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Honor Your Parents

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P.S.

A guide to honouring yourself <3

February 6, 2024
How to Be Alone

February 1, 2024
Characters to Channel For Confidence

Sometimes, I find myself in situations where I need a little confidence boost. You know what I mean? When that happens, I look up to these fictional badasses for inspiration. I love channelling their cool demeanour, sharp wit, and commanding presence. It might not always work, but it’s worth a shot, right?

1. Ko Moon-Young from It’s Okay to Not Be Okay

I mean, come on! It was love at first sight. Ko Moon-Young is a children’s book author with an antisocial personality disorder. She’s a total badass!!! She doesn’t care what people think or say about her. She’s a boss, confident, bold, and owns every room she walks in. Fiercely unapologetic, she prefers walking her own path, even if she’s alone. She’s sexy, sensitive, mature, and immature at the same time, and she’s both strong and soft. And let’s not even talk about her outfits; they’re to die for!

2. Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada

Do I even need to explain? She’s literally everything I aspire to be! Sure, she might come off as cold and distant, but in reality, she’s just confident and in total control of herself.

“Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking,” she says sarcastically to an editor in one of their meetings. How hilarious is that?! Cheers to brutal honesty!

She is ruthlessly competitive, dominating, direct, task-oriented, meticulous, demanding, and brilliantly clever. In my work, I channel Miranda because she knows what she wants and goes for it, period.

3. Blair Waldorf from Gossip Girl

Queen B is the moment. The definition of iconic. She rules the Upper East Side with an iron fist and my heart at the same time. I mean, she is THAT bitch!!! Her intelligence, wit, and eloquence are unmatched.

She’s the dictator of taste and always knows what’s in and what’s out. You know she actually suspended a girl from school just because she wore tights? Hilarious!! For Blair, “tights are not pants!”

Nobody, and I mean absolutely nobody, can mess with Blair. When she sets her mind on something, nothing, and I mean nothing, can get in her way.

She doesn’t believe in putting her fate in anyone else’s hands and has worked hard for her dreams. As Blair once said, “Destiny is for losers. It’s just a stupid excuse to wait for things to happen instead of making them happen.” She’s a force to be reckoned with, and I have no doubt her impact on the world will be felt for generations to come.

4. Jo March from The Little Women

Have you watched The Little Women? Saoirse Ronan’s portrayal of Jo March in Little Women has really stuck with me. I relate to Jo so much. We are both writers. Just like her, I often struggle with self-doubt about my work. Do you ever feel like that too?

But what I love about Jo is that she’s brave, independent, unapologetic and confident. She marches to the beat of her own drum. She’s determined to make her own way in the world and not follow in the footsteps of what people think a woman’s life should be. She strongly believes there’s A LOT more to a woman’s life than finding a man and marrying rich.

My heart shattered for her in that one scene where she said, “I cared more to be loved. I want to be loved.” It was such a powerful moment that reflected my inner world.

For the longest time, I thought being fiercely independent meant I didn’t need anyone else, especially a man. But as I started tackling everything on my own, I realized how empty and lonely it was to not be loved and have someone care for me. Thank you, Jo, for being you and shining so brightly.

5. Arya Stark from Game of Thrones

Long live the greatest character of Game of Thrones– Arya Stark. She’s a tiny ball of fury who doesn’t want to follow the conventional rules of being a lady. That’s not her. Instead, we watch her take up lessons on sword fighting, crushing all the rules of patriarchy. Even as a child, she’s an inspiration. She knows what she wants and what she’s good at and is unapologetic about it.

I mean, she spent a VERY LONG TIME training to fight without her vision, which she knew would make her a better warrior. And in true Arya fashion, she ruthlessly slayed all her enemies and avenged the death of her family like a total badass!!! Could your fave even?????

7. Elle Woods from Legally Blonde

I love it when a woman can do impressive things in a movie without giving up her feminine traits. She can be unique and loves makeup, fashion and be incredibly smart at the same time. Elle Woods taught me that!!!

I remember the first time I watched Legally Blonde as a teenager. I was completely mesmerized by Elle Woods. Her fashion, confidence, kindness, and boldness were so infectious that I couldn’t help but admire her.

What to do when your boyfriend dumps you????? Be your best self ever !!! After getting dumped, instead of being miserable, she made a goal to apply for Harvard Law School, and only Elle Woods can make getting through Harvard look like a piece of cake.

When she applied for Harvard, she created a controversial and iconic applicant video showcasing her unique personality.

Instead of trying to fit in or conform to what she thought the admissions team wanted to see, she embraced her individuality and let her true self shine through.

Thanks to Elle, I learned the invaluable lesson of having faith in people and, most importantly, having faith in myself. Her timeless wisdom will forever be a source of inspiration for me.

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How about you? Who do you look up to for a confidence boost? Let me know in the comments below :*

January 27, 2024
6 Things I’ve Stopped Doing For Peaceful Life

Have you ever felt like being happy is not enough?

Well, I have.

I’ve been thinking about what really matters in life.

And you know what?

Being happy all the time isn’t it.

What’s more important is feeling at peace with your life and having no regrets or longing for something else.

I’ve consciously poured my energy into positivity, productivity, consistency, and hard work.

And the result?

There is a lot more calmness, peace, and clarity in my life. It’s amazing what a little bit of focus and effort can do.

My ultimate goal is to transform into a more positive, calm, and creative version of myself.

And to achieve that, I had to make some changes.

For starters, I stopped doing things these SIX things that were holding me back and keeping me from living a peaceful and fulfilled life

1. Continuously live in my comfort zone

I remember being stuck in a 9 to 5 job; every day felt like the same old thing.

Wake up at 7 am, head to the office, take a lunch break at 12:15 pm, wrap up work at 5 pm, make dinner, and get ready to do it all over again.

Ugh, it was incredibly boring and unchallenging.

But here’s what I learned: your comfort zone may feel safe and cozy, but it’s dangerous. It stunts your personal growth and development and holds back progress. Sticking to familiarity means you’re not moving forward.

You must step into the unknown and take the road less travelled to evolve. It’s time to challenge yourself and break free from the monotony.

Embrace change, and you’ll find your days filled with growth, progress, and fulfillment.

2. Compare where I am in life to where others are

Instagram is to blame. Whenever I open it up, I see someone celebrating Christmas in London, going on a trip with their girl gang to Switzerland, or attending Lana Del Rey’s concert in Paris.

It makes me feel like they’re making money, travelling the world, and falling in love while I’m not doing anything worth mentioning.

And then, I start to expect the same things for myself based on what I see.

But here’s the thing, my friend – we have the power to change this.

Instead of spending hours scrolling through our feeds, we can focus on what truly matters, whether it’s spending quality time with family and friends, growing our businesses, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

So, let’s put social media on the back burner and focus on what makes life genuinely peaceful.

3. Staying quiet when something/someone has bothered me

Have you ever felt like bottling up your emotions when deeply hurt? I know I have.

As an INFJ, I tend to give the silent treatment, become ice cold and slam the door shut, cutting off all contact and unfollowing people from social media.

It’s like they never existed in my life.

But the truth is, I don’t hate them. I feel nothing towards them.

I used to suppress my emotions and deal with them through writing. However, I’ve realized it’s not the healthiest way to cope.

Now, I’m learning to communicate openly and address my problems head-on instead of cutting people off without warning.

It’s a process, but I’m getting there.

4. Overthinking about past & future events

It’s 3 am. You are wide awake and can’t seem to catch a break from your racing thoughts. You are beating yourself over what could’ve been, all the things you could have done. Or, you are paralyzed with stress and worries about tomorrow.

Trust me, I know how tough it is to shake off that feeling.

But guess what?

I’ve got a little secret that has helped me a lot.

Instead of dwelling on things I cannot control, I pour my energy into creating things that bring me purpose and joy.

Starting this blog is one way I channel my energy into something meaningful. And you can do it too!

5. Continuously give people chances over & over again

Stop giving people third, fourth, and fifth chances ONLY for them to be creative with how they can disappoint you again. I am not a big believer in second chances. If the past has taught me anything, it’s this: people who genuinely care for you won’t put themselves in a position to disappoint you, hurt you, or worse, lose you forever.

6. Check my phone first thing in the morning

Or, the last thing before I go to bed.

I must admit that I don’t follow this all the time, but I’m working on it.

Lately, I’ve been trying to get into the habit of journaling before going to bed. It’s a great way to unwind and reflect on my day.

To make things easier, I’ve been using some healing journaling prompts that help me stay focused and avoid getting sidetracked by random YouTube videos.

Of course, there are nights when I give in to temptation and end up watching Heart Evangelista’s vlogs or drooling over a cheesy garlic bread recipe. But hey, progress is progress, right?

Is there anything you’d add to this list? What are your daily rituals that help you feel more at peace? I’d love to know xoxoxo

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P.S. Secrets to making your life magical

Featured Image Credits- Katja Perez

January 23, 2024
6 Ways to Transform Your Relationship With Money

We attract what we think we deserve. We accept what we believe we are worthy of. As Ashley Ford, the best-selling author of Somebody’s Daughter: A Memoir, said in her recent interview, “When you grow up in poverty, there’s nothing in your mind that says, Even though I can’t get these things, I’m still worthy of them. The protective approach you develop is to NOT want anything.”

Your thoughts, mindset, and attitude about money can significantly impact your financial situation. It all starts in your mind!

If you genuinely believe you deserve to live a wealthy and luxurious life, then your subconscious mind will work magic to help you manifest that reality. But the opposite is also true.

In this blog post, I will share six tips to help you build a better relationship with money. Let’s dive in!

1. Identify your relationship with money

Before you start thinking about money, you need to know your relationship with it. And just like everything else in life, your childhood influences your relationship with money, too.

Now, I want you to take your journal out and write and answer these questions with brutal honesty. So, grab a cozy spot, get out your journal, and answer these questions honestly. No sugar-coating allowed!

What are the first five words or phrases that come to mind when you think of money?

What’s your first memory of money?

What was your family’s financial situation when you were growing up?

What did your parents teach you about money?

Did you ever feel a financial burden at home growing up?

What’s your parents’ relationship with money? Did they agree or disagree over money issues?

How do you currently feel about your financial situation? Are you satisfied with your current financial situation?

Do you feel comfortable talking about money?

What is your biggest financial fear?

By answering these questions, you learn more about your thoughts and beliefs about money. Also, it helps to understand how your upbringing and the people around you in your childhood influenced how you handle your finances today.

2. It’s not about what you make, it’s about what you keep

Pay yourself first.

It simply means putting money into savings and investments before paying bills or spending on other things. By putting money aside every month into savings or investments, you create a safety net for yourself. When you know you’ve got a little cash to fall back on, you can feel more confident and relaxed. Who doesn’t want their peace of mind?

Overtime, paying yourself first allows you to grow your wealth over time. By investing your savings, you can use compound interest, potentially earning more money in the long run.

3) Create new and healthy spending habits

I am no stranger to girl math. I am guilty of buying a new outfit for every special event, no matter how much stuff you have in your closet already. Or, buying eight pillows for your bed when you only sleep with two. That was the old me. New Me is thoughtful about her spending. I am no longer spending $30 to avoid $15 shipping.

Ladies! Better money habits can automate your savings. Save before you spend most of your paycheck.

Another new habit I have been enjoying is a money date. It means getting together with your friends or your partner and popping a bottle of wine while you talk money. You can put on music or light candles while reviewing your budget and discussing taxes.

4) Look at money as a tool

If our goal is more money, we will never have enough. There is always “more” money to spend on “more” material things. We’ll never truly be satisfied with such a mindset.

What do you need to buy your dream home? Money. What do you need to quit your draining job and take a year off to travel the world? Money. What do you need to keep a roof over your head? Money.

All these things have one thing in common-money. When it comes down to it, money is a tool that can give you the life of your dreams. Don’t use it as the end goal but instead a tool to get your dream life.

5) Have a wealthy mindset

I have this amazing mentor who I look up to as the most successful person I know. He once shared with me a truly inspiring story from his youth where he saved up for months to go to a fancy five-star hotel for a meal and just sat there, watching people and wondering how they could afford such a lavish lifestyle.

And then he thought, if they can do it, so can I. He wasn’t born with a silver spoon in his mouth – his family had to share a room. But he had a go-getter mindset and knew he could achieve anything he desired.

From him, I learned that your attitude determines your success or failure. It’s as Henry Ford once said, “If you think you can, or you think you can’t, either way, you are right.”

6) Change the way you word things

Harness the power of money affirmations to transform your inner dialogue about money and wealth. Speak your riches into existence. The way we word things matters!

So, we must speak about our success, career, and money in a positive light. This means bringing awareness to how you word things.

Here are a few examples of how you can change your words-

“I’ll never be able to afford that.” —> “I am working on a plan to make this mine.”

“I never have enough money to buy what I want.” —–> “I have more than enough money to support my desired lifestyle.”

“I am always stressed about money.” —–> “I am free from any finance or money-related worries.”

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Is there anything we missed? How would you describe your relationship with money? I’d love to know in the comments 😀

Featured Image Credits- Pinterest

January 19, 2024
Let Go Of The People Who Aren’t Ready to Love You

During a recent conversation with a friend, she opened up to me about a guy she’s dating.

She expressed her frustration saying that she knows she should let go of this guy, as she is tired of all the excuses he gives her.

Something she said really struck me. She said that a part of her is terrified to let go because she is afraid that if she does, it will be the end of everything, and she’ll never hear from him again.

Despite his indifference towards her, she finds it hard to walk away, knowing that ending things will make it permanent, and she’s not ready for that kind of finality.

Her words really resonated with me, and I could feel the weight of her emotions.

If you, too, are going through this, I am really sorry. It’s a tough time, and you might feel lonely and isolated. Don’t let this get the best of you. It may be painful right now, but the winter never lasts forever- brighter days are ahead.

It’ll be the most difficult and important thing you’ll do for yourself.

The truth is, it’s never easy to let go of someone, even when we know it’s for the best. But sometimes, holding on can cause us more pain in the long run.

If you find yourself being constantly left out, easily forgotten, and fading away from someone’s life, don’t fight to earn a spot in their life.

It’s so tempting to try harder and impress them, thinking that flipping over backwards will make you special to them. It won’t.

You are doing yourself a huge disservice by constantly pushing yourself into someone’s life.

You are worth more than someone who is indifferent to your presence or absence. It’s the worst feeling to be treated like you don’t matter or are insignificant.

Yeah, it might hurt, but the truth is, you don’t always get to know why things happen. Stop giving your love to those who aren’t ready to love you.

Accept this loss with class and grace because the truth is, you’ll never be enough for someone who isn’t ready for what you have to offer.

You can’t allow just anyone to enter your life. That’s not bad bitch behaviour. You must have strong boundaries and be willing to cut ties with anyone who doesn’t treat you with the respect and care you deserve.

So, stop being sad.

Pick yourself up, pour your energy into self-improvement, and watch how much progress you make.

We can’t be everything to everyone, and that’s okay. We should focus on being everything to ourselves.

When you truly understand your worth and prioritize high-value, meaningful connections, you’ll attract people who align with your frequency.

And, when we are true to ourselves, we don’t have to force ourselves into someone else’s life.

Yes, your heart is broken, and life is dark….wait in the darkness for a little bit.

And then…

You’ll meet so many wonderful people who’ll love and care for you just as much as you do for them.

Stay positive and keep shining – you deserve the best, so make space for it!

xo

Yachna

P.S.

if you are sad and heartbroken, this is for you.

January 15, 2024
10 Classy Date Night Outfits

I don’t know about you but one of my New Year’s resolutions is to STOP wearing basic boring clothes.

I really want to step of my comfort zone when it comes to fashion and style this year which also means to add more accessories to my outfits and give them a more sensual and feminine vibe.

So, I’ve handpicked some classy dinner night outfits from my Pinterest mood board to share with you (you’re welcome!!)

My hope is that these outfits will inspire you to feel fabulous and sexy because, let’s be honest, when we look good, we feel good and when we feel good we make better choices for ourselves.

Whether you’re planning a fun night out with your bestie, a romantic dinner date with your boo, or a first date with someone new, I’ve got you covered with these ten classy and fabulous date night outfits. Trust me, you’ll look and feel fabulous in these outfits!

I’m totally obsessed with this light floral pink top. And paired with some off-white pants? So chic and sophisticated. The accessories are just soooo cute. Everything about this outfit is giving a chic, sophisticated vibe. It’s perfect for a summer night out with your bestie or your boo. Oh, and have I mentioned how much I love small handbags? They’re just so much more graceful and can fit all the essentials you need, like your patience, a gloss, credit cards, and of course, some mints!

This dress is a must-have for all you fashion lovers! If you’re anything like me, you’ll adore the stunning floral print – it’s as if it’s straight out of a romantic Renaissance painting. It fits so well, accentuating your curves, and has a flow that makes you feel so feminine. And the black heart chain necklace and earrings that come with it are the perfect finishing touch to the look. But let’s not forget about the hair accessories – bows are back and more romantic than ever! Complete the outfit with some platform pumps, and you’ll have the perfect date night outfit. You won’t regret adding this dress to your wardrobe – it’s guaranteed to take your partner’s breath away!

OMG, have you seen this dress? It exudes boldness, confidence, and sexiness all rolled into one. I can’t even! It’s perfect for when you want to feel like a total boss babe but also have some fun. I’m talking date night in Spain vibes, baby! And the jewelry? So soft and pretty, it really complements the red. And that vintage gold watch? It’s to die for! But let’s talk about those Jimmy Choo bow heels; they’re so adorable, I can’t even handle it! I’m seriously considering adding them to my shoe collection. They’re just too cute to resist!

Oh my goodness, this dress is absolutely stunning! I am totally in love with it! The draping is so goddess-like, and it’s just the right amount of sexy without being too revealing. And the soft pink colour is so feminine and beautiful! And those earrings are the perfect complement to the dress. And can we talk about those shoes for a second? They are to die for! So stunningly gorgeous! I’m seriously considering selling my soul just to get my hands on a pair!

Every woman needs a little black dress, and if you’re anything like me, you can never have too many! This dress is the perfect addition to your collection. The delicate straps draw attention to your neck, which is an incredibly sensual part of a woman’s body. Keep it simple with a dainty necklace or leave it bare for a chic look. This dress is versatile and can be styled in countless ways, but I especially love it paired with the accessories shown here. And for the winter months, why not add a luxurious fur coat to take this look to the next level of sophistication? Trust me, you’ll look and feel amazing in this dress!

Say yes to heaven with this angelic dress-literally. I’m obsessed with dresses that nod to art history, and this one is just *chef’s kiss*. The fabric feels so soft and light you’ll feel like you’re floating on a cloud. Trust me, you’ll be turning heads left and right and making your date jealous with ALL the attention.

Don’t you just love this outfit? I know some people might say it’s a bit too much for a date night, but why settle for just okay? This gorgeous emerald green dress screams sophistication, and the fancy details at the bottom make it even more intriguing. And those long, dazzling earrings? They go perfectly with the dress and make the whole look pop.

Oh my, have you tried off-shoulder dresses? They are amazing! They make you look both sexy and classy. I love the dramatic structure of this dress. It’s intriguing. As I am growing older, my preference has moved to knee-length dresses that add a little flair and drama like this one!!! It gives off a more elegant vibe, especially when you’re going on a first date and don’t want to reveal too much skin.

Yeah, I totally get what you’re saying about the dress – it might be too short for a date. But don’t sweat it; I’ve got a quick fix for ya. Just throw on some tight black leggings with it, and it’ll only add to the sexiness of the dress. And can we talk about those flower details? So minimal, yet so gorgeous in red. This dress is definitely here to slay!

This dress is so gorgeous and reminds me of Monica Belluci! It’s like a corset that goes down to the feet and fits like a dream. You can tell it’s made for a high-value woman who knows what she wants and isn’t afraid to demand it. I’m seriously obsessed with this outfit – it’s one for the books!

Thoughts? Any styles you’d recommend? I’d love to hear them in the comments below <3

xo

Yachna

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P.S.

Sexy date night questions & 36 questions to fall in love.

January 9, 2024
7 Ways to Talk about Money to Your Partner

Hey there!

So, I’ve been chatting with many of my married friends lately, and it turns out that money can be a real stressor in relationships. I mean, who hasn’t been there, right?

Even though money matters and is a key part of self-care, it isn’t everyone’s favourite subject. Have you ever tried talking to your partner about money? How did that conversation go?

Since many of my friends are either already hitched or thinking about it, I figured I’d put together a helpful guide on how to talk to your boo about money without it turning into a big ol’ argument or feeling embarrassed.

So, if you’re tired of arguing about finances and want to build a healthier and more positive relationship, read this guide. Trust me, it’ll be worth it.

1. Have an open and honest conversation

Open communication is vital for a healthy relationship, especially finances. Set up a dedicated time to discuss your income, assets, expenses, and debts without criticism or judgment, as each person’s financial situation is unique. Be honest about everything, including salaries, bonuses, expenses, and debts.

Creating a budget that works for both of you can be an opportunity to achieve your shared goals, whether saving for a down payment on a house, paying off debt, or planning retirement. It ensures you are both on the same page.

2. Create a vision board for your goals

I am a vision board person!! I recommend discussing your goals and making a financial plan, which is a great way to bond.

Plan a date night to talk about your financial goals. Having a vision is important because you can work backwards and help to achieve those visions for both partners. Even though money is complicated, seeing that you can handle it together can be great.

3. Equality

Power imbalances within relationships are a well-documented phenomenon. Research shows that partners who earn more, are older, and have higher education levels tend to hold more power. A healthy and fulfilling partnership requires equality, regardless of these factors.

Therefore, it is essential to ensure that both partners have an active role in financial decision-making, even if one partner is not earning an income.

For example, suppose one partner decides to become a stay-at-home parent. In that case, they should still be involved in financial decisions, such as creating a budget, discussing major purchases, and informing each other of financial matters. By doing so, both partners can feel valued and heard, leading to a more positive and healthy relationship.

4. Focus on each other’s strengths

As a gal who has a major math anxiety, I struggle with numbers often. I am very thankful to have a partner who is the opposite. He crunches all the numbers and has expertise in investing in real estate, stocks, and more. Help each other out, and play to your strengths! If one partner has special knowledge about something, like investing, they can take the lead in that area.

5. Values

You can learn a lot about your partner’s values by sharing yours. Put your goals and visions out there. Talk about what you’d like to achieve.

For example, you might be paying off student loan debt or saving to buy your dream home. If your partner is obsessed with fancy restaurants, they are most likely okay with splurging on eating out. But if you’re more into saving by cooking at home, you two might clash when making a food budget.

By sharing your goals and watching how your partner responds, you can learn much about what’s important to them.

6. Transparency

It’s essential to be open about where your money is going. There’s no right or wrong way to handle money in a relationship, so do what works best for you both!

Sharing accounts can help you be super transparent about your expenses, and setting ground rules can make it easier to talk about purchases over a certain amount. But remember, you don’t have to police each other’s spending – trust is key!

If you prefer to keep separate accounts or a combination of joint and personal accounts, that’s okay too! Just make sure you communicate about shared bills and goals. At the end of the day, the most important thing is to keep the lines of communication open.

7. Schedule regular money dates

Plan regular weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly money dates where you can look at your income, spending, savings, investments, and any other assets you and your partner share.

This is your time to check your financial goals and ensure you’re both on the same page.

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Is there anything we missed? Share your tips for talking about money with your partner below.

P.S.

And while you’re here, why not check out more of our personal finance posts, including 8 financial tips for women to achieve financial freedom.

Pic Credits- Pinterest

January 5, 2024
Happy New Years!

Hey there!

I hope you had a wonderful, restful, and magical holiday.

We travelled to the sunny, sandy, and beachy state of Goa. We spent our time walking by the ocean, eating good food, drinking wine, gazing at the stars, singing, slow-dancing, and living in the moment (which also means a total social media cut-off). It was a dream.

This year, I hope to create things of substance, live a life of purposeful intention, form deeper, genuine and meaningful connections, and practise the art of letting go. What about you?

I hope this year brings you everything you’ve ever wanted, manifested or prayed for. Everything is temporary, which is both a blessing and a curse. I believe in you, and I am rooting for you to make it.

Lastly, I am thankful for this community. Thank you for reading <3

Sharing below some beautiful moments from Goa-

xx,

Yachna

January 2, 2024
Art I’ve Consumed and Loved Recently

Hey there!

The pleasant winter days here in India have been an unexpected thrill!

It’s such a refreshing change from Canada’s harsh, bitterly cold winters. How have you been enjoying the weather lately?

I am absolutely loving that the sun’s out daily! Sometimes, I take cozy naps under its warm rays, soaking up the peacefulness of the moment.

I apologize for not posting as frequently as I’d like to. I have 100000 things on my to-do list, which is growing longer by the day, leaving me overwhelmed and struggling to keep up with my posting schedule.

So, I decided to take a step back and focus on things that bring me balance and joy. One of those things is art! Whether I’m creating it or consuming it, art has been a thrilling escape for me lately.

Creating art helps me channel my thoughts and emotions into something tangible while consuming it takes me on a journey of imagination and inspiration.

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MUSIC

Black Atlass

Recently, I’ve discovered an artist who’s about to change your life, and I’m not exaggerating!

If you haven’t heard of Black Atlass yet, you’re missing out on some serious ear candy. This guy is so underrated; it’s criminal.

I can’t believe he’s not as popular as The Weeknd, because, in my opinion, he’s just as talented, if not more. His voice is like a warm hug, and his music is like a cup of hot cocoa on a chilly winter night – pure bliss! Trust me, once you’ve listened to his music, you won’t be able to get enough.

My personal favourites are “Beautiful Stranger,” “Lie to Me,” and “Sweet Summer” – I’ve had them on repeat for days now. Go check him out, and thank me later!

Karan Aujla

Another incredible artist I wanted to share with you is one of my recent music discoveries that I’ve been absolutely loving – Karan Aujla!

His latest album, “Making Memories,” has been on repeat for me lately with its chill vibes. Even though he’s been a popular artist for the past several years, it’s surprising that it took me this long to get into his music, but hey, better late than never, right?

I have a few favourites from the album that I can’t stop listening to – “You,” “Try Me,” and “Bachke Bachke.”

If you’re ever looking for some great music to jam to, I highly recommend listening to Karan Aujla!

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ESSAYS

I recently came across an article by Susan Sontag called “The Double Standard of Aging,” and it really struck a chord with me. I mean, every other line felt like it was written just for me!

As a woman, I know firsthand how tough it can be to navigate through society’s expectations of beauty, body image, and sexuality. We’re constantly being told how to look and act just to be accepted. It’s not fair.

It’s wild how, even though the article was written ages ago, it still rings true today! Reading this essay was jolting reminder that we still have a long way to go when it comes to breaking down stereotypes and prejudices.

One particular passage from the article that really resonated with me was…

“For women, only one stan ard of female beauty is sanctioned: the girl.

The great a vantage men have is that our culture allows two standards of male beauty: the boy and the man. The beauty of a boy resembles the beauty of a girl. In both sexes, it is a fragile kind of beauty and flourishes naturally only in the early part of the life-cycle. Happily, men are able to accept themselves under another standard of good looks — heavier, rougher, more thickly built. A man does not grieve when he loses the smooth, unlined, hairless skin of a boy. For he has only exchanged one form of attractiveness for another: the darker skin of a man’s face, roughened by daily shaving, showing the marks of emotion and the normal lines of age.

There is no equivalent of this second standard for women. The single standard of beauty for women dictates that they must go on having clear skin. Every wrinkle, every line, every gray hair, is a defeat. No wonder that no boy minds becoming a man, while even the passage from girlhood to early womanhood is experienced by many women as their downfall, for all women are trained to continue wanting to look like girls.”

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MOVIES

Psycho (1960)

I was introduced to the world of Hitchcock earlier this year, and since then, I have been compelled to dive deeper into this work. Psycho was the first Hitchcock movie I saw, and ever since, I have watched several other films of his and can’t get enough.

I’ve said this before, but I am a sucker for a good horror/thriller movie. This one hits differently because, when it was released, horror meant being scared off by the scary-looking ghosts or monsters hiding under your bed.

Psycho was ahead of its time in portraying the real terror lies in the people. That’s what makes it so refreshing and a breath of fresh air.

The terrifying shower scene killing the main character halfway through the film sent chills down my spine. It’s likely the most famous and analyzed sequence in film history.

I would sell my soul to watch this movie again for the first time. If you haven’t already, watch this movie. You are in for a treat. You can thank me later!!!

Rear Window (1954)

While “Psycho” is my favourite Alfred Hitchcock film, his 1954 classic “Rear Window” is a very close second as it’s a masterclass in audience manipulation.

It has tension, suspense, humour, a good storyline, acting and cinematography, all the ingredients of a movie masterpiece.

Rear Window is the story of a news photographer who finds himself confined to his apartment for six weeks after an accident leaves him with a broken leg and a cast on his foot and in a wheelchair.

While adjusting to his dreadful and monotonous new routine, he starts to look out his rear window, and through his voyeurism, we get a peek into the lives of nine of his neighbours.

What surprised me the most was the style of the storytelling. The story is told from Jefferie’s point of view, which turns us into voyeurs and has us believing what we see.

It’s awfully hard to shoot an entire film in one room and also build an intriguing story, full of mystery, stuffed with a lot of characters and weaving in their stories.

It is a cinematic masterpiece from one of cinema’s most outstanding and widely respected directors.

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BOOKS

As A Man Thinketh by James Allen

One of my daily rituals involves writing affirmations reminding me of my inner strength and capabilities. I find this practice incredibly empowering and helps set a positive tone for the rest of my day.

Our thoughts are the most powerful tool we have in life. This incredible book is a gentle reminder that everything in the world is an outcome of thought, so it’s essential to be mindful of our inner dialogue.

It was so inspiring that I finished it in just one day!

After reading the book, I set some personal goals that aligned with its message, and it’s been amazing to see the progress I’ve made. I even carry a pocket-sized copy of the book in my bag, so it’s always there when I need extra motivation.

The best part is that the author’s writing style is so poetic and beautiful that I could get lost in it for hours.

I could go on and on about this book, but the main takeaway is to spend time reading inspiring books and see how your attitude toward life changes for the better.

Ultimately, our goal in life is to grow and become the best version of ourselves.

So why not give it a shot? You won’t regret it!

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Thank you so much for reading. Sending warm hugs to each one of you because we all could use it. Also, the sun’s still out here in India!!!! so brb going to take some more cozy naps 😛

xo

Yachna

Featured Image Credits – Pinterest

December 21, 2023