#LEVELUP

[adviceformefromme]

💖 YOUR NEW YEAR PRE-LUDE (33 DAYS TILL 2025) [GLOW UP SERIES] 💖

If you’re still waiting till 1st Jan 2025 to change your life, then sweetie you’re already ten steps behind. The ladies that have been following this series know we been on this GLOW-UP since September!!! Which means there has been plenty of time for trial and error, plenty of time to join the gym, slack off and then get back into and fall off again, because by the 2025 arrives we already in our NEW ROUTINE. ELEVATED. CEMENTED. But if you’re late to the party fear not, I’ve got the goodies. This period is all about finding your ENERGY LEAKS and fixing them. It’s one thing to want to start a new business, loose weight, meet the love of your life…But what if you keep failing before you even start? What if when the evening comes you have no energy for the gym, what about if you try to loose weight but keep eating those free cakes in the office? To fix the issues, you’ve got to identify where you’re slipping up and to do this you need to start REFLECTING. Reflection is going to change your life, it allows you to take a birds eye view of your current situation and assess your shortcomings and make necessary changes. With this knowledge you can...

IDENTIFY THE SNARES (a snare is discreet trap to catch and kill)

Example 1: 

You’re still entertaining Mr Mixed Signals (you want to trace back the steps to see how/when you got into this situation, maybe you misread the signals, forgot to ask him his intentions because he wasn’t clear with you and this is the trap. He wasn’t clear and you didn’t ask. The trap was you not asking questions which is ESPECIALLY important when you’re dealing with confusing men. They will confuse into the wilderness, causing you to loose your track of your own life, wasting time and precious energy…for what?? Now if you done already learnt this lesson and identified the SNARE come 2025 you will not be falling for the same trap. And this is the power of reflection and identifying the snare.

Example 2: 

You’re struggling to not check your phone in the morning. You go to sleep with your phone on your bedside table. You’ve realised the snare is waking up with the phone within arms reach, but if your phone is in the other room and your watch is on your bedside, there is no slipping up. You practise this continuously for the next few weeks, so by the time we are in 2025, morning scrolling will be a thing of the past. 

Example 3: 

You hate mid-week cleaning period. But you know how much a dirty bathroom impacts your clean aesthetic. So when the bathroom sink is getting a little grimy by Tuesday and needs a clean but you don’t have cleaning spray stored in the bathroom, because its kept under the kitchen sink…You’ve realised this is the trap. So you’ve invested in some cleaning wipes on your next supermarket run that you can easily store in your bathroom cabinet, and now your bathroom is quickly wiped and cleaned looking immaculate daily...

Do you see how important this time is PRE-2025? You get to figure out why you can’t stay on top of your cleaning, why you keep skipping the gym, you reflect and understand where the snare has killed the life and soul of your vision. ~Your vision to live in cleanliness, your vision to meet the love of your life, to wake up and have you-time before you check in with the world.

Homework: I recommend setting aside 30 mins to do some reflections in a notepad, reflect on your goals, identify the snares killing your goals from being realised and get a new plan. Be one step ahead, we are not playing in 2025. We are healed, thriving, energised, and abundant. Use these 33 days wisely. Be one step ahead.

[becomingthatgirl111]

be aware of what you consume:

the energy of others: surround yourself with positive people and avoid those who drain you.

the videos you watch: select content that inspires, educates or entertains you in a healthy way.

what you read: look for reliable sources and material that enriches you intellectually.

who you follow: follow people who inspire and challenge you to grow.

what you scroll through on social media: avoid negative content and look for something that motivates you or makes you feel good.

the news: look for objective sources of information and avoid information overload.

highlights of others: compare less and celebrate more the achievements of others.

the advice you listen to: evaluate advice according to your criteria and needs.

source: @zamirasaba

[chichiscloset]

She’s a lady

[curatedbyondrea]

How to Add Hints of *Luxury* in Your Everyday Routine Using Your 5 Senses

Here are some ways to add hints of luxury into your everyday routine, for a touch of indulgence without breaking the bank:

Sight:

Fresh flowers: A small bud vase with a single bloom or a mini bouquet of seasonal flowers brightens any space.

Candlelight: Swap harsh overhead lighting for candles in the evening. Opt for natural soy wax and calming scents like lavender or vanilla.

Declutter and decorate: Tidy up your surroundings and add a touch of beauty with a framed picture, a decorative throw pillow, or a scented candle.

Smell:

Signature scent: Apply a touch of your favorite perfume to your pulse points in the morning for a confidence boost.

Natural air freshener: Simmer a pot of water with citrus peels or herbs like rosemary for a natural and uplifting scent in your home.

Scented sachets: Tuck fragrant sachets filled with lavender or rose petals into your lingerie drawers or clothes closet.

Touch:

Luxe towels: Invest in a set of plush towels for a spa-like experience after showering or bathing.

Silk scarf: Tie a silk scarf around your neck or wear it in your hair for a touch of elegance.

Comfy slippers: Upgrade your footwear at home with a pair of soft slippers or house shoes.

Taste:

Homemade infused water: Add slices of cucumber, lemon, or berries to your water pitcher for a refreshing and flavorful drink.

High-quality coffee or tea: Invest in a bag of specialty coffee beans or loose-leaf tea for a more enjoyable morning or afternoon pick-me-up.

Multi-sensory experience: Combine taste with other senses to create a more immersive experience. Play calming music while you eat, light a scented candle, or arrange your food on a beautiful tray.

Sound:

Uplifting playlist: Create a playlist filled with calming music or nature sounds that help you relax and de-stress.

Listen to audiobooks: Immerse yourself in a captivating story by listening to audiobooks while commuting or doing chores.

Focus on the soundscape: Pay attention to the sounds around you – birds chirping, rain falling, or gentle music – and appreciate the beauty of everyday acoustics.

Bonus Tip:

Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to be present in the moment and savor the simple pleasures. This can be anything from enjoying a delicious cup of tea to feeling the soft texture of your favorite blanket.

By incorporating these small touches, you can elevate your everyday routine and create a more luxurious and enjoyable experience. Remember, luxury isn't just about expensive things, it's about creating a sense of peace, comfort, and beauty in your daily life.

Follow for more tips <3

[a-soft-life-for-bw-moodboard]

[jluxsymone]

ME: instagram @j__symone

[leveledupmindset]

Keep your heels and standards high!

[khylamarieren]

Femininity is not the absence of strength. It is the confidence and deliberate act of being exactly who God created you to be. Women are powerful in their softness, their nurturing spirit, their creativity, and their childlike wonder. A caring heart towards the people around them is often more impactful than stepping into a setting for the sole reason of trying to prove their worth to men or for the sake of proving their independence/value in some material form. Regardless of what the world says women ought to be in this age, I would like to be warm, gentle, a lover, and a friend. The creator of a home, and the giver of peace &  joy to those I love. It’s okay to want to be a feminine woman.

[thatgirlchallenge]

Financial Health

I've been reading a lot of books and watching a lot of videos about financial health, and how the system is set up to keep you " poor".

It's extremely interesting, and I didn't realize how much of a victim I was of this system. Like, sometimes, I am thinking of buying a certain very expensive bag to " reward" myself, or expensive skincare ( by the way, I'll make a post about this. A very interesting one, I think).

But genuinely, are those expensive things an actual reward ? Like is there a need to buy these stuff, instead of investing in your financial health...?

Too many trends, too many supposed high brands that target lower and middle classes as a PART of their maketing strategy, and too many influencers, completely out of touch, recommanding products that we don't need.

This very finely curated system is meant to keep you poor.

Right now, I am in a phase wherein I am realizing how much money I've wasted and how that money could have gone to useful or memorable things ( education, investing, travels). This realization part is the most important part of the journey.

Trust me, it's never too late to realize this, and correct the trajectory of your life.

Being an it girl is not about the expensive stuff you own, it's about the mindset. It's about how you carefully invest in yourself.

[girlmaxxxing]

[adviceformefromme]

Stop ignoring your bodily signals that’s somethings not right. You get a bad stomach and need to run to the bathroom after the morning smoothie? It doesn’t agree with you. You get terrible anxiety and feel you need to perform on dates with the pretentious guy? He’s not your person. You feel shaky after the iced latte? It’s not for you sweetie. Your body is constantly sending signals, letting you know what feels good, and what doesn’t. Foods that don’t agree with you, people that cause you panic. Take inventory on what's causing dis-harmony in your life, and start editing ruthlessly. This is an act of self love. No more ignoring signs from your inner guidance system. Start heeding the call from your body. It’s speaking to you always. 

[becomingthatgirl111]

these are the habits you have to give up before the year is out:

worrying about people and things you can’t control

negative conversations with others

obsessing about what others think

lying for others

expect others to do what you want them to do and get angry if they don't do it

creating expectations on others

gossiping

making excuses for not taking care of your responsibilities

lying to yourself

putting your needs lasts

giving priority to other people's opinions rather than your own

letting the negative opinions of others affect you

limiting yourself

comparing themselves to others and putting them on a pedestal

giving prominence to people who do not deserve it

set boundaries with others but not with yourself

spending too much time on social media

habits you need to implement:

create a daily routine that you feel comfortable with and suits you

calming your mind a few times a day

positive affirmations and healthy thoughts

complimenting others and congratulating their success

letting go of things you can’t control

ending toxic relationships

more time outside

making yourself and your health a priority

self compassion and self forgiveness

taking responsibilities

more self care

beginning with a motivation each day

do what you need for yourself

starting something new (activity, hobby, habit)

not to depend on others and to learn to do things you want to do on your own

focus on the good things and not on the things you don't like

exercise and eat healthy for the sake of your body and not to fit into a beauty canon

getting out of your comfort zone

focus on building healthy relationships rather than being guided by false expectations of how relationships should be

be true to yourself and your values

not to sell or denigrate you for money or lavish gifts

[chichiscloset]

It's never too late to re-invent yourself.

What does reinventing yourself mean?

Reinventing simply means identifying patterns, values, or activities that no longer serve you and changing them for better options. It can involve external characteristics, like job, hobbies, appearance, relationships, and location. True reinvention also happens inside, in how you think and behave. It will be different for everybody, which is what makes it so powerful.

Reasons to reinvent yourself

There are many reasons why you might find yourself craving self-reinvention. Ultimately, it’s a sign that you are seeking change in some area of your life. Here are some possible reasons why it could be time for you to start reinventing yourself. 

You’re stuck in a rut.  Being stuck means you feel like you’ve stagnated in some way. This feeling of languish could be because of a static relationship, tiresome job, or lack of general inspiration.

You’re seeking fulfillment out of life. Wanting to reinvent yourself could come from your desire for personal fulfillment and deeper meaning and purpose in your activities and how you spend your time. This need for self-improvement tends to happen when we acknowledge how much time we’ve wasted on things that don’t bring us joy or meaning.

You need a change. There doesn’t always have to be an exact reason why you crave self-reinvention. It could be that it is simply time for a seasonal shift to occur in your life. From a new haircut to breaking up with your toxic partner, change is a natural thing to desire.

5 steps for reinventing yourself

1. Start with self-understanding and self-awareness

One of the first steps you can take towards reinventing yourself is self-awareness. This means actively assessing your situation and what you would like to achieve. Contemplate your current position in life and what brought you to where you are now. Think about what you’d like to achieve in the next five years and where you would like to be in the future.

2. Define your core values

One really useful practice is defining your core values. It will be much easier to make positive changes if you know exactly what they look like and why you want them. Use these core values to create a personal vision statement that will orient you toward how you want to reinvent yourself.

3. Ask yourself what you want to change

Everybody wants something that they do not have. But chasing after what you don’t have is only worth it if you’ve deeply considered what it is you really want and why. Take a moment to yourself and ponder what is missing from your life. Where/who do you want to be, and what constructive changes can you make?

4.Be honest with yourself

Being honest with yourself can force you to deal with some hard truths that are uncomfortable to acknowledge. This makes it all the more important. Lying to yourself will only hold you back from personal development.

5. Surround yourself with the right people

The type of people that you surround yourself with has the power to either lift you up or bring you down. Make sure that the people around you are kind, honest, and want what is best for you in life. They will encourage you to do the right thing and keep you grounded. 

Reinventing yourself means discovering yourself

Reinventing yourself doesn’t necessarily have to be a complete overhaul of who you are as a person. It should be about recognizing your values and living your life as your authentic self.

Whether your goals involve a new career, moving to the countryside, or finally learning to love yourself, self-reinvention is a quintessential part of life. It is also a lifelong journey.

Until next time.

Chichi ❤️

[curatedbyondrea]

How to bring *luxury* into your life while on a budget

Luxury on a budget is absolutely achievable! It's about focusing on creating an experience of indulgence and pampering, rather than just expensive things. Here are some ideas:

Redefine Luxury for You:

Focus on Experiences: Luxury isn't just material possessions. Think about what makes you feel truly pampered and relaxed. Is it a long, candlelit bath with a good book? A picnic in a scenic spot? Prioritize experiences that create lasting memories.

Quality over Quantity: Invest in a few key items you'll love and use for years, rather than buying a lot of cheap things. This could be anything from a luxurious body lotion to a cozy throw blanket.

Create a Luxurious Atmosphere at Home:

Declutter and Deep Clean: A clean and organized space instantly feels more luxurious. Light some scented candles, put on some calming music, and dim the lights for a spa-like atmosphere.

DIY Spa Treatments: Skip the expensive spa and recreate the experience at home. Give yourself a foot massage with homemade sugar scrub, use a facial mask made with natural ingredients, or draw a relaxing bath with essential oils.

Elevate Everyday Activities: Take the time to savor a cup of tea in the morning. Set the table for dinner with nice plates and silverware, even if it's just a simple meal.

Seek Out Free or Low-Cost Luxuries:

Embrace Nature: Take a hike in a beautiful park, have a picnic by the beach, or simply sit outside and enjoy the fresh air. Nature is a free and luxurious way to de-stress and reconnect.

Cultural Gems: Many museums and galleries offer free or discounted admission days. Check your local library for free museum passes or online resources for virtual tours of famous collections.

Learn a New Skill: Taking a free online class in something that interests you, like photography or cooking, can be a stimulating and luxurious way to spend your time.

Remember: Luxury is about feeling good and taking care of yourself. By being creative and resourceful, you can incorporate these elements into your life, regardless of your budget.

[lilly-onthevalley]

Love this right now ⭐️

[jluxsymone]

Me @j__symone