the person you're trying to become is more important than the person you used to be. let go of the past, for once.
asking out a boy (joanne life update)
this year, my entire existence has been dedicated to learning myself. -to developing and growing and living. like most everyone i feel lost, but i am working to change that (or at least come to terms with it).
recently, i have developed a crush on this boy at my school. he is taller and older and has blond hair and a nice smile. i've made up my mind to ask him out.
it was a hard decision to come to. not only are there so many stigmatisms about boys being the ones to initiate relationships, but i wasn't sure if being in a relationship was the right thing for me. hiding away from romantic relationships just doesn't feel authentic, though. it makes me feel stupid - for having these feelings and not doing anything about it.
anyways, this is just to share that : you don't have to be by yourself to find yourself. i promise you that.
setting boundaries
identify your limits: understand what you are comfortable with and what you are not. this includes physical, emotional, and mental boundaries.
communicate clearly: express your boundaries to others in a straightforward and respectful manner. use “i” statements to convey your needs without blaming or criticizing.
be consistent: enforce your boundaries consistently. if you let others cross your boundaries without consequence, it can undermine your efforts.
practice self-awareness: regularly check in with yourself to ensure your boundaries are still serving you well. adjust them as needed based on your experiences and feelings.
respect others’ boundaries: just as you set your own boundaries, be mindful and respectful of the boundaries set by others. this mutual respect fosters healthier relationships.
seek support: if you’re struggling to set or maintain boundaries, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor. they can provide guidance and strategies tailored to your situation.
be patient: setting boundaries can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to it. give yourself time to practice and improve your boundary-setting skills.
use assertive communication: being assertive means expressing your needs and rights while respecting others. it’s a balanced approach that helps you maintain your boundaries without being aggressive.
❤️nene
you have to fall in love with the process. that's literally what life is! learning! growing! you will waste your whole existence if you continue to drag yourself to this non-existent finish line. the only real finish line is the end of life. that's not to say to stop having goals, but to not let them be the be all and end all. you are so much more than that!
to be loved and love is to feel the sun from both sides
of course everything is falling apart, your new life will cost you your old one
taking care of yourself is harder than it seems. but it is always worth it. remember that.
giving the benefit of the doubt (WHY?)
i am SO SICK of people pretending to be nonchalant, and heartless. it's horrible and unfair that people have to be in relationships where they are not making the most of their partner's care and instead worrying about how they come off.
especially if you change yourself for your partner - or vice versa.
while it’s important to be cautious and protect yourself from being taken advantage of, giving the benefit of the doubt (and being yourself) can lead to more positive and trusting relationships.
a lot of excuses that people make include not being able to trust after a bad relationship or bad breakup. this is fair, HOWEVER you cannot use this as a tool for the blame game. you must allow yourself to love and be loved.
here's how:
- promotes trust: assuming positive intent can help build and maintain trust in your relationships. it shows that you believe in the goodness and honesty of others.
- reduces conflict: jumping to negative conclusions can lead to misunderstandings and conflicts. giving the benefit of the doubt can prevent unnecessary arguments and foster a more harmonious environment.
- encourages open communication: when you assume the best in others, it creates a safe space for open and honest communication. people are more likely to share their thoughts and feelings without fear of judgment.
- fosters empathy: this approach encourages you to consider other perspectives and understand that people might have reasons for their actions that you aren’t aware of. it helps you practice empathy and compassion.
- reduces stress: constantly doubting others’ intentions can be mentally exhausting. giving the benefit of the doubt can reduce stress and help you maintain a more positive outlook.
- improves relationships: relationships thrive on mutual respect and understanding. by giving the benefit of the doubt, you show respect for the other person’s character and intentions, which can strengthen your bond.
- personal growth: it helps you develop patience and tolerance. learning to give others the benefit of the doubt can make you a more understanding and forgiving person.
- avoids misjudgment: sometimes, our initial assumptions can be wrong. giving the benefit of the doubt allows you to gather more information before making a judgment, reducing the risk of misjudging someone.
❤️joanne
consistency and exercise
maintaining consistency in your exercise routine can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can make it a regular part of your life. it's definitely a hard habit to start, especially if you have a bad mindset or a past bad experience. but i believe in you! here are some tips to help you stay consistent:
: ̗̀➛ set clear goals: define what you want to achieve with your exercise routine. having specific, measurable goals can keep you focused and motivated.
: ̗̀➛ create a schedule: plan your workouts like any other important activity. choose specific days and times for exercising, and write them down in your calendar to prioritize them.
: ̗̀➛ start small: if you’re new to exercising or getting back into it, start with short, manageable workouts. gradually increase the duration and intensity as you build your fitness level.
: ̗̀➛ find activities you enjoy: choose exercises that you find fun and engaging. you’re more likely to stick with a routine if you enjoy the activities you’re doing.
: ̗̀➛ mix it up: variety can keep your workouts interesting and prevent boredom. combine different types of exercises, such as cardio, strength training, and flexibility exercises.
: ̗̀➛ track your progress: keep a journal or use a fitness app to record your workouts. tracking your progress helps you see how far you’ve come and keeps you motivated to continue.
: ̗̀➛ build a support system: surround yourself with supportive friends, family, or workout partners who encourage you to keep your fitness goals.
: ̗̀➛ create a reward system: set up small rewards for reaching workout milestones. this can provide motivation and make the process more enjoyable.
: ̗̀➛ eliminate distractions: identify and remove distractions from your environment. this might mean turning off notifications, finding a quiet place to work out, or using apps that block distracting websites.
: ̗̀➛ stay flexible: be prepared to adjust your plans as needed. life can be unpredictable, and staying adaptable can help you maintain consistency even when things don’t go as planned.
: ̗̀➛ practice self-compassion: be kind to yourself if you miss a workout. setbacks are a natural part of the process, and treating yourself with compassion can help you get back on track.
❤️nene
A NEW ISSUE OF THE ELONOMH TIMES! oh my it has been too long! i definitely want to get back into the habit of posting these mini-magazines fortnightly,,
and be sure to send any post suggestions to my ask box!
❤️nene
how to boost your creativity
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ commit to creativity: set aside regular time to engage in creative activities. whether it’s painting, writing, or brainstorming, consistency is key.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ become an expert: deepen your knowledge in areas that interest you. the more you know, the easier it is to think of innovative solutions.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ reward curiosity: allow yourself to explore new topics and ideas without judgment. curiosity can lead to unexpected and creative insights.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ take risks: don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they might not work out. taking risks can lead to valuable learning experiences and creative breakthroughs.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ build confidence: believe in your creative abilities. celebrate your progress and achievements, no matter how small.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ make time for creativity: prioritize creative activities in your schedule. sometimes, this might mean saying no to other commitments.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ daily walking: physical activity, like walking, can stimulate creative thinking. it gives your mind the freedom to wander and come up with new ideas.
*ੈ✩‧₊˚ practice mindfulness: mindfulness exercises can help clear your mind and make space for creative thoughts.
building the life that you deserve
building the life you deserve is a journey that involves self-reflection, goal-setting, and consistent effort. here are some steps to help you get started:
- decide what you want: identify what you want to change about your life and how you envision your ideal life. this clarity can help you focus on your goals.
- envision your ideal life: this step is all about creating a clear and vivid picture of the life you want to live. when you start to envision your life as you want it to be, it helps to guide your actions and decisions towards making that vision a reality.
- set goals: break down your vision into achievable goals. this makes the process less overwhelming and more manageable.
- take action: start making changes, even if they are small. consistent effort over time leads to significant progress.
- prioritize relationships: building and maintaining strong relationships is essential for a fulfilling life.
- simplify your life: remove unnecessary possessions and distractions. this can help you focus on what truly matters.
- believe in yourself: trust in your abilities and strengths. confidence is key to overcoming challenges and achieving your goals.
remember, it’s your journey, and you have the power to change it.
live in the moment
the role of kindness in self-development
kindness plays a vital role in self-development for several reasons. first, it enhances mental well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, and increasing happiness and self-esteem. when you practice kindness, you foster positive relationships and build trust, which can lead to a stronger support network and a sense of belonging.
additionally, kindness encourages empathy and understanding, helping you to see things from others’ perspectives and resolve conflicts more effectively. this not only improves your social interactions but also contributes to personal growth by making you more compassionate and resilient.
building relationships
building relationships is a powerful self-development strategy because it opens doors to new experiences, perspectives, and opportunities for personal growth. interacting with different individuals challenges you to grow, learn, and expand your horizons. through new connections, you can discover hidden talents, passions, and strengths that you might not have been aware of before.
relationships also provide a support network that can offer encouragement, advice, and assistance during challenging times. having a strong network of friends, mentors, and colleagues can boost your confidence and resilience, helping you navigate life’s ups and downs more effectively.
furthermore, building relationships enhances your communication and interpersonal skills. engaging with others requires active listening, empathy, and the ability to express yourself clearly. these skills are invaluable in both personal and professional settings.
❤️ nene
getting the most out of life
so often, i notice people living online - consistently doomscrolling or playing meaningless games. i think that they forget how life is the journey. you need to make sure you don't miss it.
know yourself understanding who you are at your core is crucial. reflect on your values, passions, and strengths. this can help lead to a more fulfilling life.
set goals define what you want to achieve in life. having clear, actionable goals gives you direction and purpose. if you don't know what you want - then you have to get out and try things! experience! understand what you want and don't want for yourself.
stay healthy take care of your physical and mental health. regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices can significantly improve your well-being.
be present focus on the present moment. enjoy the small things. being exposed to social media and electronic devices from a young age has lead gen z to information overload and stress.
studies show that we experience higher levels of anxiety and depression compared to previous generations. try mindfulness to promote relaxation and emotional regulation. learn how to return yourself to the present moment - to be able to get offline, and out of your own head.
build relationships surround yourself with positive, supportive people. strong relationships can provide emotional support and enrich your life.
keep learning this is something that i will forever preach! never stop learning and growing. whether it's through formal education, reading, or new experiences, continuous learning keeps life interesting.
❤️nene