#learning to prioritize my comfort and happiness because i matter

[heyitslapis]

im trying. im trying im trying im trying

[bloomzone]

GLOW UP DIARY:#3 the power of self-care

"If you don't have a dream, that's okay too. It's possible not to have a dream. If you're happy, that's all that matters"

-Suga

heyy sparkles...so today it's the third part of the glow up and thank you so so much T-T for the support in the second part

Edit: haircare,nail care is for apparence part I focused on routines,skincare,body care in this part (I'm so busy these days T-T<3)

© bloomzone

#3 SELF CARE

✉️ : Self-care includes activities like eating well, exercising, and relaxing to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. It's essential for managing stress and enhancing overall well-being.

Self-care is essential for maintaining balance

﹙ ✿ ﹚Taking care of yourself is about finding simple, comforting routines that make you feel good. Start with small steps, like taking a relaxing bath,do ur skincare , journal...Prioritize these moments and remember that they are just as important as anything else on your to-do list. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and choose activities that genuinely make you happy. Listen to your body and give yourself the rest and care you need. By focusing on what brings you comfort and joy, you'll create a self-care routine that feels natural and rewarding.

HOW TO START SELF-CARE ?

Have a routine: It is really important to have a routine because if not you could have bad sleeping, be tired all day, get boredeasily, won't be able to finish responsibilities, it can bring you bad self esteem, unmotivated and in general is a complete mess.

Example of a routine (by me)

summer version.

⏰( wake up at 4:30am to pray ifajr if u are a Muslim :) )

♡ ﾟwake up at 9:30am

♡ ﾟmake bed

♡ ﾟdrink water

♡ ﾟmorning stretch 15min

♡ ﾟskincare/quick shower

♡ ﾟbreakfast

♡ ﾟhelp mom if needed

♡ ﾟphone time

⏰(pray duhr if u are Muslim:) )

♡ ﾟlunch time

♡ ﾟnap

♡ ﾟfull workout

⏰(pray asr if you are Muslim:) )

♡ ﾟstart learning a language,see friends or simply watch a movie

⏰(pray Maghrib if you are a Muslim :) )

♡ ﾟhelp mom cooking dinner

♡ ﾟwash dishes

♡ ﾟcheck social

♡ ﾟskincare

♡ ﾟget ready for bed

♡ ﾟsleep at 10pm

Things u can add to your routine :

cleaning ur room

- wardrobe

- desk

cooking

- I will share my fav recipes in next blogs 🤫

set goals for next year

- academic goals

- life goals ( saving money,body goal ...)

sunday self care day routine

summer version

⏰( salat al fajr + reading Quran for Muslims)

♡ ﾟwake up at 9am

♡ ﾟdo ur bed

♡ ﾟmeditation

♡ ﾟskincare + face mask

♡ ﾟjournal/affirmations

♡ ﾟice coffee/tea

♡ ﾟmorning stretch 15min

♡ ﾟbreakfast

♡ ﾟhelp in cleaning

♡ ﾟwear ur fit

♡ ﾟgo shopping

⏰(pray duhr in masjid if u luv to :) )

♡ ﾟlunch

♡ ﾟfull workout

📍everything shower time

- hair mask

- shave

- body care

📍after shower

- dry your hair

- clean/paint ur nails

- wear ur comfy pyjamas

♡ ﾟwatch a movie

⏰(pray Maghrib if you are Muslim)

♡ ﾟquality time with ur family/friends

📍get ready for bed

- write down what u achieve this week

- affirmations

⏰(pray Isha if u are Muslim)

♡ ﾟskincare

♡ ﾟget ur beauty sleep at 10pm

SELF-CARE BODYCARE AND SKINCARE

1.skincare

﹙ ✿ ﹚ I know that we all love shopping and buying things because it's pink or aesthetic or it's just because it's a famous products NO NO this wroong u don't need to buy a whole truck of innisfree products because it's pink or glow recipe buy products that will work for u if u have acnes and ur face hurt everytime u try to sleep or u wanna just wash it,visit a dermatologist he will give the product that ur skin need to heal again. (As a girl with strict parents hhh they didn't let me go I'm 16yo btw),so I start to buy random products until I found the perfect one for my skin (I have a terrible TERRIBLE oily skin)+ if u are 12-18 don't use serum's without permission of doctor u will just broke ur skin texture I bought ordinary serum and it just make my skin worst + it's an expansive sht ☠️

How to get rid of acne ?

♡ ⠀skincare secrets !

⊹ ‧avoid junk food

⊹ ‧fresh vegetables and fruits

⊹ ‧icing your face

⊹ ‧clay mask (recommended by me)

⊹ ‧avoid using a lot of skincare products

⊹ ‧ simplify ur skincare routine ( cleanser,toner, moisturizer)

⊹ ‧get 7-8 hour of sleep

⊹ ‧rice water

⊹ ‧don't sleep with ur make up

⊹ ‧stay hydrate

⊹ ‧change ur pillowcase (one in a week)

⊹ ‧ cucumber slice as a mask

⊹ ‧don't touch ur face

♡   Item you need

⊹ ‧pimples patches

⊹ ‧silicone facial cleaner (for deep cleaning)

⊹ ‧headband (keep ur hair up always)

2.BODY CARE

﹙ ✿ ﹚ Taking care of your body is a vital part of feeling your best, both inside and out. A good body care routine can boost your confidence and help you embrace your natural beauty. Body care is also about self-love and taking time for yourself amidst a busy schedule remember girlie every skin type is beautiful, and finding the right routine can enhance your natural glow.

♡   Body care secrets

⊹ ‧ don't shave (ur body)early until u are in the right age (+17) , if u are not a hairy girl no need to shave :)

⊹ ‧ shower everyday (don't wash ur hair )

⊹ ‧ choose the right body wash (nivea,vaseline >>)

⊹ ‧ stay hydrate avoid junk foods to protect ur body skin from pimples

⊹ ‧Exfoliate your skin 1-2 times a week to remove dead skin cells and promote cell renewal. Use a gentle scrub suitable for your skin type (coconut oil brown sugar >>)

💌 : How to shave ur leg and have a smooth soft skin

1- soak ur leg in warm water for (3 to 5 min) to make ur skin ready

2- use ur fav body scrub and exfoliate your body from death skin

3- use something like body oil or shaving cream and find a good razor at least 3 blades (venus Gillette is on top)

4- shave with slow don't be harsh,long strock and don't forget to wash the razor everytime

5- after drying ur legs use any lotion u like to give the skin the extra moisture + using baby oil to avoid strawberry legs

⊹ ‧ Choose body care products that are free from harsh chemicals and fragrances Opt for natural and gentle ingredients stay healthy girlie

⊹ ‧ avoid very hot water

⊹ ‧ Use natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or jojoba oil for deep hydration. Apply them after a shower or use them as an overnight treatment for extra softness.

♡   item you need

⊹ ‧ dry brush

⊹ ‧ loofah

⊹ ‧ natural soap (for ur 🐱)

⊹ ‧ razor pack

⊹ ‧ body scrub

⊹ ‧ body wash

⊹ ‧ africain exfoliating nets

⊹ ‧ body moisturizer

⊹ ‧ Shea butter

⊹ ‧ Epsom salt

ıllı ⠀ : ⠀Self-care is essential for every girl to nurture her mind, body, and spirit. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Whether it's indulging in a relaxing bath, practicing mindfulness, or simply taking a break to read a good book, these moments help recharge your energy and boost your confidence. Remember, you deserve to feel good and be happy. Prioritizing self-care allows you to show up as your best self in every area of your life. So, take a deep breath, put yourself first, and watch how everything else falls into place. Ilvy sm ⠀ ♡ ⠀ !!

© bloomzone

[factual-fantasy]

Here is your reminder that the Octonauts fandom is going to be PATIENT, will RESPECT your boundaries, will WAIT for your possible return to the fandom, and will NOT pressure you into anything. Any Octonauts fan that does otherwise should not count, because they clearly do not know what it means to be an Octonaut.

An Octonaut is patient, kind, helpful, and respectful, even if things don't go the way they want it specifically. They will care for the creatures(in this case, people) that come to them regardless of how they want their day to go.

Octonauts are selfless; they do not let what they WANT get in the way of what others NEED. They do not prioritize themselves over others. If you never return to the fandom again, THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE. Because that is what I'd best for YOU. It may disappoint some, but as long as you are safe, happy, and healthy, it should not matter what people WANT out of YOU and YOUR art.

If you do decide to come back to us, then we welcome you with open arms. There aren't enough of us to form an overall opinion about the fandom, and sadly bad experiences can taint the entire look of our community.

Trust me, I've had PLENTY of bad experiences myself(probably TMI, but I once had someone DM me to roleplay something where them as Captain Barnacles had insomnia, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and a crap ton of other things and I as Shellington had to comfort him and whatnot. And then Captain Barnacles got his arm ripped off and they never messaged me again. This was on WATTPAD. They have since removed DMs, and I can see why. So bad experiences can definitely ruin one's image of the fandom.)

But if you enjoy the Octonauts and that's what you want to draw, don't let idiots stop you!! Octonauts do not discriminate and any hateful person who calls themself an Octonaut never truly learned what it means to explore, rescue, and protect.

An Octonaut is meant to protect and care for their communities, and unnecessary aggression or rude comments should not be tolerated!!! Not by you or by us! Guilt tripping is not good either!

AND: Remember to drink water, eat food, get some rest, and take time for yourself! Have a lovely day/night factual :3

<XD The Octonauts fandom is a tough subject for me for a lot of reasons.. I guess now would be a decent time to finally open up about some of it..

To start, I have had more art theft/reposters, art tracers, copying/heavily adopting all my headcannon/design choices.. in the Octonauts fandom, more than every other fandom combined. Including FNAF. 70% of the time when someone shows me an account that has reposted my art? Its one of my Octonauts comics.

I'm pretty protective of my work and I like to keep things to myself, so having all of these happen so frequently in this fandom has kind'a spooked me away..

And I get it, the fandom is not that big. Chances are when someone has a different/unique/good idea, everyone is going to adopt it into their Octonauts universe. I get it.. but that doesn't stop me from feeling really uncomfortable about posting Octonauts artwork. And I also get that a lot of the people in the Octonauts fandom are really young and don't realize that reposting is theft, or that blatant tracing is theft. That doesn't stop it from being really frustrating to see and very discouraging.. especially when you say "hey, you traced my artwork, please don't do that.." they just straight up don't listen 💀

What's frustrating is that despite not having posted anything Octonauts related in a long time, I STILL deal with constant theft and art tracers. I had to block a few recently after they denied clearly tracing my art and refused to take anything down.

Not even to mention the people who have bashed me for not head cannoning Kwazii or Calico jack as trans.. I totally understand that its a widely accepted headcannon, but my Jack is just a rare male calico and Kwazii is a regular male tabby/calico mix. The constant "why dont you draw kwazii with top scars?? are you a transphobe?? stop misgendering kwazii he's trans!!" is really annoying..

Another thing that really bothers me is the constant crab comic asks. Despite explaining multiple times that I do not want to continue drawing that comic, I still get constant asks like this,👇

This was sent after a simple eye study of the Octonauts. And it said that I'm still on the fence about Octonauts. What part of that post makes you think I'm gonna go back to the crab comic?

I understand that a lot of these people are young and just don't understand that all this stuff is wrong or could be making me uncomfortable. But currently I just don't have the patience to deal with all this junk.. So until I can get my patience back or find a work around for this, Octonauts is officially back on the shelf. 😔

[doumadono]

hi I wanted to send in an emergency request, I just had to cut my dad out of my life because of how he was. he was very toxic (cursing me and hitting me as a child. sometimes calling me names at the age of 19) I feel like maybe I should take it back because he's my father but I'm also scared cause he says he'll be better but always goes back on his word.

could I get comfort from izuku comfort the person crying when getting off the phone or any one who you think that would be best to comfort

no force <3

The bravest thing you can do - Izuku x Reader

A/N: I'm so sorry to hear about what you're going through. It takes incredible strength to make a decision like that, especially when it involves family. Remember, your well-being comes first, and it's okay to prioritize your own safety and happiness 🌟

EMERGENCY REQS MASTERLIST

As you hang up the phone, tears blur your vision, and the weight of your decision presses down on you like a heavy burden. Doubts swirl in your mind, questioning if you made the right choice by cutting your father out of your life. The hurtful memories replay in your mind, each one a sharp pang in your heart.

As you try to compose yourself, a gentle voice breaks through the turmoil.

"Hey, are you okay?"

Turning around, you see Izuku standing there, his expression filled with concern as he tilts his head like a puppy, observing you with his keen, emerald eyes. His eyes hold a warmth that instantly puts you at ease, as if he understands the pain you're going through.

Without a word, you shake your head, unable to hold back the tears any longer.

Izuku steps closer. He wraps you in a comforting hug, his embrace strong yet gentle, as if he's silently promising to support you through this difficult time. "It's okay to feel overwhelmed, I felt that way too, many, many times before, over many different things," Izuku says softly, his voice a soothing melody in the midst of chaos. "You're not alone, and you're so brave for standing up for yourself. Forgive me, but I might have overheard a thing or two…" Izuku's voice is hesitant.

You lean into his embrace, finding comfort in his unwavering support. "I'm not sure if what I did is right," you whisper against his chest, sobbing quietly.

"Mind telling me what exactly happened?" he asks, his tone gentle.

You hesitate, unsure of how much to share, but the sincerity in Izuku's eyes encourages you to open up. "I just had to cut my dad out of my life," you confess, the words heavy with emotion. "He's been toxic for as long as I can remember, and I finally reached my breaking point."

"I know it's hard," Izuku whispers, his tone filled with understanding. "But sometimes, putting yourself first is the bravest thing you can do. You deserve to be treated with kindness and respect, no matter what. I'm so sorry you had to go through that though," he adds sincerely. "You must be feeling overwhelmed right now."

"I just don't know if I made the right decision," you admit, feeling the weight of doubt settle in your chest.

Izuku reaches out to place his hand on your shoulder. "It's natural to doubt yourself, especially when it comes to something as difficult as this," he says gently. "But sometimes, putting your own well-being first is the bravest thing you can do. That's the lesson Kacchan made me learn painfully well," he jokes, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

You take a shaky breath. "Do you really think so?"

Izuku nods, his conviction unwavering. "Absolutely. You deserve to be surrounded by people who lift you up, not bring you down. And if your father isn't capable of treating you with the love and respect you deserve, then you have every right to distance yourself from him."

You nod, feeling a weight lift off your shoulders as Izuku's words sink in. For the first time in a long while, you allow yourself to believe that you made the right decision, despite the pain it may bring. "Thank you, Izuku," you say, your voice choked with emotion. "I needed to hear that."

"I'm here for you, okay?" Izuku says, his voice gentle but firm.

As you lean into his comforting embrace, the tears slowly begin to subside, replaced by a sense of peace. Despite the uncertainty of the future, you know that you have a friend who will stand by you through thick and thin. And with that knowledge, you take your first steps towards healing, knowing that brighter days lie ahead.

[icyg4l]

Pick-A-Child Star: Inner Child Messages

In honor of Black History Month, I am continuing the series of highlighting Black icons while prioritizing the spiritual needs of Black Americans. Pick the image that resonates with you most.

Left-to-Right (1-3): Keke Palmer, Aleisha Allen, China Anne McClain

If you chose Pile One, you resonate with the energy of Keke Palmer. As we all know, she is a multi-talented human being. She is a singer-songwriter, actress, dancer, talk show host, podcaster and model. Her name is synonymous with the phrase 'busy bee'. Her infectious personality has followed us through movies and tv shows like True Jackson VP, Scream Queens, Akeelah and the Bee, Nope and much more. She continues to grace the screens with her charismatic nature.

"You're always wondering what you're not, can't you be happy with what you've got?"

When you were younger, you may have watched the tv show, 'How to Rock', starring Cymphonique. The premise of the show is navigating the social castes of high school. I channeled the theme song for this show. You really need to show some more gratitude, man. What's in your imagination is being reflected on the outside world; just enjoy the moment. Your brain is on overload all the time and you really need to rest. On Valentine's Day, you should give yourself some 'me time'. Another message that I get from your inner child is that you need to go play! For some of you, I sense that you're reluctant to let someone into your life when they have good intentions. I think high school plays a big role into why you navigate the world the way that you do. You are not in high school anymore! You are officially responsible for your own shit (that means the emotional trauma too, boo). Your inner child also wants you to know that you should take up some karate/self-defense classes. It is imperative that you learn how to stick up for yourself physically, not just verbally. Lastly, if you have lost a father figure, you should do that thing to honor his legacy such as getting a tattoo of him, getting a portrait painted of him, starting that company and naming it after him. You are your father's offspring, you know?

If you chose pile 2, this means you resonate with the energy of Aleisha Allen. She is most famously known for her roles in the 'Are We There Yet?' film series and School of Rock. Her cheeky portrayal of these characters solidified her as a Black child star icon. After starring in these classic films, she took on smaller roles in 'The Electric Company' and indie films. Since then, she has acquired a Bachelor's degree at Pace University and a Master's degree at Columbia University in Communication Science and Disorders to fulfill a career as a speech pathologist.

“I gets down, I don’t play”

Some of you may be in the midst of choosing a major after being undecided for so long. Some of you may switch majors a lot. Your inner child wants you to choose something that makes them come alive this time. In other words, choose a career path that's not boring to you. You could have ADHD/ADD or some type of learning disability. You need to slow down because you’re inviting some disingenuous energy. Your inner child does not trust the people that are around you. Your light shines too bright to be staying in spaces where you're not celebrated. This made me think of a video of Megan Thee Stallion talking about walking out of rooms where you don't feel comfortable. Do exactly that, my love. Everything will work out just fine if you believe that it will. Your inner child wants you to be as optimistic about this transition as possible. And lastly, you don't have to tolerate anyone's behavior, or quite frankly anything. If you feel like you have to put up with someone's bull, then you need to leave. You guys were quite the sassy kids, weren't you? Now, where did all of that energy go? Why are you dimming yourself down just to appeal to others? It doesn't matter if you're in a corporate meeting or a classroom filled with white people, you speak your mind. You know what's going on, don't be intimidated.

If you chose Pile 3, you resonate with the energy of China Anne McClain. She is known for her roles in Daddy’s Little Girls, A.N.T. Farm, the Descendants series and Black Lightning. Her range in roles highlights her witty, yet dramatic personality, which is the reason for any drawn interest in her. She is also a singer-songwriter who was once in a girl group with her older sisters, Lauryn and Sierra. Since then, she has documented her spiritual journey on social media after quitting acting.

“I’ve got friends on the other side”

This is the pile that I would probably choose. This is the pile of the hoodoos/witches/spiritualists/occultists. Your inner child wants you to know that the spells you’ve been casting have been working. As a child, you may have had some experiences with ghosts/spirits. Nobody believed you but who cares? They’re your friends now. There may be a cousin that you haven’t seen/talked to in a while. Please talk to them! Your inner child misses them so much! It doesn’t matter if you’re not on good terms with them, please go do it. For some reason, you should go play hide and seek. This could also mean that you should prepare for an item of yours to go missing temporarily. It could also mean that you will find out some information that you’ve been searching for. Finally, if you feel like you have nowhere to go, think again! Your inner child wants to go to place where you once frequented. This could be the beach, an arcade or the park. Go have a picnic. Go insert those coins/swipe that card into your favorite apocalypse game. Go dig your toes into the sand! You are going through self-actualization and it is important that you stay grounded. Be prepared to step into uncomfortable positions. Connecting with your inner child is a way to do so. It is essential for your growth as a person.

[dee-writes-anime]

The Simple Kind of Love, The Love that is Effortless

FEATURING Megumi Fushiguro x Asexual Reader

SUMMARY Some Megumi x asexual reader headcanons requested by a sweet anon.

CONTENT WARNINGS mentions of sex, CHARACTER IS AGED UP, talk about fertility (both nonconventional and conventional), not edited (I'm running on hopes, dreams, and zero hours of sleep), good luck!

AUTHORS NOTE please remember that these are my own headcannons, you do not have to agree with them in any way, shape, or form, but you do have control over your response. Friendly debates and constructive criticism are welcome, hate and rude comments are not, thank you and enjoy! <3

Honestly, when I first watched Jujutsu Kaisen, I headcannoned that Megumi was asexual for a while.

Even if Megumi isn't asexual, he said it himself in the show, "as long as one's character is unshakable.." so I doubt he would mind much when considering a partner who isn't interested in sexual intimacy.

I like to think of gumi as very introspective and thoughtful, he feels things deeper than most, and because of that I don't see him ever treating an S/O negatively in general, let alone over something substituable like sex.

Megumi is someone who deeply respects others’ boundaries, especially those of a partner. Upon learning that you’re sex-repulsed or on the asexual spectrum, his first instinct would be to listen and understand. He would never pressure you into anything you're uncomfortable with.

He doesn’t need sex to feel validated in a relationship and is more focused on emotional connection, trust, and mutual respect. If you explain your feelings, he’d support you without judgment and adapt to your needs.

Megumi isn’t the type of person to view sex as a necessary part of a relationship. While he may have some curiosity about physical intimacy, he values emotional closeness more. What matters to him is the bond you share, not physical desires.

Remember those abandonment issues I mentioned last time? Yeah, I feel like he treasures an emotional connection a lot more than a physical one because of that.

The closer he is with someone, the less likely they are to leave him.... right?

Tying in my earlier claims of him being on the asexual spectrum, I feel like Megumi would almost be relieved to not have to worry about pressuring himself to open up in such a vulnerable way. Not that he doesn't trust you, simply because he would be nervous to be put in a situation where his body was so vulnerable and out of control.

Megumi would be comfortable finding other ways to express intimacy and affection. He would prioritize physical closeness through non-sexual acts, like cuddling, holding hands, or simply spending quality time together.

I mentioned last time that he wasn't much of a PDAer, but I feel like with an S/O who is on the asexual spectrum, he would feel more called to entertaining pinkies in public. (what a stinkin' cutie)

He might enjoy quiet moments, like sitting close while reading, cooking together, or just lying next to each other. The intimacy for him comes from knowing you’re both safe and comfortable, not necessarily from physical acts of passion.

Megumi is naturally patient and would never push for anything that makes you uncomfortable. Even if he had moments of curiosity or desire, he would always prioritize your feelings and boundaries.

He’d appreciate clear communication from you, no beating around the bush (especially when something he does makes you uncomfortable), and in return, he’d always be open about how he’s feeling, but with the understanding that your comfort is paramount.

As someone who has grown up with a complicated family dynamic, Megumi likely doesn’t place much value on traditional expectations like marriage or having children. His focus is on the present and on the relationships he builds.

He would be perfectly okay with not having children, as he’s more concerned with your happiness and well-being than conforming to societal expectations. If you express that you don’t want children, he’d accept it without hesitation, likely sharing some relief given his complex feelings about family life.

I think that Megumi might have not even wanted kids before he knew about your feelings on the matter. Megumi would struggle a lot and get caught up in his head about being a deadbeat like his dad and it would eventually drive him up the wall.

I feel he would be relieved to have you both on the same page.

Speaking of pages, he would enjoy bonding over shared interests or spending quiet time together rather than relying on physical intimacy to feel close. (like reading!)

To circle back to conception, If you ever wanted to consider non-traditional methods of having a family, like adoption or simply being each other’s family without children, Megumi would be open to it. He doesn’t need biological children to feel fulfilled and is happy as long as you are both on the same page.

The idea of having a small, close-knit family with you—whether that includes children or not—is more important to him than meeting societal expectations about reproduction.

Megumi would be protective of your boundaries in other settings too, such as with friends or family who might not understand your asexuality. He wouldn’t let anyone make you feel uncomfortable or pressured and would always have your back.

If anyone questioned your relationship or why things might be different, he’d calmly but firmly shut them down, making sure you feel secure and validated in your decisions.

What he treasures most is the emotional bond you share, and he’d always focus on nurturing that rather than worrying about aspects of the relationship that don’t come naturally to either of you.

[unitheuniverse]

Hi! How are you? I hope you're doing well! I wanted to request a romantic match up for cookie run if possible! Thank you in advance and I'm sorry if it's gonna be long

My nickname is Queen, I'm afab, I go by she/her and I'm heterosexual.

When it comes to my appearance, I'm very short, 4'11'' despite being an adult, curvy and slightly soft, I have long curly brown hair left untied most of the time ( ain't ruining my sweet curls 🤭). I don't really have a style, or at least it's quite basic and I tend to prioritize comfort: when I'm at home I'm a pocket size Adam Sandler, out of the house you can usually find me with large cargo pants and a tight cropped t-shirt on top, neutral colours because I usually don't feel comfortable wearing bright and eye catching clothes

My hobbies are: drawing, taking long walks, especially with friends and when it's not too hot, maybe in a natural park, cooking, reading and puzzles (of any kind, from crosswords, to sudoku and nonograms) and learning new languages (in fact, English isn't my mother tongue so forgive me for any typos and mistakes)

Oof finding likings is hard, I'm actually quite picky and tend to be indifferent rather than satisfied with anything haha, but I for sure love spicy foods, the spicier the better. Second favourite foods are probably sweet-and-sour ones. I'm also a big fan of Metal music and rock from the 80s, animation and sunbathing on the beach when there's a nice breeze, relaxing. I'm also very fond of people who despite everything they try to be happy, even when "cringe". I'm very into slow-burn romance

About dislikes, I dislike overly salty foods and bitter foods as well, I don't like strong smells as they make me gag, and I don't really like bugs, especially if they fly. I'm not a fan of most horror movies, mostly because they feel cheaply made and don't really scare me. I don't like shooting games and I don't like people who can't catch a hint unless you are rude about it and say it fair to their faces

Personality: I'm generally just easy-going, though I tend to be quite extrovert when around others: I like to crack jokes and make people laugh, I like listening to them talking about what they like even when I don't understand half of it. It's usually because I'm generally a boring person and don't do much so I let others talk, but also I genuinely like knowing more about others. I'm quite curious even when it comes to random trivia, the weirder the better. Despite me being relatively good in social situations, people who know me better have to deal with "uglier" sides of me, like my anxiety, overthinking, how easily I swing between moods, especially how broody I can't get. I'm also not particularly smart or talented, sure I've achieved some things here and there, but overall I'm just a gal who tries hard.

I honestly don't know what I like in a partner, I usually like many people for different reasons, but I think I would appreciate honesty, regardless of my reactions. I would like them to just be a good person and try their best in most things regardless of results.

I don't really have a type tbh

I match you with…

Capsaicin Cookie

✧ Is it because you like spicy food? Maybe. Is it because, more accurately, I can imagine Cap just straight up carrying you around bridal style? Yes.

✧ Okay, on with the headcannons.

✧ It would take forever for Cap to actually admit his feelings despite being in love with you for a while. Considering the fact that he is very strong he doesn’t want to hurt you in any sort of way. So he just ends up just tucking away all of his feelings in a jar.

✧ Cap is that type of person who is probably considered much more, ‘Cringy’ due to his passionate nature. A person who truly has his heart on his sleeve.

✧ Though with that, he is willing to talk along side you. Not only willing to talk when you just want to listen or follow along with your jokes. Either way, he is willing to do it.

✧ He doesn’t really find you boring, no matter how much you believe that you are.

✧ He is the type of guy that will smash the bugs. You might just casually mention that there happens to be a bug around the area and Cap will come in with a fly swatter.

✧ You know that key piece about you just trying your hardest? Yeah that is probably one of the things that Cap loves about you.

✧ Large cargo pants and a tight crop shirt? God damn you make him want to just hug you so hard it might hurt your chest a lil.

✧ Puzzles? Yeah he’ll have you solve them. He might bring back some puzzles for you because that, “I thought of you.”

✧ He might not really understand your love of metal music all that much. However just because he can’t understand it doesn’t mean he won’t support you!

✧ Cap taking you to concerts, hopefully in the pit, where he allows you to be on his shoulders. Literally fighting off other people just for you to get a good look. (Maybe a bit of an over exaggeration. Okay maybe a lot of it)

Okay, so you and Cap were having a rough day. Mainly due to Cap getting punched in the pit. Though the both of you are just relaxing now that it’s over, a tiny bruise over his left cheek.

He slowly holds you. Slowly rubbing cheek as he tries to find some comfort in it all. Cap seems to just be a bit dizzy after the altercation. He slowly looks down at you. “You know I love you right?” Cap says.

He slowly kisses the top of your forehead leaning down as he does so.

9.2.24

[novelconcepts]

not fic related but you and your wife seem so happy! any advice for a couple of newly married queer ladies?

Hey, I love any excuse to talk about being gay and happy! Congrats on being newly married! I dunno, my advice is always really straightforward. Like. Keep prioritizing communication, keep talking to each other about your day, your headspace, the stuff you love, the stuff that freaks you out. Keep that line open no matter how long you're together, because I really do think marriages fall apart when you start just assuming you can read one another's minds. My wife and I are always really careful to be honest with one another; for example, in the event that one of us is having a bad day and the other person's jokes aren't landing, 'cuz we're just sensitive that day, we talk about it. it soothes hurt feelings before they can really take root.

And find ways of making your own fun. Try new foods together, travel if you're into that, remind yourself that intimacy (if that's your bag) is an excuse to just play with one another and learn about the other person. Cherish the comfort of knowing your person is there for you no matter what, make sure you're on equal footing together, make sure you're allowing each other the space to change and grow and learn. And just take as much joy as you can out of being in love. It's not an easy thing, living in the world right now, but love makes it a damn sight more bearable. Queer love is awesome, queer joy is awesome. I wish you all the best, friend.

[mcu-fan-fics-blog]

Remember a Time viii

Series:  (Pt.1), (P.t 2), (P.t 3), (P.t 4), (P.t 5), (P.t 6), (P.t 7)

Wanda Maximoff x Fem! Reader, Natasha Romanoff x Fem! Reader ;)

(High school Au ) No Powers

Word count: 2031

A/N: Things are going to speed up after this one. I'm so excited for this story to continue. I hope you guys enjoy reading this chapter. Let me know if you like it. Comment if you want to be added to the tag list. 

There are moments in life that teach important lessons. There are also people that make us who we are. We all have people in our lives that taught us a lesson or two whether it be a good one or a not so good one. Many learn to appreciate the wisdom gained, you’d like to consider yourself as one. Every event in your life, good or bad you learned something and didn’t dwell on what could’ve been. There was no point in dwelling, what happened happened. The only exception to this seemed to be Wanda. You were stuck there for far more than you’d like to admit. That was mostly because you’d never brought yourself to hate or even dislike her. Even after you’d gotten ‘Over’ her you still mourned the friendship. You missed her as your friend but, by the time you got around to that point too much time had passed. Too much to drag someone back into something that crashed and burned so long ago. She was never truly out of your life; you'd promised her that much. Even after she completely destroyed you.

Going to school the next day wasn’t something you were exactly looking forward to. It wasn’t much different for Wanda. Your words were still rounding her head. She couldn’t exactly place it, but everything about what had happened felt too final. Vision caught her attention as he sat next to her. His presence felt comforting for her, but she still couldn’t get her mind off of you. She didn’t notice Vision's tensed shoulders. “Did you talk with her?”  She sighed lightly, understanding his curiosity, but she was still tired of going through it. She’d already gone over and over it with Pietro. “Yes.” She was also tired of everyone telling her what to do and what was the right thing to do was.  “What did you two decide?” Wanda hadn’t told Vision the context of the situation mostly because she didn’t know what the true context was. She looked at him puzzled. “You know?” He nodded “She didn’t have to tell me, I already knew. But she did just before Christmas break.” He filled her in. “She wants me to forget about her, to disappear from her life.” He nodded. “But you don’t want to…” 

Her answer was immediate. “Of Course not.” She rubbed her temples. “She’s my best friend, Family even.” Vision's shoulders relaxed slightly. “I know that my opinion might not be the most unbiased one but would you mind if I shared it with you.” Wanda was in awe here she was talking about not wanting to let go of someone that loves her, and here he was offering his advice. She already knew what he was going to say, but she nodded anyway. “ When I last saw her she told me she loved you, but she also acknowledged that you were happy. She said that that was all that mattered.” Wanda was stunned. He continued. “You don’t have to listen to me” He prefaced “But if you care about her the way you say you do, you would prioritize and listen to what she's asking of you and to respect it.” And there it was: The conclusion Pietro had already engraved in her head. She was selfish, and it was a shit move to not respect the one boundary you’ve set with her. “You don’t have to listen to me. You know me and Y/n aren’t the best of friends. Let me ask you this, do you love her?” He questioned but he already knew that answer and so did she. 

“Not the way she wants me to. Not the way she deserves to be loved.” He nodded. “She deserves to heal the way she wants, if you love her you will let her heal. Your paths might split for now, but they might also bring you back together later on.” He didn’t push her anymore, he hugged her, he gave her a kiss she didn’t think she deserved. “I’ll see you later?” He asked and she nodded letting him go. Things weren’t going to be easy and Wanda was trying to navigate this as best as she could, but it was becoming clearer and clearer by the second. She was bound to hurt someone, and that was the reality that she was facing. She was already being called selfish, why not take the one thing she won't let go… It was just one thing.

You weren’t planning on telling Tony soon about your college plans… And you didn’t. You should’ve known this could’ve happened looking back. It was genuinely something that you had overlooked. Tony had a habit of checking your mailbox every once in a while saving you the occasional trip. Only this time the letter you were waiting for was there, and he was the one who received it. It was a large envelope with bold letters on it, it read Congratulations!!!. Only this envelope came from another coast, California to be precise. ‘UC Berkeley’ He had already knocked on your door before he really noticed the envelope. You saw it in his hands before you looked at his face. He was speechless and not in a good way. His eyes met yours and he tilted his head as he studied you. “When were you planning on telling me?” It was an accusation he didn’t bother hiding. This wasn’t a small indiscretion and you both knew it. You’d made a promise long ago just you and him, one that was also overshadowed by Wanda.

“I was, when I was sure it would actually be an option. I’m sorry you found out this way.” He nodded, the anger in him was not misplaced and you knew it when he brought her up. “It’s her fault isn’t it.” You didn’t nod, this was at the end of the day a decision you took. “I decided that a change would be best.” He scoffed. “Because of HER.” You didn’t bother fighting him on it; he had made up his mind. “I will not disappear from your life, we’ll have Summers and Christmas.” You try to point out. “And you have a private jet at your disposal.” He fought it for as long as he could, but a small smile broke through. “I will not let you disappear from my life. Not that easily.” His words were genuine, you knew it, but you knew he was still mad, maybe not at you but he was. “I hope that is a promise. Just please don’t do anything stupid.” He understood the double meaning, but chose to disregard it. “Congratulations, I'm happy for you.” He gave you a small hug and you relaxed a little bit. “It’s getting late. I just thought I'd give you your mail.” You’d never think to describe Tony as a thoughtful person, but he was. “You are the best, and I am not below admitting it.” Just like that his cocky demeanor and signature smirk returned. “I fear I may have stroked your ego a little too hard.” You teased. 

Tony had a way of doing things. It was either bold and over the top, or subtle but straight forward. You’d come to learn that over the years. “You heard Y/n’s big news?” He asked casually as he walked up to Pietro in the hallway. “I haven’t. We haven’t been on the best of terms.” Tony nodded. “Well, I’ll tell you. She applied to UC Berkeley and got in. She’s moving to California with our resident Russian bombshell.” Subtle and to the point. There was no way Wanda wouldn't hear about it by day's end, that was guaranteed. “That’s, wasn't she going to NYU?” Tony chuckled and shoved his shoulder playfully. “Plans change. I too would change all my plans for someone I love.” Pietro nodded. “Listen I’ll see you later alright.” Pietro was in a rush now. “Of course.”  Tony wasn’t stupid he knew Wanda cared about you, he also knew that she was 0-2 with him. First she breaks your heart, then she causes you to abandon him. He knew this would hurt her hopefully as much as she had hurt you. The logic was clearly flawed, but he did it because he cared. 

“She’s what!” Wanda had heard him the first three times “She’s not going to NYU.” Wanda was pacing at this point. The whole day was a blur, how could you? What were you aiming for? It was an impulsive move that she made, she knew it but she still had a chance in her mind. She caught up with you before you left that day. The hallways were empty and only her voice filled it. “You can’t leave me.” You stopped dead in your tracks not bothering to look back. “I’m not leaving anyone.” You shot back. “You said you loved me, this is not something you do to someone you love. You don’t abandon the people you love. You don't ask them to forget about you. You don’t do this to someone you love.” She knew this was unfair; it was more than she was willing to admit. “You wouldn’t be doing this if you loved me.” There it was. “Wanda…” She’d completely caught up with you at this point, she was looking at your eyes. It had been so long since you’d let yourself truly admire them. Wanda was too close, and she wanted to be closer. 

Wanda always knew that your feelings for her teetered a very thin line. But it was all too clear now. All the late nights you’d stay up with her, Your lingering gaze. It never bothered her, only now she was realizing that she couldn’t go without them. You were always thinking about her, and you were never ashamed to show it. It was all building up in her and your eyes, she noticed how sad they were, and In that moment all she wanted was to make your sadness go away and she would do anything. Then she couldn’t hold back anymore, she kissed you. You were both breathless when she pulled away. Wanda was too caught up in the moment to notice your tears. “Please don’t leave me…” You were trying to pull away slowly, but she didn’t let you. “Please…” She was pleading. Her forehead was resting on your chest and her hand was clutching your shirt. “This is… wrong.” It was small and barely audible but you said it. She whispered equally as softly “it doesn’t have to be.” That seemed to be the wrong thing to say. It pulled you out of your trance. “No Wanda, this is wrong. You’ve never wanted this… Never. For god's sake Wanda you’re with Vision. You love him!!!” Whatever it was she was going to say next died in her mouth. She loved Vision. It was true. “You love Vision, and what you just did Wanda was cruel.” You scoffed. “I asked for one thing Wanda. You know how I feel about you, you also know you don't feel the same way.” There was the unspoken truth Wanda would carry with her from this moment on. ‘But I could’

She nodded and let you go. “I’m sorry… I didn’t. I wasn’t thinking straight.” There wasn’t much else to say and you both knew it, yet you still lingered. There was a moment where neither of you said anything, you just observed each other. You broke the silence. “I love you, and the last thing I want to do is hurt you… But you’re killing me.” She waited and took it. “You’ve hurt me in ways I never thought you would. Yet here I am… Wanda I will forget you, I will move on, and I’ll be better because of it.” You had no Idea where your determination came from but you weren't stepping down. “So I'll promise you this, when you truly need me I’ll be there. Both highs and lows. If you want me there I will be there.” You continued. “But for now we’ll be nothing more than strangers with shared memories.” You left and didn’t look back this time. 

Tag List: @when-wolves-howl , @alyciaddict , @username23345,  @arixxxxxxxxa @justyourwritter69 , @picnicmic ,  @swiftdazer @alphawolfchicago1124 ,  @sojo154 @xxxtwilightaxelxxx , @marvelogic @wandasmistress , @alwaysgoodnight​ , @chickenlittlsblog​

[marnz]

some thoughts about life right now;

i've been on a really intense project since late July and let me tell you, i am tired! i'm one of the few people at my job that specialize in this type of work--we are excited to train more--but for now i am just hanging out here preparing to trade one high pressure project for another for the foreseeable future. which ultimately is fine! even though it can be stressful, I would rather be doing this type of work, which is interesting and super fulfilling and matters a lot to me, than other types of work, which do not feel fulfilling and are actually pretty boring.

it's a little confusing to find myself here because last year i went on medical leave for mental health reasons and prior to that i was doing a very different kind of work, and when i came back in january they started me off with this new kind of work (which i do prefer) with basically no training from my supervisor. which is fine, i am comfortable learning on the fly and/or teaching myself, and i have both a lot of experience doing this and a lot of experience in Complex Projects, albeit in a different practice area. then i moved onto this project in late july. so like again very little training in this specific type of work but i assure you, nothing is as stressful as my last job was. and i do love this project! even though it's stressful! i've since learned that this is just going to be my specialty! which like...i am happy with the outcome but i feel like i sort of tripped and fell into it in the least expected way possible.

while thinking about it, i think i thought i'd only make it to this kind of work, this kind of project, by working hard--and i had a specific idea of what working hard looked like, what striving looked like. but i have been working hard for the last year or so, healing, learning, growing, recovering, all of it. and that is hard work. and by taking time to tend to myself, and grow and change and learn and heal, i became ready for this kind of stressful work. and that's not the narrative we have around this. culturally we have a narrative of self sacrifice and unpaid overtime and being really fucking type A and having unhealthy work/life balance, but as soon as I stepped away and said actually, i've had enough, i will not burn my life out for you, i started down a road that led me to doing the type of work i want to do in a healthier and more prepared way. and that's fucking awesome!

for now i am just trying to make it to the end of this project in mid october. which means coping skills, baby! wish i could write but i don't have capacity for it rn, and that's fine. so my priorities are: maintenance days (cleaning/chores). reading. knitting. baking. yoga. hiking. i want to make life as easy and cozy for myself as possible right now.

i haven't knit for several months and I'm thinking of trying my first sweater--this gorgeous sweater called Mountain Mist. however i've never done colorwork before so the pattern suggests doing the same colorwork in a swatch hat (here) to practice. i am SO HYPE!!! this pattern is also admittedly deeply my aesthetic. i showed it to my partner and he laughed bc it's so typically me lol. i also checked out the first book in Tana French's Dublin Murders series on audiobook to listen too while knitting. spooky season means murder mysteries. 🥰

also my work office is being remodeled so i will be working from home for the next 6ish months, and we're preparing to overhaul my little work corner in our house so it is better/more ergonomic/has more storage/is cuter. also i am going to get a standing desk for my poor knees 😵‍💫 recently worked from 8:30 to 9:30 and my knees hurt sooooo bad 😩

it's nice to know that a year ago i wouldn't have been able to handle this project or really know how to slow down and prioritize self care and after a ton of hard work on my mental health i'm now i'm like, well, it is a bit stressful but we got this. progress 😌💖

[planets-and-prose]

Writeblr Re (Re, re, re) Introduction!

Hi all, I'm Ten. Again. I've been on Writeblr since, like...2018? 2019? College. I was in college, I had lots of time, lots of energy, super active. Then, well, I graduated, had to adult, the absolute love of my life became disabled, and now I'm a social worker doing my goddamn best. So I've been dead on this account for like, at least 2 years. Maybe 3.

But I'm, like, basically a cockroach, and I'm never going to get away from the desire to write things, so I'm working hard to try again, engage, prioritize the things that bring me joy. So, blurb aside, some shit about me under the cut!

I'm 24, and I do specifically case management and behavioral health services, but I shorten it to social work. Basically, I help advocate for individuals with mental illnesses and act as a buddy while they learn, or relearn, how to function in the community and work on themselves.

All my writing is queer. Literally all of it. I am deeply allergic to not putting LGBT+ rep in my writing, even if there's no romance people are LGBT+. Personally I am asexual, panromantic, violently nonbinary, and a complete disaster. My pronouns are they/them.

I write mostly sci-fi, fantasy, and supernatural type stories. And I always do happy endings. I deal with some really low lows in my daily life, writing is my escape, so I like to live in my worlds where everything turns out okay in the end, no matter how much suffering happens first (read: i am a slut for hurt/comfort).

Right now, my energy is so low that I do not want to commit to betaing anything long form, but I'd love to read excerpts, shorter stuff, cheer you on, etc!

I am also down to be a reference for people wanting to portray mental illness. Personally I have the classic depression/anxiety/PTSD cocktail, but I also have ADHD and have lots of experience with what mental illness looks like on a daily basis. Also a decent reference for LGBTQ stuff, especially in rural areas, and stuff relating to my job.

Finally, I'm probably coming off as a bit cynical here, and I do often cuss/use sarcasm, but I genuinely want to hug all of your OC's and I want to do my best to support y'all with the few spoons I have!

About my WIP's:

You can tell I have ADHD by the WIP turnover rate in this blog. I have tags for them I believe, an organized post might happen later, but here's the two new shiny WIP's I anticipate working on the most over the next bit.

A supernatural...vaguely horror, vaguely satire, series of short stories about a group of people, all of whom met at a college, who meet up and protect their college town from monsters. I hate to call it Scooby-Doo meets Supernatural vibes, because it's not QUITE that? It's based on the RPG Monster of the Week, so hopefully that gives you an idea of the vibes.

I am also hoping to start a fantasy, dnd like WIP involving a character I absolutely adore that I made for another story with my partner that needs his own spinoff. More info to come? Hopefully?

I won't lie to y'all and promise consistency or activity, but I'm hoping sharing some of my stuff will help motivate me to get back into Writeblr. Sending love to y'all, and pls feel free to rant to me about your WIPs too!

[purplesurveys]

1864

How would you describe your journey so far in your 20s? I'd say more than anything it's been a quiet journey of me trying to make the most of what I'm handed, and it's been a mixed bag of clumsy moments, feelings of loss, and times where I feel on top of the world. I lost a great chunk of my 20s from the pandemic, so I think I'll always resent all the missed opportunities that were taken from me – like traveling or partying and even the feeling of Actually Working In An Office.

By the time Covid took a backseat my friends and I were already in our mid-20s and didn't feel like doing youth-y stuff anymore. But like I said, I hate seeing situations as helpless so I've done all I could to pivot and still enjoy what life has to offer. I reconnect with friends as often as I can, go out even if it means eating or going to a museum alone, go to as many concerts as I can, take my family to ALL of the expensive restaurants that we could only stare at before...things like that. I have a very strong need to feel ~alive after what the world had been through.

What role does music play in your life, and are there any songs or artists that have had a significant impact on you? It now has less impact from, say, when I was in high school where music served as my personal megaphone and made me feel practically invincible. Now, I listen to music mostly for enjoyment; I vibe more with beats and instrumentals versus lyrics.

Paramore continues to be the most influential for me because they always seem to know what's going on in my head and what I need to hear or know. BTS will also always have a major impact on me simply by virtue of saving me from death.

Are there any specific goals or aspirations you have for your future? How do you plan to work towards them? My biggest goal in life, and has been since I was 9, is to be able to attend Wrestlemania 50. That's really it; I don't wish for much other than that + not to get sick + for my loved ones not to get sick. I know that shit will cost millions – from visa applications to the flight tickets to the cost of things in the US – so I save as much as I can.

Another is to be able to travel outside Asia, if possible taking my parents with me so they can see the world too. Again, it's a matter of money so it's the same goal of earning and saving as much as possible to make it happen.

How do you prioritize self-care and maintain your mental well-being in your daily life? Paying more attention to work-life balance. I did the dirty work in the last 3 years when I was working myself up the ranks. Now that I've pretty much reached my work goals (for now), I'm granting myself the self-compassion to take it easy and slowly.

What are some activities or hobbies that bring you joy and help you relax? I have a rhythm game that I regularly play to decompress. I also keep up with pro wrestling, as I think it's great to have that one niche interest that you can always come back to; of course there's BTS which is my constant source of comfort and happiness...I write when I need an outlet, as shitty and clumsy as my poems are...and I have my dogs with whom I play and baby and cuddle for hours each day.

Have you ever faced any challenges related to mental health? How do you cope with them? I used to be severely depressed. I didn't have ways to cope with it and I also didn't go to therapy because I was always shy (and it's very! expensive!), which certainly didn't help with my trying to get out of that hole. I was self-destructive for a very long time.

Everything got better when I discovered BTS and found a family in them. As cheesy as it sounds, I learned how to laugh and smile again (and mean it) because of them. They made me want to be better for myself and they made me want to help myself.

How do you define love and what does it mean to you personally? Promising to do your best by a person, at least to me. I know I love someone when I want to be better because of them while simultaneously doing my best, in the choices that I make, to make them feel happy and safe.

What qualities do you look for in a partner or potential significant other? I gave up on love in this respect because I've experienced the ugliest a relationship could possibly get that I've walked away from it for good. That said, I don't think any trait, as perfect and as desirable as it makes someone seem, could redeem romantic relationships for me anymore.

How do you navigate dating in the modern world, especially with the influence of technology and social media? I don't. And I've been the happiest avoiding it.

What are your thoughts on marriage and starting a family? Is it something you envision for yourself? It used to be. It has zero appeal to me now.

How do you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevent burnout? I clock out at exactly 6 PM now. Latest at 6:30 PM, and I only make overtime exceptions if it *absolutely* cannot be helped. I have also learned how to delegate, which was my illness before as I used to hoard and hoard and hoard tasks – both because I wanted to prove myself to my superiors and because I felt guilty about passing tasks to my teammates thinking they'd think of me as bossy.

Are there any specific skills or areas of knowledge you would like to develop or improve upon? I wish I was a naturally good and a natural born leader. I'm a follower and a listener through and through, so it's a struggle now that my work description pretty much mandates me to lead an entire team. Couple that with my anxiety and paranoia that makes me fixate on the thought of my teammates preferring Bea (who left) over me and think I'm incompetent, and it all makes for a shitty equation.

Still, I try to do the best I can and lead to the best of my abilities because if I keep up that ^ toxic mindset it will become more and more true – so I might as well do my damn best and learn from the journey, mistakes and all.

How do you handle setbacks or failures and use them as opportunities for growth? I'm very analytical about it, which I guess is a major side effect from the work I do (which is very learnings-obsessed). I take a look at the areas I failed in, think back on things I said that I could've said better, things like that...and actively make a change the next time I need to do them to see if the impact would be better that time around.

How do you stay connected with your friends and loved ones despite the demands of adult life? Well that's part of the magic of the world going online. Everyone's just a chat away; and even if I don't actively/routinely talk to someone I can always keep up with their lives through stories and posts.

Are there any specific travel destinations or experiences you hope to explore in the future? Since I was around 12-13 I've made it a goal to travel to Chicago one day. Some of my favorite shows and films are set there + Chicagoans seem to be THE most passionate people about their own hometown.

I wish it were also easier to travel around India, but as a woman I doubt that will ever happen in my lifetime. I'd love to visit as I'm very interested in their culture and I would like to try authentic street food.

Places in South Korea outside of Seoul – Busan, Daegu, all the countryside places they feature on 2 Days 1 Night that have their own traditions, festivals, cuisines...South Korean culture is very colorful and it'd be great to experience them all; but the language barrier becomes a bigger issue the farther you get from the city. I'm also very well aware of the racist sentiments towards Filipinos and the fact that Koreans shoo away foreigners when they feel like it (even within Seoul!), so that makes me wary about visiting non-Seoul places much as I would love to experience their culture.

How do you navigate and make decisions about your career path and professional growth? I treat every day like it's my first day on the job and completely clueless – it helps with forming a mindset to consistently want to become better. I credit that thinking to my quick improvements and why my promotions have been as quick as they became.

What are some of your favorite ways to give back to your community or contribute to causes you care about? My main advocacy is supporting animal shelters and adoption of stray animals, which involves money – and a lot of it. That said I donate 1-2 times a week to various NGOs/shelters; and I share calls for adoption whenever I come across them on social media.

There's one shelter in particular that has a subscription feature of like ₱180 a month, where the money goes to maintenance, treatments, rescues, and food – afaik I've been subscribed ever since they introduced that feature. I wish they could open up higher tiers because I am definitely willing to pay more, but since it's not available I just continue sending them money for their individual rescues.

How do you envision your life in the next five years, and what steps are you taking to make that vision a reality? In five years I think having my own place would be a lot more feasible so I hope I have been able to achieve that by then! My benchmark is Bea who was able to have her own condo at 29, so that's what I'm working towards haha. I can't believe at high school I thought having my own place at like 22 would be easy...so naive.

[strqyr]

Do you ever feel isolated when you enjoy something and can see the value in a piece of media, but people online outright do not understand it at all, or even care to try to understand it to the point that they effectively scorn you indirectly every time they insult that work, and you can't do anything about it because you'd get labeled as overthinking things and "needing better taste", even though you aren't some mindless drone?

And that you wish they'd give that media a proper chance and actually making the effort to recognize your point of view instead of dismissing it because they only care about surface level impressions and listening to popular opinion?

i wouldn't say i ever felt isolated bc i do enjoy solitude and silence can be incredibly comforting ( tho this is probably more of a cultural thing rather than a me thing, specifically, but if the shoe fits ) so like. isolation isn't really a negative feeling to me bc it's kind of my starting point? but i have definitely been there where i want to see what other people are thinking about something i like, and then letting the negativity get to me and affect my own enjoyment of it.

and then i learned two things about myself: 1. despite what my brain sometimes likes to tell me, i do, in fact, like being happy, and 2. i'm that spiteful that like hell am i going to let other people ruin my fun. like. why care about "better taste" when what's really important is if you find enjoyment out of your choice of media? it's called entertainment for a reason. if i'm entertained then job well done. if not, it wasn't meant for me, and i move on. simple as that.

anyway, to prevent myself from making myself miserable, i made myself my own place where i can share my thoughts and art and all that stuff, and that's. this blog. i don't wander far from here, i filter tags and words like there's no limit ( i certainly hope there isn't lol ) and the block button is never too far. the education system here helped ensure that i came out with some critical thinking skills so i don't need other people to tell me how to feel about this and that; different perspectives are nice and all but when people start acting like only their or the popular opinion is all that matters i'm like. who are you people lol

anyway. find your happiness in cultivating your own space and not giving a damn about what other people think. i know it's easier said than done bc i've been there, but it's time better spent than trying to argue with and change minds of people who have no intention of doing so ( and really, that's their right, they don't need to like everything in the world or even give it a chance if they don't want to, and they're free to give their opinions just like you and i are, be it the same opinion or not )

sorry if this makes no sense. it's been a long day and i'm very tired, so i might have rambled a bit and completely missed the point. i guess what i'm trying to say that it's good to learn to recognize when a conversation isn't going anywhere ( for whatever reason ) and just cut your losses instead of sticking around just to walk into a brick wall over and over again.

and also prioritize your own happiness and well-being by finding or creating yourself a place where you don't feel that way.

[kelleah-meah]

My 2023 Samhain tarot reading

Once again, I'm a little late sharing my annual Samhain tarot reading results. What can I say? Life's been a bit ... unusual lately.

Enough excuses. If you checked out my 2022 Samhain reading, you know the past few years had a bit of a recurring theme. In short, the past few year's reading gave me a Theme of the Year card that followed a pattern.

For Samhain 2019-2020, my Theme of the Year card was a Knight of Wands.

For Samhain 2020-2021, the Theme of the Year card was a Queen of Wands.

For 2021-2022, the Theme of the Year was represented by the King of Cups.

And now, for 2022-2023, the Theme of the Year is ... The World.

So here we are, looking at the 2023-2024 year, and what did it tell me to expect over the upcoming year? The Fool.

Nah, I'm just kidding!

I did The Fool card later in the reading, but it wasn't my Theme of the Year card. Even though this Witch's New Year spread did send me plenty of signs reinforcing the idea that I will be starting a new journey in my life (which is echoed in other areas of my life, hello reverse nodal return!), it wasn't as in-your-face as I would've appreciated, I did receive the message.

Let's dive in!

Here is my set up on All Hallow's Eve at the end of last month:

For anyone wondering, I typically begin all my readings with a brief breathing exercise aided by the Breathe app. Then I use the SoundHeal app to play a tone while I meditate. Of course, I can meditate or do a reading without doing all of these things, but I find that the ritual of it all helps me gain clarity during my tarot reading.

(With that said, I am looking to replace the SoundHeal app because it's not as effective as it used to be. I've noticed the tones go down significantly within seconds after you start no matter how loud you turn up the volume.)

Anyway, after I meditate, I lay out the cards to follow this specific spread:

And this is what it told me:

I know that's a little hard to see, but feel free to dive into the breakdown below to help give you more insight into each card ...

Theme of the Year

- 4 of Pentacles

Interpretation: I will actively give and save as I learn to be more in flow with the universe and live an abundant life.

Fall 1 (the remainder of Fall 2023)

- 7 of Pentacles

Interpretation: I will give thanks for what I harvest as I also reflect, reinvigorate, and realign, utilizing patience as the seeds of my efforts continue to grow.

Fall 2 (the beginning of Fall 2024)

- 10 of Pentacles

Interpretation: I will stop living in survival mode and expect success and happiness. Spiritual and material abundance will abound, and I will spread it around generously.

Hopes

- 9 of Pentacles

Interpretation: The harmony and harvest I seek are right in front of me. I will be myself and embrace the energy of success and celebrate my progress.

Dreams

- Justice

Interpretation: My dreams of balance and harmony are becoming a reality. In response, I will learn from every part of me and allow that wisdom to guide me.

Winter 1

- The Sun

Interpretation: I am whole and perfect so I will shine like the sun and find my confidence in joy and creativity.

Winter 2

- 6 of Cups

Interpretation: I will forgive myself and make peace with my past for it has brought me to where I am meant to be.

Creativity

- The Moon

Interpretation: I will go within, find comfort in the darkness, and calmly listen to the whispers of my intuition as it reinvigorates your creativity.

Career

- The Fool

Interpretation: I will trust my intuition as I dive into a new beginning for an adventure that will lead me down my soul's intended path.

Money

- 10 of Wands

Interpretation: I will let go of heavy burdens and prioritize my essential needs. The rest will fall into place.

Business

- 10 of Swords

Interpretation: I will let go to meet the new dawn so my wounds can begin to heal.

Spring 1

- The Devil

Interpretation: I will delve into my shadow side, go outside my comfort zone, and find the healing I seek. I am on the cusp of liberation.

Spring 2

- The Empress

Interpretation: I will focus on unifying my mind, body and spirit. I will also calmly move in the direction of my heart and abundance will follow.

Relationships

- King of Cups

Interpretation: Through diplomacy and wise leadership, I will find stability and balance while fostering love, empathy and acceptance.

Love

- Queen of Pentacles

Interpretation: I will give myself permission to rise to my potential, warts and all. Abundance in the form of self-love is essential to a life well-lived.

Summer 1

- 3 of Wands

Interpretation: Opportunities will arrive as I continue to move in the right direction. I will keep going as I manifest what I have prepared for years ago.

Summer 2

- The World

Interpretation: A blissful and happy ending is upon me. I will welcome this beautiful shift as it expands my consciousness and prepares me for the next adventure.

Travel

- 2 of Cups

Interpretation: A beginning of a new partnership or friendship is near, resulting in the merging of 2 paths and kindred spirits.

Explorations

- King of Pentacles

Interpretation: Every lesson, challenge, success and failure in my life led to more personal growth. I will cultivate my past and dream my biggest light to life.

Hearth

- 3 of Cups

Interpretation: Nothing is too big or too small to celebrate. I will trust my heart to lead me to genuine friendships that make life more joyful.

Home

- The Tower

Interpretation: An unexpected change will challenge you to the point where you will need to re-evaluate, re-direct, re-establish and re-align in order to move toward the brightest light.

---

My overall thoughts:

Once again, I have no idea what to expect for the upcoming year. I know that at the moment, I'm at a bit of a crossroads and I'm doing my best to not feel afraid of what's to come.

The 4 of Pentacles is not a bad Theme of the Year. Clearly I am building toward something -- hopefully it will include paying off medical bills and reducing debt -- but at the moment, I don't know what that something is.

Let's just say I know more of what I do not want than what I do want.

There are a lot of major arcana for this upcoming year (although 1 less than last year), and it's important to remember that it is mostly pretty balanced:

The Tower

The World

The Devil

The Empress

The Fool

Justice

The Sun

The Moon

Considering what's going on in the world (especially in my country of the U.S.), I think the best I can do is take every day one day at a time.

[strayslost]

thinking about chuuya and kouyou's perspectives on the PM and what they do in it... my headcanons on them change very easily so i might do a 180 on these but still. under the cut for length

in my mind (and this is mostly how i interpret them on this blog for fun rather than what i think is canon), chuuya does to an extent believe that the port mafia is doing good for the city. it's the "dirty work" that needs to be done that no-one wants to do, controlling and organizing crime, etc. but he also is aware that he's doing bad things and could probably be called a bad person for supporting the organization - he just doesn't care, because to him, he prioritizes the people he cares about personally over the lives of other people / the "innocent."

kind of like... he thinks the PM is necessary and does SOME good, but even in the places where it's not and it's just hurting people, he still sticks with them because his family comes first. he's willing to hurt innocents/do the "wrong" thing if it means protecting them. (both physically and emotionally, and from prison, etc)

however, he does still have a moral compass, and there are things in the PM that make him uncomfortable that he doesn't want to support. so he kind of... takes a few different approaches depending on what it is - either he chooses not to care because of the above "family comes first" mindset, or he lies to himself a little and tells himself either that it's necessary; that he can't do anything about it or that he's wrong for being uncomfortable to begin with. not trusting his own judgement, basically. hopefully one day, he'll take control of the pm from mori and learn that he can make the mafia a better place, actually listen to his own moral judgements and shape the organization into something different.

(listen it may not be realistic because it's still the mafia but this is fiction therefore. i do not care. disclaimer that my views on the PM do not reflect my views on the real mafia etc. etc. lol)

kouyou on the other hand... compared to chuuya, there's far less that genuinely makes her uncomfortable in the PM (with a few exceptions), and that's part of why she sees herself as a bad person who could never be good even if she wanted to. she knows the PM does some good for the city, but that's not as important to her as it might be to chuuya - instead, her mindset is more like. even if she left the PM, it would still exist and people would still be hurt because of it - so it doesn't matter to her if she's the one doing the hurting. even if she left, she'd just be replaced, though admittedly the organization probably would take a hit - but it wouldn't ultimately change anything about how it functions.

if that's the case, she'd rather be selfish and live the life she knows, that she's grown comfortable with, and as an executive have some power over what the PM does that she wouldn't have outside it. she does want to help make the organization better with mori, but it's more for the sake of the people within it than those outside it. hopefully, her loyalty would shift to chuuya if he ended up taking over, and she'd realize that it's okay for her to want to be a little bit "good." because a big part of it too honestly is like... she doesn't think she's capable of being in the light? or that she deserves it?? and i'd like for her to change that mindset, and like chuuya, work on making the PM better than it is now.

(or they could both leave. i'd be happy with that option too. they deserve better than the PM as it is now, is what I'm saying!!)

so basically comparing them to each other - to an extent they believe the PM does some good (chuuya moreso than kouyou) but they're also aware that it does a lot of bad / that not everything it does is necessary, either. chuuya responds to this "bad" by either deciding that he cares about his family more than outsiders, or by lying to himself about his discomfort and repressing it. kouyou responds by believing that someone would be doing the "bad" no matter what, so it might as well be her. as for why they stay to begin with - for chuuya, it's about having a home and a family he cares for there. kouyou is mostly the same, but for her it's also a fear of the "light" and believing she's incapable of living that way. (though chuuya does hold this belief to an extent too...) they both have lines they don't want to cross though, and eventually with character development might come to see that they do want to be better people than they are now, and are capable of doing that, either through leaving the PM or changing it fundamentally as an institution.

[eydi-andrius]

2022 was the shittiest year of my life, I'm still halfway there I know, but it was.

Before posting this...I thought I'll do the usual new year stuff greeting, you know... looking back being grateful, thankful for the negative stuff, turning things into positive.

But nah, you can be grateful but still admit that it was straight up bad.

It started off with me losing, being the butt of the joke, losing, realizing that I was the only one around who doesn't love myself than I should, being called selfish for putting boundaries, being called out for cutting people off without apologizing anymore, knowing that the most important person doesn't give the same sentiments towards me, keeping my peace and leaving without looking back once its not working anymore.

Somehow, I was told there were better ways to do it. However, when I was at my lowest these people were never there to help me out anyway. They stressed me out. Made me look stupid. And called me names I will never call them in my life.

I want justice for what they did to me. I was fueled with resentment. Yet, I never acted on it. Instead I made sure it will never happen to me again.

2022 was my year of meeting people who will scarred me to death or as a survivor.

I did meet the most awesome humans and community though. They supported me, whether they were aware of it or not. I am thankful, grateful, that I found them and they existed.

The journey was rocky at its best. I loved it though. I started getting to know myself. Being comfortable at being the weirdo. Prioritizing and making myself the number 1 whilst being empathetic. It was so hard and I remembered crying over the things I can't control each night when I thought I was okay. But healing is messy, so I was fine with it.

Take note, that I am only writing this here because this is the only place I feel most comfortable to share this with.

And having a shitty year is definitely okay. And no, just because you only remembered the bad things that happened last year, you will also share the negative to the upcoming year. Toxic positivity is much worse and deadly.

The first step into self love is being honest with yourself, accept it, then think of how you can work on it the next time. If you can't do it now, timing will help you out. I don't know how to explain it but yes, it will work out somehow. And that's the biggest lesson I've learned this year.

And yes, yourself is your number one ally. So be kind, always be grateful, and always talk kindly to yourself. No matter what the situation was because love is not abusive. It is soft, kind and gentle. You deserve to be treated that way.

I hope, wish and I'm sending all the blessings I can share to everyone so we all have the prosperous new year we needed, deserved and wanted.

Happy New Year and thank you for being here.