Self-love and acceptance (for a spiritual teen)

my afternoon rituals

school is an extremely draining affair. it doesn't matter if you're drained because you spoke to too many people, or if you're sad you had no one to talk to. the bottom line is, being around many people can be exhausting.

which is why there are certain things worthy of doing in the afternoon.

number one. journaling. vent your thoughts and emotions from the day into some nice void like the internet or your mobile's notes app. don't leave out any details, and be sure to stay honest with yourself. maybe you're upset that someone spoke to you in a certain way- write down what you felt at that moment and how you wanna deal with that person the next time.

the highlight of this ritual is, once you've vented, it's very easy to forget. so if you'd prefer to have something in your memory, then do this exercise but skip step three. but i strongly recommend this otherwise.

number two. drink water. maybe try out the two cup method for manifestation if you feel like it.
there are multiple versions i've heard of this, but here's my favourite. basically, one cup is empty, the other is full with water. the water essentially represents what you desire and the cup it is in is you desired reality. meditate on it and pour the water into your current reality cup, feeling your manifestations coming true. drink the water.

number three. bathe. bathing is probably the best way to both cleanse your body and your mind. maybe you still have some residual thoughts after the journal? drain it with the shower water. maybe you enjoy replaying certain scenarios? the shower is the absolute best spot for a quick reenactment. maybe spray on some nice smelling perfume while you're at it, if it's something that'll cheer you up.

number four. nap. don't sleep, nap. or if you have the patience, meditate. but napping is a better choice, in this sequence. a few minutes of complete rest is good for your eyes and your mind. whatever you let go of, or choose to remember, get shifted to your subconscious mind from your conscious mind. 

number five. get to work. do something that'll make you feel better. something that'll help you feel accomplished. spending some time being busy will is probably the most healthy form of self-validation. and the best way to stay on track with what matters most. your well-being.

and there. that's a pretty solid routine. i personally don't believe in reward systems (cause if wanted to eat a bar of chocolate, i'd eat it whether i'm done or not- as long as it's available.) but if you are a person with more than ounce of self-control, then you could add in a reward or two. 

-random life lesson ahead-

do keep in mind that at the end of the day, you will have to put yourself first. unapologetically so. because unless you're in a comfortable place yourself, you won't be able to 'help' anyone else out. and even while offering help, it is alright to be picky. ask yourself if the person who's helping would ever do the same for you.

but no matter your choice, remember to be kind to yourself. help because you want to and they need it, not with any ulterior motives. if you don't want to, then you don't need to justify yourself. the universe has a unique way of helping everyone get where they need to be anyway.

stay blessed <3