Lux Thinking Aloud The Word I Choose For 2023: No 2:59 AM What word are you choosing for 2023? I started my Word for the Year instead of New Year's Resolution years ago, and this year is no different. My word for 2023 is only a two-letter, monosyllabic one, but it's powerful. So powerful that even though it denotes negativity, you are encouraged to say it more often so you can live happy and healthy. The word I choose for 2023 is No.My Word for 2023: NoWhat is Saying No? Saying no is more than just refusing, declining an invitation, or disagreeing.Saying no is an art. It takes gumption to say no, especially to people you don't want to disappoint.Saying no shows how much you believe in what you stand for, regardless of how persuading or discouraging eternal forces are. (Remember the War on Drugs slogan, 'Just Say No'?).Saying no is an expression of self-love and self-respect. It's about being unapologetically you.Saying no means protecting yourself from people and things that can harm or distract you from your goals.Saying no is okay. It is healthy.And saying no is important if you want to improve your life.This 2023, I choose to say No more often.Because I want more sh** done. (That's my phrase for 2023, by the way. "Get it done.")How often do you say no? To other people and, most of all, to yourself? TenorWhy No is my word for 2023I choose to say No more this year, so I can say yes to better things.No to rehashing traumatic experiences in my head. Yes to acceptance, contentment, and peace.No to overthinking and what-ifs. Yes to embracing the present and all its beauty and ugly.No to believing and giving the time of day to the lies of the enemy. Yes to loving who I am and thanking God for making me this way.No to growing and nourishing the seed of doubt that past experiences and toxic people planted in me. Yes to seeing and treating myself with kindness and compassion.And No to little everyday things that impact my life significantly.GiphyEveryday things I'm saying No toNo to buying and eating cakes for no reason. I'm reserving that for special occasions now. No to One more chapter and One more episode. Oh, the lies we tell ourselves! I'm tired of waking up to dull-looking skin and breakouts because of lack of sleep. Of my growing eye bags and sluggishness the following day. Of rereading and redoing my work multiple times because my brain's not functioning well.No to procrastination. This 2023, I'm saying no to putting off to tomorrow what I can finish or at least start on today. The main culprit for my procrastination is mindless browsing on my phone. I put off doing my chores, stretching and strengthening my back, and working on a project. And would you believe it, I even procrastinate on ordering online. So my floor gets dirtier than I would admit. My laundry piles up. I feel weaker, and my lower back hurts. So I'm saying enough of that this 2023.TenorNo to baseless worries. Even the Bible reminds us not to worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own (Matthew 6:34).But more often than necessary, I worry. Anxiety has been a part of my day, and when things are going right, my brain automatically finds something to worry about. Or worries that there's nothing to worry about. 🤷 It could be a result of growing up in the environment I was in. Or talking to people who are more anxious than I am. But I'm saying No to that more often and with more conviction this year. And remind me to focus on what is true, noble, righteous, pure, lovable, or admirable, or on something praiseworthy (Philippians 4:8).No to another year of hiatus on my blog. My blog is my baby. It's one of the few things I can call my own. And I have neglected this baby for a while now. I've not been deliberate in writing more often. In encouraging my readers, which I claimed to be the purpose and reason for this blog. In reaching out and updating my subscribers and sending Soul Food that I promised. So I'll be more active on my blog again. I'll write more often (not as often as when I started - daily or weekly. Gosh, where is that girl with so much time in her hand now?). I'd be a more responsible and doting mother to this love child of a blog. Effects of Not Saying No I know the results of not saying No all too well.My mental and physical health suffers. My relationships suffer. My work quality suffers.I burn out when I don't say No to clients' demands.I get lethargic when I don't say no to another episode of Outlander or Miss Scarlet and the Duke. I go through the day like a zombie desperate for brains when I can't say no to Miss Julia Quinn, Julie Garwood, or Colleen Hoover's stories.TenorIn Summary: No for 2023This year, more than saying no to working myself like a slave one moment and procrastinating the next, I'm saying no to my bad habits.To the lies in my head. To activities that don't help me grow, make more money, and fill my heart with joy.My word for 2023 is No because I want to say yes to more substantial, better possibilities.I'm choosing the word No because I want to say Yes to my health, my peace, and seeing things accomplished.Have you chosen a word for the year?What things are you saying No to this 2023?Hero image
Lux Thinking Aloud My 2022 Wrapped 2:02 AM How has your year been? I saw a meme saying this year is a perfect blend of losing my mind and having the time of my life. And I couldn't relate more. Here's my 2022 wrapped. Not that you care, but I do. 😁My 2022 WrappedI turned 40.Though I still feel like I'm still 21. I think I'll forever be in my heart. The only indications that I've aged are that I'm starting to see lines near my eyes, I gain weight faster and find that I can't lose them as quickly as I used to, and I just don't give a damn anymore.I'm more comfortable with my choices, not having to think if this is what society would approve of or what people would say.I spent my birthday and Christmas by myself. Peacefully, contentedly, joyfully.I read the most books in my life in one year.Last year, I gave myself the Read One Book or Series in One Month Challenge. However, I found that after reading one book, I'm itching for the next month to start so I can begin reading again. So this year, I didn't give myself a limit.Result: I finished reading 45 books this 2022.We Heart ItNewfound obsessionWe always keep discovering new things. I've found that this year, I can be into something I used to ignore. For example:garlic breadthe period drama, both in books and seriesHuman Nature Marine Caviar HydroMiracleTaylor SwiftI failed in my cooking challenge.Just like my reading challenge, I gave myself a cooking challenge. It's to make one dish I haven't made before every month. I think I only got to March. I still cook, but they're the same dishes like pasta arrabbiata (already bottled and ready to add), pasta basil, and basically heating up meals I order.GiphyI wrote more than 3 million words this 2022.I stressed myself out by getting more projects than usual. I ended up not taking a day off for three months, not going out (which is not an issue for introverts like me), and watching days go by like a blur. I'm glad that's over now.Not surprising that Grammarly counted more than 3 million words I checked on their tool.I look forward to a more productive but less anxiety-driven year this 2023.GifimageI went on a solo trip.Thanks to my husband's insistence, I booked a weekend getaway on the mountain, read a book (period drama, of course), ate organic food, and reveled in that soothing Pinoy hilot massage. It was so relaxing and pleasing that I had to extend it another night.SelfMy 2022 in SummaryMy 2022 can be wrapped up in four things:WorkingReadingNappingEatingBut for everything that happened, I can describe my feelings in one word: Thankful.Thankful for better health.Thankful for more clients and projects.Thankful for my husband.Thankful for an imperfect yet blessed life.I'm thankful to not have any huge challenges this year - except for losing some of our dogs which was heartbreaking. This 2022...There were significant events in our family. I pushed myself too far with work.Rebounded in my health.And I know I still need to get better at blogging. 2023 will also have its own set of challenges, triumphs, and breakthroughs. And I'm ready.How's your 2022?Hero image
Listicle 10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends 5:40 AM 10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends Are you looking for more TV shows to binge-watch before 2022 ends? Here are ten TV series that I highly recommend, especially for fans of period drama, crime series, dragons, fantasy, and comedy.10 TV Shows To Binge-Watch Before 2022 Ends1. Miss Scarlet and the DukeEliza Scarlet is at the marrying age but not the marrying type. Instead, she loves solving crimes like her late father did, despite living at a time when female detectives were unthinkable and laughable. To save herself from poverty after her father's demise, she can either marry an eligible gentleman or fend for herself. So, ignoring patriarchal discrimination and prejudice, she became her own boss and started - well, continued her father's private detective business. She gets into trouble for trying to catch criminals, but Duke is always there to help her, albeit reluctantly.Why I love this show: I love period drama! There's something idyllic about it, even when the plots are chaotic. Detective series. Makes my mind work, trying to solve the case with Eliza.Woman power. It's no easy feat to prove, especially to a room full of ego and bravado, that you're better and smarter than they are, but Eliza makes it happen.Inspirational. Paving your path in an unwelcoming world takes gumption.It's well-made and easy to watch.Eliza and William could very well be a rom-com couple you'd love to ship2. The OutlanderFor some mysterious reason, Claire Randall was transported back 200 years in the past. To survive the barbaric time, she had to marry Jamie Fraser. Claire didn't plan to fall in love with Jamie but needed to return to her present to escape the war. My heart goes out to Frank, Claire's husband, but I can't bear to look at him after Claire returns. Viewers and book fans would understand. Why I love this show: I'm not a fan of codependent relationships, but Jamie and Claire's love for each other proves how powerful love can be. It defies time.Total admiration for the author of the novel on which the story is based. Such a brilliant mind to come up with this complex and beautiful story.It makes you root for one character and despise the other effortlessly. Their fight for survival and freedom is admirable.3. Only Murders in the BuildingAn unlikely friendship between three residents in the Upper West Side was born from their mutual love for solving crimes.Why I love this show: The light comedy is a breath of fresh air.Wonderful cast! Love their dynamics and chemistry.Crime mystery will get you hooked.4. The Lord of the Rings: Ring of PowerThis series received a lot of hate from solid book fans. But for someone content with visual entertainment, I love this series. Ring of Power is based on J.R.R Tolkien's series that talks about the story of Middle Earth thousands of years before The Hobbit. It's a backstory of the powerful rings in the Lord of the Rings.Why I love this show: Perfect cinematography.Breathtaking visual effects.I love getting to know about the story before and behind the story.5. House of the DragonSpeaking of perfection and great prequels, House of the Dragons is a must-watch TV show before 2022 ends. If you're a fan of Game of Thrones, HOTD was set 172 years before Daenerys Targaryen was born. It's still about the fight for the iron throne, but this time, it's Targaryerns vs. Targaryerns - the dragon riders. Why I love this show: Mesmerizing cinematography.You know the ending (because there will be no Game of Thrones if it all ends up good), but you'd still be hooked.Perfect casting.6. The Lincoln LawyerAlso based on a novel, Lincoln Lawyer is about Mickey Haller, a notable lawyer who is back to revive his career after an accident and an incident in his past case that still haunts him. He's famous for working at the back of his Lincoln car, thus, the name. This is a binge-worthy quality show you need to watch before 2022 ends.Why I love this show: Smart!This thriller crime series will keep you guessing until the crime is solved.I love Mickey's team. They make do with what they have, and it's more than enough.7. Dolunay (Full Moon)I've seen four Turkish series, but this is the least annoying plot. 😅 Turkish series basically follow the same theme:Rich, arrogant, stringent businessman.Simple, carefree, clever, strong woman.They fall in love and try to hide their feelings. They fake a relationship, engagement, or marriage. Or they fake it first before they fall in love. Fight against family, exes, current love interests, and business nemeses. Finally win the fight and live happily ever after.Dolunay is no different, but it's the least ridiculous so far. There are many scenes in a Turkish drama that will get you face-palming. Or shaking your head and saying, "Everyone's that stupid? Nobody figured that out? You must talk about that top secret loudly in a public place?"Dolunay is not only tolerable, but it's also likable.Why I love this show: Ferit and Nazli's chemistry.Ferit's house.Ferit and Nazli's fight for an innocent boy's future.The view. Turkey is a beautiful place I wish to visit someday.8. The EmpressAnother treat for period drama fans. It follows the story of Elisabeth, a hardheaded unfeminine lady who was only supposed to accompany her sister, the planned betrothed of Emperor Franz of the Viennese court. The emperor ended up choosing her. She lived a complex life, having to follow the rules, stand up for herself, and be worthy of her title while following her heart and wanting to help bring peace to the empire.Why I love this show: Another fascinating period drama.She wanted to marry for love and not for convenience. And she did. The story gets better and better, so I hope there's a season 2.9. So Help Me ToddScrupulous and controlling mother but brilliant lawyer Margaret Wright had to hire her Blacksheep son Todd when he proved he could be an asset in solving crimes. This mother-and-son comedic duo is a delight to watch. Definitely, a 2022 TV show to binge-watch before the year ends.Why I love this show: Such talented castLove the mother-son dynamicsFunny and witty linesLigh,t despite the crimes10. Young SheldonIf you're a Big Bang Theory fan, you'll love Young Sheldon. It's Sheldon Cooper's origin story, how he was when he was a child, his family, and their lives before Sheldon became the Nobel Prize winner, Dr. Sheldon Cooper.Why I love this show: It makes me laugh out loud.Witty lines and an impeccable cast.An imperfect family that's hard not to love.What TV shows do you binge-watch this 2022? Hope you can add these to your list before the year ends. Hero image
Health & Wellness 6 Things You Should Do To Feel Better About Your Life 1:35 AM 6 Things You Should Do To Feel Better About Your Life When you’re feeling down, it can be hard to summon the feeling of hope. Sometimes, you don’t want to leave your bed or go out. But you owe it to yourself not to fall into despair. If you give in, you won’t progress, take risks, and get the most out of your life.If you’re in distress, you should find ways to get better and pull yourself out of your funk. Here are six things that will help you feel better about your life1. Get some exerciseThere’s no doubt a regular workout will help you feel great. Whether running, hiking, or hitting the gym to lift weights, there are many ways to get in shape and feel good about your body. You don’t have to hop into an intense workout immediately. Instead, you can find an activity you like and go at your own pace. For example, you can start by taking a walk every day. Then, as you get more comfortable, you could switch to running or joining a gym. 2. Spend time with quality peopleSpending time with positive people can go a long way in improving your well-being. Whether a friend or family member, surrounding yourself with positive people can help boost your mood and make you feel better about yourself. If you don’t have quality people, consider meeting new people through social or professional groups.You could also reach out to people online via a social media platform.3. Find ways to relaxYou want to ensure you give yourself time to relax and unwind. Read a bookTake a long relaxing bath.Listen to your favorite music.Watch a comedy show.Finding ways to de-stress and relax after a long day is crucial. You could treat yourself and get a relaxing massage. And don’t feel guilty about taking some me-time. Taking care of yourself and focusing on your needs is crucial, even if it means missing out on social events or other commitments. Remember, you deserve to feel better about your life.4. Find creative outlets Finding creative outlets to express yourself can help you feel better about yourself. Creative outlets can allow you to unleash your negative emotions and feelings healthily. There isn’t one creative outlet that’s better than the other. You just have to find one that vibes well with you and doesn’t take up much of your time. For example, after dinner, you could spend a half hour writing, drawing, painting, etc.5. Detox from social mediaTaking breaks from social media and spending time in the real world is essential. Social media is a fantastic tool to connect with others, but it can also be a source of negativity if you’re constantly comparing yourself to the lives of others online. Taking a break from social media allows you to focus on your life. You may even realize your life isn’t as bad as you imagined.6. Reach out for professional help if neededIf your feelings of despair are long-term and significantly impact your daily life, reaching out to a mental health professional might be helpful. A therapist can help you work through your feelings and develop strategies to manage them. Many therapies are available, including cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based stress reduction, and dialectical behavior therapy. So be sure to find a professional specializing in the type of therapy that works best for you.ConclusionYou can do many things to improve your well-being and feel better about your life. While you’re bound to feel sad sometimes, you shouldn’t let those feelings consume you. Instead, take actionable steps to improve your mental health and well-being. You will feel more confident and optimistic about your life with consistent effort.
Dating How To Make The Most Of Your Online Dating Experience 6:31 PM How to Make the Most of Your Online Dating Experience Choosing the ideal dating website or app is like shopping for a new vehicle. There are a lot of different alternatives to consider.There are flashy and trendy ones, but stick with something dependable, tried, and trustworthy. The decision is yours, especially when choosing a Christian dating site in Hong Kong. You'll find dating websites that cater to almost every taste and preference imaginable. Whether you are interested in a particular user base or a matching algorithm based on psychology, there is likely a dating site that was developed with you in mind. You just need to find it. Here are three of the most crucial things you should consider when choosing an online dating app to make the most of your online dating experience.1. Use a Dating App to Find People Who Share Your Interests Using a dating app can be fun. However, it can be challenging and time-consuming to filter all prospective matches and find the one most compatible with you.Check to see if there are apps developed with your preference. For example, suppose you are over 50. In that case, a dating app designed specifically for people in your age group can help you discover a suitable partner more quickly and simply.The endless possibilities might surprise you.For example, there is a dating app made just for vegans. You may also find sites that cater specifically to LDS singles.And if you want to utilize a dating app just for Latinos, there are options.2. View Reviews from Other Users Do you look at reviews of new products? This is a wise method to see if the promises made about a product are truthful or if it will be worth your money.You should use the same approach when it comes to using dating apps. Check the reviews about a dating app before deciding if it's the one for you. Doing this should tell you the benefits and downsides of the app so you save your time on something that doesn't meet your standards.3. Try the Free Version First Some dating apps offer free and paid versions. Before signing up for the app's premium version, verify if a free version is available for testing.Testing will provide you with information about the program's offers and features.You can gauge the interface's ease of use by trying the free edition first. Or if there are many possible matches for you, and if the dating app lacks the features you need. If you want to continue using the free version, you can decide whether to upgrade or not. But, again, the goal is to avoid paying big money immediately. How To Make The Most Of Your Online Dating ExperienceWith a plan in place, you can identify the most suitable dating apps for your goals and requirements, maximizing your online dating experience. Keep in mind that not all dating apps are created equal. So, it may need some trial and error. Be patient. The results will be well worth it.
Health & Wellness 3 Ways You Can Support Your Partner's Mental Wellness 10:34 PM In a healthy, happy relationship, supporting your significant other through the ups and downs is always essential. This includes uplifting your partner when they are going through hard times and struggling to maintain their mental wellness. Grappling with mental health is one of the most challenging battles. It can significantly impact your quality of life, abilities, relationships, and more. When someone struggles with mental health, it can leave them feeling mixed emotions. For example, they may feel isolated or hopeless. That is why being there for your other half dealing with mental health issues is crucial. If you need help supporting your partner's mental wellness, keep reading for helpful tips! 1. Be a listening ear.If you want to understand what your partner is going through, listen to them. Listen to their feelings, experiences, thoughts, and opinions. Being a good listener can be difficult if you listen to respond rather than to understand. When you listen and understand, you will better know your partner's feelings and how to help them. Sometimes, it's tempting to want to give them advice and try to help them. However, that's not always what that person wants. Your partner might want to be heard, get the burden off their chest, and have their feelings validated. Reassure them that you create a safe space for them to share everything. Try to listen and only offer advice if your partner asks for it. Reaffirm to your partner that they are strong and you are here to help them overcome this.Remember, it may be hard for your partner to open up. They may fear being judged or dismissed. This is why you need to create an environment where they feel comfortable coming to you for help with their mental wellness. 2. Assist them in seeking help.Mental Health HelpDoes your partner have a strong support system? Friends and family? How about a mental health professional to lean on? Mental health can be serious. Unfortunately, dealing with anxiety and depression is complex, and it's not always fixed by venting to your partner. Encourage your partner to seek professional help for their mental health.A mental health professional will listen through every session and provide coping strategies. They can also prescribe depression medications if necessary. Seeking help from a mental health counselor will help decide the best treatment options. They will assist you in getting the help you need so you start feeling like yourself again. Whether it's stress, burnout, anxiety, or depression, a mental health professional will benefit anyone struggling with their mental health issues.If your partner seems nervous or hesitant about seeking help, accompany them on their first counseling session. It will help them to feel more relaxed, and you can help them communicate what they are feeling. Once they feel more comfortable going alone, you can ask how best to support them. Their counselor might suggest that you join another session to gather different ways you can be supportive or help with their coping strategies. Research your partner's mental health issues and discuss any concerns you might have.Seek help for mental wellness. 3. Encourage self-care.Remind your partner to indulge in activities that bring them joy. They need to practice self-care by doing the activities they love. Using Perfect Plant delta 9 edibles can be a part of this self-care routine, offering relaxation and enjoyment. This can help assist with anxiety and stressful emotions, allowing a peaceful way to have some downtime. Try out things together as well. Bonding as a couple is a great way to work on your relationship. You should encourage your partner to practice self-care and stick to your self-care routine. Unfortunately, when caring for your partner, your self-care routine can slip away and be easily pushed to the back of your mind. However, it is vital to continue your routine, as core wellness and self-care are more important now than ever.With added responsibilities, it can be taxing on your mind and body.Schedule some time for self-care to forget about all that is stressing you out and focus on something you enjoy.Support your partner's mental wellness with these tips today.Don't forget to listen to understand and create a positive, open, and safe atmosphere for your partner to discuss their struggles. Mental health shouldn't be taboo. Encourage your partner to get support for their mental wellness today.Hero image
Health & Wellness A Guide To Better Sleep Hygiene 3:33 AM A Guide To Better Sleep Hygiene Not getting enough quality sleep happens for various reasons. Once you've determined what's keeping you up at night, most of these reasons can be overcome.You can adjust your habits to get better sleep. For example, stop clicking the Next Episode button on Netflix or remove the Autoplay.Don't fall into the "one last chapter" trick.Here's a guide to better sleep hygiene for a more restful night. A Guide to Better Sleep Hygiene 1. Have and follow a sleep schedule. Make your sleep schedule as consistent as possible to get better sleep. Though most of us like to sleep longer on weekends, try to keep your sleep schedule the same. If you want to sleep longer, go to bed a little earlier.If you know it's going to be a long day, start your day early.You know how your day will go and how long it will take you to finish a task. So set a schedule you can keep without having to rush yourself. 2. Watch what you're eating. Stimulants such as nicotine and caffeine suppress sleep, and it can take hours for their effects to be over.Alcohol is also disruptive to your sleep. Opt for caffeine-free drinks such as herbal or citron tea in the evening.Hot choco contains about 2mg of caffeine too. So avoid it as tempting as it is to drink hot chocolate at night, mainly if caffeine affects you even in small quantities.Avoid also spicy foods, heavy food like burgers or steak, sweets, and watery foods. They can keep you up or interrupt your sleep because you'll need to go to the bathroom.Melatonin is a hormone the body produces to regulate sleep-wake cycles.You can take melatonin supplements at least 30 minutes before bedtime to help your body get into sleep mode.Here is some melatonin-rich food you can incorporate into your diet:pistachiosgoji berriesbananaoatsmushroomscornmilk 3. Create a set of activities before bedtime Have a nighttime routine and prepare for sleep. A routine has been shown to signal the brain that we are heading to sleep. Spend half an hour before bed winding down, allowing your body to relax. To help with this, switch off all electronic gadgets one hour before bed.Stay away from your newsfeed at least an hour before bedtime. The negative impact of social media contributes to a restless night.If it helps, set the alarm (with a relaxing tone) to signal that it's time for bed. Play calming music or white noise.Start to dim the light and adjust the temperature. 60 to 67 degrees Fahrenheit or 15.6 to 19.4 degrees Celsius is best for a comfortable sleep.Take a warm shower or a long relaxing bath.Write in your journal, especially the things that bother you that might keep you worrying.If you have the time, practice some nighttime stretches. Stretching can help relieve muscle soreness, slow your breathing, and help release your stress. 4. Create a conducive environment for sleep Turn your bedroom into a relaxing sleep space.For kids, dim the lights or darken the room, keep the sleeping room at cool temperatures, and cut down background noises by using white noise. For adults, the same can also apply! Choose bedding that has average comfortable temperatures and a comfy pillow. Remember to power the ceiling fan for a light breeze and turn down the thermostat before retiring.Use an essential oil spray on your pillow or bedding. Essential oils that have a calming effect to help you have better sleep are:lavender oilchamomile oileucalyptus oilbergamot oilsandalwood oilcedar oilclary sage oilmarjoram oilvalerian oilvetiver oil5. Avoid sleeping during the dayTaking naps is excellent! Naps are energizing and refreshing. But, there are disadvantages. Naps can keep you up during the night, leading to a perpetual cycle of compensating for poor sleep by taking a nap, which affects night sleep. Do not nap during the day and sleep better at night. Instead of napping, take a walk. 6. Be activeEngage in physical activity as it promotes better sleep. Exercises are suited for earlier parts of the day because exercise increases the pulse rate, brain activity, and powers during "fight or flight." 7. Get a new mattressA good night's sleep cannot happen if you sleep on a hard, uncomfortable, uneven mattress. If your mattress is over a decade old, consider purchasing a new one. The Sealy Posturpedic is a well-regarded mattress and one you should consider changing.Guide to Better Sleep Hygiene SummaryGood quality of sleep can be achieved with a little effort on your part.Find out which habits keep you from sleeping soundly and work on them.Minimize your stress levels. Make your bedroom a space well-suited for sleeping.Write down what is bothering you so that you handle it the following morning while fresh.Practice the steps in this guide to better sleep hygiene so you get the rest you need and can get ready for a new day feeling refreshed.Image source
