#Aspirations

[thirteen-31]

@thirteen-31

[dearbaddie]

The less they know the better ✨💗

[ness-rangel]

All I Want To Be...

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]

[glowettee]

becoming your dream self: part 1 - creating your aesthetic blueprint ♡

hello darlingssss, it's mindy here to start our journey into becoming our most ethereal selves. especially for 2025, i already have a 2025 series, i'll be creating the masterlist for it soon!! but today we're laying the foundation of your dream persona, but not in the way you might expect. forget traditional vision boards - we're creating an aesthetic blueprint that speaks to your soul.

first, let's do something unconventional: spend a week documenting the moments that make your heart flutter.

i keep a tiny notebook in my favorite cardigan (i wear almost everydayyy) pocket and write down everything that causes that magical feeling - the way morning light hits your teacup, the sound of vintage jewelry boxes closing, the rustle of paper when turning pages in old books. the smell of rain, dark academia spotify playlists, etc! you don't need to keep a notebook in your pocket (as most notebooks don't fit) so you can bring a normal-sized one but just bring a bag with you that your notebook fits into. ex: tote bags.

here's my secret technique: create what i call "sensory anchors." choose five specific sensory experiences that embody your dream self:

a signature scent (mine is a mix of rose water and old books, or even victoria secret perfume)

a specific texture (i chose raw silk)

a recurring sound (my antique music box melody)

a taste (earl grey with lavender honey)

a visual motif (pressed flowers between glass)

next, we build these into daily rituals. instead of just planning how you want to look, plan how you want to feel.

my tip: create a "dream self hour" - the first hour after waking where you live exactly as your dream self would. don't check your phone, don't rush. move slowly, deliberately, like you're in a soft-focus film.

note: your dream self isn't just about appearance - it's about creating an atmosphere that follows you everywhere. i keep tiny vials of my signature scent in every bag, pressed flowers in my wallet, and a music box tune for my ring tones on my phone. these little touches help you embody your dream self even in mundane moments. it's really the first step to creating your dream self/persona

homework for this week: identify your five sensory anchors and practice incorporating at least one each day. document how it makes you feel in a dedicated journal.

with love and whispers of possibility, mindy ♡

[allegorypaintings]

Life's Illusions

Artist: George Frederic Watts (British, 1817–1904

Date: 1840

Medium: Oil on canvas

Collection: TATE Britain

Description

Life's Illusions is an allegorical painting that explores the vanity of human desires. Watts believed that art should reveal the mystery of being, and he used universal symbols to represent life's emotions and aspirations.

[thedeluxedoll]

[viviennemaeve]

Alter Ego's and Second selves-

Alter Egos Embracing the Versions of Ourselves That We Haven’t Met Yet

Have you ever stared at yourself in the mirror and wondered, Who else could I be? Not in a regretful or unsatisfied way, but in a dreamy, what-if-I-could way? That’s where alter egos and aspirations come into play—the untapped versions of ourselves that live in our heads, waiting for their turn on stage.

Let’s get one thing straight: alter egos aren’t just for superheroes or pop stars (though, shoutout to Beyoncé) They’re for anyone who dares to think, What if? What if I were bolder? What if I were softer? What if I stopped apologizing for existing or chasing approval like it’s oxygen? Alter egos are like a mental Pinterest board of who you could be if you allowed yourself to dream without limits.

The Beauty of an Alter Ego:

An alter ego isn’t about being fake or pretending. It’s about unlocking a part of yourself that feels just out of reach. Maybe in your day-to-day life, you’re shy and careful, but in your head, there’s a version of you who commands rooms, speaks their mind, and leaves a trail of awe behind them. That’s your alter ego whispering, You could be me if you tried.

Think of them as your personal blueprint for growth, not an impossible standard. They’re the person you’d be if fear didn’t exist, if failure didn’t sting, if your past didn’t weigh you down like an anchor. Like for me it's Vivienne Maeve..

For many might've thought that it is my real name but no Vivienne Maeve is my alterego. Someone who i embody,someone who isn't afraid to stand tall, someone who knows their own worth.

Aspirations

The Bridge Between You and Them

Aspirations are the breadcrumbs that lead you from who you are now to who you want to be. They’re the daydreams you can’t shake, the goals that feel a little too big, and the moments when you think, Why not me? Aspirations and alter egos go hand in hand—they’re both fueled by a belief that you’re not finished yet.

But here’s the catch: you can’t just live in the fantasy of your alter ego. At some point, you have to build the bridge. You have to take the risks, face the rejections, and rewrite the narratives that say you can’t.

When the Lines Blur

Here’s the best part: the more you lean into your alter ego, the more they stop feeling like someone else and start feeling like…you. That bold, unapologetic version of yourself? They’re just you without the doubt. That kind, forgiving version? They’re you without the baggage. Alter egos aren’t some magical transformation; they’re already you—just amplified, refined, and unafraid.

Let’s Get Real for a Second

Not every day will feel like a leap toward your dreams. Some days, even imagining your alter ego feels exhausting, like trying to envision the sun on a stormy day. And that’s okay. Growth isn’t linear, and aspirations don’t come with a deadline.

But here’s the thing: the more you show up, even in the smallest ways, the more you blur the line between who you are and who you want to be. One day, you’ll look back and realize you didn’t just meet your alter ego—you became them.

So, to anyone out there dreaming of their “better” self, here’s your reminder: that version of you already exists. They’re just waiting for you to believe in them.

[raccoonfallsharder]

january aspirations

for those anxiously waiting, cicatrix .⋆☁︎ :꧂already has more chapters drafted but will be paused until mid/late february to give me some recovery-time from this busy season of writing and life lol.

** i started out the new year really sick. like, had-to-take-a-nap-after-eating, then-slept-all-day-today sick. and since one of my resolutions is to be more flexible with myself on deadlines, i’m removing the current posting dates for the last two borealis fics. i do hope to get them both out this month, and i will update this post when i have a clearer idea of when that might happen, as well as posting a preview a few days in advance so if you’re waiting, you hopefully won’t miss it. thank you from the bottom of my heart for your patience!!

thursday, january 9. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | cook some goddamn food | for @pretty-in-possible ✮

monday, january 13 (tentative). borealis | kiss me at midnight | mcu | oneshot. ❤︎❤︎

tuesday, january 28. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | clean your frickin' room | for nonnie ✮

friday, january 31. borealis | the holiday gun show | mcu | oneshot. ❤︎❤︎

other things i'm working on for february and beyond...

february estimates

kiss kiss BANG BANG challenge all month long~ ✩❤︎

tuesday, february 11. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | stop hittin' shit. | RocketRaccoonsFluffyTail on ao3 ✮

tuesday, february 20. ✩࿐࿔ take what you need | do your frickin homework! | for nonnie ✮

thursday, february 27. cicatrix | chapter twenty-seven. la gaudière. ✩

march estimates

thursday, february 6. rocket raccoon prompt week | day seven. bite. | ao3 crosspost ✮

thursday, february 13. florescence❀. chapter six year five: dispersal. ❤︎❤︎ FINALE.

thursday, march 6. defiance | oneshot | mcu ✮✩

thursday, march 13. the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part four. south dakota. | ao3 crosspost ✮

thursday, march 20. cicatrix. | chapter twenty-eight. | anderance. ✩

thursday, march 27.Domestic Scenes in Space Travel. Untitled. FINALE. ❤︎❤︎

april estimates

thursday, april 3.cicatrix. | chapter twenty-nine. | amoransia. ??

thursday, april 10. the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part five. montana. | ao3 crosspost ✮

thursday, april 17.cicatrix. | chapter thirty. | dolorblindness. ??

thursday, april 24. love is blind: andromeda. | episode one. ✩

may estimates.

thursday, may 1.cicatrix. | chapter thirty-one. | ??. ??

thursday, may 8. the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part six. idaho. washington. | ao3 crosspost ✮

thursday, may 15.cicatrix. | chapter thirty-two. | mauerbauertraurigkeit. ??

thursday, may 22. hot local dads in your spaceport | oneshot ??

thursday, may 29. cicatrix. | chapter thirty-three. | ??. ??

resume crosspostingto ao3

the raccoon, the witch, & the roadtrip | part seven.you'vearrived at your destination. | ao3 crosspost

ᯓ⋆｡°✩practice: an eidos-rocket minific ✩

fistful of sunlight✩

new/ongoing projects

love is blind: andromeda. | episode two. ✩❤︎

possible spring one-shot [sex-pollen!]. could get moved to kinktober. ❤︎‬❤︎

untitled expansive maneuvers expansion. chapter one. ✩ ❤︎‬ ❤︎‬❤︎

universe killer [1/4]. ✩

other future projects

[pandora-books]

"We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars."

Oscar Wilde, Lady Windmere's Fan

[parowanormal]

pov: the girl who notices every little detail

[constancevigilant]

As an atheist, she knew her reputation would be all the afterlife she would have, and she strove to make it a good one.

~paraphrased from an interview about Octavia Butler.

[rhinestoneprincess]

I’ve been super into boho chic

[cosmicawg]

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐰/@𝐜𝐨𝐬𝐦𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐰𝐠

OH! Hi, welcome to my blog! I’m your favorite (you either love me or hate me) AWG. Today, we’re diving into ⭐BLACK CHARACTERS⭐—and no, I’m not talking about those one-dimensional characters just there for the urban memes. I mean the real deal: complex, rich, main characters that pack a punch!

As a Black writer myself, I’ll be honest—I sometimes struggle with crafting Black characters, whether they’re main leads or supporting roles. Why? Because every Black person has a different story. Believe it or not, not every Black man or woman has experienced the same tropes we see in the media. So how do we go about developing a powerful Black character or even a minor role that’s still refreshing and relatable? Let’s find out together!

𝐀𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐞𝐨𝐭𝐲𝐩𝐞𝐬: 𝐋𝐞𝐭’𝐬 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐆𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞!

When it comes to writing Black characters, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: stereotypes. You know, those tired clichés that pop up in movies and books like an unwanted party guest who just won’t leave.

First off, let’s acknowledge that not every Black character needs to fit into a box labeled “Gangster,” “Sassy Best Friend,” or “Magical Negro.” (Yes, I see you, Hollywood!) Every character deserves depth, complexity, and a unique backstory.

define: Magical Negro is a Black character who exists to help a white protagonist, often with supernatural powers. Example: John Coffey in The Green Mile.

Research, Research, Research! I can’t stress this enough. Dive deep into the experiences of real Black individuals, because every Black person has a different backstory! Personally, I haven’t experienced many of the challenges Black Americans face, like systemic racism, and it’s crucial to acknowledge that diversity. Understanding these nuances will help you create more authentic characters.

Ask Questions. Got a Black friend? (If you don’t, get one—kidding!) Use your network. Ask them about their experiences, perspectives, and how they feel represented in media. Just don’t be that person who asks, “So, do you like fried chicken?” It’s not cute.

Embrace Diversity Within Diversity. Not all Black characters should be from the same background. Explore different cultures, regions, and histories. There are a billion ways to be Black, so show that in your characters!

𝐖𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐢𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐮𝐞: 𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤

Now, let’s talk about dialogue—because if your characters sound like awkward robots, people will notice! When writing Black characters, remember that language is a huge part of identity. African American Vernacular English (AAVE) is a beautiful, expressive part of Black culture, but it needs to be used authentically and respectfully.

Personally, as a Black Jamaican, this is how I talk “proper.” I don’t use Patwa (Patois) in my dialogue when I’m writing Black American characters because, like I said before, Black culture varies. Just as I speak differently from a Black American, your characters should reflect the diversity of the Black experience. One-size-fits-all doesn’t apply here!

For example, a natural-sounding conversation between Black American friends might go like this:

Authentic: “Yo, you tryna head to the spot later?” “Bet, I’m down. Lemme hit you up after work.”

This sounds natural and reflects everyday speech without exaggeration. Now compare this with a stereotype that overuses slang and makes the character seem like a caricature:

Stereotyped: “Yo, dawg, we finna roll up in this joint, ya feel me? Straight fire!”

See the difference? One feels like a real conversation, while the other feels forced and unnatural.

Another Example: In a professional setting, you might have a character saying:

Authentic: “I’ll follow up on that report and get back to you by end of day.”

If you force casual AAVE where it doesn’t fit, it feels unnatural, like this:

Stereotyped: “Yo, I’ma hit you with that report later, aight?”

𝐃𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬: 𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐚𝐜𝐞/𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐲 𝐦𝐲 𝐬𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐮𝐫

Alright, let’s get into it! Crafting rich, layered backstories for your Black characters is where the magic happens. After all, they’re not just defined by their race; they come with a whole buffet of experiences, cultures, and dreams!

Cultural Heritage: Dive into your character's cultural background! If your character is Caribbean, like a sassy Jamaican or a vibrant Trinidadian, think about how family traditions and spicy food shape their identity. Maybe they celebrate Carnival with a flair that leaves everyone in awe, or they bring a bit of reggae to the school dance. Spice it up!

Family Dynamics: What’s the family vibe like? Is it a tight-knit crew where everyone knows everyone’s business, or is it a mixed bag of characters with their quirks? Picture a character raised by their wise grandma, who drops truth bombs about resilience while whipping up the best curry chicken in town. Those family stories can really shape who they are!

Personal Experiences: Let’s keep it real—your character’s experiences should be as unique as their favorite playlist! Maybe they faced challenges at school that made them a champion for anti-bullying or excelled in sports, turning their setbacks into comebacks. For example, they might have been teased for their skin tone, but that just made them more determined to lift others up.

Aspirations and Dreams: What gets your character out of bed in the morning? Whether they dream of becoming a doctor, an artist, or the next big YouTube sensation, their aspirations tell a story! Imagine a character who, inspired by their community’s struggles with healthcare access, aims to break barriers in medicine. Talk about a hero!

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞: 𝐔𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐏𝐮𝐭𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧

Alright, folks, let’s get real for a minute. We need to address a serious issue in storytelling: the unfortunate trend of making Black characters the butt of jokes to uplift white main characters. Spoiler alert: this is not cute, and it definitely doesn’t fly in a respectful narrative!

First off, humor is a powerful tool in writing, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of marginalized characters. When Black characters are used as punchlines or comic relief just to highlight the “funny” qualities of a white protagonist, it reduces their complexity and humanity. It perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misses the chance to create authentic, well-rounded individuals.

Example —

From “The Office” (U.S.): don't get me wrong I LOVE The Office, its my comfort show, however, In the episode titled “Diversity Day,” Michael Scott leads a diversity training session that reduces a Black character, Stanley, to a series of racial stereotypes. The humor in this scene relies heavily on racial caricatures, and Stanley is the butt of the joke, highlighting a lack of respect for his character. Michael’s antics, while intended to be funny, diminish Stanley’s complexity and reduce him to a stereotype for the amusement of the white characters.

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬: 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩

Books —

"Writing the Other: A Practical Guide" by Nisi Shawl and Cynthia Ward - A guide to writing characters outside your own experience with sensitivity and depth.

"The Art of Character: Creating Memorable Characters for Fiction, Film, and TV" by David Corbett - Offers insights on developing authentic characters.

"Diversity in Young Adult Literature" by various authors - A collection of essays discussing representation in YA literature.

Articles —

“Avoiding Stereotypes in Fiction: People of Color”

“Writing Characters of Color: How to Avoid Being Racist” - Vanessa Willoughby’s article on Book Riot 

“American Fiction: Scathing and Accurate Portrayal of the Obstacles Black Writers Face in Publishing” -  

𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐟𝐟: 𝐀𝐇, 𝐘𝐎𝐔 𝐃𝐈𝐃 𝐈𝐓!

Thank you so much for reading this post! To all my fellow Black writers out there, I invite you to drop your comments below—let me know if there's anything I've missed or misled. Remember, even though I strive for perfection (tehehe), I’m not above making mistakes!

I can’t wait to see all the vibrant, fully-realized Black characters you’ll bring to life in your stories. Together, let’s make sure our voices shine and our narratives resonate. Happy writing, and until next time, keep slaying those words!

—courtesy of cosmicawg

[in-tenebris-et-in-solitudine]