, spending less


It seems like everyone both knows and appreciates some of their big films such as Moonlight, Hereditary, Ladybird. All of these have seen critical acclaim. Their highest grossing film, Everything Everywhere All At Once dominated the 2023 Oscars, earning seven awards. A lot of people don’t know that A24 also produces television shows, one of which is the mega hit Euphoria

A24 also got a lot of attention this year amid the WGA and SAG-AFTRA writers’ strike. Since all A24 projects are independent productions, they were able to acquire waivers and continue working and promoting their movies.

Not every A24 project is an A24 production, sometimes it’s just for distribution. The company sees a project that needs funding help to get out into the world, so they buy the rights, then market it and make connections with theaters and streaming so people can watch it. From 2012-2016 A24 was solely a distribution company. It’s much cheaper to start out this way than as a production company. After establishing themselves as a legit distributor, with successes including Oscar Winning Room, and Amy, they produced their first film. Moonlight went on to win Best Picture at the 2017 Oscars. 


If you’re new to A24, here are my 5 favorites you have to see:

  1. Close

Close is a Belgian coming of age story about friendship and the ways in which societal pressure gets in the way. You can read exactly what the characters are thinking even in the silent parts.  It's an outstanding movie I think everyone should see at least once. I’m giving you a warning ahead of time okay? I was crying for a majority of this movie.

  1. Mid 90s

Set in LA in the mid 90s, this is Jonah Hill’s coming of age directorial debut based on his own childhood. It’s centered around skateboarding but the real themes are all about finding your group of friends and chosen family. 

  1. Aftersun

Aftersun follows a father daughter vacation through old camcorder footage. What an insane directorial debut. I can’t wait to see what Charlotte Wells does next. Again, please prepare yourself, I will never be the same after this one. It's a wholesome, raw, gut wrenching story. 

  1. Pearl

For horror fans, Pearl is dark, gorey, and quirky.  It can be really funny if you go into it with that mindset. She is the source of the iconic memes “Please I’m a starrrrrr” and “I’m married!”. In 2022, A24 released both X and then Pearl as the prequel. MaXXXine will complete the horror trilogy in 2024. 

  1. Waves

Waves is visually stunning. I love how the story is split into two parts. Halfway through the story, the narrator changes. The story is centered around family, anger, loss, growth, and forgiveness.

I remember exactly where I was seeing each film, and the aftermath. All of them took a toll on me, but left me inspired. Aftersun for example, I watched one night at 2 am alone on my couch over summer and I sat there through the entirety of the credits in a puddle of my own tears questioning why I put myself through that. 

I think that’s the essence of all A24 films. They're meant to evoke something in you. They take time to digest and appreciate further. None of the stories are flashy, but there is something so human at the heart of every story. 

Let me know your favorite A24 releases!

Saturday, December 2, 2023

The Dilemma of a Gift Card



What is it about receiving a gift card for Christmas that feels so promising yet so unfulfilling? Why do we feel awkward giving gift cards as gifts to our loved ones? A gift can signify many things and around the holiday season relationships get tested. From gifts between mothers and daughters to your exchanges between significant others- when and where is a gift card appropriate? Is a gift card a sign of intimacy within a relationship? Should we interpret it as “Oh, we are close enough, here’s a gift card you already know how much you mean to me,” or should we leave gift cards at the “We are new to each other, here is a gift card. Go buy yourself whatever sweater you think you’d like.” 

Personally, receiving a gift card from friends or family for Christmas or my birthday feels like discovering a literal pot of gold. The world (AKA wherever the gift card is valid) is all of a sudden my oyster. I feel seen, heard, and respected for the fact that they at least know where I want to make my next purchase and are willing to put aside any formalities and just help contribute to my next shopping spree.

 However, I will never forget that white-hot rage I felt when my boyfriend of two years at the time gave me a Sephora gift card for Christmas. Blinding. Consuming. Towering rage. I opened the card with excitement and closed it in silence. It wasn’t the material gift itself, but the lack of effort present in my present. A $50 gift card could have easily translated to a used book, a CD, and a throw blanket from Target and probably would have cost less. 

The line for gift cards versus not gift cards changes with each and every relationship. It isn’t a line to toe around either- it is in bold in 22-point font on a 12-point font paper. I think at the end of the day, sticking to smaller, more meaningful gifts is the way to go. Sure, you have to think for five more minutes of what to buy but then you also get the bonus of wrapping a cute package in some cute paper too!


Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Short Hair

For years I was known for my long hair. It was the first thing anyone noticed about me and was often how I would set myself apart. My hair carried an abundance of my identity. It gave me confidence, brought me comfort and connected me to my heritage. 

The Hispanic women in my family would fawn over my hair and shower me with praise. They would warn me to never cut it and would express how short hair would not suit me. To them, long hair was feminine and beautiful, whereas short hair was deemed childish or masculine.

As I grew older their words became embedded into my mind. I connected my self image and worth to my long hair. I was attached to the way people viewed me and the things they would say about me.


Everything changed when the pandemic struck. I of course had too much time on my hands and I got to thinking: why do I have long hair? Why is so much of my identity rooted in this one external characteristic? I never made the choice to have this appearance. It seemed to have just happened and everyone encouraged me to maintain the length. 


My questions led to more questions and I realized how heavily my self worth was immersed in my hair. I began to wonder who I was without it and how much of my identity was lost within it. 


I decided to take a risk and cut off 15 inches of my precious hair. I recall being apprehensive at first, but I needed to own my appearance. 


My sister Celeste put together a make-shift salon in our kitchen, as none were available amidst the pandemic. She was surprised I had come to this decision, but she was my biggest supporter. She snipped away at my locks and inch by inch, the hair that once brought me tremendous pride was scattered across the tile flooring. 


Celeste handed me a mirror once she was satisfied with her work. I was shocked by the reflection that stared back at me. It was the same person I had always been, yet someone I did not recognize.

 


Reactions from my family and peers were mixed. Some were supportive, others were disappointed. Neither opinion affected me as deeply anymore – I was happy with my new appearance. 


I have now had short hair for about four years and I truly believe it has granted me an opportunity to develop my own identity. Over the years my personality has shifted and changed, but I have learned that it’s okay to shed my skin and grow into someone new. 


The Positive Pipeline of Mixed Martial Arts

 

In the midst of my college journey at 20, a fascinating realm captured my attention and passion—the surge of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) enthusiasts and the meteoric rise of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Having cut my teeth in wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ), the evolving landscape of MMA felt like a natural progression, a thrilling extension of my martial arts odyssey.Mma Stock Photos, Royalty Free Mma Images | DepositphotosWrestling had always been my foundational pillar, a relentless pursuit of physical prowess and tactical finesse. As college life unfolded, my exploration of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu provided a deeper understanding of the intricate chess match on the ground. However, the allure of MMA beckoned—an amalgamation of disciplines that promised not just physical exertion but an intellectual and emotional challenge.

Witnessing the burgeoning community of MMA enthusiasts, both within my college circles and globally, became a testament to the sport's universal appeal. The rise of local gyms, amateur competitions, and the camaraderie among practitioners showcased a shared enthusiasm for a sport that defied traditional boundaries. MMA, once a niche pursuit, had evolved into a cultural phenomenon, attracting individuals from diverse backgrounds seeking a holistic athletic experience.

TKO Group, which houses WWE and UFC, begins trading on the New York Stock  Exchange | AP NewsCentral to this phenomenon is the unparalleled success of the UFC, a promotional juggernaut that has propelled MMA into the mainstream. The UFC's growth from a fledgling organization to a global powerhouse mirrors the broader surge of interest in MMA. The promotion's ability to showcase top-tier talent, stage compelling events, and offer a platform for athletes to showcase their skills has been instrumental in elevating the entire sport.

The UFC's impact extends beyond the octagon; it has become a catalyst for breaking down stereotypes surrounding combat sports. The organization's emphasis on discipline, sportsmanship, and the mental aspects of competition has helped reshape public perception. MMA is not merely a clash of titans; it's an intricate dance of strategy, technique, and resilience.

The rise of the MMA community and the UFC's prominence has invigorated my own martial arts journey. The influx of fresh perspectives, the exchange of techniques, and the collective passion for the sport create an environment that fosters continuous growth. It's a testament to the transformative power of MMA, both as a physical discipline and as a community that transcends geographic and cultural borders.

The surge of MMA enthusiasts and the UFC's ascendance represents more than a sporting phenomenon—it's a cultural shift. As a 20-year-old immersed in the modern struggles of life, I find myself inspired by the positive impact of MMA on individuals and society at large. It's not just a sport; it's a dynamic force that unites, challenges, and elevates those who embrace its multifaceted appeal.

Is Carrie Bradshaw An Awful Friend?

Carrie Bradshaw is the main protagonist and narrator in the popular show SATC. We first meet Carrie in 1998 and get to know her for six seasons, 94 episodes, and two movies. Although Carrie is the main character, there are three other women in the show who can be considered main characters, that being  Charlotte, Miranda, and Samantha. The four women do everything together throughout the run of the show, and most of the time they support one another.  The audience sees Carrie Bradshaw (played by the fabulously Sarah Jessica Parker)  go through so many phases of her life but the phase she goes through the most is being heartbroken by her main love interest, "Mr. Big" who is so obviously not into her it almost hurts to watch.



Many SATC fans such as myself watch SATC to see how these four fabulous and trendy women navigate dating in New York City along with other life events, but after watching the series many viewers have pointed out how absolutely horrible of a friend Carrie Bradshaw is. 





5 Times Carrie Bradshaw Was Caught Being a Bad Friend:

  1. When Carrie blew Miranda off to hangout with Mr. Big - and didn't even bother to cancel
  2. When she got in a fight with Charlotte for not offering her a loan of $30,000 (even though her other friends did)
  3. When she sent her boyfriend Aiden to go help an injured Miranda after she fell in the shower
  4. Judging her friend Samantha for choosing to express herself 
  5. The countless times that her friends go to Carrie for support, and she instead talks about her problems with Mr. Big, Aiden, or her current boyfriend at the time (the worst in my opinion.)


I think we can all come to the conclusion that Carrie Bradshaw is in fact, an awful friend. Some might argue that Carrie has to have flaws and that she provides a sense of realisim due to all of her mistakes throughout the show and I completely agree. Main characters shouln't be perfect just like Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda are not perfect but none of them are horrible friends like Carrie Bradshaw. 


Unfinished Business

There is something  honest about unfinished projects. 
Perino del Vaga, "Holy Family with Saint John the Baptist"
An unfinished work is a permanent work in progress; rather than a definitive statement, the scaffolding for the rest of the project remains without a finished ending. A painting that has the sketches drawn around it with only a portion brought to fruition or a book that stops mid-sentence—they exist perched on the edge of potential but can never be completed. 

Who hasn't abandoned a few projects? I am a big fan of hobbies. I enjoy handcrafts, a statement that equates to a few finished crafts atop a mountain of unused textiles, and there are countless word documents I have left unwritten, vulnerable to the same detection of internal logic perceivable in any other artistic venture. 

We leave ideas unfinished for a multitude of reasons: loss of interest or passion, forgetfulness, busywork. Upon rediscovering them, the fine layer of dust somehow makes them inaccessible. No longer the person who embarked on the project, there is seemingly no use in finishing it. 

But looking at unfinished work from others is a reminder that there is still value in applying yourself, even if it remains only an attempt. This Artland article shows an array of abandoned artwork, and if you're interested in reading, Electric Lit's "Unfinished Business" series covers a new piece of unfinished literature each month. 
Jacques Villon "La Parisienne (10)"

I recently completed a book, "Mount Analogue", which was self-described as a "Novel of Symbolically Authentic Non-Euclidian Adventures in Mountain Climbing". It was exceptionally short (though an interesting read), and ended mid-sentence. The characters were poised at the bottom of a mountain, ready to climb, but stalled forever by the interrupted ending. 

Reading it made me think of the last project I left unattended. The last word I wrote before closing the document. Though my examples are related to artists, they can relate to any other venture or goal left behind in the past year.

Trying again, as cliche as it may sound, really is worth more than nothing. The new year isn't upon us just yet, but it is around the corner. Before preparing to become a new person, there is yet unfinished business from this year or even years prior. Finish a project, make the old new again, all the same but reborn in a different light.

Comment if you have any goals you want to revisit! 

Sunday, November 26, 2023

Is Black Friday Worth It?

Growing up, I always looked forward to shopping on Black Friday. My family and I would wake up early, sometimes with only a few hours of sleep from the Thanksgiving night before, and drive to the mall or outlets to be one of the firsts to get in line for the big deals that only happen once a year. We’d be done shopping, returning to the car with bags in both hands and packing the trunk with everything we had.


Nowadays, the Black Friday deals are not as much of a steal as they used to be, and everyone is starting to notice. This is due to many reasons, including online shopping, competitive weekly sales, and rising economic pressures outside consumers' wants.

With online shopping on the rise, there has been a decline in in-store shopping. Consumers noticed that they were able to find better deals online than what they saw in-store, plus the convenience of not needing to leave their homes and having items shipped to their door. But this depends on the way a consumer likes to go about shopping and what they’re shopping for.

Black Friday deals have also raised the bar by extending sale dates from a single one-day-only to a Black Friday weekend until Cyber Monday. This lowers the expectation of a high volume of shoppers on Friday because of how widespread the sales are.

As inflation constantly rises, these deals don’t look as worth it as they used to. The cost of living in America is extremely high; families are struggling to stay afloat. Therefore, a sale of anything under 50% is not considered a true deal anymore. People would much rather save for living expenses than items they don’t mind waiting on comfortably affording.

Consumers are becoming a lot more conscious of the buys they invest in, as they should. 

Saturday, November 25, 2023

Please Take Care Of Yourself

    I've always been an advocate for mental health and believe in it wholeheartedly. This fall break has hit me with a simple dose of truth and reality check. It is a dose of truth in the sense that even though I believe in mental health, I have not prioritized that within myself. Fall break has been excellent because I had time for myself and just had simple do-nothing days. I can't remember the last time I had one because I've pushed myself to work to build a career but lost a sense of happiness in the process. 

    It is important to have days where you just do nothing and relax so you can unwind and mentally recharge to be the best version of yourself. The fall break did that for me, and I realized that it is okay to build a career, but you must also prioritize your mental health and happiness by doing what you want. I hit a point at work and school where I said I needed to take a little time away and have fun and be a 21-year-old. 

    Work and school will always be there, but having fun with your friends and loved ones is something you don't know can change. I spent time with loved ones at Disneyland, and it was so refreshing to just be at a place where work and school are tiny thoughts in the back of your head. 

    Being at home and going out with friends during the break just made me realize that life changes way too much for you to work all day and not be able to make memories. If you need a break, please take one and do something you love. 

    It may be said too much that focusing on your mental health is essential, but you need to take care of it to be the best version of yourself. You need to be able to have do-nothing days, go to Disneyland, or do whatever you need to enjoy life. 

Tuesday, November 21, 2023

An Arcade Full of Cats

 

After looking for 30 minutes for a new game to end my day, I stumbled upon this game called “An Arcade Full of Cats.” I thought, okay, maybe it’s a game about old arcade games that are cat-inspired. 


I downloaded it and opened the game, and what first appeared were two cats in a car with a tiny screen in the middle, allowing you to click on different years. The goal of the game is to find five batteries to help the cats in the car get back home (to the present). With that in mind, I clicked on the year 1980 and was transported to an arcade that had games of that year. 


I looked around and started to observe that there were many cats in the arcade. I started clicking on each one of them and then realized that this is one of the games where you have to search for all missing objects, but instead, you have to find all the cats. 


With the top left corner telling me the amount I needed to find, I searched through the whole arcade, looking for the cats. The game does give you hints in the form of a magnifying glass, but once you use it, you have to wait a few minutes to use it again.


It was cool to see many references to many old games of that year. Some games include “Pac-Man,” in which the game had “Cat-Man” for obvious reasons. Other arcade years showed references to other games, like in the year 1990, you can see the Master Sword from “The Legend of Zelda” games.


You can also play one of the arcade games if you find a cat coin. Once you find the coin, you click on the arcade game with the static screen, and it takes you to another screen where you also have certain objects. Completing these will give you the batteries you need to help the cats return to their time. 


After playing through some of the years, I decided to stop playing and look into the developers of these games. 


The game was released on Nov. 16 by Devcats, which is a game studio run by six rescued cats!!


The main goal of the game studio is to make cat-inspired games and let people know that you should adopt and not shop. 


The developers have also created games similar to this, like “A Building Full of Cats” and “A Castle Full of Cats.” These games range from $2-$3. 


The “An Arcade Full of Cats” is currently free on Steam. However, if you decide to play any other games from the developers, you can buy them on Steam, the Nintendo Switch store, and GOG.com. You can also buy the DLC for these games, which gives you more cats to find. 


I recommend those who enjoy games looking for objects and cats to give this game a try.

Monday, November 20, 2023

A Realistic New Years Goals- A Self Reflection


As the new year is slowly approaching, I’ve been thinking about my new year resolution/goal. I have always been the type to say I’m going to start going to the gym, but I was never consistent with it. I think for this year, I will start with something I'm actually able to stay consistent with instead of something I will give up later on. I think starting small goals and being consistent with those goals will help when planning to start bigger ones in the future. That being said, here are some goals that I think are possible for not only me but everyone else:


  1. Make the bed at least once a week.

    1. I know people think, “why make the bed if you’re just going to go back to sleep?” However, making the bed, even when you know you’re probably going to lay back down on it, makes one feel accomplished. It feels as of something has been checked off from an individual to-do list. Even though someone might only be able to make their bed once a week, they will feel satisfied and that they got something done. Building on this habit will maybe help in wanting to make the bed two times a week and maybe later increase how many times you do it. 


  1. Wash you face at least once time everyday.

    1. I feel like this one might be difficult because you have to do it every day. It’s also recommended to wash your face twice a day. However, sometimes, it’s hard to wake up early to wash your face. That’s why I recommend washing your face at least before you go to sleep. I feel that going to sleep refreshed helps with a better night's sleep. It also helps you keep a clear face, which may further develop your skincare routine. I’ve recently started washing my face in the morning and night, and I’ve been able to see results. 


  1. Drink more than 2 cups/2 bottles of water every day.

    1. It is important to stay hydrated, especially when you are on the go or busy. Sometimes, people don’t like to drink water or simply forget. I sometimes forget to drink water and decide to drink something else, like a soda. However, water is essential for the human body. Make sure to at least try to get that amount, and if you can drink more, that would be great. I would say this is one of the most important habits to create.


  1. Journal once a week.

    1. Sometimes, you may not have someone to talk to about how you’ve been feeling lately. Writing everything you’ve been feeling into a paper not only helps you release that pent-up emotion. It will also make you feel better. It also doesn't all have to be negative. You can talk about the good stuff that happened in your life or something you’re grateful for. What’s important is that you’re expressing yourself and creating a habit about it. Not everything has to be kept in.


  1. When something goes well in work, school etc, treat yourself.

    1. Life can be hard sometimes, especially when you have a busy schedule. Sometimes, you have a bad day or a bad week, and you manage to pull through and reward yourself. It can be buying yourself something simple like ice cream or giving yourself an extra hour of sleep. Making this a habit will maybe help you see that even though some days are bad, you will always pull through. 



I know these may seem simple to some, but to those who sometimes struggle to make a habit like me, simple stuff can be hard. Yes, it can be difficult to continue that habit, and maybe you’ll forget to do some of these or any other goal you’ve set in mind, and that’s okay. If you mess up, you can start again the next day and continue where you left off. These are just some suggestions, but you can set any goal you believe you’ll be able to accomplish.