#my exercise of choice is yoga and long walks

[liamlawsonlesbian]

thank you for tagging me @bright-and-burning and @eyes-likepilotlights!!!!!

Imagine you're a racing driver, what would be the top ten songs on your pre-race playlist? Go wild and tag as many people as you want.

If I Dare, Sara Bareilles

Paper Rings, Taylor Swift

Drag Me Down, 1D

Salute, Little Mix

My Bag, (G)I-dle

Curious, Hayley Kiyoko

Lovesick Girls, Blackpink

Don't Give a What, Itzy

Love Is Embarrassing, ORod

That's What I Want, Lil Nas X

this is a weird combo of pump-up and comfort songs lol and also exposes my legit terrible music taste.

no pressure tags: @argentinagp @formulahuh @endofbeginings @omigodyall + anyone else who wants to!!

[russellsppttemplates]

Papa bear mode (Mick Schumacher)

Mick is in full papa bear mode and his baby girl hasn't arrived yet

Note: english is not my first language. this is another long piece that I hope you enjoy (I love how we all just love dad!Mick and I'm here for it)!

Thank you so much to everyone who likes and reblogs, your feedback is appreciated 🤍 and I'm taking requests so if you have any ideas or concepts you want to share, feel free to do so as I'll try to get to them the best I can!

my masterlist

Tw: pregnancy and postpartum

"Can we go tomorrow, then? I already said that I'd be taking the day off", you said to Mick, passing him the last piece of cutlery so he could put it on the drawer after you dried it, "the meeting was the only thing that I had scheduled and since that is cancelled, I have a free day for that, yes", he smiled, settling his hand around your lower back as he guided you to the living room, sitting on the sofa so you could sit next to him, his iPad on his hand so you could both look at it.

"I think I finally found the buggy for us", he announced, tapping the wide screen and opening the shared document you had created so you could have a set list of what you needed for your baby girl's arrival. Mick wanted to be involved in everything as much as he could, and when you suggested that you'd split the list of items so both of you would have less things to look up and search for, it went down as a good idea.

"This one has an adaptable pushing bit, you can regulate according to the height of the person pushing it so it's comfortable, comes with this thing where you put the nappy bag, and I've checked on your list here", he motioned, splitting the screen so both lists would be showing, "and it fits the bag we have already", he smiled, happy with his finding. You tapped the screen to see all the different pictures and features of the equipment, nodding when it seemed good, "yes, I think this is a good choice. It's good that it's adjustable, means you won't hurt your back because it's to small for you or that I will be uncomfortable because it's too tall for me", you smiled, looking up at him and stealing a kiss, "yes, and it looks sturdy enough to venture out for our walks, too", you mentioned, watching a video where the brand tested how the buggy behaved in different types of ground. You were hoping that once things settled down and you felt comfortable enough, you'd join Mick and Angie for walks as a family of four.

"I also found this crib", you mentioned, tapping the link you had pasted on the document earlier on in the day, "it looks pretty and practical, too", you noted, "she won't sleep on it for a while, I guess, because I've heard everyone say how they just sleep in the cot you put next to the bed for first few weeks", you shrugged your arms, "but at least it will be done and out of the way, and the nursery will be ready", you explained your point of you, earning a nod of agreement from your husband, "seems good to me too. We make a fine team, don't we?", he asked, cuddling you into his chest while you looked at the rest of the items you wanted to get.

The next morning, you both woke up and got ready to move your bodies. While you weren't an athete like your husband, you tried your best to engage in some form of exercise to keep active, usually some stretches and lighter movements now that you were pregnant. And because of that, you had built a nice routine to exercise while Mick did his workout in the morning.

You were tidying up, throwing your towell on the basket so you could later take it to the laundry room and then rolling up your yoga matt, walking to the place where you stored it when you nearly tripped in one of weight machines, "Y/N!", Mick said, approaching you to check how you were, "everything good?", he looked you up and down, Angie following suit as she looked up at you, "I'm fine, just didn't see the corner of it", you smiled, craddling his cheek, "no need to go all papa bear mode, at least not now", you reasoned, "yes, you're right. But maybe we should get those lock things, so baby girl doesn't walk in here and hurts herself, there are some heavy things here", he looked around, "and upstairs too, for that matter", he continued his ramble of everything he thought would be heavy and dangerous in the house, "I'll get to it once we get home from the shop", he finished.

Chuckling, you grabbed Mick's hand and laced it in yours, "there's still a lot of time until those are a concern, my love", you tried to pull him back to reality, "I know, but better be safe than sorry. And don't be so certain than I'm thinking she'll be the one to accidentally hit things, by the looks of it, you'll be too", he teased you, kissing your forehead as you made your way upstairs for a shower before leaving for the baby shopping afternoon.

Arriving at the store, you greeted the older sales assistant, showing her your list of items you wanted to get and following her as she also offered her opinions and views, "yes, I always recommend these cots where little one is right next to you in bed, they're like an extension of your own bed and they can be near the parent for feeds and changes during the night, and especially when the mother is the one getting to them in the night and she's still recovering, it's a lot easier to just roll and have the baby right there", she supported your decision, marking down on her notepad the exact model that would fit your bed, "and can we move it around? Say I want it on my side of the bed instead of hers", Mick asked, "yes, it's fairly easy to move around. This model has wheels that lock into place once you're happy with where it is", she showed the detail on the model they had on display.

After discussing all the furniture, you moved into the aisle concerning the mothers rather than the babies' sections, "again, we can never know for sure how the birth is going to go, but from my own experience and from what the clients tell me, it's better to be prepared for everything rather than run around in the newborn stage trying to buy something", she smiled softly, "we have this kit here, and it comes with nipple cream, which I would recommend you start applying a few days before the birth, a lot of new mothers swear by this trick", she winked, making you look at the product while Mick listened intently.

"Also these witch hazel pads also work wonders, if you lay them on your maternity pads or underwear, they really help cool down the area and make things a little bit less uncomfortable", she continued explaining what all the products did and how to use them to get the most benefits.

By the time you were home, sorting everything took even longer since Mick would not let you carry the bigger boxes, only allowing you to carry some baby clothes, hygiene products and a lamp to the nursery and your shared bedroom, and you couldn't help but notice his tense stance. His shoulders were stiff, he only spoke when you talked to him and the crease on his forehead was prominent. "Hey", you nudged him with your foot under the dinner table, "are you okay? Do you need something?", he asked worriedly, earning a no from you, "I should be the one asking you that. You are awfully quiet since we got home from the store. What happened? Was it something I said or did?", you wondered, receiving a chuckle on his end.

Frowning, you waited for his answer, "sorry, liebling, I don't want to offend you. And no, it's not your fault. I mean, it kind of is because yiu are the one carrying our baby, my baby", he brushed, "you and your body are doing this wonderful thing, like, you're growing organs and bones for our baby girl, you are her home", he smiled, tears filling his eyes before be frowned a bit, "but you're also the one enduring the pains, the discomfort that it is sometimes. You'll have to deal with so many things even after our baby girl is out here with us", he stretched his arm so he could hold your hand in his, his thumb rubbing your knuckles, "it's not fair, and I don't know how to make up to you", he explained.

"What made you feel like this? Was it just today?", you questioned, wanting to know where this whole thing came from, "It's just, today, at the store", he gulped, "the lady kept saying that the things we were getting were because things would be bad, like nipple cream because you'd have cracked skin there, or the witchhazel pads because you would be sore, and the band because sometimes everything would feel off on your body", he said, "and I'll be here for you as much as I can, I'll do anything and I'd do anything to take any of that discomfort away from you, but, it's bothering me, I think that's what it is", he confessed, opening up to you.

Smiling at his thoughtfulness, you tutted so he would look at you, "Mick, my love, it's all part of this. And while maybe, yes, if this was some sort of video game where I could transfer the pain of childbirth to you", you giggled, helping him relax a little bit more, "I'm sure I'll be just fine because I have you by my side, through all of it.

"So, please, stop feeling like you're not doing enough because you are. You're taking care of us, making sure I'm doing everything okay. And I have no doubt that the minute this one is her with us", you brought your laced hands to touch your bump, feeling your daughter kick, "you'll be even more wonderful. Parenthood is not measured by who does more of what, but rather how we handle it all together for the best of our family", you smiled, kissing your husband's lips as you finalised your attempt to make him feel better.

.

"Do we have to do this now?", you asked your husband, walking inside the home office to see his opening storage boxes, "you're not doing anything, but I need to get these away from here", he pointed to his trophies. His successful career was the first things that came to mind whenever you saw the wall, and now he wanted to store them away, "one day, Rora might think it is a good idea to touch these and what if they fall on her? They're really heavy and they can hurt her", he reasoned as he saw you sat down on the spinning chair, and if your stomach hadn't fluttered as he mentioned your daughter's nickname, your response would be quicker, "those are really high up, Mick, I don't think I can even reach them, let alone a baby or a toddler that, may I remind you, is still some time away from doing that", you noted, only hearing him mumbling something, "and I plan on dedicating every win to you and our little one, so these will soon be filled with new trophies", he smiled charmingly.

"You, little lady", you talked to your bump, "have a very worried and forward thinking papa, and while he can sometimes be a pain in our behind, he only does it because he loves us so much", you tapped the skin, "but we love him even more, so we are all lucky to have eachother, I guess".

.

"So, I hold her like this?", your husband asked the instructor, earning a pleased nod from her, "very well, Mick, exactly like that!".

You and Mick were at a baby class, and today you were covering the birth and what positions would be helpful whenever the pain of contractions was too great to handle and how you could deal with them, "Am I hurting you, liebling?", he asked, "no, on the contrary. This is actually really nice, I think I should walk around everyday with you like this until she's born", you chuckled, feeling how rhe pressure on your hips subsided, "you know I wouldn't mind being with you all day, you know? It would help me to keep an eye on you at all times an-", you interrupted him, "Papa bear mode is activated", you chuckled, kissing his jaw, "you're lucky I think you're insanely hot when you do that".

[pineapplerightsideupcake]

My mom and I had a really interesting conversation about taking care of yourself and taking pride in your appearance vs performing femininity. I’d love the share the short version here.

- shaving is bad for you so stop. So is makeup. If you MUST do these things, find products that mitigate the damage done.

- skin care doesn’t mean retinol and anti aging, it means sunscreen and moisturizer.

- style doesn’t mean trendy or feminine. Butch lesbians are some of the most stylish people on earth. Style means that you’re expressing yourself with clothes that make YOU happy and are practical and comfortable. I personally love flowy floral print shirts but pair them with very masculine khaki shorts in the summer. In fall and winter I switch by wearing a lot of masculine shirts with yoga pants. I love big poofy sweaters. Don’t be afraid to mix what you want. Wear your favorite colors. Have fun.

- hair styles and color can be fun if you like to experiment or they can be practical and easy to maintain if you’re not into hair. Buy products that nourish your hair and keep it healthy and take it easy on blow drying/curling/straightening/otherwise damaging your hair in pursuit of style. There are no wrong answers as long as your hair is healthy and clean!

- bathe regularly and get in between the crevices. Just no soap inside you. In between your buttcrack isn’t inside, and neither is your vulva, so soap up! Find scent free and moisturizing or sensitive skin friendly products. Try not to use super hot water.

- drink water, sleep, relax, eat your veggies. Go for a walk! Turn off your screen sometimes.

- exercise and stretch because it keeps you healthy and strong, don’t do these things to be thin. The number on the scale doesn’t matter if your body moves well and your blood work is good.

Refusing to perform femininity doesn’t mean rotting. Wearing stained, smelly clothes, skipping showers, leaving hair to tangle and break- none of that is feminist praxis. Neither is an unhealthy diet or refusing to care for your body.

Feminist praxis is loving yourself. It’s taking care of your human body because it’s you and you deserve so much more than to be an object. You deserve health and pleasure and healing. You deserve self expression and comfort.

Think of yourself like a garden. Patriarchy demands you plant a sickly monocrop. The answer is not to salt the earth. The answer is to plant what you want and to thrive under the sun in defiance.

And if this sounds a bit too close to choice feminism, just remember it’s never bad to think critically about your choices. And that goes beyond just fighting patriarchy.

[tsunami-of-tears]

A Court of Shadows and Sunshine — Part Four

Azriel x OC

Summary: Further training at the House of Wind, Aurora is a badass. She also attends dinner with the inner circle.  

A/N: Sorry that this one took me a bit longer, I've had a busy/stressful week. Yoga is one of my special interests, I could talk about it all day long so I hope the class bits aren’t too long/detailed. I accidentally made Aurora autistic (we write what we know) oops.

Word Count: 2.9K

Warnings: Swearing, alcohol consumption, mentions of anxiety, autistic meltdown (similar to a panic attack)

Part Three

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧

Azriel

Shaking her head at Cassian’s choice of attire, Aurora walks to her spot at the front of the class. 

Feeling guilty about bringing up her mother, Azriel keeps his distance and selects a mat in the back row of the class, directly behind Cassian and Nesta. The mates always bicker and try to outdo each other during training - Azriel hoped they would provide some distraction. 

After warming up and working through the preparatory exercises, Aurora demonstrates the next position - the mermaid pose.

“This pose is quite advanced, so I’ll come around and help where needed,” Aurora says as she walks through the rows of mats. 

“Perfect Nesta, look at how much progress you’ve made,” Aurora beams, causing Cassian to pout. 

“Why don’t you compliment me?” Cassian asks. 

“Because, Cassian, your form is off.” Azriel has to hold back his smile while Nesta bursts out laughing. “Here, let me help you. This is pretty tricky.” Aurora gently adjusts Cassian’s form, explaining how to angle his hips until he is in the correct pose. 

Cassian yells triumphantly. “Look at me! I’m a mermaid!” 

“You are a beautiful mermaid Cassian, good job,” says Aurora, smiling wide. She continues walking, until she stops in front of Azriel’s mat. 

“Can I help you a little bit?” Aurora asks, still smiling. “If we adjust your front leg, it’ll be more comfortable.” 

Azriel nods in response. 

His heart hammers as Aurora’s scent floods his nose and her warm hands touch his knee, moving it slightly to the right.

“Good, can you feel that now?” 

The feeling of Aurora’s hand on his leg lingers, Azriel wants nothing more than to reach out to her. He can feel something pulling him towards her and he can't stop his shadows from sweeping their smokelike tendrils around her ankles. Azriel swallows, nodding, he doesn’t trust himself to use his voice. 

“Good,” Aurora nods and heads back to her spot at the front, ready to continue the lesson.

Cassian and Nesta watch the interaction quietly. Azriel avoids their gaze and doesn’t notice the raised brows and smiles exchanged by the couple.

————

Cassian insisted on another planking challenge with Aurora, she rolled her eyes playfully and agreed to it. There were no time limits today, instead they were both to hold the position for as long as they could. 

Everyone stood around the pair, wanting to watch how this played out. Nesta, playing the role of referee, calls out “Begin.” 

This was more of a battle of minds than bodies. Both Cassian and Aurora are physically capable, but who could keep their mind focused the longest? 

Minutes passed, the training ring was silent aside from the occasional gust of wind and grunt from Cassian. Azriel watched Aurora, her technique seemed similar to the mind stilling utilised by the Valkyries. Her face remained blank and unwavering throughout the challenge. No taunting from Cassian could penetrate her shield. 

Nesta watches on hopefully, Azriel meets her gaze with a subtle nod, they were both rooting for Aurora.

Finally, after what felt like an age to the onlookers, Cassian falls with a groan. Aurora follows shortly after, remaining on her hands and knees as she pants to regain her breath. 

Despite his jeering, Cassian was not a bad sport. He studied Aurora in awe for a few moments before standing up and extending his hand to her. She smiles as she takes it and gets to her feet. 

She tries to take her hand back but Cassian’s grip holds firm. “You’re incredible,” he says with complete sincerity. 

Aurora’s eyes fall to her feet as she mumbles a soft thank you, confidence disappearing completely at the compliment. Azriel’s chest tightens as he watches on. He can’t tell if it’s jealousy over the interaction with his brother.

His thoughts are disrupted by the group of females rushing to Aurora. Gwyn and Emerie pull Aurora in for a hug as Nesta jumps up and down in celebration. 

Cassian breaks away from the females and heads towards Azriel. “I’m a little bit terrified of her,” he admits. 

“Yeah she’s…” Azriel falters and looks back at Aurora, still feeling the tug in his chest. There is no single word to describe her. “She’s special.” Cassian nods in agreement. 

The brothers stand together in silence, watching the females excitedly discuss their morning. Nesta and Aurora part from the group and walk towards where the two males are standing.

“Aurora, what are you doing tonight?” Cassian asks. 

“Um, I’ll probably work on my lesson plans,” she admits. 

“Change of plans, sweetheart. Rhys would like to meet you and discuss our training. He asked us to extend an invitation to dinner tonight.”

Aurora balks, her eyes widen. “Me? With the High Lord?” 

Nesta puts a hand on her shoulder in comfort. “It’s just Rhys,” she laughs, “Don’t worry, we’ll all be there too.” 

That seems to ease Aurora slightly, she nods her head in agreement.

“Wonderful, I’ll let him know. I’m afraid I have somewhere I need to be, Azriel will take you home.” Cassian smirks at Azriel as his breath catches.

Trying to cover up his shock, Azriel extends an arm to Aurora and asks, “Are you ready to go?” 

She takes a deep breath and says, “As I’ll ever be.” 

Azriel pulls her into his arms and launches into the sky. Aurora squeezes her eyes closed until they stop ascending. Although there’s a part of Azriel that sings in happiness with Aurora in his arms, the fear on her face makes him concerned. 

“Are you okay?”

Aurora closes her eyes again, “I don’t like flying,” she admits. “It turns my stomach.”

Azriel pauses as he contemplates his response, wondering how much of his soul he should bare. 

“I used to feel that way,” he confesses. Aurora looks at him and raises her brows in question. “I learnt to fly later in life,” Azriel continues. “Despite the deep instinct, it was hard to make that initial jump.” 

Before Aurora can respond they start to descend towards her apartment, making her tighten the grip around Azriel’s neck. She stays firmly wrapped around him until they land on the ground. 

Azriel places Aurora on her feet and she promptly removes her arms from his neck, straightening up. Azriel clears his throat, his arms feeling empty without Aurora in them. Running his hand through his hair, he says, “So dinner tonight, I’ll pick you up. It’s at the River House so we don't have to fly.” 

“Thank you, but that’s not necessary. I’ll, um, see you there.” 

“Oh okay, I guess I’ll see you later then.” He takes a breath before admitting, “You killed it earlier.” 

“Thank you,” Aurora says, her eyes never leave Azriel’s. “I should, uh, getting going.” She gestures behind her back with her thumb. 

“Me too.” Azriel watches as Aurora walks into her apartment building, fighting the urge to pull her close again. He lets out a deep sigh once she’s out of his sight, before launching into the sky.

————

Aurora

You had been ruminating over the High Lord’s invitation all afternoon. You tried to meditate and calm your mind but it did nothing to still your thoughts. You were so worried about what he might think of you. Even though Rhysand helped you get to safety in Velaris, you had never actually met the male. What if he thought the effort was wasted on you?  

And then there was Azriel. 

After your interactions today, you knew you couldn’t deny how you felt. Every time you touched you felt a fire burning under your skin, not unlike the warm glow of your power. 

You were relieved that Nesta would be there tonight. Though you haven’t known her long, she was the closest friend you had.

Cassian had neglected to mention the dress code for the evening, so you were also stressing over that. Half of your closet was in piles on the floor and your bed. You’d tried on numerous outfit combinations and nothing felt right. Everything was too itchy or too restrictive or too casual. At this rate you’d be going in your under garments. 

Finally, you settle on a light grey sweater dress with sheer tights and knee high black boots. You felt comfortable and hoped you wouldn’t be underdressed. As it’s nearing the end of Autumn, you had a very cold walk to the River House, so you also put on your coat and scarf. 

On the way out of your apartment, you take a final look in the mirror and repeat one of your affirmations.

“I am strong. I am resilient. I am enough.”

————

You find yourself standing outside the large manor that is humbly named the River House. The walk had helped to clear your head before dinner, but you can feel the anxiety creeping back as you stand on the front step.

You repeat your affirmation again in your mind before raising your hand to knock on the door. 

Before you make contact with the wood, the door is opened by Feyre who’s mouth widens in a huge smile when she sees you. You are relieved to see her black dress is quite understated, putting one worry at ease. 

“Hello again, Aurora. Please come in.” You bow your head at her and step inside. 

You step into the grand entrance and follow Feyre down the hallway. “Thank you for having me, you have such a beautiful home,” you say to Feyre. She smiles warmly at you, “Thank you Aurora, you’re always welcome.” 

You take another deep breath before entering the main living room. You’re barely over the threshold before you’re being pulled into a bone crushing hug by Nesta. It takes you a moment to realise what’s happening before you return her embrace. She whispers to you, “I’m so glad you came, it’s nice to have another friend around here.” 

Nesta lets you go and Cassian steps forward with a broad smile on his face. He also pulls you into a hug in greeting. Not quite as tightly as Nesta, but still firm. “How’s my favourite yoga teacher?” He beams. 

“Cassian, I’m your only yoga teacher.” You retort. 

“You’re still my favourite.” Cassian says with a wink. You respond with an eye roll. 

He takes a step back to move out of the way of Rhysand, who has stood to greet you. 

Your eyes flicker as they take in the High Lord. Living in Velaris for so many years, you had heard rumours of Rhysand’s beauty. None of that prepared you for the real thing. The male that stood before you was cauldron-blessed. 

Your breath hitches as his violet, star-flecked eyes meet yours. “Hello Aurora, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you,” the High Lord purrs. 

You feel your cheeks redden so you quickly avert your gaze and bow deeply to Rhysand. “Thank you for the hospitality, my Lord.” You hear a chuckle coming from Cassian’s direction, quickly shut off by the sound of smacking skin - you assume that was Nesta. 

You straighten your back and meet the High Lord’s gaze again, he’s watching you with curiosity. “You are most welcome, Aurora. But please, there’s no need for such formality in my home. You can call me Rhys.”

“That would be improper, my L-” Rhys cuts you off.

“Are you questioning your High Lord?” He asks with his brow raised and a smirk. 

Your cheeks burn even redder, “My apologies, uh, Rhys.” 

“I’m just teasing you Aurora, I couldn’t resist,” Rhys says with a wink. “Please sit,” he gestures to the lounge where Azriel is already sitting and looking rather uncomfortable. You hadn’t noticed him, hidden behind his flurry of shadows. “I’m dying to hear how training is going so far. First, would you like a drink?” 

“Thank you, that would be lovely.” Rhys exits with Feyre to get the drinks. You take a seat on the other side of the couch to Azriel, leaving an empty cushion in between the two of you. 

“Hello shadowsinger.”

Azriel watches you for a moment with a soft expression, “I think we need to start calling you that.” Azriel nods his head towards your feet, where you notice one of his shadows slinking by. You reach your hand out and it glides up and around your arm like a snake, slightly tickling you. You let out a soft laugh as it brushed over a particularly sensitive spot. 

At that moment, Rhys and Feyre return, carrying wine and glasses. They set everything down on the coffee table and look over at your arm, and the shadow making itself at home there. 

“Az, are you doing that?” Feyre asks. 

Azriel shakes his head, “No, it’s not me, I’m not controlling them. They like her.” 

“Interesting.” Rhys drawls. 

“What’s interesting, cousin?” Everyone turns to face Mor, who has just entered the room. She flips her hair over her shoulder and takes a seat in the chair across from you. “Rory. Fifty years and you still haven’t taken up an offer to hang out with me. This buffoon here,” she gestures at Cassian, “asks you once and you accept.” Mor flashes you a devilish smile. 

Cassian starts to object to being called a buffoon but he side tracks, “Rory?” He questions and turns back to you. “How have we not heard this nickname before?”

“It’s what my family called me. I don’t introduce myself as Rory, but Mor knew them.” 

Azriel winced at the mention of your family in past tense. Luckily, Mor quips back at Cassian. “Once she puts up with fifty years of your crap, you can ask to call her that.” 

“Cauldron boil me, fifty years? I’m not sure I have the strength.” You say, winking at Cassian. 

Rhys and Nesta roar with laughter as Cassian crosses his arms and pouts at you. 

You pick up one of the glasses on the table, swirling the wine around before bringing it to your lips. Not usually one to drink much, you were feeling quite relaxed so you didn’t see any harm in having a few tonight.

————

The rest of the evening was fairly enjoyable. It was easy for you to slip into the familiar banter of the group. Cassian continued to pester you all throughout dinner about your nickname, until you finally caved - he could call you Rory so long as he stopped calling you Sweetheart. 

After dinner, Feyre retired for the night to relieve her other sister, Elain, from babysitting duties - while Rhys, Cassian and Azriel went to the High Lord’s study to discuss some urgent business. That left you alone in the lounge with Mor and Nesta. 

You ended up drinking more than intended, with the excitement of the night gone and the wine-buzz wearing off, you feel very drained. 

In between fits of giggles, Nesta raves about your ‘annihilation’ of Cassian earlier - a severe exaggeration in your opinion.

“I would give anything to see that!” exclaims Mor. You wave your hands, trying to object to all the praise, but Nesta cuts you off. 

“Nonsense. I will not hear it, Aurora.” She grabs your hands, forcing you to look at her. “Listen to me, you’re incredible.” You squeeze her hands in response, and attempt to blink back the tears that have pooled in your eyes. 

You’re unsure if it’s the wine making you more emotional, but you choke back your sob as the wave of overwhelming feelings slams into you - acceptance and loneliness, insecurity and gratitude. The good and bad swirls together until the tears are streaming down your face. 

“Oh, Rory.” Nesta pulls you into a hug and holds you tight. The pressure helps to calm you and slow your breathing. Your shoulders slump in her embrace and you let out a soft whimper. 

You feel a warm hand on your back, and turn your head to see Mor beside you, rubbing small circles. “Come on, Rory, let’s get you to bed.” 

The exhaustion hits you so hard that you don’t question her. Nesta and Mor help you to your feet, and walk with you to one of the spare bedrooms. The females help you change into comfortable clothes and they get you into bed. You don’t say a word to either of them as they leave, you couldn’t if you tried. Once you reach this point, your mind and body refuse to cooperate. 

Once you’re alone, you use your powers to extinguish all light in the room. Relishing in the calmness of the dark and silence, you allow yourself to fall into a deep sleep.

————

Azriel

Rhys had asked Azriel and Cassian to step into his office, claiming there was something urgent they had to discuss. 

Azriel had been on edge all night. He had an inkling about the pull he felt towards Aurora, but he wasn’t completely sure. Mother knows he doesn’t deserve it.

The three males were silent until they entered the High Lord’s study. Rhys leans against his desk with his arms crossed, Cassian and Azriel remain standing. 

“Okay, what’s going on?” Azriel asks. 

Rhys and Cassian exchange a look before flashing devilish smiles at Azriel. 

“Brother, when were you planning on telling us about your lovely mate?” 

Part Five

[brown-little-robin]

another one! tagged by @scarvenartist (thanks!! hello! :D)

Are you named after anyone? Yes! BibleCharacter from ABibleBook :}

When was the last time you cried? Monday when I watched the 2nd half of Hamilton. I've cried so much in the past two weeks?? three whole times?? I never cry this much?? but Hamilton made me cry twice and learning Japanese made me cry once

Do you have kids? Nope. Unless you count my favorite ocs, in which I have... *counts*... at least twenty.

What sports do you play/have you played? I was in one semester of hap ki do once! That was fun. I also like to walk. I did twice-weekly long walks as all my P.E. credits in homeschool, and to this day I always walk rather than take busses. I'm dreading having to find ways to exercise other than my in-built College Campus Walks To Classes when I leave college :((( maybe I'll start yoga again... sigh... or maybe I'll do what sparks joy and go hike by myself sometimes! I'm hoping to take more martial arts classes in the future, too.

Do you use sarcasm? Sometimes! but only in situations where I'm pretty confident it'll be well received and isn't mean-spirited. although I admit in my worst/most fearful moments with strangers sometimes I do get sarcastic as a defense mechanism. I'm growing out of that, though.

What is the first thing you notice about people? Nowadays it's fashion choices, usually. I like noticing what people choose to wear! I love it when people get weird with it. Old ladies with big ostentatious earrings are some of my favorites to see. Also young adults with anime stuff on their backpacks.

What's your eye color? Brown :} rich warm dark brown

Scary movies or happy endings? Happy ending most of the time Please 🥺 I only like watching scary/sad stuff with my dad. he unlocks that in me. and sometimes with Stormy.

Any talents? good at clay sculptures! also good at coming up with fun characters and plots, and making people laugh. also academic writing and helping people with academic writing!

Where were you born? I was grown in a tube, next question

What are your hobbies? writing, reading, watching anime, posting on tumblr dot com, seeking out and stealing poems for my personal poetry document, ceramics, sewing (exclusively plushie mice)

Do you have any pets? Not right now, but I used to have hamsters and I want to have hamsters (or Maybe a related form of rodent e.g. guinea pigs or rats) again. I will after college probably!

How tall are you? 5'4. a good height

Favorite subject in school? Currently, Advanced Ceramics is my favorite class. Historically, English, Psychology, and History have been my favorites overall.

Dream job? tbh, interlibrary loan assistant..... I dream of having @isfjmel-phleg's career..... but currently I'm pursuing professional tutoring bc it seems more achievable

Tagging... anyone who wants to do this! I feel like my friends are all pretty busy right now so I'll leave it up to whoever sees this and Likes these questions :}

[gurugirl]

This might seem completely odd [which if it made you uncomfortable, please don't respond and I'm so sorry 🩵] but as one of my favourite writers here that I engage frequently, I am seeking your opinion or motivation, too: what piece of advice you'd give to someone who struggles to take an action for weight loss? Like I am not overwhelmingly overweight, yet definitely on the chubbier side which if I lose kinda 17 lbs (around 8-10 kg to be exact) I'd be much more comfortable in my own skin, but literally been free for a week (Hence I took break from everything that consumes my time) but never could do any shite and it's so annoying :/ I have the opportunity to do exercises or have long strolls but laziness and lack of enthusiasm are killing me.

Hi! I just saw @freedomfireflies answered you as well and she gave you such good advice I'm not sure I can add much to it.

I like to think of being active as something that's doing me good and going to make me happy. It's proven that being outside for a bit every day is very good for mood and health and that can translate to us being kinder to our body and perhaps making better choices. I have a dog so I'm out with him to walk at various times during the day and I know it improves my mood just walking in the park and getting away from screens (I usually leave my phone in the house when I walk the dog).

Now, finding motivation to take a stroll outside is a different thing when you don't have a dog. I'm positive I'd go outside a lot less if it weren't for him. Sometimes you just have to force yourself until it becomes habit (that's how I got into my yoga practice - it started out just being something to try until now it's a habit and I enjoy doing it everyday because it makes me feel so happy and my body feels great). But ultimately you want to be gentle with yourself. Maybe take a drive to a pretty park and walk around it to take in the landscaping and flowers or whatever. You don't need to be out there long if you don't want. Or maybe you find you really enjoy it and wind up staying longer than you intended. Then later see how you feel after doing that one thing for yourself. Letting your body move around and take breaks from screens is so beneficial. I think you'll notice the difference - at least in your mood and that can have a domino effect on the rest of your day.

Another thing to consider is that society dictates what's attractive and society has unhealthy expectations for women. It's easy to get caught up in that sort of thing when it's all around us. All of our bodies are different and require different things.

I hope anything I said gives you a little something to think about. Doing one small thing is a great way to start and then seeing how you feel after should help you be motivated to do it again (like that walk in the park).

I wish you the best! Just the fact that you're searching for advice is good. One thing at a time!

ps! make sure you drink plenty of water too! nothing wrong with staying hydrated which gives you more energy naturally :)

xoxo

[lorircreates]

Hii 🥰

So in honor of World Yoga Day. I wanted to ask do your MC‘s and or OC‘s practice any type of sports?

If yes which one and why?

Hi! Sorry to take so long to answer. I started re-reading my OCs' profiles to answer, had an idea to answer with moodboards and got sidetracked 😅

I didn't know there was a world yoga day. That's so cool! If I knew it sooner, I would've properly celebrated the occasion by going back to my yoga sessions. Oh well... Maybe next week 😁

Anyway... to answer your ask, most of my OCs aren't super into sports. Some of them do yoga (Evelyn, Natasha) or go to the gym (Evelyn, Veronica, Samantha) sometimes whenever they try to adopt a healthier lifestyle, but they rarely stick to the plan for more than six months lol

But among the lazy ones, one of them managed to go from extremely lazy to slightly healthier:

Daphne Wang-Foredale:

Daphne grew up dancing because she wanted to be an opera singer/actress like her mother, so she took ballet and jazz classes. When she became Viscountess Foredale, she started learning ballroom dancing and loved it. She also practiced tennis for a while, but didn't like it. She only played because her grandmother insisted. As she grew older and eventually realized junk food and mopping on the couch wouldn't do her any good, she started taking contemporary dance classes three times per week and returned to ballroom dance classes once a week with Hamid.

I have two OCs who have been into sports and being fit most of their lives:

Alisha Hastings:

Alisha grew up dancing ballet. She was enchanted by the Sleeping Beauty ballet play she watched with her mother and grandmother in Paris and begged to start dancing ballet. Over the years, she learned a bit more about Indian culture and started yoga. She loves it and practices every day (20 min after waking up + 15 min before going to bed). During her years studying at Le Cordon Bleu, n classmate invited her to an aerial dance class. She thought it was fun and practices twice per week (or whenever her schedule allows).

Jade Bourbon-Rys:

The Queen Consort of Cordonia is an authentic fitness freak and has a very strict training routine: Jogging (1h)+ Dancing or Swimming (1h) + Crossfit or MMA (1h) six times per week. This routine was created with the help of her personal trainer to get her in shape right after she got engaged to Liam and she kept it after getting married because exercising helps reducing stress and her compulsive behavior. In high school, Jade was on track team and though she had an unstable life since her mother passed away, every now and then she went jogging because she does feel better while running.

Bonus (not a Choices OC, but adding just because I love her 😍)

Stella Lovejoy:

Stella grew up practicing dancing (mainly ballet and jazz) as prep work for what she really loved: figure skating. For a while, she believed she would be an athlete, but after an accident during practice, surgeries and a long recovery process to walk again, she left her childhood dream behind and switched to swimming (I forgot to add it to her moodboard 🫣) and boxing to build leg muscles and strength. She still practices both whenever she has some spare time.

Thanks for the ask, dear!

I wish you a great weekend and happy July 😘

[professionalwhining]

On Yoga

Struggling with chronic back pain, almost a year ago, I signed up for a yoga class in the canal. 

For the past year, I’ve lived (more like survived) all different kinds of physical afflictions. all the way from my feet to my neck, I was in constant pain. In June last year, I went to 4 different specialists (several times) to figure out what was wrong with me (plot twist: the problem was not what seem to be the problem. It never is). So, after months of taking pills, seeing different doctors, and going weekly to the chiropractor, I finally decided to, as the receptionist put it, “try this yoga thing”. You know I’ve never been much of a joiner, or a group player (joined only once a gym under strict recommendation from my parents when I was young) so “exercising” with a lot of people in a closed room was already set up to be one of a kind experience for me. I was a runner (and you will always be a runner,  even after you stop running; if you are not sure, ask your knees). 

So I joined a class on a random day in the summer of last year. I spare you the physical inconveniences, alien language, chanting, and confusion between left and right. I will tell you though, that it was not unlike running… except for everything. 

First of all, there was something so soothing about the place. The dim lights, and the soft music playing in the background. For me though, it was the walking barefoot that did it. The clear instructions (I guess like that scene from Fleabag and the Father, I just wanted someone to tell me what to do), the promise that everything will be all right if you just breathe. One breath at a time. It was the definition of longing in a place. There was also the fact that despite the clumsiness of your movements there was so much dignity to be felt on top of that (sweaty) mat. 

Even in that first class, I knew that what was happening in that room was definitely something I have only experienced in solitude. 

And you know, ever from that first practice, I’ve tried to tell people what I’ve felt: the connection, with myself and all these random strangers breathing loudly and sweating profoundly, the joy, the frustration, the peace. But, almost like poetry, the whole experience seemed to have a divine quality. There was something that rendered it almost sublime. Impossible to talk about. 

I’m a romantic we both know that. But I’m also a social science bitch. 

Cause, listen, the clothes these girls were wearing (I obviously also got my Lulus on sale because have you felt the fabric on them leggings??? They also fit like a glove, so don’t judge me… even though I am judging them), the price of the classes, the teachers, the whiteness and the maleness in yoga, was something I could definitely talk about. 

So what did I do? I went and did a little research on the topic (instead of researching for my thesis naturally). And what I found was as beautiful and raw as well as synthetic and disappointing. And that’s fucking normal I guess. 

The thing is that

As much as I was practicing (six times a week until this morning. Excuse me for being better than you). I was reading on the subject. I was (am) drunk on the experience. The sense of belonging, of community, the strength I felt (and feel) I was gaining. It felt life-changing, and it is. But it felt… how could I put it… problematic?

And it is. It turns out yoga is kind of a cult. I mean, a lot like a cult. cultish even. which is why you need to read “Cultish” by the genius Amanda Montell (more on that later). 

So reading “The Politics of Yoga” by Farah Godrej, as you do, I worried I was becoming a Neoliberal yogi. The article, which I found a bit rad for my taste was as subtle as a gun (like Margaret):  

“Contemporary postural yoga offers the modern consumer a dizzying variety of choice in terms of the possibilities for practice, while allowing her to construct her own identity in keeping with market logic and consumer culture (…) Like diet and exercise, postural practice becomes one more way in which neoliberal subjects can become governors of their own selves (…) More insidiously, yoga can function as a complete preoccupation, a choice which perpetuates the fallacy that one is doing something meaningful.  In pursuing yoga, many may see themselves as making a lifestyle “choice” which seems to supply a seemingly benevolent ethical content. Practicioners of yoga may imagine that they have discovered a broadly palatable ethics that feels exotic and countercultural.  But in actuality, this choice may function to displace politics, by pacifying the subject in a measure proportional to the extent of her preoccupation with deviating from the apparent default lifestyle choice.  The larger the lifestyle “choice” looks, the more it may preclude her from having the energy to explore more radically democratic solutions.  Yoga can become a visible outlet to soak up resources in a way that will not truly destabilize the dominant system, an elaborate preoccupation that absorbs the time and money which could be directed toward challenging political structures.  It may provide the illusion that one is taking a drastic step away from the dominant system, while simultaneously consuming the resources and effort required to explore truly radical alternatives“

Ehm. 

Harsh. 

But, I mean, she does have a point. 

And this bitch doesn’t even rant about cultural appropriation, colonization, and capitalism. 

Yoga (or the one I used to practice) felt like an escape. An escape from myself, from the outside world, almost like books (and it is, don’t get me wrong) but it could be so easy to get lost in someone else’s world. And very hard to find a way out. As long as cult goes, it is not a shitty one. Still. it’s cultish. 

And it is not yoga. At least not the one I want to practice. 

As Susanna Barkataki, eloquently wrote in her book “Embrace Yoga’s Roots” what yoga offers us “is a pathway to know within ourselves the root cause of so many of these harms: separation. (…) when we mistake yoga for a workout routine, reduce it to physical fitness or even practice some of the deeper practices without an eye to the whole system of liberation it offers, we rob ourselves and each other of the potential of this practice….”

“In yoga there is no separation only connectedness” 

And I believe that shit.  

I recommend that you do not do like me, go read the Yoga Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita before buying 120 euros leggings (they’re expensive even on sale). There is more value in the books. And they’re cheaper and longer lasting. 

These days I’m practicing Ashtanga. In Ashtanga, I found everything I’ve always identified with: order, discipline, repetition, effort, control and pain. And you know, as a virgo, its the only thing that gets me going. I told you I was better than you. Jk.

Ps. I found this totally random but very interesting article on “Plato and Yoga” by John Bussanich if you were thinking like me: in what do the Platonic dialogues resemble South Asian texts. You can find that in the book : “Universe and Inner Self in Early Indian and Early Greek Thought” or the article directly in Jstor. 

Xoxo 

Lena. 

[molianno]

My Journey in Anti-Aging: Exploring the Art of Balance and Self-Care

In the long river of life, everyone desires to retain the vitality and radiance of youth, making anti-aging a focal point for many. I, too, am no exception. However, my path to anti-aging is not about blindly pursuing expensive skincare products or extreme diets, but rather a profound exploration of balance, internal conditioning, and a positive attitude towards life. Below, I am willing to share some insights, hoping to provide inspiration for those who are also traveling on this path.

1. Balanced Diet, Nurturing the Inner Self

Diet is the cornerstone of anti-aging. I adhere to the "Rainbow Diet" approach, ensuring that each meal incorporates a variety of colored fruits and vegetables. This not only makes the table colorful but also provides a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, which are crucial for combating free radicals and slowing down cellular aging. Additionally, I consume moderate amounts of high-quality protein (such as fish, lean meat, and soy products) and healthy fats (like nuts and olive oil), providing the body with necessary repair and building materials. Reducing the intake of processed foods, high-sugar, and high-salt foods lightens the body's burden and naturally enhances a youthful appearance.

2. Regular Exercise, Activating the Body

Exercise is my secret weapon for maintaining vitality. I combine aerobic exercises (such as brisk walking, swimming, and cycling) with strength training (yoga, Pilates, or light weightlifting exercises). This not only improves cardiovascular function but also enhances muscle strength and promotes metabolism. By maintaining at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, I not only keep my weight in check but also significantly improve my sleep quality, allowing my body and mind to relax and recover more effectively.

3. Adequate Sleep, Facilitating Repair and Regeneration

High-quality sleep is the best "beauty potion." I strive to ensure 7-9 hours of sleep each night and create a conducive sleep environment: keeping the bedroom dark, quiet, and at a suitable temperature, and avoiding electronic devices before bedtime to reduce the interference of blue light on sleep quality. Before sleeping, I engage in relaxing activities such as reading, meditation, or soaking my feet in hot water to help my body and mind gradually enter a state of rest, ensuring thorough repair and regeneration during the night.

4. Mental Health, Emotion Management

Mental health is equally important. I have learned to manage and release stress through mindfulness meditation, journaling, and communicating with friends, maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset. Regular hobbies, travel, or even simple walks can add joy to life and reduce the negative impact of emotions on the body. Mental and physical health complement each other, jointly constructing a solid defense against aging.

5. Continuous Learning, Maintaining Curiosity

Lastly, I believe that maintaining a youthful heart and continuously learning and exploring new things are the most valuable treasures in anti-aging. Whether it's learning a new language, mastering a new skill, or simply trying out new cooking methods, these activities stimulate the passion for life and keep the brain active, delaying cognitive decline.

In summary, anti-aging is a holistic process that involves how we treat our bodies, minds, and lifestyle choices. By practicing the above methods, I have found that I not only appear younger on the outside but more importantly, inner peace and satisfaction have given me a more vibrant life color. Everyone's path to anti-aging is unique, and I hope my sharing can provide some inspiration for you. Let us all age gracefully, enjoying every moment.

[thepoeticfox]

I am trying to make better food decisions with things like not consuming a ridiculous amount of sugar every day and eating more fiber and better sources of nutrients than say, pizza and burgers.

I'm not cutting things out! I'm just trying to make somewhat better choices bc I'm not happy with how I feel and maybe just maybe I can start to change that with food.

So I'm thinking of switching us to Equal or Sweet and Low for stuff like coffee and tea (he already uses Equal) and bc I know my creamer is oil based and has lots of sugar, I'm going to try oat milk. Maybe it'll have a better mouth feel. Idk.

I'm definitely trying to make more veggie focused meals which is not that hard, I just need to make salads. Not hard.

Of course I also need to exercise so I did order a couple more pairs of yoga shorts to walk at the gym in. Walking on a treadmill is not something I'm used to so I really can't do it for long yet. Yet. I'll get there!

Small but hopefully positive changes to try to feel a little better. Not gonna cure my chronic illnesses like this, I'm no fool, but maybe it'll help a little in other ways.

[idigitizellp21]

Celebrate Our Seniors

The average age of a human being is 72 years. With advanced healthcare and development, senior citizens are living fitter and longer lives.

Reaching age 90 in good health is a great longevity goal. There is a study and according to this study, the secret to living past 90 involved making a few lifestyle choices like not smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, not having high blood pressure, getting regular exercise and preventing diabetes.

But not all reach age 90 and in good health. As per norms once you are 60 + you are labelled as a senior citizen. Don’t let age fool you; it’s just a number.

With development, certain situations for our seniors have changed. The nuclear family system has created a void, a certain degree of isolation, loss of respect, lack of care and a sense of insecurity or depression.

Interestingly, everyone wants to live a long life but not to be old. Old age is an integral part of human life. It is inevitable. It is ironic that however undesirable it has to come. Most of us would face the pain and pleasures of this life. Old age completes the life pattern. It has its own pleasures though different from the pleasures of youth.

If I were a senior citizen, what is it that I would do to enjoy this phase of my life?

Accept my age, as age is just a number and be grateful for this life so far.

Stay active.

Eat well. Eat healthy.

Engage in social activities.

Sleep well.

Look after my health.

Regular medical checkups.

Join a library.

Engage in field trips and excursions.

Spend time gardening or visiting a park.

Join group exercise classes like yoga, Pilates or meditation.

Join laughter clubs.

Smile a lot.

Listen to music. Invite friends and enjoy a karaoke session.

Spend time reading, keeping myself well-informed.

Try a new restaurant. Chat with people around.

Take a walk regularly.

Meet friends and family.

Make an effort to reach out to people.

I as a human being what would I do to make the life of a senior citizen comfortable?

Devote some time to them.

Talk to them.

Listen to their stories.

Accompany them to places.

Help them in their daily chores.

Assist them in learning technology.

Be kind and caring.

Be patient.

Empathise with them.

Learn about morals and values from them.

Respect them.

Appreciate their presence.

Learn from their vast experiences. They are a power of wisdom.

Visit an old age home.

Create a secure environment.

Teach them a new skill.

Make them feel useful.

Encourage self-esteem.

Become a member of a social daycare centre.

Remember: Life is short and too precious. Life is beautiful, enjoy it!

As a senior citizen, a concerned family member, or a friend, would you like to provide yourself, your elderly parent, or your friend, additional support and also give yourself some respite?

If you are a senior citizen yourself or would like to learn how to better support them, connect with Kashmira Kakalia a profound mental health practitioner with ImPerfect.

[tianamarieg]

2/16/24

wow tumblr. reading all this old stuff makes me cringe. me in my 20s was riddled with insecurities but also a lot of "i'm not like other girls" vibes. but i do see someone who really wanted to be loved under all of that. i was sure id be single for life, but i've been in a relationship for over 9 years now. you really think you are sure of shit in your 20s. but in your 30s your realize you dont know anything and, you along with everyone else, are just going through life one day at a time hoping for the best.

im one year sober (from everything!) tomorrow. i got help and got my shit together and im happy about it but also realize anything can happen and i dont know what the future will bring me. just again, hoping i continue to make the healthier choices, and if i dont i remember quickly what it feels like to be in the dark and remember the tools i acquired to get back out of that funk.

in recovery they say you recover your inner child, or your true self. i feel that. i feel more like myself in high school, before i drank or used. i truly am an introvert. i like being alone and doing things alone, but i also realize the value of connection. its important to have relationships with other people. i am learning to be comfortable with being uncomfortable and to socialize without the substances. it drains my social battery pretty quickly but i also accepted that this is okay, and its okay to leave the party as early as i need instead of forcing myself to sit through something that clearly isnt for me anymore.

i bake! for someone who wasnt a big fan of sweets, i've taken to baking pretty quickly. im also pretty good at it. who would have thought?

im also into yoga. i thought it was just stretching and boring but its so much more and i have barely scratched the surface of it.

i have been reading again but right now its mostly of the nonfiction variety. my book collection is increasing though which is nice.

i exercise a lot. i jog, walk, do strengthening videos, and the yoga as mentioned. i also eat healthy ish. i dont deprive myself but i do loosely calorie count and dont binge like i used to, but i still love food. i just learned to have a healthier relationship with food. i still dont eat meat but will try it if it looks good.

im still emotionally stunted but im trying to unlearn unhealthy behaviors and thought processes. i have a long way to go and know all this is pretty much a lifelong deal, i just hope again that things go as smoothly as they can with what i'm given at the time.

i still dont have children and still dont want any. i am not married and have no interest in it. but i have my long term partner and things are content. im okay with that in life today.

im 35 now and things arent perfect and they never will be. i cried in the dark yesterday because my anxiety and depression has been so bad, but i also remembered that none of it is permanent. my feelings will pass, and luckily i have healthy habits in place that keep me on track. vulnerability is still hard for me but im learning that its okay to not be okay, but also that its okay to be okay.

[mangodestroyer]

Did anyone else get some very unpleasant advice about "healthy lifestyles" growing up?

I mean, seriously. I remember being taught that "raw fruits and veggies", specifically "raw greens like broccoli, kale, and spinach" were the SUPERIOR way having a high nutrients, low calorie diet. SPEICFICALLY if you did nothing to flavor them/didn't dip them in anything (except maybe a tiny bit of peanut butter). Also, avoid red meats and eat unflavored, broiled chicken and fish. Only eat a tiny desert once a week. At most. Have whole grains instead of white bread. Get vigorous exercise 60 mins a day and make sure you're out of breath, sweaty, and in pain (if it stops hurting, you got too used to it and need to push yourself harder/change things up). Oh, and don't you DARE be fat! Don't even be on the high end of a "healthy" bmi (even if you're tall/built with a larger bone frame and bmi doesn't work so well with people like that).

Yeah, um, turns out this advice is actually pretty bad/doesn't work for everyone/sometimes causes more harm/is honestly kind of not obtainable for some people. I've tried doing this at various points throughout my life. It made me miserable and lightheaded and I never stuck with it for long.

For instance, some workouts I was taught in gym class are a big no-no, according to physical therapists. The one where you reach down and touch your toes can be very bad for your hips and tendons (that's why it hurts). Also, I remember being pushed to run very intensely/do stairs in a cold ass environment. I don't have breathing problems, but I felt like I did after the fact. I mean, I was straight up coughing and my lungs hurt. So, I assume that probably also wasn't very good for me.

Also, grains aren't always a great choice of food either. They're full of carbs and can put on weight like crazy. There's this thing called veggie bread and veggie pasta. They're better options and they also taste a hell of a lot better than whole grain (seriously, ew!) Plus, veggie pasta is colorful. That makes it look fun!

And also, it's true that raw greens are insanely healthy. But really? Would you die if you almost never had greens this way? You know, enjoying your time on Earth is also healthy, and I sure as hell do NOT enjoy raw, unflavored greens (and I'm a person who likes bitter things and vegetables). I won't touch them unless they're prepared in a particular way. Preferably cooked and with lots of spices.

Speaking of which, spices are very good for you and add tons of flavor to your food. So is vinegar (lots of flavor and no sodium). And cooking wine. And herbs. Now there's one way to make your cooked vegetables extra healthy!

Seriously, why go so overkill? You realistically won't stick to a strict diet and exercise routine. Imo, it's much better to find healthy options you actually enjoy. For me, it's always going to be cooked vegetables and raw fruit (or fruit juice). With TONS of spices and herbs and vinegar and cooking wine. I also like going on brisk walks now and then. I know I need to get more exercise, but I still just don't care to do something super intense on a regular basis (I have a retail job and it just won't work out/I need energy for school and work). I'd much rather do some simple yoga for my joints or something.

Also, red meat is not the best thing in the world. Overconsumption can be an issue. But... some of us also kind of need it. I get low blood pressure. I also have a monthly cycle. I also seem to need a higher calorie diet. Not having enough red meat can be bad for me. And no, supplements are not fool proof. You absorb more nutrients from food.

I get that heart disease, diabetes, stroke, etc. are problems in the U.S. But was this diet advice designed for someone who's genetically prone to having high cholesterol? Or who was born with a family history of some extreme diabetes? I've met people like that, and it does really suck for them. But also, maybe we don't need to design a diet for the worst case scenario for everyone?

You know, they also never really talked about stress enough. The harmful effects of it and all. Stress, and alcohol, actually cause a lot of America's top killers way more than people realize. And honestly, I can see it. I personally just don't feel very good if I've been super stressed for a long time. I mean, stress can literally cause me physical pain. And I feel like my body and mind don't function as well. It's too bad America just pushes people to have stressful lifestyles (60+ hour work weeks are becoming a norm, and I am just not someone who does well with that). Oh, lack of sleep too. Again, I can NOT function without that so-called "beauty sleep" (which is literally just the amount you're supposed to get).

I seriously need to find some people who obsessed with the laid back lifestyle.

[poshfind]

Check out this listing I just added to my Poshmark closet: LULULEMON Cool Racerback Tank Top in Grey Marshmallow Stripe 8.

[betshy]

Editor's Journal #4: Living a Long Life

Daily writing promptWhat are your thoughts on the concept of living a very long life?

View all responses The mysteries of death are those which people can only imagine until the time of death arrives. One moment we are alive, the next we are gone who knows where. It is unclear what happens after death although more and more people begin to believe in the concept of reincarnation. I certainly hope I am one of those who reach an old age, although it is so unpredictable. People die every day, some unexpectedly, and this is why all I can do is hope I am not one of those casualties. I certainly hope I reach 90 or even 100 years old. Planning for a long-life is what I do, of course. I have long-term plans that assume I am going to be alive in the next few decades. It would be a shame if my plans were suddenly disrupted by the prospect of death. As someone who is a mystic, I wish I could plan ahead for my next reincarnation; however, this seems to be beyond my current level of knowledge. So all I can do is hope that my experience of death is painless, and that my transition to the afterlife is smooth and pleasant.

Things You Can do To Live a Long Life

Living a long and healthy life is a common desire for many people. While genetics and luck play a role, there are several habits and lifestyle choices that can contribute to longevity. - Healthy Diet: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support overall well-being and longevity. - Regular Exercise: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or yoga, can help maintain a healthy weight, improve cardiovascular health, and boost overall longevity. - Stress Management: Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, mindfulness, or hobbies, can positively impact both physical and mental health, potentially leading to a longer life. - Social Connections: Cultivating strong social connections and relationships can contribute to a sense of belonging, reduced feelings of loneliness, and overall well-being, which are linked to longevity. - Avoiding Harmful Habits: Minimizing or avoiding harmful habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and drug abuse can significantly improve one's chances of living a longer and healthier life. - Regular Health Check-ups: Regular medical check-ups and screenings can help detect and manage health issues early, potentially preventing them from becoming more serious. - Mental Stimulation: Engaging in activities that provide mental stimulation, such as reading, puzzles, or learning new skills, can help maintain cognitive function as we age. While there are no guarantees when it comes to longevity, adopting healthy habits and making positive lifestyle choices can certainly improve the chances of living a long and fulfilling life.

Conclusion

It is difficult to know for sure how long each of us will live, but we can always hope and plan for a long life, and a pleasant transition into the afterlife. Regardless of when we die, we will feel better if we make the most of life and live each day with the urgency that it might be the last. Read the full article

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ELEVATE YOUR REBOOT: MASTERING PHYSICAL REBOOT CAPITAL

Today is the final day of our small series on the concept of reboot capital. Just like a business needs capital to grow, your reboot needs capital to be positive and productive. There are five areas of your life where you need to build up reboot capital: 

Spiritual

Mental

Emotional

Physical

Social

The final part of our reboot capital series is about physical reboot capital. Physical reboot capital refers to your brain and your body. Spending years trapped in a cycle of porn addiction takes an incredible toll on your physical wellbeing. Exercise, nutrition, and sleep often fall to the wayside in favor of acting out in your behaviors.

When you first arrive at the Porn Reboot program, your biological functioning is worn out. It’s no wonder you feel awful when you first decide to quit your compulsive behaviors. You’ve overloaded your brain with dopamine and deprived your body of the things it needs to perform well. You need a massive physical overhaul. This is where building physical reboot capital becomes a necessity. 

EXERCISE

The first step to optimizing your physical well-being by building reboot capital is through physical activity. Moving your body is a vital part of your physical and mental health. In the beginning, you should aim for 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. The type of exercise doesn’t matter as much as the simple act of movement. Some ways to get started include:

Walking

Running

Weightlifting

Swimming

Yoga

Hiking

You might not be interested in physical activity, brother, but it’s crucial for your porn addiction recovery – Reboot Program. It’s a very serious priority in my life. Exercise enhances your brain and body’s abilities. It improves functioning, increases focus, decreases negative emotions, and more. Remember, you’re rewiring your brain. Physical exercise is the perfect way to naturally kick-start the process.

Once you build the habit of exercising for 30 minutes each day, start increasing the amount of time. Change up the forms of exercise you incorporate. I prefer weightlifting and some endurance exercises. You might find you enjoy other forms of movement. Whatever your preferences are, though, get yourself moving.

NUTRITION

The next part of building physical reboot capital is nutrition. You’ve probably heard the phrase “food is fuel” before and it’s true. The foods you eat have a direct impact on how well you perform. Junk food destroys your capabilities. Whole foods empower you to function optimally.

When porn, sex, and masturbation consume all your time and energy you’re likely seriously neglecting your nutrition. You probably aren’t making home-cooked meals or paying attention to the composition of your food. Instead, you’re probably grabbing some fast food or neglecting to eat much at all because you’re distracted and busy.

You may also struggle with mindless, emotional, or boredom eating. Many people turn to food for comfort for a variety of reasons. If you find yourself eating for any of these reasons, you need to reconsider your eating habits and relationship with food, too.

Building physical reboot capital in regards to nutrition starts with learning the basics about food. Do you know what you’re putting into your body? Find out what macronutrients are, the basic building blocks of food. Start learning about the differences between whole foods and processed foods. The more you understand about the foods you eat the more informed your choices will be.

Once you have a basic understanding of nutrition, start rebuilding your diet. While there’s nothing wrong with going out to eat now and then, it shouldn’t be your primary source of nutrition. Instead, base your diet around healthy, whole foods like meat, fish, vegetables, fruit, oats, eggs, rice, potatoes, and beans. Make sure you eat enough protein every day. Don’t neglect the necessity of beneficial carbs. Keep fats in your diet because they’re important.

It won’t take long for you to notice how much of an impact a healthy diet has. You’ll sleep better, it’s easier to concentrate, your exercise performance skyrockets, and you’ll wonder how you ever got by on a poor diet before. Your mindset shifts entirely when you begin to focus on what you use to fuel your body!

ALCOHOL, NICOTINE, AND DRUGS

Alcohol, nicotine, and drugs are substances that often accompany a porn- and sex-addicted lifestyle. These things help you numb yourself to the reality of your condition and keep you from thinking about where your life has ended up. Reconsidering your relationship with substances is another way to build physical reboot capital.

While you may or may not suffer with a substance abuse problem, cutting back on or eliminating alcohol, nicotine, and drugs is a good idea at the start of your reboot. Many men find they’re more likely to slip or relapse while they’re under the influence. Their inhibitions are lowered and they’re far more willing to do things they may not do while sober.

Also, substance abuse problems aside, alcohol, nicotine, and drugs truly add nothing to your life. Sure, it’s fun to have a beer with your friends while watching the game or to head out for drinks after a long day at the office. But when you consider everything else that follows, is it really worth it?

All these substances wreak havoc on your physical and mental wellbeing, especially when done in excess. If you find you have little control of your substance intake it may be best to leave them behind during the start of your reboot. 

BUILDING REBOOT CAPITAL

We’ve reached the end of our reboot capital series. Hopefully, it gave you a deeper understanding of the importance of building reboot capital and some ideas for getting started. I now recommend joining our free Facebook group if you haven’t already. Connect with some brothers who seek help in our porn addiction counseling sessions and talk about which areas you’re actively working on. If you’re struggling in a specific area you’ll find a brother who can help you through it.

No matter where you’re at in your reboot you never have to go through the process alone. There are so many brothers available to help you in the areas you have a hard time with. You can also find some strength and purpose in helping another brother who’s experiencing difficulty in an area you’re strong in.

Finding freedom from your out-of-control behavior with porn, sex, and masturbation is only the beginning. The Porn Reboot program helps you build a life far beyond what you ever imagined possible. Building reboot capital is an important part of that process. You’re capable of so much more than you realize, brother, and you’re well on the way to discovering it.