#currently being worked on. may take a week. the goal is to create an easy interface to find posts of your favorite characters or couples.

[iputthealgiainnostalgia]

Master Post Under Construction

Kuroko No Basket

Kuroko Tetsuya: All / Alone

Kagami Taiga: All / Alone

[prettieinpink]

Being that girl once again- back to school!

It’s back to school season everyone, and my favourite times of the year. In this post im going to give you stuff to do for back to school + advice in specific areas of your school life! I hope everyone can take away something from this post <3 

THINGS TO DO BEFORE BACK TO SCHOOL <3

Revise your past term content in your core subjects, ensure there’s nothing you do not understand(it’s better to understand now than have to understand later)

Review what you are going to be learning for this current term in your core subject, you don’t have to study it, just familiarise yourself. 

Catch up with your friends- hang out, call or text before the new school term. My favourite thing is to create predictions of drama, couples etc in the upcoming term w my girlies!

Create SMART goals for you to achieve that term, in any aspect you want. I say; 1 goal for academics, 1 goal for social and 1 goal for extracurriculars/sports. 

Clean your room !! do a deep clean and declutter. E.g wipe down all surfaces, hover pillows, vacuum floor, clean mirrors, take out any clothes you dislike

Do an everything shower + face masks!!

ACADEMICALLY

Everyday afterschool, revise everything that you’ve learnt today + the things that you struggle on

Anytime you get homework, complete it as soon as possible. Most of the time, it’s easy and non time consuming. 

Create study guides for exams/tests while actually learning instead of when the assessments are actually coming up. It saves you a lot of time, which you can use for studying effectively.

If you don’t already, have a specific learning/studying style that works for you. E.g flashcards, blurting, mind map, spaced repetition, the feynman technique. (ofc you can have multiple). Just know the pros and cons of each studying technique. 

Or, what I do is that I assign specific studying techniques to different subjects e.g science - blurting, HASS - flashcards, maths - the feynman technique. This may be different to what you have the most success learning.

Have a place, time every day or at least most days, where you can study without distractions. I like to study at the library afterschool, it’s chill and literally void of any distractions.

The only advice in which i’ll say is not optional– do practise questions under the said test conditions. Stop using websites, listening to music, being on your phone etc. Get in the zone and transfer the environment. 

SOCIALLY

Make an effort to say hi or goodbye to some people, even if you do not know them that well. If you’re up for it, ask them how they are going or how their day has been.

Start remembering names and birthdays. This will literally make people like you so much more, it’s so simple but people swoon over this. Process names in your mind and write down birthdays in your calendar. 

Don’t be afraid to talk to others. Most people do not care if you talk to them, and some are glad that you talk to them. This is how people become well-known or well-liked. 

Watch videos on how to converse with people you do not know well effectively and become close with them. TED x has a lot of videos on this, and are usually helpful. 

Don’t try to fit in with the crowd. It’s so draining, and even if you think they do, they most likely dislike you(sorry!) . Instead, find/be with your people. 

Join a club/extracurricular. You meet so many like-minded people this way, while still developing your own skills. I say everyone should at least have one solid extracurricular. 

If you are in a talking stage, three weeks is enough time for him or you to decide if you’re willing to date them. It’s not the 1920s anymore, we have imessages, facetime, skype and others to communicate and get to know each other without contact

Call out your friends if you notice them doing something toxic or generally anything they shouldn’t do. E.g gossiping, getting mad at others, bullying someone. If they continue, it will influence you in the long run.

MENTALLY 

Reframe your mindset. I know most of us do not favour school, but do not dwell on negativity and find ways to be positive/neutral about your circumstances. You’ll feel so much better.

Detach. Detachment is literally essential in highschool, there’s so much drama and most likely you will somehow get tied up in it. Stop absorbing what happens and let it influence you, observe what happens and learn from it. I have a post on this here. 

Start saying affirmations everyday. I know affs are usually viewed as a manifestation thing, but it doesn’t have to be. It can be a simple one minute way to cultivate a neutral/positive perspective of yourself. 

Journal. Things will happen, so journaling is a great way to discuss your circumstances, feelings, trauma, relationships etc and develop a sense of identity at the same time. I have a post on this here. 

Meditate. It can be go-go-go constantly, but just take a break and gain some mental clarity and see how much better you feel decluttering your mind. 

Embrace a change and growth mindset, especially in an environment where we are constantly required to adapt. 

PHYSICALLY

Start stretching.. seriously. You sit at a desk for like 5 hours a day excluding lunch and recess, everyday, which is of course going to do a number on your body. It can relieve pain in many different areas.

Have at least 1 form of exercise you do everyday. I know being students, we have to sit at a desk constantly. But, do not give up on practising good exercise habits. Not only can it help with results, it’s good for you.

Get the recommended sleep of 6-8 hours per night, which is good quality sleep without disruptions. It helps with long term memory and you’ll feel better. 

Start packing healthy but tasty lunches to school instead of buying. You’ll save so much money in the long run, and it’s better for your body. 

BEAUTY 

Get your uniforms tailored just a bit. Not too noticeable, but enough that it fits better on your body. Especially for button formal shirts, as they make you look 10 times as bulky than what you actually are. 

Buy new jewellery, earrings, necklaces or whatever you’re allowed. Subtle but noticeable jewellery makes girls look so pretty.

Learn new hairstyles!! Don’t just wear the same hair everyday, mix it up, it’s fun and makes you look attractive. 

Get a good eyebrow gel + clear mascara. Legit life changer, I look so much better everyday because I look put together without make up.

apply  vaseline on areas you would apply highlight, but avoid your eye area. 

Have a good skincare regime!! Being a student is stressful, getting pimples is a sign of stress. 

Okay that's it. Happy back to school everyone! Here’s an affirmation for you <3

I am intelligent and capable. I am skilled and confident in my abilities. I am perceived well by others. I am healthy. I am wealthy. I am looking for this term to be full of good grades, vibes, friends, growth and fun. 

[femmefatalevibe]

how to balance work and personal life???

Plan your days & week around your energy peaks: Figure out the times of the day when you're most focused, productive, creative, fidgety, sleepy, etc., and structure your days/weeks/month around your internal clock to the best of your ability. While this may be slightly difficult if you have a 9-5 or go to school during the day, think about what blocks of time are best dedicated to meetings, creative work, planning, routine tasks, emails, studying, etc. For those with uteruses, consider your energy throughout your cycle to help you plan the month.

Create "bookend" routines: While these will often be your morning and nighttime routines, consider how you prime and unwind your mind from your biggest tasks of the day (for most of us, this will be work, school, and chores on the weekends). Some reading, light movement, and upbeat music can create momentum before starting your daily tasks. A long walk and some journaling are a simple yet productive combination to decompress from the day.

Embrace the power of 3s: Create a daily primer routine, workday, and relaxation routine around 3 core tasks/projects/rituals. For example: Mornings can include using your 5-Minute Journal, doing a quick 10-minute meditation/yoga/dancing session to get in some movement, and spending 10 minutes reading; Your workday should be focused on completing your "Big Three" tasks, projects, or meetings of the day; Evenings can include a quick 5-10 minute planning session for the next day, a 15-60 minute walk or workout (depending on how you're feeling), and some journaling/reading time after dinner. You don't need to do it all. Consistency is key.

Make A Life Admin Schedule (and Stick To It): Choose days (and times if possible) of the week to update certain spreadsheets, batch reply to less urgent messages, clean your house, do laundry, grocery shop, etc. Scheduling these tasks ahead of time eliminates half of the battle for following through on what you need to do. Eventually, you will make these tasks into habitual routines that your brain will allow you to execute effortlessly as though you're in autopilot mode.

Focus on systems, not habits: Consider the domino effect of each practice and activity. Determine whether your current strategies and routines align with your energy, goals, and desired outcomes. Reflect on the parts of your routine that increase/decrease your energy and motivation. See how you can create a system – a pattern of consistently-practiced habits – that supports your goals and desired lifestyle that does not compromise your overall life satisfaction and well-being.

Set Boundaries: Understand your expectations, non-negotiables, and limits in every area of your life. Communicate these principles to others clearly, so they know when they are overstepping. Don't tolerate disrespect, but also don't expect others to be mind-readers. If someone knows that they're crossing your boundaries, it is easy to draw the line in the sand and walk away without the guilt or shame that can arise when conflicts originate from a lack of healthy communication.

Incorporate One Creative Practice Into Your Week: Reinvigorate your mind by engaging in at least one hour of creative activity per week. Try drawing, creative writing, poetry, singing, dancing, painting, pottery, jewelry making, graphic design, photography, etc. Even taking a foreign language course or creating a Pinterest inspiration/mood board or organizing your home/closets in an aesthetically-pleasing way counts. Figure out what creative outlet(s) you find satisfying. Prioritize scheduling this practice into your schedule weekly.

Give Yourself A Weekly "Treat": Find a healthy indulgence that you can strategically incorporate into your week. This "treat" can be a massage or nail appointment, permission to watch a movie or a couple episodes of a TV show, a serving of your favorite dessert or a glass of wine, etc. Life is meant to be enjoyed. Consider regular indulgence as an act of self-care not as a sign of weakness or self-destruction. Embracing pleasure does not require guilt or external permission.

Experiment until you find an achievable balance: Focus on progress, not perfection. While there may be days or even seasons where hard work and fewer pleasures take priority, life is meant to bring you joy, peace, and satisfaction at the end of the day. Remaining in your comfort zone does you no good. However, learning ways to find pleasure in the process remains the key to long-lasting discipline and the energy necessary to maintain the determination required for success.

[gentlebeardsbarngrill]

02/24/2024 Daily OFMD Recap

TLDR; Cast&CrewSightings; Samba BTS; David Jenkins; Rhys Darby; Damien Gerard; Guz Khan!; SaveOFMD Crew Billboard; AdoptOurCrew Saturday Sillies; Making A Difference; Articles; Love Notes; Daily Darby/Tonight's Taika;

Been a long Saturday yall. Hope you enjoyed the BTS and general clown/honking going around!

== Cast & Crew Sightings ==

= Samba Schutte Feat. David Jenkins! =

Samba's back with more BTS for us today!

This time the Crew Shoutout is for Chaos Dad himself: David Jenkins! So good to see Chaos dad having such a great time BTS. We love you David!

Videos on Tumblr:

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

= Rhys Darby =

Rhys decided to take it up a notch today on his Tiktok/Instagram and tell... someone they've created a monster. Who might that be?

== Damien Gerard ==

Our crew-mate @patchworkpiratebear got a Cameo from our lovely Father-Teach, Damien Gerard! There's a bit of a story behind it, see below! Cameo link

== Guz Khan! ==

Hey! It's been a hot minute since we've seen our friend Guz Khan-- and now he's showed up on a cat! Good to see you sir!

== Save OFMD Crew ==

There have been questions raised about the billboard that the SaveOFMD Crew have been posting teasers for on their socials. The Crew had a meeting today wherein they discussed the concerns of the fandom, and have taken that feedback to heart. They are currently working on a clear information packet regarding the logistics of the current billboard efforts. They have kindly asked for your patience while they finish putting those last touches together!

== @adoptourcrew Saturday Sillies! ==

Our friends over at @adoptourcrew were kind enough to set up a new Saturday Sillies this week! This time they made custom OFMD Wordles! There were WAY too many images to include in the recap, so if you'd like to check them out, please visit the tumblr post below!

Wanna play? You can visit a tumblr post here

== Making a Difference! ==

Thank you to everyone who contributed to, or shared the fundraiser for Trans Pride Brighton! They've finally met their goal and can stay open another year! You made a serious difference in the lives of trans and non-binary folk in that community!

== Articles ==

Deze HBO-serie is gecanceld, maar had een 95% op Rotten Tomatoes

Schwule Romanze zwischen Piratenkapitänen

== Love Notes ==

Hey lovelies. I hope you had a fun Saturday/Sunday wherever you are. I know some of you are already closing out the weekend. We made it through another day-- and there's all sorts of action going on across all the platforms. I hope you got a chance to have fun, but also to rest. I know you know this, but even though I do too I often forget it. Rest is so very important. It's so easy to burn out, especially when we're constantly exposed to so much online. I think to myself "oh it's fine I'll just get a few more things done" and then it's suddenly 3 hours later and I've had only 4 hrs sleep in the last 30. Please please please give yourself self care today. Go brush your teeth, or take a shower. If you feel like you can do more, brush your hair, or make yourself a nice cup of tea. Do something for you that makes you relax and feel rested. On your last day of the weekend, make sure to take a few moments to yourself and just remember how awesome you are. You may not feel like it sometimes, but I can tell you now you truly are Awe-some. You bring so much life and love to this world and you deserve all beautiful things you want. Anyway, I'm very sleepy and I'm rambling again (what's new). Sleep well and enjoy your day lovelies, see you tomorrow.

== Daily Darby / Today's Taika ==

I'm being lazy tonight again yall. Just two goofy gifs that caught my eye, sorry I am running on fumes. Tomorrow I'll try to find some themed ones for ya <3

Rhys Gif: Courtesy of @fandomsmeantheworldtome

Taika Gif: ohnotheydidnt.livejournal

[cmenvs3000w23]

Personal Ethics as an Interpreter

Every time a semester’s closing is near, it always amazes me how fast the weeks and units passed by, and working through this course has been no exception. It feels like just last week, I was scanning over the course outline, making note of each week's focus and theme, as well as documenting assignment due dates. Additionally, it feels like my personal perception and understanding of nature interpretation also developed and changed very quickly from the beginning of the course to where it stands now. My goal throughout this post, is to highlight the ways in which my personal ethic as a nature interpreter has shifted throughout these past 10 weeks, by touching upon the specific themes and subjects explored throughout the semester that have had the largest impact on my development. 

(Throughout this final post, I've included some of my favorite photos I've taken of nature, as a reminder of ultimatley what we're all trying to preserve and protect.)

After reflecting on my past posts, a trending theme that I’ve touched upon often has been a change in understanding and perception of what it means to be a nature interpreter. Whether the theme was music, art, or technology, week to week I began to notice and reflect on my own experiences as a nature interpreter in the work field so far, and began to realize just how stuck I must have been in both a physical and mental routine. Why wasn’t I thinking of including more non-science based curriculum in my program planning? How could I not have seen the obvious similarities between planning and interpreting an arts based program and a nature based program? Teachers college was always mentioning “cross-curricular planning” and ways to pack in as many expectations as possible in creative ways. 

(Burk's Falls, Ontario)

While sitting with these thoughts for some time throughout the course and especially for this week’s final post, I realized that at the time of my teacher’s college experience, I was generally not enjoying my classes and the content I was being presented with. There were a few reasons why I started to really drift away from wanting to be a traditional “classroom” teacher in the public system (lack of teacher support, high student class numbers etc), but the main one at the time was the sedentary style of learning, over controlling rules of child led play, and lack of outdoor time. It is through this dissatisfaction that I discovered outdoor education, environmental interpretation, and forest schools. The lack of nature inclusion in my programming may have been the reason why I’ve failed to consider bringing other curriculum and subject areas into nature interpretation, but I’m glad that I’ve gotten there now by working through this course, and I hope to bring in new subjects and ways of learning into my practice. This is one way in which my personal understanding of what it means to be a nature interpreter has changed. 

Related specifically to my personal ethic as a nature interpreter, it is one first and foremost about the audience. This includes designing and facilitating programs that connect with the audience, considering barriers to program access, as well as reflecting on personal privileges. As Beck et. al (2018) mentions in Chapter 7: Serving Diverse Audiences, we as interpreters must understand and reflect on why people don’t attend nature interpretation programs in order to create access to a wider, more diverse audience. Although I currently work for an ngo which provides programming for marginalized groups, I’ve worked for various organizations in the past who do not share the same mandate. At times, especially depending on confidence and years of experience, it can be easy to get stuck in routine without feeling like it’s one’s place to bring up issues surrounding inclusion and access. From now on, I hope to take my commitment to inclusion beyond just inclusive lesson planning, and instead take it upwards to management and those who are the decision makers. Although reasons for why nature interpretation experiences includes certain audiences over others, the barriers which cause this are deeply ingrained throughout society, and ultimately starts at privilege. As Gallavan (2005) describes, educational institutions have been designed to reinforce the practices and beliefs of privilege. Although certain aspects of privilege can sometimes be easy to overlook, something as simple as not knowing certain programs are available for public access can be a result of privilege, and must be addressed. 

(Lake of Bays, Ontario)

Understanding, reflecting, and addressing privilege will also allow me to follow another personal ethic of nature interpretation practice related to the audience, which is relationship building and connection. One of Tilden’s (1957) Principle’s of Interpretation mentioned by Beck et. al (2018) that has stayed with me throughout the course is "Any interpretation that does not somehow relate what is being displayed or described to something within the personality or experience of the visitor will be sterile (Figure 5.3)". One of my own personal goals of nature interpretation is to foster a connection, understanding and appreciation for nature, in order to spark environmental stewardship. In order for a program to be successful and achieve my goal, I must first take time to understand and connect with the audience. Whether it’s younger school aged students or adults, gaining attention and understanding first and foremost comes down to connecting with content. Relating to content is somewhat of a broad overarching topic and can include language, culture, learning style, hobbies, age etc. Although the list can be long, it can sometimes take just a few minutes of chatting and getting to know the audience, or doing some research ahead of time, to create that spark. And you can tell when it’s happened. 

For example, I was once teaching a water science program in a remote community in Manitoba, which was an area I was unfamiliar with. Although the core takeaways were set for my lesson on watersheds, I took some time prior to the lesson to walk around and explore the area around the school and I saw what looked like pelicans overhead! I was somewhat in disbelief, as I had only associated pelicans with topical destinations, seeing many on the beaches when my family would travel south in the summer. When discussing wildlife in the classroom during the lesson, I asked students if they had pelicans in their area, and told them that I had no idea pelicans came this far north. They lit right up. They were thrilled to share information about something that reflected their area and home, and shared various stories about areas where you can find large populations of pelicans nesting. After that moment I had noticed a shift in attention, and a willingness to participate in activities. Acknowledging someone’s familiar is the first step towards achieving one’s goals as an interpreter, and making your program more meaningful for your audience. 

(Gwillim Lakes, British Columbia)

I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities for reflection on my own personal interpretation practice that this course has provided me with. Although the saying may seem overused, this course has truly taught me that you never stop learning, even after you’ve been trained and practicing a job for years. Although the field of environmental science can be very doom and gloom at times, it is through education that I feel hopeful that society can shift perspective and begin to heal the ongoing destruction to our home. Without an understanding of the importance of various aspects of nature that keep all beings safe and healthy, we as a society cannot move forward. And so, the role of a Nature Interpreter is critical more now than ever.

Citations:

Beck, L., Cable, T. T., & Knudson, D. M. (2018). Interpreting cultural and natural heritage : for a better world. Sagamore Venture.

Gallavan, N. P. (2005). Helping teachers unpack their "invisible knapsacks". Multicultural Education, 13(1), 36.

[financial-planning-for-all]

Smart Budgeting Tips for New Parents: How to Manage Finances with a Growing Family

Welcoming a baby into the family is an incredible experience, but it often comes with new financial pressures. With added expenses like baby gear, medical bills and childcare, managing your finances can quickly feel overwhelming. Fortunately, with the right approach, you can keep your budget in check and provide your family with the stability they need.

Here are some smart budgeting tips for new parents to help you manage your finances effectively while preparing for the future.

1. Reassess Your Household Budget

As your family grows, your household expenses will change. Take the time to sit down and reassess your current budget. Start by listing your regular monthly expenses, such as rent/mortgage, utilities, groceries, transportation and debt payments. Then, factor in new baby-related costs like diapers, formula, baby clothes and medical bills.

By having a clear view of where your money is going, you can make adjustments and ensure you’re allocating enough for new expenses without straining your finances.

2. Create a Baby Fund

Before your baby arrives, start building a baby fund to cover those early expenses. This could include hospital costs, baby furniture, clothes and other essentials. Having a dedicated savings account just for baby-related expenses will give you peace of mind knowing you have a cushion for any unforeseen costs.

Even after the baby is born, continue contributing to this fund to handle ongoing needs like pediatric visits, vaccinations and emergency expenses.

3. Prioritize Needs Over Wants

As a new parent, it’s easy to get caught up in buying everything you think your baby will need—designer baby clothes, high-end strollers, and countless toys. But in reality, babies require much less than we imagine. Prioritize essentials like a safe crib, a car seat and baby clothing and avoid overspending on items that won’t make a significant difference in your baby’s comfort or well-being.

Focus on practicality and only buy what you genuinely need, leaving room in your budget for more important long-term goals like education savings or medical bills.

4. Take Advantage of Hand-Me-Downs

Babies grow out of clothes and toys at lightning speed. Instead of buying everything new, take advantage of hand-me-downs from friends and family. Most baby items, like clothing, toys, and even furniture, are barely used and can be passed along in great condition.

You can also find excellent deals on gently used baby items through online marketplaces or local second-hand shops. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also help reduce waste, which is a win-win for both your wallet and the environment.

5. Meal Plan to Save on Groceries

With a new baby, finding time to cook healthy, cost-effective meals can be a challenge. To avoid the temptation of costly takeout or pre-packaged meals, try meal planning for the week ahead. Buy ingredients in bulk when possible and prep meals in advance, especially during the weekends when you may have more time.

Meal planning will help you save money on groceries, reduce food waste, and ensure that you and your partner have nutritious meals ready when the baby’s schedule keeps you busy.

6. Plan for Childcare Costs

One of the largest expenses new parents face is childcare. Whether you plan to return to work full-time or part-time, it’s important to plan for the costs associated with daycare, nannies or babysitters.

Start by researching childcare options in your area and compare prices. In some cases, flexible work arrangements like working from home or adjusting hours may help reduce your need for full-time childcare, saving you money. Consider all options and choose what best fits your family’s needs and budget.

7. Review and Adjust Your Insurance

Having the right insurance is critical when you’re growing your family. If you haven’t already, update your health insurance to include your new baby and review your coverage for prenatal and pediatric care.

Additionally, consider increasing your life insurance policy. Life insurance provides financial security for your family in the event of an unexpected loss, ensuring they’re taken care of if anything happens to you or your partner. Shop around for affordable policies that provide adequate coverage for your family’s future.

8. Build a College Savings Plan Early

It may seem far off, but starting a college savings fund as soon as possible can take a huge financial burden off your shoulders down the road. The earlier you start, the more time your savings will have to grow.

Look into options like 529 savings plans, which offer tax advantages when saving for your child’s education. Even small, regular contributions can add up significantly by the time your child is ready for college.

9. Stay Prepared with an Emergency Fund

An emergency fund is crucial for any family, especially with a new baby in the house. Life can be unpredictable—whether it’s a medical emergency, unexpected car repairs, or a sudden job loss, having a financial safety net will help you stay afloat during tough times.

Aim to save at least 3-6 months’ worth of living expenses in an easily accessible account. This fund will give you the security you need to handle any surprise costs without derailing your entire budget.

10. Take Advantage of Tax Benefits

New parents can take advantage of several tax benefits that can help ease the financial burden. For example, the Child Tax Credit allows you to reduce your tax liability by claiming a credit for each child under a certain age. There are also deductions for childcare expenses, medical costs and more.

Consult with a tax professional or use a reliable tax software to ensure you’re getting the full benefit of these credits and deductions. This can make a big difference come tax season and put extra money back in your pocket.

Conclusion

Managing finances with a growing family might seem challenging, but with smart planning and thoughtful budgeting, it’s entirely possible to maintain control over your financial future. By reassessing your household budget, prioritizing essential expenses and saving for the long term, you’ll be setting up your family for a stable, stress-free life.

These budgeting tips are designed to help you prepare for the journey ahead while keeping your financial goals on track. Remember, it’s all about making smart decisions today that will benefit your family’s future.

[thelivewireoracle]

Weekly Tarot 10/1/23 - 10/8/23

2 of Wands, 10 of Wands, The Sun

Hello everyone! This week offers many opportunities to tap into your creative reservoir. With the 2 of Wands, you may find that you feel a renewed sense of wellness and optimism. Although the previous weeks felt like they might have never had an ending, you’re now in the clear. Take a moment to appreciate what you’ve accomplished and overcome. There is always more to do and things that can be done. However, working toward establishing ways to temper and ground your energy can benefit you during these times. It’s easy to feel restless during downtime if all you’ve been doing lately is working and staying productive.

Many of you have been pouring exponential amounts of energy into certain endeavors that may soon pay off. With the 10 of Wands, this is something that you typically do not shy away from especially when it comes to co-creating what you want. As certain projects or endeavors begin to wrap up, you might see yourself already eager to jump on to the next new thing. While a solid work ethic is often commended, be sure to spend some of that energy solely for you. Whether that be taking that little road trip to try out a new food spot, finally reorganizing your library of unread books, or reinstating your gym membership - do something special for yourself that will support your personal growth and goals.

Lastly with The Sun, as you are focused on being more intentional with your investment of energy, you’ll find that it becomes easier to say no to what does not feed your spirit. You might find yourself taking a stroll down memory lane, and as you do, you may find some treasures that you can integrate into your current experience. What are some activities that make you feel like a kid again? Are you able to allow yourself space to freely express your ideas? How can you cultivate more warmth and inspiration for yourself? What artists, creatives, or musicians make you feel like you want to do what they do? How can you best utilize your own skills to put something out into the world for yourself, friends, and loved ones? - Lilith Jane

Deck Used

RWS Tarot by Pamela Colman Smith

[skinbumpgone33]

Best Molluscum Treatment for Kids: A Parent's Guide

Molluscum contagiosum may sound like a spell from a fantasy novel, but it’s without a doubt a commonplace and pesky skin circumstance due to an endemic. This situation, brought on using the Molluscum contagiosum virus creates small, corporate bumps at the pores and skin which might be regularly unsuitable for warts. Children are common goals of molluscum contagiosum due to the fact they like to explore and play, frequently getting into near contact with others. These pores and skin bumps can show up nearly anywhere on their bodies, mainly due to soreness and now and again itching.

While molluscum is generally harmless and tends to solve on its very own, it can be a supply of embarrassment and concern for both youngsters and dad and mom. Why is early and effective molluscum treatment for kids so critical? Because it enables you from the unfolding of the virus to different elements of the frame or different youngsters. Effective remedy also eases the discomfort and reduces the chances of secondary infections, which can arise if the bumps are scratched or picked at.

What is Molluscum Contagiosum?

Molluscum contagiosum is a pores and skin contamination caused by the Molluscum contagiosum virus. This virus belongs to the poxvirus own family and especially goals the pores and skin, causing small, round, and firm bumps that can be pink, white, or flesh-colored. In kids, molluscum contagiosum normally manifests as a couple of small, raised, and easy bumps. These bumps can vary in length from a pinhead to a pencil eraser.

How Do Kids Get Molluscum?

Molluscum contagiosum spreads without difficulty through direct skin-to-skin contact. Kids frequently settle the virus through near physical sports, like wrestling, or via sharing non-public gadgets consisting of towels, apparel, or toys. The virus also can be transmitted by touching infected surfaces, which is why it is regular in locations like swimming pools, gyms, and schools where youngsters are in close quarters. Children with weakened immune structures or pre-current pores and skin conditions, which include eczema, are more vulnerable to molluscum contagiosum. Environments that involve a whole lot of close contact or shared gadgets, like daycare centers, playgrounds, and sports activity facilities, grow the hazard of spreading the virus.

Treatment Options for Molluscum in Kids

When your infant receives molluscum contagiosum, the know-how of the treatment alternatives could make an international difference. Let's dive into the various choices, focusing on how they work, their effectiveness, and safety concerns.

Prescription Creams and Gels

For treating molluscum contagiosum, medical doctors often prescribe creams or gels that assist the frame's immune system combat off the virus. These remedies typically comprise elements like imiquimod or retinoids. Imiquimod works by stimulating the immune gadget to attack the virus, while retinoids assist in exfoliating the skin, making it less complicated for the frame to shed inflamed cells.

Molluscum Contagiosum Patches

Molluscum contagiosum patches are a progressive and youngster-friendly choice. These patches are carried out immediately over the molluscum bumps. They work by handing over medicine step by step to the affected region, supporting to cleaning of the lesions without the mess of lotions or gels. The patches are particularly useful due to the fact they guard the bumps from being scratched or picked at, reducing the threat of spreading the virus or causing secondary infections.

How Effective Are These Treatments?

The effectiveness of those treatments varies. Prescription lotions and gels can take numerous weeks to reveal outcomes and might need to be carried out for an extended duration. However, they are generally effective in lowering and eventually clearing molluscum lesions. Molluscum contagiosum patches provide a greater sincere and regularly faster solution. They are designed to be mild on the skin and are non-invasive, making them a terrific choice for youngsters who may find making use of creams or present process other remedies tough.

Benefits for Children: Non-Invasive and Easy Application

Why Choose Molluscum Contagiosum Patches?

Patches are non-invasive and easy to use, making them ideal for kids. They stick directly to the pores and skin, staying in the area at some point of play or sleep, and may be changed as wished. This ease of utility is in particular beneficial for youngsters who may face up to extra fingers-on treatments like creams or gels.

Advantages of Patches

Comfortable: They decrease pain and are much less in all likelihood to irritate compared to a few lotions or gels.

Protective: By overlaying the bumps, patches help save you from scratching and spreading the virus.

Convenient: They are clean for parents to use and can be used discreetly, permitting kids to continue their everyday sports without interruptions.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Treatment

When choosing the first-class molluscum treatment for children, keep in mind several vital factors that could affect the effectiveness and suitability of the treatment.

Age of the Child

The age of your infant plays a tremendous position in determining the most appropriate remedy. Younger kids might benefit extra from non-invasive treatments like patches due to the fact they're simple to apply and don’t require the kid to sit down nevertheless for lengthy durations. Older kids are probably extra compliant with using prescription creams or gels, and the know-how they want for normal utility and follow-up.

Number of Lesions and Extent of Spread

The severity of molluscum contagiosum also impacts the choice of remedy. For moderate cases with only some lesions, over-the-counter treatments or molluscum patches might suffice. However, extra excessive instances with significant spreading would possibly require prescription remedies or even in-workplace tactics like cryotherapy or curettage, depending on the physician's hints.

Child’s Comfort and Pain Tolerance

Comfort is essential when selecting a treatment, particularly for younger kids. Non-invasive options like patches or mild creams can decrease aches and discomfort. If a remedy reasons tremendous discomfort or misery, it might not be the quality desired, even if it’s effective. Always bear in mind how your infant reacts to the treatment system and modify it for that reason to keep them stress-free.

The bumps caused by molluscum contagiosum can be distressing for youngsters, particularly if they seem to see areas like the face or arms. Children would possibly sense self-aware or worry approximately how others understand them. Here’s how you can guide your infant:

1. Open Communication: Talk to your toddler about molluscum contagiosum in simple, reassuring terms. Explain that it’s a common circumstance and that it's going to leave with the right treatment. Encourage them to ask questions and express their emotions.

2. Boost Self-Esteem: Emphasize that molluscums don’t trade who they are. Compliment their strengths and traits unrelated to their look. Helping them focus on their capabilities and fantastic attributes can build their self-assurance.

3. Normalize the Experience: Share memories or examples of different children who have had molluscum and recovered. Knowing they are not by themselves can alleviate feelings of isolation or embarrassment.

It’s critical to not forget that molluscum contagiosum is a transient situation and, with the right treatment and support, your baby will get better. Reassure them that their bumps will heal and that you’re there to help every step of the manner. Navigating molluscum contagiosum can be overwhelming, mainly when your infant is affected. However, with the right information and approach, you could manipulate the condition efficaciously and assist your toddler via it.

Early intervention, cautious management, and emotional assist are key to helping your toddler sense snug and assured all through their healing. Keep the lines of communique open, offer reassurance, and educate those around your toddler to create a compassionate and knowledgeable environment. By taking a proactive and caring technique, you cannot simplest assist your infant’s pores and skin healing but also support their vanity and well-being. Don’t hesitate to reach out to healthcare professionals for steering and support on every occasion wanted. With patience and the proper techniques, your infant will quickly be on the course to clean, healthful skin and renewed self-assurance.

[vermilionhealth]

How to Keep Your Gallbladder Healthy – 8 Best Tips!

You’ve probably heard plenty of advice about how to take care of your heart, but how often do you think about your gallbladder?

This little organ rarely makes headlines, but it’s important for your digestion and overall health.

Its main job is to store bile and add it to the food in your small intestine so your body can break down fats.

Most complications arise when cholesterol builds up and creates gallstones that block the duct between the gallbladder and the intestines.

Fortunately, caring for your gallbladder is mostly a matter of following the same habits that make up any healthy lifestyle.

Read more: 8 Easy Exercise Tips for Midlife!

Find out more in this quick guide to your gallbladder and you.

Preventing Gallbladder Conditions:

1. Limit saturated fat.  A diet high in saturated fats puts a heavy burden on your gallbladder, so cut back on fried foods, red meat, and butter. Unsaturated fats have the opposite effect. Try to get most of your fat calories from sources like olive oil, salmon, and nuts.

2. Increase fiber.  Dietary fiber provides many health benefits including lowering the LDL type of cholesterol that can block your intestines, as well as clogging your arteries. Feast on fresh produce and whole grains.

3. Focus on vitamins.  In addition to fiber, many fruits and vegetables contain essential micronutrients that help fight gallstones. Add more vitamin C and E to your diet with cantaloupe, kiwi, and spinach, as well as almonds and shrimp.

4. Drink up.  You’d probably guess that water could help empty your gallbladder, but so can coffee and alcohol. Be sure to use them in moderation to avoid any unwanted effects.

5. Stop for healthy snacks.  Intermittent fasting may be safe for many adults but skipping meals can disrupt bile levels if you’re prone to gallstones. You may need to eat on a regular schedule each day.

6. Manage your weight.  Being overweight or losing weight too rapidly can also trigger gallstones. Losing 1 to 2 pounds a week is usually a safe goal.

7. Stay active.  Regular exercise can help you stay lean and trim abdominal fat that interferes with digestion. Move more throughout the day and work out for at least 30 minutes most days of the week.

8. Cleanse naturally.  Save your money if you see ads for special gallbladder cleanses. They may be harmful, and your body already detoxifies naturally.

1. Know your risks.  Premenopausal women are at the highest risk for gallbladder conditions due to hormonal factors. Age, genetics, and lifestyle can also increase your risk.

2. Understand the symptoms. More than 80% of gallstones are harmless and require no treatment. If a gallstone starts to block the flow of bile, you may notice symptoms including abdominal discomfort, bloating, vomiting, and jaundice.

3. See your doctor.  Your doctor can run tests to confirm if you have gallstones. That will usually include blood tests and an abdominal ultrasound. If your symptoms are mild, they may be manageable with a low-fat diet.

4. Consider surgery.  More serious complications are likely to require surgery to remove your gallbladder. This cholecystectomy procedure can often be done laparoscopically with only a single night hospital stay and one week to recover. You can live without a gallbladder as bile will move from your liver to your intestines without being stored anywhere in between.

5. Take medication. The drugs currently available to dissolve gallstones can take months to produce results. Research continues, but surgery is the more common option for now.

More than 25 million adults in the U.S. experience gallstones but changing your diet and other lifestyle habits can reduce your risks. 

Avoid gallbladder attacks by cutting back on saturated fat, eating more fiber, and exercising regularly. Our unique Vermilion Digestive Health Jelly will definitely be your desired choice in combating stomach bloating, gastric issues and fight infections with a warm calming touch. Check out the gut health jelly on offer today! Click here to read the raving reviews!

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[edxcourse]

Week 1 Assignment

Week 1 Assignment

Since I have started my professional career, I have found that most writing assignments I develop are white papers, memos, various reports, analysis of product/programs, proposals, slide presentations, and pitches. Although I have developed a “groove” for each type of product, the biggest challenge I continue to confront is catering the product to my audience. Often, I find the product I am developing tends to be elevated to a senior manager for review and/or consideration. As the goals and direction change based on customer demand or perception, so does the product being generated. I have found that as the customer changes, so does the reviewers’ expectations. For example, some customers are data driven, so to accommodate their expectations, I will incorporate as data relevant to the product or to highlight important areas of consideration. Routley having to assess a new customer and develop expectations without clear communication is challenging but working to enhance writing skills, styles, and approaches will allow me to enhance the products I am developing to better convey the message to managers.

Writing is a critical skill! Without communication society would stifle and most of us would have a difficult time accomplishing any task we embark on. Although it is essential to societal development and progression, I do not enjoy developing writing products as often as I am required. I have found that although I do not enjoy writing, I do have a small skill for it. I have learned vocabulary and phrasing are key in conveying your message in any setting. If you use words that are too large or “educated” it may not have the same impact as using something simpler or common, an example would be treacherous versus dangerous. In college I dreaded writing lengthy assignments and to this day those feelings have not changed. If I am assigned something easy, I usually don’t mind but the longer assignments I tend to procrastinate until the latest possible time. It has not been an easy feat to overcome and have spent too much time making up for things that could have been avoided.

The area of writing I would like to improve most are essay and business writing. The reason for this goal is I intend to enroll in a graduate program and want to enhance my academic writing skills. Additionally, in my current position, I am expected to generate large and complex writing products for senior managers. I want to strengthen the areas I excel in and improve my lesser qualities to create a better product. Lastly, I am optimistic that by taking a proactive approach, it will lessen the burden of the graduate assignments I will have to produce and reduce the headaches associated with writing such long assignments.

[superasentes]

The Benefits of Using a Systematic Approach to Betting

Clients must have numerous sportsbook accounts at different operators to watch and also contrast lines, probabilities as well as also promotions. Novice https://medium.com/@casinohowtowin/a-comprehensive-comparison-of-major-gambling-and-betting-strategies-74099f8fd8bc wagerers will generally keep it easy simply by banking on the cash line. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this as it's a good way to comprehend just how sportsbooks work and it's a bet that's basic to recognize. However, even more experienced wagerers will certainly recognize that betting on alternate lines represents a better means to obtain additional value. Don't fall into the trap of just using one sportsbook for your wagers.

What is one of the most effective wagering approach?

An over or under bet.Over or under bets per team.Handicap success, i.e. success with

a difference of numerous goals.Low winning odds.Half-time bets.Early or late goals.

These are likewise the times when the mismatches appear the most. Choosing Neymar to score as well as Brazil to win may be as reduced as -300 contrasted to the initial -500. One more option can be Brazil to win the first fifty percent and win the 2nd half if a leading efficiency is expected between the two. Take a look at the latestFree Sports PicksandBest Betsfrom our group of professional sports handicappers. Obtaining adjusted with the fundamentals will enable consumers to concentrate on the real selection in contrast to being fretted about every little thing else that is connected the sportsbook experience.

Fading The Public

It's. similar to hedging, but also for this to work you need to produce the exact same profit/loss on all outcomes. As an example, the LA Lakers are one of one of the most preferred groups in the NBA and obtain a lot of bets based upon popularity. If a first spread was at -5.5 which after that drifted to -7.5 then this is not since they have a lot more possibility of covering, yet rather, there has actually been more money based. Once you discover this team's propensities, you will only need to research their opponents. Yet, this wagering method does not suggest you need to bet on that team each time. If you see a competition that doesn't look appropriate or the line really feels incorrect, hold off.

While this may not be a problem for a beginning punter, as soon as you start making a significant ROI for your wagers, you require to stay clear of being gubbed.

Many thanks to all authors for creating a page that has actually been read 716,152 times.

This means setting limitations on just how much you are willing to bet on each video game, and also not taking the chance of greater than you can pay for to shed.

Keep in mind, 5 mins of top quality research can be a winning element.

Among one of the most important things to recognize about sports wagering is the concept of the point spread.

Numerous professionals recommend not betting on your residence team in any kind of sporting activity, due to the fact that your prejudice can cloud your reasoning, and also this can result in wonderful losses. The martingale strategy has additionally been related to roulette, as the possibility of striking either red or black is close to 50%. You'll also obtain an e-newsletter with information on major sports wagering updates, new wagering website reviews, as well as the latest bonuses and also promotions every few weeks. Obtain special betting overviews and the current chances from top-rated bookies, straight to your inbox or social feeds.

Best Sporting Activities Betting Methods

It put a percentage possibility of a distressed based upon variables that prevailed in previous troubles. By converting moneyline probabilities to a percentage, we could detect which moneyline wagers Slingshot determined as a good worth. What the Labouchere approach does is allow players to go broke, gradually. It would not matter if they were wagering arbitrary amounts randomly times, your home edge does not alter. All that adjustments arebetting patterns as well as our good old friend, variation. As gamers get nearer the objective, losses end up being a lot more crippling.

Warriors At Kings Game 7 Betting Breakdown - OutKick - OutKick

Warriors At Kings Game 7 Betting Breakdown - OutKick.

Having accounts at multiple wagering sites will assist you go shopping the line. If you ever before discover on your own on full throttle, it's important to relax. Whether you had a great or awful betting week, relax. Throwing cash away on bad wagers as if you have nothing to lose. Alternatively, investing the upcoming week to games doing your research repays.

Don't forget to have a look at all of our wagering overviews, where we dive into each details esports title and the specific details of exactly how to bet on it. Discovering these opportunities with excellent odds is the most convenient in football wagering, due to the number of suits and championships. Not recognizing or not recognizing the significance of probabilities as well as real probability is a straight roadway to losing money. Bonuses used this way are a big waste of chance in making guaranteed make money from sports betting. Most of the times, this is not real because of the easy fact that many informants can manipulate their betting background. By this, they can transform a losing streak into long-lasting profits by simply transforming risks or erasing some wagers.

Matched Betting - Get the best matched betting offers & tips... - talkSPORT

Matched Betting - Get the best matched betting offers & tips....

A head instructor could say his No. 3 WR will certainly "obtain even more work quickly." Numerous attentive bettors may wager as necessary. In a week where 5 gamers rack up 30 DFS factors, if your schedule doesn't contend least three of them, you most likely won't complete in the top 10. Overall, as shared throughout weekly of the season on PFN's site, this strategy netted a 65% win rate in 2022. I have numerous dozens of wagering versions concentrated on positional "old age," volume-based regressions, positional blow-up potential, and more. All are currently actionable because they yield intelligence that enhances the probabilities of betting success.

[ellarohrer]

The Sustainability Of Eating Healthy And Staying On A Budget.

In my previous blog post I had talked about the prices of eating healthy. This included why prices seem to be so high, and in opposition why they really aren’t that high. I have started to think more about how prices of food are perceived and I have started to wonder what these prices would look like on a day to day basis. This thought of mine has led me to create this post. This blog post will provide information on whether or not it is a sustainable lifestyle to eat healthy, and stay on a budget. This blog post will exemplify two different perspectives on whether or not it is sustainable. 

In an article from Southeast Express, Marcus Hill had talked about how you can eat healthy and stay on a budget. Marcus Hill currently works as a reporter for the Southeast Express and also the Schriever Sentinel. Maruc Hill graduated from Colorado State University-Pueblo back in 2012 and earned a degree in mass communication. In the article Hill had talked about whether eating healthy and staying on a budget was a sustainable lifestyle for him. Hill’s goal on what to buy/eat was the following: two snacks, some bread, a fruit, a vegetable, some protein, and what else he could find with the money he had left to spend. Hill chose a budget that reflected the average cost of a meal where he lived. The price that reflected this was $10 a meal, so around $70.35 for a week. Hill described his eating patterns as the following, “[f]ruit before the gym; yogurt post gym; Clif Bars and Mott’s gummies for lunch; brown rice, mixed vegetables and black or kidney beans for dinner; orange juice sprinkled in randomly throughout the day”. Hill followed this pattern in order to eat healthy, and eat enough. At the end of this experiment for Hill he described it as “not feasible”. Although it was not feasible for him, he did understand that some people do live like this. In the end Hill’s conclusion was the following, “I’m one person and just one week of this lifestyle sucked. I can’t fathom how troublesome this is for people who live this year round”. Although this was only Hill’s personal opinion. It is a sustainable lifestyle and for Hill it may be more so a matter of it not being necessary instead of it not being sustainable. 

In a research article from Journal of nutrition education and behavior, the following authors: Karen M. Jetter, Jennymae Ramirez, Suzie Cortez, Gesford Kane Hopper, Jr. , Vicki Shivley, and Dennis M. Styne, had researched how people in low income households are able to consume an affordable and nutritious diet. Two weeks worth of menus were made up that contained the following food groups: protein, carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and treats. The treats were included in a way that still allowed for someone to meet the requirements that were present in the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA). These foods were included in the menus and they were priced at the lowest unit they could go to. This research article has proven an effective way to eat healthy on a budget. These two articles both display different opinions on whether or not eating healthy while on a budget is a sustainable lifestyle. Hill had provided us with the sense that it is not easy and not sustainable, while the research article had provided us with the sense that it is indeed sustainable and do-able. 

We are able to see from the articles that it is possible to eat healthy on a budget, but they did not agree that it was sustainable. This is where the different arguments come into play and where there may be the rift between eating healthy and not eating healthy. Not eating healthy and consuming the food we need tends to come down to a lot more than just prices. Eating healthy on a day to day basis can clearly look different to everyone because it isn’t as accessible to all. If you are someone with the accessibility I urge you to try taking advantage of it. If you are someone without the accessibility I urge you to take advantage of your resources and take a step towards healthier eating.

Hill, M. (2022). Opinion: My experience eating on a budget in the Southeast. Southeast Express. https://www.southeastexpress.org/opinion/opinion-my-experience-eating-on-a-budget-in-the-southeast/article_0699fde2-c9ae-11ec-9eaf-7331c259dfe9.html 

Jetter, K. M., Adkins, J., Cortez, S., Hopper, G. K., Jr, Shively, V., & Styne, D. M. (2019). Yes We Can: Eating Healthy on a Limited Budget. Journal of nutrition education and behavior, 51(3), 268–276. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jneb.2018.12.002

[bella-studyblr]

Task Management:

Creating + Maintaining a Schoolwork Schedule

Key elements

Your schedule suits your individual time/task management preferences.

It is flexible enough to accommodate sudden changes, plus fluctuating energy levels, states of concentration, symptoms and moods.

Daily tasks are not over-whelming; they are small enough that they are achievable.

You do not get “burned out.”

It allows you to be consistent.

Steps to create your schedule

Decide if you want your planner to be paper or digital

Find an “order” that’s logical and achievable for you (more on this later)

Refer to your addendum/syllabus and write down all the assignments, tests and other events taking place that week/month (and their due-dates).

Then break these down, assigning tasks to each day of the week (more on this later).

Break down your tasks even further (more on this later).

Decide if you want to follow a simple daily to-do list or a timed schedule (more on this later).

Find your “order(s)”

Mandatory: Schedule assignments around other commitments (work, social, hobbies, etc.).

Do the hardest task first to get it out of the way (so that the rest of your tasks are less daunting, and because your smaller tasks require less energy therefore can be done even after completing the hard task).

Do the easiest task first to build momentum (give yourself a feeling of accomplishment which will motivate you to continue, and boost your self-confidence early in the day to establish a positive mindset for the rest of the day).

Do the task that’s due first to minimize deadline stress, and so your assignments don’t fall through the cracks (causing you to get discouraged and lose momentum).

Plan according to your energy level throughout the day and week: Do you have Pilates once a week? Maybe you can reserve that day for easier assignments. If you know you’re going to be tired for whatever reason, account for that in your planning.

Consider your state of concentration: If you know you’re too groggy or spaced out for the first hour of your day, you can either schedule easy tasks in that time, or none at all. If you take a medication in the afternoon/evening that makes you tired, schedule easier tasks or none, and get harder tasks done earlier/later in the day. If you have ADHD and crowded places mess with your concentration, but you like studying at a café, go when it’s not busy.

Be mindful of your emotions and symptoms: If you have depression, or are prone to depressive episodes, you’ll need to consider that when scheduling. You might have to rework your entire schedule when you get into a depressive episode (like adding lots of breaks). If suddenly you’re going through a big life event (like a breakup), you need to account for that when scheduling. For instance, if you can’t stand to be alone, maybe you can go out instead of staying in, and if your motivation is low, you may need to up your reward-system or break down your tasks even more.

Break down this week/month’s tasks

Refer to your addendum/syllabus and write down all your due dates for the time period you’re scheduling for.

Based on due dates, outside commitments, predictions of energy/mood/symptoms, assign assignments to the days of the week/month that make most sense for you.

Break down daily tasks into sub-tasks

You can do this (in advance) for your full week/month’s assignments, or do it every morning/evening.

Generally, your assignments will follow a variation of this formula: brainstorm, create an outline, research, write rough draft, edit and revise. Test/exam prep will look something like: check to see what the test is based on, pinpoint important sections, review to see how well you know the material, create a list of items to study, rewrite select notes, make flash cards, study topic 1, study topic 2, etc.

What are the individual components of these steps? Here are some examples. Brainstorm: what should my topic be, what should my thesis be, what points can support my thesis, what do I need to research, what questions do I need to ask my prof? Outline: topic, thesis, points, conclusion. Research: write down all the important parts from each source (separately), then sift through to sort into Supporting Point 1, Supporting Point 2, etc. Rough draft: opening statement(s), intro, point 1, point 2, etc., conclusion, closing statement(s). Edit/revise: read and check for grammar only, then read again and check for spelling only, read again and check for cohesiveness only, etc. Topic 1: Part A, Part B, etc.

Each of these small components can be individual items on your to-do list. Big tasks like, “write essay” are too big for most people. Even “write rough draft” is daunting. If you start with something specific and small like brainstorming, and work your way up, it’s a lot easier to approach. Plus, being able to check off tasks more often and more easily will boost your confidence and your sense of competence, thus building momentum.

Here is a sample to-do list: Research X for Point 1 of Literary Essay, create outline for History Essay, Edit/Revise Assignment 1, study Topic 1 and Topic 2 for Test 1.

To-do list or time-based schedule?

To do list: Write down all your assignments for the day. Put them in the order you want to do them, or go through them intuitively (based on what you feel like doing, or what’s most practical at the time/place you’re at).

Timed-based: Write down all your assignments, then write down the time you’re going to do each of them. You could set reminders or alarms if you want, or simply refer to the list. There’s an awesome app I recommend if this is your thing. It’s called Structured (iOS only).

Curate your study environment for maximum focus

Eliminate distractions such as uncomfortable clothing, sounds (or silence), phone and computer notifications, clutter in the room and on your desk, people who may try to talk to you (shut your door and/or inform them that you’re busy).

Designate a space to doing homework only and avoid spaces that you associate with other things (do not study in bed, as you will want to relax or sleep, and/or you will mess with your sleep by weakening the bed’s association with sleep).

Build associations: Incorporate other events and items into your study/homework routine that you only use while doing that, so that you associate those things with studying/homework (examples: specific playlists, pencils/pens, cups/bottles, scents, rituals, decor, etc.).

Ensure good lighting (preferably including daylight).

Get dressed in clothes that make you feel good about yourself. They don’t have to be “professional” and they should definitely be comfortable. Do not stay in your pyjamas. Believe me, I know this can be hard, and I love PJ’s. But they are not good for productivity.

Don’t “multi-task.” It may feel like you’re getting more done this way, but by splitting your focus, not only do tasks take longer, they also diminish in quality. Commit to the task you’re doing.

Meditate: You can even meditate for just 1-5 mins right before studying, homework and/or classes.

Practice self care (daily!)

Sleep (enough, well, and regularly).

Daylight: Get outside, work by windows, use a light therapy box. These can help regulate your sleep, improve and maintain mental health, and boost energy.

Fresh air: Getting outside even for a couple minutes can help you refresh and reset, and feel good about yourself and your life. Fresh oxygen can help you wake up and is great for your health. Even just opening your window can do a lot for your mood, energy and motivation.

Movement: Try to move at least once per day. The benefits of exercise are numerous and immense.

Healthy and consistent eating: Avoid spikes in insulin levels by eating regularly so you don’t have extreme dips in your energy level. Also, brain power uses calories too, so make sure you’re eating consistently, and try to eat healthy. There are so many other reasons eating consistently is good for your health (and by extension, your productivity).

Relaxation and leisure: Make time for fun and socializing, as well as intentional relaxation. Hobbies, movies/tv, time with friends/family, meditation, baths, progressive muscle relaxation, etc.

Therapy: Your therapy sessions are not daily, but you can do 5 minutes of inner-work per day based on what you and your therapist are currently working on. Working with a therapist is a great way to stay on track with your goals, and develop the skills and positive mindset required for success in school.

Reward yourself

Track progress: Reflect on all the assignments you’ve completed and your grades to remind yourself that you’re capable!

Completing to-do lists daily maintains a sense of accomplishment which keeps your momentum going. Check those items off! Or give yourself gold stars! ⭐️

Treat yourself with non-food rewards: Tie completed school work with fun tasks like video games, or take yourself out for coffee, or some other small (non-food) outing. What I’m trying to do right now is not do my leisure activities until my daily tasks are done.

Develop a positive mindset

Take promises you make to yourself seriously. The more you break promises to yourself, the easier it will get to continue breaking promises. You will lose respect for yourself which lowers motivation, and you will lose trust in yourself which can become debilitating as well. The more you keep promises, the easier it will get, the more motivated you’ll become, and the more you’ll trust and respect yourself. Your confidence will improve, and you’ll feel better about yourself. Productivity is choosing yourself. Discipline is choosing what’s best for you instead of what you feel like doing in the moment. Discipline is a muscle, and like any muscle, it can be strengthened, and it can atrophy.

Remember your “why.” What is the end goal of being in school? What’s your career path, and why did you choose it? What will your life be like when you have that career? What would your life be like if you gave up and didn’t make it to your goal? Aiming for your dream while running from your nightmare is a great strategy for maintaining motivation. Lighting a fire under your *** can be a huge motivator.

Remember how good you feel when you get schoolwork done, and let this motivate you to stay consistent. You can also remember how you feel when you don’t get work done, but definitely focus more on the positive!

Go to therapy and/or hire a coach. There are SO many benefits to therapy and I’d honestly need a whole other post to get into it. You don’t need to be depressed or mentally ill at all in order to benefit from talking to a therapist. They can even help you with time management, procrastination, motivation and more! If you can afford it, please do it. It’s such a worthwhile investment.

Be consistent

No “zero days.” Do at least a bit of homework or studying every day so you don’t slip into vacation mode. Make schoolwork a daily part of your life, so it just becomes the norm.

Build productivity momentum (track progress, check items off your to-do list daily, treat yourself, keep promises to yourself, remember your “why,” remember how success feels).

Stay on top of projects. Your assignments are made up of smaller tasks you assign yourself across time. “Success is the sum of small efforts repeated day in and day out.” - Robert Collier

Avoid burnout (more on this later).

Keep it interesting (more on this later).

Avoid burnout

Self-care: shower and/or bathe regularly, maintain proper sleep habits, stay hydrated, take care of your skin, do relaxation activities like meditation and reading, do fun activities, pamper yourself every now and then with face masks or foot baths, take your meds as prescribed, eat well and regularly, get outside often, move daily, etc.

Break up study/homework sessions into small, manageable chunks of time, with constructive (refreshing) breaks in between.

Break assignments down into even smaller tasks so that you aren’t over-working yourself during the course of a day, and so that you don’t overwhelm yourself (the stress can lead to burnout).

School-life balance: Keep up with your social life as best as you can, make time for your hobbies, maintain self-care, say no to things that don’t serve you, etc. Try to follow through with scheduled schoolwork 100% of the time, but know that you won’t. Sometimes you’ll need to prioritize mental health over schoolwork (be careful though, this is a very fine line, and a slippery slope). Sometimes things will come up and it’ll be out of your control. But more than anything else, there will be times when you just decide to prioritize something else like fun and socializing over schoolwork. This is why your schedule needs to be flexible: to accommodate sudden invites to hang out and random decisions to skip a homework/study session, but more importantly, flexibility will reduce the odds that you’ll skip in the first place. If your schedule includes hobbies and socializing, and anything else that’s important to you, then you won’t feel deprived. If you have school-life balance, you’ll have more of yourself to devote to schoolwork when it’s time to.

Keep it interesting

Romanticize your life by putting effort into making all of your daily tasks a special occasion.

Make meals and drinks special by using your favourite dinnerware and cutlery. Perhaps even incorporate extra elements such as: a beautiful tablecloth, napkins, candles and/or dim lighting, music, wearing your favourite clothing, etc.

Pretend you’re the main character in a movie about a successful, productive student (because you are the main character in your life).

Make games out of studying if this is something that interests you (the Forest app comes to mind).

Use lots of colours in your notes and buy colourful stationary! 🌈

Vary your approach/methods if needed to avoid boredom.

Study with friends (online or in person).

Reward yourself often.

Remember your “why.”

[lavendershowcase]

NEW: The Lavender Showcase

The Lavender Showcase is a blog dedicated to reblogging and cataloging original works of LGBT writers on Tumblr.

The blog was created as a way for people to easily find queer and trans writers--especially if they prefer to stay out of tags that may contain spam, bots, and/or discourse. It was also created to help writers get visibility if tagging their writing with popular tags like #queer or #lgbt makes them a target for weird spam messages and bots.

This blog does not post works for people or accept submissions but essentially functions as a library. When a writer wishes to be reblogged, they can simply @ this blog or send in a DM and it will be reblogged. The Lavender Showcase uses simple but consistent tags to catalog reblogged stories, making finding new works easy!

The primary goal for this blog is to try to help LGBT writers connect with each other and with readers. 

How do I get reblogged, exactly?

All that is really asked is that the OP of the story tag this blog @lavendershowcase​ somewhere in a post containing their story or in a post with a link to their story (if you cross-post stories from other websites like Tapas or Wattpad or AO3) or send the post through a DM! Anything will be reblogged regardless of genre, rating, etc.

Please do not send in ask messages with your story links. Asks do not always send if they include links.

There is more information on how you can help make cataloging easier, if you wish to do an extra step or two or if you have specific requests for how you’d like the story tagged. You can find that information on the “How to get Featured” page linked here.

You can also find more info on the FAQ page linked here. And if you have any other questions, you can always send an ask!

What if I want to find a story about character who is bi or a what if I’m really craving a fake dating story?

There is a handy-dandy tags page! Using the tag page can have two functions. The first being that each link will take you directly to that tag. The second is knowing what is currently on the blog.

You can search multiple tags on the blog’s search function. So, if you see that there is a tag for bisexual characters and a tag for pirates, and you want to know if there are bi pirate stories, you can manually search both of those tags in the search bar as “#bi charactes, #pirates”

What are future plans for this blog?

Hopefully, someday, there will be writing and reading events. These could be writing weeks where the blog posts themed prompts or ask events where readers are encouraged to share their favorite LGBT authors/books/stories.

One of the main, future goals of this blog is to create a directory of LGBT indie writers. It would be a simple list or spreadsheet for anyone to look at. I haven’t worked out all the details yet, and I will be communicating future plans as they’re made, but it is a major goal for this blog.

It would also be nice if there could be resources compiled for LGBT writers such as lit magazines, advice columns, etc. But those would be very far off into the future.

How can you support this blog? Follow and interact and reblog this post! If you have any writer friends, let them know about this blog. If you’re looking to read more indie stuff, give us a follow! It really means so much.

I know what some of you are thinking. Blogs like this come and go. Tumblr isn’t an active place anymore. I’m aware of all of this. But I really do want to try to make this a sustainable project. I’ve been on Tumblr for 10 years. I’m a librarian. I know my way around this place and around catalogs.

I’ve thought about a blog like this for years now. I have a lot of faith of what can become of it. But if it never gets more than 50 followers, if it never takes off and fails, then so be it. At least I gave it a try.

[catmarlowastrology]

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's breakup (astrology)

Camila Cabello and Shawn Mendes have called it quits this week. The pair had been dating for two years and were seemingly happy together and very much in love. I wanted to see what was being activated in their charts this year to explain the breakup. Here's my little analysis.

[this is just my interpretation and is for entertainment purposes only]

Shawn's transits (Saturn and Uranus)

2021 has not been easy on Shawn. Saturn has been transiting multiple planets and activating a very frustrating energy in his chart.

Transiting Saturn in Aquarius has challenged his traditional and practical Saturn in Taurus in January 2021. This transit creates a lack of confidence in one's accomplishments and imposes a review of the structures in our lives. Do we have a solid base to keep building our lives upon? Are there cracks in the foundations? Those cracks can be related to everything, from relationships to career achievements. Making reliable and practical plans for the future becomes crucial for the native; life becomes suddenly heavy, and everything appears to be very serious.

Saturn hit Shawn's Uranus in Aquarius in March 2021. The focus on earthy matters and the realism of Saturn merged with Shawn's innovative and independent energy. The goal is to find a way to direct this potential on something worthy and reliable and to discard everything that doesn't fit the bill. Jobs and relationships that have become too stagnant have to go, as Uranus seeks inspiration and excitement while Saturn lays the foundation. This period is often unpleasant, especially if the native has traditional patterns in his chart. In Shawn's case, he has three planets in Taurus and Cancer (traditional signs) and two in Leo (they don't particularly love change, and when they do, it's on their terms). The energy was not easy to experience but not impossible to embrace for Shawn since he has his Moon in Aquarius.

This transit of Saturn also made an opposition to his Sun in Leo. This period would have put him in a more pessimistic mood. His vitality was probably really low, as were his creativity and confidence.

On top of all that, transit Uranus was squaring his Sun in Leo, provoking an inner restlessness and a need to escape whatever has him confined at the moment.

Camila's transits (Saturn and Uranus)

Camila was also dealing with Saturn and Uranus, but the energy was a little bit easier for her. She has four personal planets in mutable signs (Pisces and Sagittarius); she embraces change.

Saturn made a conjunction to Uranus in February, a square to her Ascendant in March, and a conjunction to Jupiter in May. Just like Shawn, Saturn forced Camila to rethink her achievements, to take a look at all the things she has built around her, and to question them. Do they fit in with her current life? Saturn transiting her 10th house also makes her rethink her reputation and how she wants to be viewed by the world.

Camila was also going through a low-confidence phase when Saturn restrained her Jupiter; she questioned her optimistic nature and her career (10th house). How she presented herself to the world wasn't working anymore, and she needed to readjust to her current self and to reality. This is why she also had the Saturn-Ascendant square; Saturn made her reconsider her perception of the world and of her individuality (which Taurus risings, with their resolute satisfaction, don't like to do).

Uranus was also making a sextile to her Sun and a conjunction to her Ascendant, allowing her to become more independent and to embrace her unique personality.

This introspective energy is reflected in her Progressed Moon in Scorpio.

These transits didn't trigger the change of status of their relationship directly, but they created a shift in their personality and a strong self-awareness of who they currently are and what they want. Such transformation often has an effect on their lives and the people in it.

[uncloseted]

do you have any tips on building discipline? :) or just ways to be consistent with my personal goals?

I think that (at least to some extent) discipline is a myth, or at least, it's not a productive way to think about things. It's important to be able to listen to our brains when they're telling us they need a break, and learning how to force our way through that won't necessarily create better results. I think the minute we tell ourselves that we "should" have the discipline to "just do the thing", we've already lost because we're not listening to our needs or trying to work with our brain.

Instead, what I think is important is learning how to set reasonable goals, to build habits, and to initiate tasks that we know are important but that we don't want to do. This approach focuses more on being empathetic to ourselves and understanding the tangible roadblocks that are stopping us from achieving what we want to do. By understanding those roadblocks, we can more easily find ways to work around them instead of trying to convince ourselves to bulldoze through them.

Setting Reasonable Goals

Before you even start trying to get things done, you need to know what needs to get done. A lot of the time, we intuitively feel like we know what needs to get done, but we're not good at actually identifying the details of the activity. To help combat that, there are two methods I like for setting goals: the WOOP and SMART(ER) methods.

WOOP and SMART(ER) goals

SMART(ER) is a tool to help you set the right goals for you.  Too often, we set goals like “I’m going to start exercising” or “I’m going to quit going on my phone”.  Those are great in theory, but without an action plan, it’s easy to not follow through.

SMARTER goals are ones that are:

Specific (simple, sensible, significant).

If your goal isn’t specific, you won’t be able to focus your efforts or feel motivated to achieve it.

Try to answer: what do I want to accomplish? Why is this goal important? Who is involved? Where is it located? Which resources or limits are involved?

Measurable (meaningful, motivating).

Having measurable goals is important because it allows you to track your progress and stay motivated by seeing how far you’ve come.

A measurable goal should be one that answers “how much”, “how many” and “how will I know when it’s accomplished”?

Achievable (agreed, attainable).

Your goal needs to be realistic in order for you to stay motivated and be successful. If you’re aiming too high, you’ll become demotivated quickly because it doesn’t feel like you’re making progress.

An achievable goal requires you to ask “how can I accomplish this goal” and “how realistic is this goal based on other constraints?”

Relevant (reasonable, realistic and resourced, results-based).

Relevant goals are ones that matter to you. Make sure that these goals are ones that are important to you, not ones that you think you should be pursuing.

A relevant goal is one that can answer “yes” to the following questions: “does this seem worthwhile?”, “is this the right time?”, “does this match my other efforts/needs?”, “is it applicable in my current socio-economic environment?”

Time bound (time-based, time limited, time/cost limited, timely, time-sensitive).

Every goal needs a target date so that you have a deadline you can focus on and work toward.

A time sensitive goal is one that answers “when?”, “what can I do six months from now?”, “what can I do six weeks from now?”, and “what can I do today?”

Evaluate

Every day, evaluate how you’re doing on your goals. Long term goals can be easily ignored if they’re not evaluated every day, and if you don’t evaluate how you’re doing on your goals regularly, you might miss the things that are preventing you from achieving them.

Readjust

If you find that your approach isn’t working, you may need to readjust your goals. That doesn’t mean that you’re failing at your goals or that you should quit; it just means you have to rethink the approach you’re taking. Maybe the goal isn’t as relevant to you as you thought it would be, or it’s not as realistic as you expected, or your timeline is too short. Identify which part of your SMARTER goal is tripping you up and readjust it.

The best goals are ones that include trying new things instead of quitting old ones.  Quitting things is hard; learning something new is easier and more exciting.  If you’re looking to quit something, replace it by establishing a new habit that takes its place.  For example, “I’m going to stop going on my phone,” is hard, but “when I feel like going on my phone, I’ll read a book for ten minutes instead” might be easier to maintain.

After you’ve figured out your SMARTER goal, it’s time to WOOP.  WOOP is something like the scientifically proven cousin of “manifesting”.  Just visualizing our goals or positive thinking on its own can be counterproductive, because it fools our lizard brains into believing that we’ve already achieved the goal.  By using the WOOP method, you can prevent that from happening and actually achieve what you want to achieve.

WOOP stands for:

Wish: Identify a wish that is challenging, yet attainable. This should be your SMARTER goal.

Outcome: Imagine the best outcome as a result of your wish (as vividly as possible). Really daydream about what your life would be like if you achieved your goal.

Ask yourself, what is the biggest benefit you could receive from achieving this goal?

Obstacle: Identify and imagine what obstacles will get in the way of your wish.

What might get in the way? Thoughts, feelings, beliefs, old behavior patterns, bad habits, social pressure… identify as many as you can, then prioritize their likely they are to happen and how significant they would be if they did happen.

Plan: Create an if-then plan to overcome the obstacles you identified- “if [obstacle occurs] then I will [plan A].” Do your best to pick the most effective path you can for each obstacle, and identify a few different plans in case your first plan doesn’t work.

For example, if you wanted to start exercising, your WOOP might look like this:

Wish: Go on a run 3x/week after school/work for a month.

Outcome: Better energy, confidence, and health.

Obstacle: Feeling tired and hungry at the end of the day…Not wanting to go.

Plan: Pack a snack for the end of the day, and put on gym clothes right when you get home.

Or if you wanted to stop watching TV and read more:

Wish: Watch only 5 episodes of TV per week, and read when I feel the urge to watch TV for a month.

Outcome: Learn a lot. Get smarter. Feel better. Enjoy the great ideas. Feel like I’m spending my time wisely.

Obstacle: Not feeling like it. Preferring to watch TV.

P: If I catch myself watching TV, then I turn it off and start reading a book instead.

Another thing that may help is setting reminders on your phone. Some people really like this method and other people really dislike this method, so YMMV, but it’s worth trying. On the less intense end, you can put the goals you're trying to achieve in a calendar and assign each one a specific block of time. This can be helpful because your brain can go on auto-pilot and just move from one task to the next. On the more intense end, you can also use your phone to remind you of goals when you’re in specific locations- for example, if you’re by the gym, it will remind you to go work out. Sometimes, those little nudges are all we need to keep up with a task until a habit forms.

ACTUALLY DOING THE TASK

Now you know what you want to get done, but you still have to actually do the thing. This can be hard, even if we know that the task is important to us and we want to do it. There are a few things you can try that might help you get started:

What’s Stopping You?

First, see if there’s anything that’s holding you back from doing the task. It can help to ask yourself the following types of questions: Are you missing the materials you need to work on the task? Are you afraid that if you start, you’ll do the task badly? Are you unsure of what the task entails or where to start with the task? Does the task feel overwhelming? Is the task boring? Knowing what’s holding you back can help you find a workaround.

If what’s stopping you is that you’re missing the materials you need to work on the task, try making a list of everything you need and where you can get them. Then, you can just grab everything you need and start working.

If you’re afraid that you’ll do the task badly, try to remind yourself that everything that’s worth getting done is worth doing badly. Doing something is better than doing nothing. It can also be helpful to remember that this version of the task doesn’t need to be the final version. You can always go back and make edits to improve the final product. But you can’t make the final product better if you never start.

If you feel overwhelmed with the task or are unsure of where to start, trying writing out each step of the task in stupidly small detail. For example: “Open laptop. Open Firefox. Open Google Docs. Create new document. Write name at top of document.” Then, just do the first step of the task. It seems silly, but breaking tasks down into small, achievable steps can make it feel less overwhelming. If you like check lists, you can put a check box next to each step and check them off as you go. This is nice because it helps you to feel like you’re making progress. If there are any steps you’re unclear on, make a plan for how you’re going to clarify those steps- talking to someone who’s done the task before, researching the task online, etc. If you want, you can make this more fun by pretending you’re filming a tutorial or pretending that you’re a Sim.

If the task is boring, try “temptation bundling”. This is where you take something you don’t want to do (the task) and pair it with something you like to do (listening to music, watching TV, etc). For example, you may be more likely to exercise if you only watch your favorite TV show while you’re at the gym. Doing this helps to make the task less boring and it helps us to want to do the task.

If your brain just kind of feels paralyzed, tell yourself that you’re only going to do the task for a small amount of time (30 seconds, a minute, 5 minutes, whatever you think you can handle). If you still don’t want to do the task after that time period is up, you can quit. This trick tends to help our brains break out of “task paralysis”, where we just can’t initiate a new task. Usually, after that time has passed, our brains realize that the task isn’t actually that bad, and we can keep going until it gets finished.

SOME MISCELLANEOUS ADVICE

In no particular order, here are some other things that have helped me get things done:

Junebugging. This is a strategy where you jump from task to task until everything gets done. So maybe I’ll start by wanting to make my bed. But then I’ll notice that next to my bed is my nightstand, and there’s an empty wrapper on it. So I’ll put the wrapper in the trash, and realize the trash needs to be taken out. So I’ll put on my shoes and take the trash out, and when I get back in, I’ll take off my shoes and want to put on my slippers. I’ll go get my slippers in my room and see that my bed needs to get made, so I’ll go make the bed. It’s perhaps not the most efficient method of getting things done, but my brain was never going to be able to take the most efficient route. This way, the wrapper gets taken off the nightstand, the trash gets taken out, I get my slippers, and the bed gets made. This method is just about getting stuff done, even if it’s not necessarily what you set out to do.

Do it how you’ll get it done. Kind of going along with junebugging, it’s important to let go of the way that things “should” get done. Our brains usually aren’t going to do things the way they “should” do them, and so it’s better to work with our brains instead of against them. If brushing your teeth in the shower is the way your teeth are going to get brushed, who cares if you’re not brushing your teeth at the sink. Find the strategies that work for you and run with them, regardless of what other people do.

Make things novel, interesting, or fun. When in doubt, a good way to get our brains to do something is to try and make it fun. Hate brushing your teeth? Buy a cute toothbrush and a novelty toothpaste flavor, put on some music, brush with your opposite hand, and see how many squats you can do before the song ends. It might look ridiculous, but if it gets you to brush your teeth, it’s worth it. On the simpler side, changing up how my Notion dashboard looks keeps me excited to use it because it feels new, so I try to give it a new vibe every few months. You can even turn tasks into games- how many dishes can you wash before the microwave beeps? Now it’s interesting and fun instead of something you’re obligated to do.