My favorite time of day is 2:00 AM (0200 on the 24-hour clock), when the world outside is cloaked in a deep, calming silence that feels like a rare gift. With my family sound asleep and no distractions like phone notifications, emails, or daily errands pulling at my attention, my mind feels free to wander and explore new possibilities. This quiet hour transforms my home into a peaceful haven where I can dream up blog post ideas, reflect on lifeโs big questions, or simply enjoy the stillness that sparks my most creative thoughts.
To wind down at 0200, I love tuning into podcasts about psychology and philosophy, which explore fascinating ideas about how our minds work or what it means to be human. The stillness of the night amplifies every word, making it feel like Iโm sitting down for a private chat with brilliant thinkers, sparking inspiration for my own projects or personal reflections. Without the noise of daytime distractions, I can dive deeply into these thought-provoking topics, letting my imagination soar and connecting ideas in ways that feel exciting and new. Some nights, I dive into them so deeply that I end up pulling an all-nighter because the topics are incredibly fascinating.
Iโm not usually a morning person, but every now and then, I find myself at a Tim Hortons or McDonaldโs around 8:00 AM, after dropping my toddler off at Montessori, greeted by the crisp, fresh air outside that wakes me up just a little. Inside, the soft hum of early-morning conversations and the gentle clink of coffee cups create a soothing, welcoming atmosphere, offering a brief escape from the chaotic mental chatter in my head. I always grab a steaming caffeinated drinkโrarely foodโand as I sip it, I tune into a podcast, catching fleeting moments of the mental clarity I cherish at night, though the bustle of the waking world often tugs at my focus. These rare morning visits carry a quiet charm, brightened by the refreshing breeze outside, but they canโt match the deep, uninterrupted stillness of 2:00 AM, my treasured time for profound reflection and bursts of creative inspiration.
Image source: Original source unknown. Image resized.
I realize this blog post turned out more serious than I planned, but itโs no surprise Iโm publishing it at 3:30 AM, and no that’s not a typo. As I mentioned, my mental focus is better at night, when the stillness of the night lets my thoughts flow freely. What’s your preferred time of day, and what makes it special for you? Are you a morning lark or a night owl? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join the conversation by leaving a comment below! โ
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ P.S. If you enjoyed this blog post, consider supporting my writing with a small donation on Ko-fi. Your support fuels my energy and motivation to keep creating content like this!
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Help support Hilary & her caffeine addiction. Her musings do not write themselves.
Motivation isnโt some grand, glowing epiphany for meโitโs more like catching flecks of glitter in the wild mess of my life as a 30-something Millennial wife and mom. Glitter and PlayDoh are strictly banned at my house because I have a #destructivetoddler. Motivation, specifically intrinsic (aka. internal) motivation, mostly comes out of nowhere, and it’s often spontaneous and unexpected. Between finding time and energy to write, getting lost in way too many hours on my computer or iPhone, cuddling my cat Timon, chasing after my kids, and chugging orange pekoe tea to stay awake like itโs my full-time job, hereโs how I tap into motivation.
“Wherever the music takes you, kitten.” โSheldon Cooper
Swaying with the Ebb and Flow of Life
I don’t have a clear-set structure or system for finding motivation. More often than not, it’s “wherever the music takes [me].” In other words, itโs like letting the bongo music guide me wherever it wants. I donโt know why, but that scene from The Big Bang Theory always makes me laugh. I thrive on those brief moments that make me feel like Iโve got it together, even if just for a second, and they usually hit when Iโm not stuck to a routine or checklist. Instead of following influencersโ advice to make lists and โdo this, do thatโ for motivation, sometimes tossing out the plan and letting the moment guide me, like following a songโs rhythm, pushes me to do something surprising, like dusting off my blog after months of neglect. ๐
Some might not see it my way, but those little, unexpected moments of randomness are totally a form of motivation for me, grounding me fast when I realize Iโm giving my all as a wife and mom. To all the moms out there, #IYKYK.
Personal Growth is a Whole Mood
Working on yourself, whether that’s personal growth and development or another sector of your life, is a vibe of it’s own. I often listen to self-development podcasts or watch youtube videos about psychology, philosphy, etc. to learn more about the world and seek truth about what’s real and what’s not. There’s a lot of distractions these days, and I just want to understand things a little better each day. I like diving into some podcast I didn’t need but couldn’t resist. It keeps my mind happy and stimulated. Blogging on http://www.sereneluna.net, is where I pour out my thoughts and feelings. Every post, even if it resonates with just one reader who vibes with me, keeps me anchored and fuels me to write more. Thatโs motivation right there.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
When the house gets quiet and Timonโs purring away without a care in the world, I ask myself: What keeps me going? EasyโI want to grow, keep love at the heart of it all, and make something that lasts, even if itโs making my family happy or publishing a blog post every now and then. Motivation isnโt a destination; itโs so many little things that give me a reason to keep going.
What motivates you? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below โ Maybe my blog post will motivate you to write something today. If you do answer the Writing Prompt, please tag me or let me know so I can read it! ๐ I got the idea to respond to this Writing Prompt after reading Sajidaโs response at https://mymindfulnessjourny.wordpress.com.
Background: This month, my friend Davis shared a new blog post for www.sereneluna.net. You might recall his previous guest contributions. Below โ Iโve linked all his past posts for easy access. If youโre curious or want a refresher on his insights about personal growth and development, you can find them here:
Disclaimer: Davis runs a blog called https://businessisfun.net that I highly recommend you check out and follow him if you haven’t done so already. Since Davis wrote the following guest post, I cannot take credit for it. While you are here, I would love to hear your thoughts about this article. Let’s get started, shall we?
Itโs easy to get stuck in the same mental health advice loop: meditate, journal, drink more water, get eight hours of sleep. All helpful, sureโbut what happens when those tools stop working? Or when they donโt click with you to begin with? Everyone’s brain has its own flavor, and sometimes, feeling better requires coloring outside the lines. So instead of repeating the same mental health script, letโs talk about some under-the-radar methods that might actually light you up.
A Practical Guide to Finding Inner Peace
1. Build Something Bad on Purpose. Perfectionism has a way of masquerading as productivity, but itโs often just a bully in your brain wearing a tie. One way to push back? Make something intentionally terrible. Write a god-awful poem, draw the worldโs ugliest self-portrait, build a cardboard robot that barely stands up. The point is to disarm that inner critic by showing yourself itโs safe to failโand to have fun doing it. When you practice letting go of the outcome, youโll be surprised how much space opens up inside your mind.
2. Hang Out With an Unrelated Elder. Thereโs something wildly grounding about spending time with someone whoโs lived through decades of life that you havenโt. Especially if theyโre not family. They come with fewer emotional landmines and usually a good story or two. Whether itโs through a volunteer program or just striking up conversation at the same coffee shop every week, this kind of relationship resets your priorities in the best way. Plus, you get wisdom without the lecture tone.
3. Stay in the Present. Mindfulness isn’t just about deep breathing or sitting cross-legged in silenceโit’s about paying attention on purpose, even when your thoughts are loud and messy. When you’re grounded in the now, you’re less likely to spiral into regrets about the past or anxieties about the future. It helps you notice the small good thingsโthe sound of your neighbor’s laugh, the sun slanting across your floor, the taste of your first sip of coffee. By embracing the present moment without judgment, you create space for a more positive and balanced mindset.
4. Put Your Hands in Actual Dirt. Look, you can read a hundred articles about how gardening helps with anxiety, but itโs not just about the plantsโitโs about the grime. Thereโs something deeply recalibrating about plunging your hands into the earth. It doesnโt have to be a full garden. Even a little patch of herbs in a pot can connect you to something older than worry. When your mind feels like static, dirt reminds you youโre a living thing.
5. Invent a Personal Ceremony. Rituals donโt need to be spiritual or dramatic to be meaningful. Sometimes your brain just wants a sign that things are moving forward. You could write down something youโre done with, fold it up, and burn it in a safe place. Or take a “transition walk” every time you finish a tough task. The key is consistency and intentionโdoing the same thing in the same way to mark shifts, even tiny ones. Over time, it helps your mind organize chaos into something with shape.
6. Get Obsessed with a Hyper-Niche Topic. Mental health thrives when curiosity takes the wheel. Deep-diving into something super specificโlike traditional Norwegian sweater patterns or 1970s underground punk zinesโcan be surprisingly healing. It gives your brain a break from you and your thoughts, which is a gift. You donโt need to turn it into a side hustle or share it with anyone. The joy is in having something thatโs just yours, untouched by algorithms or opinions.
7. Rent a Weird Airbnb in Your Own City. You donโt have to travel across the globe to shake your brain out of a slump. Book the strangest Airbnb within 30 minutes of your homeโa yurt, a converted bus, a room with 18 lava lampsโand go there with no expectations. The goal isnโt luxury. Itโs novelty. A change of scenery, even for one night, can jolt your senses in the best way and make your inner world feel less stale.
8. Host a “No-Small-Talk” Dinner.Surface-level conversation is exhausting when youโre already mentally taxed. So flip the script. Invite a couple of people over and have a rule: no small talk. Come prepared with big, weird, or deep questions and see what happens. Even if it gets awkward, itโll be real, and your brain will thank you for bypassing the usual social autopilot. Connection is more healing when itโs not wrapped in โHowโs work?โ
Improving your mental health doesnโt always mean applying cookie-cutter solutions to your one-of-a-kind experience. You donโt have to vibe with meditation apps or force yourself into gratitude journals if they donโt click. What matters most is that you find what feels right for youโeven if it looks strange from the outside. Especially if it looks strange from the outside. Sometimes, mental clarity comes from stepping off the obvious path and walking straight into the peculiar. Thatโs where your mind gets to play, to stretch, and to healโnot by following a blueprint, but by building your own.
If youโve enjoyed this article and would like to read more posts from this blogger, you can visit their website athttps://businessisfun.net. Finally, if you learned something new from this blog post, feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below โ Interested in writing a guest post forwww.sereneluna.net? If you would like to write a guest post, please email me your idea by filling out this form.
Hi everyone! I am coming out of hibernation and opened WordPress on my laptop for the first time since December 2024. I realize how much I’ve missed connecting with all of you through my posts and updates. I’ve also missed leaving comments on your blog posts. Reading your blogs on a regular basis has been something I missed too. In case you missed my last blog post from December 2024, you can read it here. I never did update you on which goals I ended up accomplishing. Honestly, I don’t really remember the details because I didn’t write them down.
I am not proud of completely abandoning my blog. What you witnessed here was my last blog post that I had written. Yes, it dates back to my goals for December 2024. To summarize how December went, everyone in my immediate family got sick during Christmas break except me. Usually, my immune system is terrible, but for some reason, I didn’t get sick, so that remains a mystery. That being said, I was sick last week and spent this week recovering from a nasty head cold.๐คทโโ ๏ธ
Rethinking My Game Plan
I recently discovered that a work colleague of mine is making good money with digital marketing. She was kind and told me what itโs about without gate keeping her strategy, but I don’t want to get into digital marketing. I also don’t want to actively use Instagram or TikTok to sell courses. However, this makes my #Redbubble side hustle feel more like a waste of time than ever before. My Redbubble earnings are peanuts compared to my colleague’s impressive 5-figure income from her side hustle. This realization also made me rethink my entire strategy. On top of everything, the algorithm on #Redbubble is punishing me for being inactive on their site. It would mean the world to me if you check out my little shop on there. I am 2 likes away from reaching 2,000 favorited items! โค
The CAD prices have changed due to recent inflation. Unfortunately, the inflation that we are all experiencing to some degree has impacted many small businesses and their pricing strategies. Thus, I had to offset the costs to maintain my profit margins. It was also necessary to justify continuing with this side hustle, because otherwise, whatโs the point of doing it? I know that I am passionate about this side hustle and want to keep doing it. And the best part? Itโs zero inventory so less clutter (except digital clutter) in my house. If I make zero sales by the end of the month, I’ll probably readjust the prices back to what they were before. I truly value my customers and want to keep my prices affordable.
Honestly, I think it’s more of an algorithm issue. It’s not as much of a price issue because visibility and reach often play a crucial role in sales performance. Right now, my prices are set to $2.04 CAD. The Canadian Dollar is so bad right now. This makes it difficult for me to sustain this hobby (time + effort) without making these adjustments. I am hopeful that as market conditions improve, I can revert to more competitive pricing.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
I know this is an unconventional blog post yet again. I want to explain why I haven’t been blogging lately. I’m feeling overwhelmed with everything in my life right now and I need to determine what I need to do to get my life in order and back on track. I’m also struggling with depression and anxiety, which makes it hard to find motivation. I often blame the long winters and lack of sunshine in Alberta, but I also hold myself accountable. Still, I’m trying to remain hopeful, even when I feel lost. My goal for this year is to create at least one digital product related to this blog, aimed at people who, like me, are struggling with mental health and trying to get their lives on track. Not only that, but I want to figure out how to market it, preferably in USD.
Do you struggle with everyday life? Do you feel completely lost like I do? Do you feel scatterbrained with no clear path? Feel free to leave a comment below โ I would be grateful if you followed me on Twitter/๐ (@serene_hilz). This is, of course, if you arenโt already a follower. It is harder than ever to grow on that platform. I really enjoy using it to connect with like-minded bloggers.
Hello everyone! Do you still remember me? It feels like it’s been a lifetime since I last shared my goals with you. I promised myself I’d write this post for December 2024, but here we are, on the 18th, and I’m just catching up with how fleeting time has become. I’m honestly shocked and a little heartbroken that Christmas is nearly upon us. There’s this tug-of-war in my heart; I’m excited for the joy of the season, yet so sad because every Christmas marks another year gone, another year older, and I’m not ready to face that reality. It’s like my biological clock is racing, and I can’t keep up.
Rebecca at her Christmas concert ๐
My daughter’s been ill this whole week, so I’ve had very little sleep. Not much has changed goal-wise since my last update, except I’ve completely given up on dieting. Surprisingly, ditching dieting altogether works better for me – my appetite naturally decreases when I eat freely. I’ve decided against fasting though; just thinking about it makes my stomach growl.
I don’t know about you, but I feel unsettled. Something seems off. Maybe its the looming future, not knowing what’s going to happen to us, and worrying too much about all the bad things happening in the world. I can’t help but worry about the Canadian dollar tanking, seeing it crashing day after day and me being angry at the Federal Government for screwing us hard-working Canadians over. I purposely leave politics out of this blog, but as of late I’ve been ranting more and more about politics to people who clearly don’t want to listen to me drag on about it. I am genuinely worried about the future and it keeps me up at night.
Also, I don’t know if my fellow American friends follow Canadian news (unlikely) but Canada Post was on strike for the last 4 weeks. They are finally off strike, but I have mail that’s still stuck in the states, which I ordered from a small business that specializes in beauty products. Also, I didn’t send out Christmas cards this year due to Canada Post being on strike, and now it seems pointless to send out Christmas cards. That being said, here is what the rest of the month looks like.
Image generated using AI (Please don’t use without asking first) โจ
Start using Stanley cup โ start tracking water intake again
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
I finally gave in and bought myself a Rose Quartz Stanley cup โ not for Christmas, mind you, since I’m planning to start using it right away, but it’s still sitting in its original packaging, looking all brand new lol ๐ It was on sale for $38.00 CAD and who can resist a good deal? I’m really hoping this will be the push I need to get back into the habit of drinking water again. I’ve been plagued by headaches and migraines lately, and I’m not sure if it’s because I’m dehydrated or if it’s just the weather being totally rude.
I finally caved and got a light pink Stanley cup. Something I once criticized as being ugly and overhyped. But look at her – she's pretty! And she matches my laptop. ๐ธ๐ธ๐ธ #PrettyInPink#Shopping
On a brighter note, my husband bought me a cute pair of winter boots, which I’m absolutely thrilled about. They’re ideal for our chilly Canadian winters ๐จ๐ฆ And my mom gave me a hoodie and some gourmet hot chocolate. I can’t wait to cocoon myself in that hoodie, savoring that rich hot chocolate, perhaps even using my new Stanley cup if I can get around to unpacking it. On another note, I treated myself to a new pair of Nike sneakers during Black Friday week. They might not be as cute as my previous ones – just plain black with white detailing – but my old sneakers with the hot pink laces have holes in them now. I’m still using them for treadmill workouts and not quite ready to say goodbye to them yet.
I am sad to let these old sneakers go๐
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ FYI:If youโre not already following me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), you can get real-time updates [and rants] about my day-to-day life there.I purchased the Premium subscription to gain access to Grok 2.0, which makes the subscription completely worthwhile.
July went by so fast that I didn’t even write a July Goals blog post. This isn’t my best work but at this point, I don’t care as long as I publish something.
This is an old photo from a few summers ago. Photo is my own.
Sorry I was AFK.
I spent a lot of time away from my laptop. Most of my time was devoted to caring for my kids and the neighbors’ children. Whenever the neighbors’ kids visit, it’s essentially a party at my house. I’ve tried to discourage this because it’s exhausting, and the other moms are exhausted too. I don’t want this blog post to sound like a rant, but I’m in a bad mood. You have been warned.
The Mental Struggle
Being a mom is hard and it’s even harder trying to find the time to sit down and write a blog post. Also, I am beginning to think that my used iPhone 14 hates me. Apps don’t work like they should which is incredibly frustrating, especially when I need that phone for blogging. I really don’t know what’s going on with this phone and I am in the process of waiting to get a replacement. The only problem is that it could take several months since I bought this phone used from a reputable third party store.
The Physical Struggle
Lastly, we had a drought lasting the whole month of July and nothing but hot temps averaging above 30ยฐC every damn day. I did go to the Calgary Stampede this year but didn’t take photos this time. It was a different experience, being able to fully immerse myself in the festivities without the distraction of capturing every moment through a lens. Additionally, I started walking again to maintain an active lifestyle, but the relentless heat has been taking a toll on my energy levels. The scorching sun seems never-ending, making it challenging to enjoy outdoor activities. Hopefully, the forecast will bring some relief soon, as we desperately need rain to alleviate the dry spell. As I don’t have AC in my house so the persistent heat has been quite taxing, leaving me feeling irritable and uncomfortable.
The Emotional Struggle
As you probably know by now, my mental health isn’t the greatest and I am struggling with some stuff that is emotionally draining. I want to talk about it, but I am afraid of sharing too much personal information on here regarding this subject which isn’t really anyone’s business other than my own. I just wish I had someone to talk to because it feels oh so lonely. Also, while I am on the subject of mental health, I am very worried that the custom bridesmaid dress I ordered won’t fit. I leave for Ontario at the end of August, which leaves no time to prepare for my friend’s wedding in September. These are the things that keep me up at night, along with worrying about the unforeseen future.
I find myself still struggling to accept and love myself as body dysmorphia has been a real issue this year. I dislike the way I look, which is mainly why I haven’t taken photos, and now I can’t even hide behind the filtered ones because Snapchat doesn’t work on my phone (I’ll save that for another blog post), which leaves me feeling very vulnerable. The custom dress I ordered is due to arrive mid-August, and I am beyond scared to try it on. I ordered a size slightly smaller because that was the size I was at the beginning of July. Somehow, I let my exercise routine slip, stopped exercising completely, and started drinking diet drinks, which caused me to gain weight. Lesson learned: stay away from diet soda and artificial sweeteners!
I am back to getting 10,000 steps a day and let me tell you, it is hard. I spend most of my days outside walking, and I force myself to go outside in this heat so I get Vitamin D from the sun. My mental health is not good at all, so I need all the help I can get from mother nature, despite it being so hot outside. There are days when I want to quit, but then I remember how easy it is to gain weight if I quit. I am way too hard on myself, but at the same time, I have to be because I am not happy where I am right now. It is incredibly frustrating to never be satisfied with the present moment. Sometimes, I find myself wishing that I could just accept where I am and what I have achieved. I long for the ability to appreciate the progress I have made, to celebrate the small victories instead of always focusing on the next goal. It is a constant struggle to silence the inner critic and embrace self-compassion. I hope that one day I can find peace within myself and cultivate a more positive relationship with my journey. ๐งโจ
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
If I did anything right during the month of July, I leaned more towards basic living and started spending more time with myself. Although I didn’t really create anything, if at all, during the month of July, I cut back a lot on consuming content. Yes, I still watch a lot of YouTube videos, but I use it mainly for educational purposes. I still need to cut back on Twitter/๐ as I find myself using that app way too much. Spending time in nature has probably been one of the best antidotes for depression, and during that time, I like to listen to spiritual podcasts on iTunes.
The second best antidote for my well-being and overall health has been diving into the world of cooking and baking nourishing meals using fresh, real ingredients instead of relying on inflammatory, ultra-processed foods. It’s a journey of gradual improvement, as I continue to reduce my intake of junk food, acknowledging that it’s a work in progress. I’ve moved past denial and accepted that I made a few slip-ups in July. Believe me, I’ve experienced firsthand the negative impact that junk food has on my body. ๐
Sips 1-5 were good. Sips 5-10 were too sweet. Sips 10-20 started regretting it. Sips 20++ stomach pain ๐ pic.twitter.com/jgOOzSN5ko
I found myself in the same spot today, but this time it was to indulge in a healthier snack. Bananas are still cheap(ish) despite the inflation crisis that Canadians are experiencing. $0.64 for 2 bananas isnโt too bad. ๐๐ pic.twitter.com/dIHOtP3O4I
For those following me on Twitter/๐, I’m still active there, sharing my current hobbies and interests. If you have an account, feel free to follow me, and I’ll follow you back! I’m also open to DMs. Twitter/๐ is where I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts daily. I am still trying to cut back on social media, but you can still find me tweeting about something. You can follow me using the link below:
You might have noticed that I’ve been AFK lately. I didn’t write a June 2024 recap or July Goals blog post because I haven’t sat down at a laptop to type. I haven’t really written anything lately. It’s hard to find time to blog when I feel so tired and drained, not to mention taking care of my little kids plus the neighbors’ kids. Sometimes, I pick up work shifts whenever I can, which doesn’t leave much time for anything else. My blog, however, is still alive, and I have no intention of abandoning it completely.
No Time for Blogging ๐ป
I am at a difficult point in my life where I have so much going on outside of blogging, yet I still struggle to figure out exactly what to focus on when I do have free time. Should I write for myself? Should I write blog posts for my readers? Or should I be working on my Redbubble designs? All of these things take time, and all of them are important.
My hobbies are like my children: Like children, hobbies require time and attention. If you don’t give your hobbies attention, the algorithm and loyal readers will punish you. Neglecting your hobbies leaves you with “nothing” to show for it. Even the Redbubble Gods are punishing me because I haven’t updated my shop, so the algorithm doesn’t work, and I get almost no visitors due to inactivity. Ironically, I am mostly active on Twitter/๐, yet my profile engagement is even more dead. Unless you pay for their “enhanced services,” the algorithm won’t reward you, and you’ll get little to no engagement on that platform either.
I need to redirect my attention on what matters: By that, I mean focusing on things that actually generate results. I want to spend less time on Twitter/๐ (which I use when I’m bored) and YouTube, and concentrate more on writing/blogging and Redbubble. I don’t believe Redbubble is dead; it will only truly work if I actively add new designs and promote them. I have yet to find another site to sell on if I were to expand. However, migrating elsewhere would also exhaust time and energy that I don’t have.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ Here’s what I actually did in June because I need to wrap up that chapter before moving onto July. โฅ
June Recap 2024
Career Goals:
Bid for shifts. 7 shift baseline.A couple shifts were cancelled so I made those up by bidding on shifts. In the end, I still had 7 shifts and ended up breaking even
Catch up on emails if there are any I am pretty much caught up and to-date on emails.
Have 100 sticker designs in my #Redbubble shop I am currently at 98 sticker designs and am still working on reaching this goal. I added 1 new sticker design.
Promote stickers Twitter/๐ I didn’t do much promoting if at all because I haven’t been very active on Redbubble. If I were to put more time and energy into Redbubble, I would be posting more often. I plan on doing this in the upcoming months as an experiment to see if input really does equal output.
Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly goals/recap blog posts On June 10, 2024, I published 1 new blog post about why I quit Duolingo and deleted the app and a fellow blogger wrote a guest post on July 8, 2024. You can catch up on these blog posts below โ and yes they are clickable links:
Log into #Medium at least once/week I log in every so often but I haven’t been active on the platform.
Keep tabs on doctorโs appointments/pending appointments I am still relying on my phone to keep track of things. My family has had a lot of appointments this summer.
Log into FB for the first time since 2017 I haven’t done this yet but still need to by August.
Pay any outstanding invoice(s)Done โ๏ธ
Figure out our flight schedule(s) I have a one-way ticket and need to book my flight ticket home.
.เณเฟ โ๏ธ *:๏ฝฅ
Health Goals:
Aim for 10,000 steps/day Since upgrading my phone, it’s I haven’t been tracking steps. My old phone fit easily in my pocket whereas my new one is bulky. Unless I’m wearing my apple watch, I am not tracking steps. I know this is a problem.
Limit drinks to water, tea, and coffee I quit coffee! Yep, I quit coffee 100%. I stopped drinking orange pekoe at home but will occasionally buy steeped tea. It’s much less frequent than it was before. I drink water, coconut water, sparkling water, and diet soda.
Track hydration on Water Llama app My water intake really suffered because I stopped tracking but by the end of August, water is all I will be allowed to drink, so I better get used to drinking water.
Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app The app helps keep me motivated, and I still recommend this free app to anyone who likes to gamify fitness. You can read my review about this app here.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
I know this is an unconventional blog post and it’s somewhat disjointed, but I wanted to summarize my activities during June. July has been even more unusual, as I’ve strayed from my goals while working on unrelated tasks. Ideally, I want to refocus on the most meaningful activities and reduce time spent on less important matters. Of course, that’s easier said than done.
Finally, I am curious to know how you are doing with your goals and blogging schedule, and whether or not you accomplished what you were hoping to. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below โ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter/๐ (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. It is harder than ever to grow on that platform but I really do enjoy using it to connect with like-minded bloggers.
Background: My friend Davis recently reached out to me with a new blog post for www.sereneluna.net. If you remember, he has made guest appearances before. You can find the links to his previous posts below โ If you’d like a refresher or are interested in reading his other guest posts on personal growth and development, you can find them here:
Disclaimer: Davis runs a blog called https://businessisfun.net that I highly recommend you check out and follow him if you haven’t done so already. Since Davis wrote the following guest post, I cannot take credit for it. While you are here, I would love to hear your thoughts about this article. Let’s get started, shall we?
Imagine a world where your achievements are not shadowed by self-doubt but celebrated with genuine self-acceptance. Often, the most significant barrier to realizing your full potential is not external challenges but the internal battle with “imposter syndrome.” This guide aims to provide you with practical strategies to dismantle that barrier, fostering a mindset conducive to personal and professional growth.
A Practical Guide to Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
1. Spotting the Signs of Imposter Syndrome. The first step in conquering imposter syndrome is to recognize its symptoms. You might feel like a fraud despite apparent successes, fear that you will not live up to expectations, or believe that your achievements are due to luck. These feelings can be intense, but identifying them as common manifestations of imposter syndrome is crucial. Acknowledging these feelings without judgment allows you to begin overcoming them, setting the foundation for genuine self-assurance.
2. Fostering Self-Development. Focus on your personal development and measure success based on your progress, not against others. Setting personal benchmarks and celebrating small victories are vital. Each step forward, no matter how small, is a testament to your capabilities and a step away from the shadows of doubt. Concentrating on your growth reinforces your self-worth and gradually diminishes the power impostor syndrome holds over you.
3. Entrepreneurship Beyond Doubt. Once you’ve conquered imposter syndrome and kicked off your business, think about using an online logo maker to create a personalized logo (especially if you’re working with a limited budget). You can pick a style and icon that matches your brand’s vision, then add any text you want to the design. This tool lets you browse different logo options and tweak the fonts and colors, so you can design a cool and creative logo that perfectly fits your business’s unique identity.
4. Embracing Imperfections. Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes, seeing them as opportunities for learning. Recognizing that errors are not failures but essential parts of the learning curve can foster resilience. This shift in perspective is critical to combating imposter syndrome. Each mistake you make is a stepping stone to mastery, underscoring that growth, not perfection, is the goal. This approach helps you develop a more balanced view of yourself and your capabilities.
5.Seeking Professional Guidance. When imposter syndrome severely impacts your life, it might be time to seek help from a professional. Counselors and therapists specialize in providing strategies and support tailored to overcoming such challenges. They offer a safe space to explore these feelings and develop practical approaches to dismantle the insidious doubts that impede your progress.
6. Sharing and Validating Your Feelings. Talking about your feelings of inadequacy helps demystify them and reinforces that you are not alone in this struggle. Sharing your thoughts with trusted friends, mentors, or colleagues offers new perspectives and reassurance. Their feedback helps affirm your rightful place in your achievements. Such encouragement enables you to internalize your successes. Through these conversations, you gain confidence and a clearer understanding of your professional worth.
7. Reflecting on Your Achievements. You solidify your capabilities by keeping a written record of your achievements and the skills you used to reach them. This practice constantly reminds you of your competencies and aids in internalizing your successes. Regularly updating this record creates tangible evidence of your growth and effectiveness. This documentation directly counters the narrative of imposter syndrome. Each entry reinforces your rightful confidence in your abilities and accomplishments.
8. Visualizing Success. Practice visualizing yourself succeeding in your tasks and roles. This mental rehearsal can significantly boost your confidence and reduce feelings of being an impostor. Visualization is a powerful tool for embedding a positive self-image and aligning your subconscious with your conscious goals, facilitating a stronger belief in your abilities.
Stepping out of the shadows of imposter syndrome requires continuous effort and dedicated strategies. By adopting these approaches, you’re not just aiming to silence the internal critic but to amplify the voice of your true self, one that recognizes and celebrates your capabilities and achievements. Unlock your full potential by shedding the unfounded doubts and embracing a journey of genuine self-recognition and accomplishment.
If youโve enjoyed this article and would like to read more posts from this blogger, you can visit their website athttps://businessisfun.net. Finally, if you learned something new from this blog post, feel free to join the conversation by leaving a comment below โ Interested in writing a guest post forwww.sereneluna.net? If you would like to write a guest post, please email me your idea by filling out this form.
Okay, so there wasn’t a May Goals blog post so I didn’t feel like it was necessary to write a May Goals recap, for obvious reasons. Now that it is June, it is a new month which for me, which also means new beginnings. I am in a sense, starting over. I will give you more context later on in the blog post. Oh, and in case you missed last month’s blog post, I will post a link down below:
๏ผห*โขฬฉฬฉอ Who I Want to Become โขฬฉฬฉอ*ห๏ผ
Remember how I started off strong at the beginning of January? Like any habit, we lose them if we don’t use them. Over time, I started slipping to the point where I abandoned the 75-Hard program completely. Despite that, I still lost some weight, but it wasn’t enough.
The hardest part was coming to terms with it instead of living in denial. I knew that I was disproportionate in my waist compared to the rest of my body, but I didn’t know by how much. I still mostly wear the same clothes, but they don’t fit comfortably. Then I took my tape measure because I had to get measurements for my dress, and well, it wasn’t pretty. I cried after coming face to face with reality. I don’t want to live in a fantasy world and I do consider myself a realist. I see things for how they are in present moment. So I came to terms with it, wiped away my tears, and started over yet again. I have until September to fit into one of the 3 beautiful dresses that I ordered online!
Here We Go Again (ห หฬฃฬฃฬฅโหฬฃฬฃฬฅ )
I guess you could say I am not doing the 75-Hard program as intended, but I do not care. I am here to lose my belly pooch and am hyper-focused on diet and exercise. I don’t want to read a non-fiction book or any book for that matter, so I am not going to. I still wanted to incorporate some kind of discipline/mental toughness task into my routine, so instead of 10 pages of reading a day, I have decided to do 30 minutes of creative work, whether that is blogging, journaling, or completing an intimidating task that I have been putting off for weeks. It could be a design for my #Redbubble shop since I haven’t worked on that hobby in several weeks, decluttering items and writing ads for them, or bracelet making. Whatever it is, it needs to be creative work and not some kind of chore or busy work. And this is on top of the goals I have for June 2024!
Iโm doing this again but Iโm not reading 10 pages a day. Instead, Iโm doing 30 min of content creation such as blogging, journalling, productive work, etc.
There are a few appointments that I need to book this summer, but I didn’t include them in my general list of goals. I have them written down on my phone, and I plan to complete them close to September. Both my husband and I need to travel to Ontario, but at different times, so I don’t know what’s happening yet. Overall, I think my goals are reasonable and not too extreme. I know I’m strict about my diet, but I have limited time to accomplish what needs to get done. And when you’re under pressure, you find a way to get it done. My next weigh-in is tomorrow. Wish me luck! ๐๐
I am curious to know what your goals are for the month of June. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below โ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. Trying to grow on Twitter/๐ is hard and I’m constantly having to weed out those pesky bots and fake accountsโit’s so annoying! If you’re a real person, you don’t have to worry about me removing you. I can spot those bot accounts from a mile away, so you can trust me on that.
Let’s pretend that May did not happen. I totally let my blog posts slip this month and did not post any May Goals at all. Should I even bother? Is there even a point?
Simply put, I didn’t use my laptop and I only write blog posts using a computer. If I am active on WordPress, I’m usually using my phone, but I only write blog posts using my laptop. So, why didn’t I use my laptop this month? Well, there are a bunch of reasons, but mostly it’s because I was either babysitting kids who invited themselves over to our house almost every day this month, or I’m avoiding my laptop on purpose. I won’t go into details, but I have been procrastinating on a few things. Rather than deal with the dumpster fires that the the rain did not put out, I have been running from them. Now that it’s the end of May, I can’t run away from my problems anymore.
Lately, my mind has been preoccupied with other things other than blogging. I am afraid that if I were to start a new thing that I will get overwhelmed as it is one more thing for my brain to process. Does that make sense? There’s a lot of stuff for my brain to process that eventually it gets “overheated” and I just can’t function. I am at that point right now and it’s a little overwhelming. Like I mentioned last month, “I take responsibility for this lack of engagement as I haven’t been very active here. Nevertheless, I truly appreciate those who come across my blog and take the time to read my content.”
I find myself still grappling with my procrastination and am committed to finishing my overwhelming list of tasks by the end of May, or at the latest, early June. I must allocate time to sit down, open my laptop, do some online bridesmaid dress shopping, take body measurements, place the order, sift through emails, and revisit a social media platform I have neglected since 2017. Unironically, I have some items to sell on that social media platform, which means I must log into my account whether I like it or not. My husband has had success selling his used stuff on that platform, and I don’t want to list my items on his account anymore because I feel like I’m burdening him.
I feel like I spend way too much time mindlessly scrolling on my phone and it’s taking a toll on my productivity and mental well-being. I need to take a step back and reevaluate my relationship with technology and social media. Deep down, I know that I need to step into nature and go back to basic living. I need to stop consuming so much content and start creating again. I think it’s time for a digital detox, and I’m determined to reclaim control over my time and attention. The biggest thing that prevents me from deleting apps is that I listen to podcasts and lectures all day, every day. I like learning new things and need to listen to something to help me cope with stress.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
Despite the challenges, I have to find a way to push through and complete these tasks on my own schedule, which means ditching the May Goals and focusing on the things that are most important. I also hope to declutter my space and make some extra money doing this because why not? I still have my notebook so perhaps I should start using it more and my phone less. Aiming to complete 5 critical tasks a day sounds ideal for me. I am just thinking out loud here so I hope I didn’t bore you too much with this blog post.
If I delete the app, I will lose the pink aesthetic.
For those following me on Twitter/๐, I’m still active there, sharing my current hobbies and interests. If you have an account, feel free to follow me, and I’ll follow you back! I’m also open to DMs. Twitter/๐ is where I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts daily. I am seriously thinking about deleting the app off my phone and only using it on a laptop, so I might not be as active on there as I once was. You can follow me using the link below:
I didn’t keep up with my daily reading goalin April.However, I know that reading is beneficial and helps me unwind at night. Moving forward, I’ll turn off my phone from 8 PM to 6 AM and read books to calm my mind before bed instead of listen to podcasts and scroll the internet. Last night, I was we working on this blog post from my laptop and staring at another screen late at night, even though my inner voice says not to do it. Unrelated, but I almost used this cover photo for my blog a while ago because it’s calming and pleasant to look at.
๏ผห*โขฬฉฬฉอ Am I Evolving? โขฬฉฬฉอ*ห๏ผ
I had my last physical therapy appointment at the end of April and “graduated” from physiotherapy. PT told me that I’m allowed to return anytime, but for now, I don’t have any more appointments scheduled. Does this mean I passed? Yes and no. I know what I need to do, but I’m not as diligent as I should be, so more work can be done in this area. I have to still work on my core exercises and drink more water.
Lately, I have been sleeping a lot, but that’s not new for me. I do tend to sleep a lot, but I have been exceptionally tired lately. Sleeping during the day wastes a lot of time, so I’m not accomplishing what I want to. In terms of exercise, I do what I can, but I don’t have a set schedule these days. When it comes to diet, my weight has stayed the same, and I seem to have reached a plateau. I’m not very hungry these days and only eat when I’m hungry, so I don’t eat much. The biggest problem I had with HCLF was that I had to eat often and frequently, and I eventually got so sick and tired of eating sugary, sweet foods all the time. It was “too much of a good thing” as they say. These days, I’m not counting calories and try to cook at home as often as possible. Any treats I buy are heavily discounted, and I stopped shopping at Dollarama because I was no longer getting a good deal there.
I want to continue cutting back on expenses as much as possible because: a) I hate debt if any kind (this includes mortgage which is my only debt right now); b) clutter/junk gives me anxiety; and c) we are headed towards a recession if we arenโt already in one.
April Recap 2024
Career Goals:
Bid for shifts for the second half of April I ended up getting more shifts without having to bid on them. I ended up with 7 shifts for the month of April which is below my goal of 10+ shifts/month. I donโt get nearly as many shifts as I did last year.
Catch up on emails if there are any I am pretty much caught up and to-date on emails.
Have 100 sticker designs in my #Redbubble shop I am currently at 97 sticker designs and am still working on reaching this goal. Sticker designs were not my priority during the month of April and I only added 1 new sticker design in April. Btw, it’s cherry blossom season and a kind soul from Spain just bought 2 large cherry blossom themed stickers. Thank you~! ๐๐ธ
Promote my cherry blossom stickers Twitter/๐ โ From $1.63 CAD (Ignore the $1.98 price) I didn’t do much promoting during the month of April but once I add some new designs to the shop, I plan on posting more often on Twitter/๐.
Publish 1-2 blog posts + monthly goals/recap blog posts I published 3 blog posts this month, in addition to the usual monthly goals and blog recaps. I didn’t see a significant boost in engagement, but it’s encouraging to have frequent readers. You can catch up on these blog posts below โ and yes they are clickable links:
Write 1 personal development article for #Medium I don’t think I added any new articles to Medium. Instead, I focused more on blogging.
Keep tabs on doctorโs appointments/pending appointments I somehow manage by using my phone calendar. My son’s forms for Montessori were sent and SLP received the necessary paperwork they needed. Also, my husband and I finally got our medical forms completed and sent them to SW.
Read 10 pages of a personal development book each day Nope, it did not happen. I miss reading but my current personal development book is boring. I still plan on finishing it before moving on to the next book.
Purchase tickets for Otafest 2024 I bought tickets and I will be bringing my family with me to Otafest this year. I have no idea what to expect, so expect the unexpected I guess?
๐ธ Iโve never been to a convention but always wanted to go to one! ๐ธ
Health Goals:
Aim for 10,000 steps/day I have been averaging 4,500 – 6,000 steps/day which isn’t great. Some days, itโs much less than 4,500 steps.
Limit drinks to water, tea, and coffee I already do this but started adding very diluted 100% fruit juice for some more variety.
Track hydration on Water Llama app My water intake really suffered during the month of April but this app still helps me when Iโm actively tracking hydration. It takes caffeine and different beverages into account.
Track steps on Pikmin Bloom app The app helps keep me motivated, and I still recommend this free app to anyone who likes to gamify fitness. You can read my review about this app here.
HCLF diet 90% of the time No more HCLF dieting for me ๐ โโ๏ธ In the beginning, I loved it but I got tired of it real quick. It’s definitely not for me but was fun while it lasted. Also, having no overt oils doesnโt work with my familyโs diet and lifestyle.
(ใฃโโกโ)ใฃ โฅ FINAL THOUGHTS โฅ
I also want to mention that I completely forgot about my “Power List” again, so this system isn’t going to work for me long-term. My husband suggested that I try blocking time out of my day, so I might try that and see if it works better. Has anyone tried block scheduling other than in university? Is that what it’s called…block scheduling? Here is an example of what I’m talking about.
Finally, I am curious to know what your goals were for the month of April and whether or not you accomplished what you were hoping to. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below โ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter/๐ (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. It is harder than ever to grow on that platform but I really do enjoy using it to connect with like-minded bloggers.
First and foremost, thank you for reading my blog posts month after month. To my loyal readers, I see you and appreciate all of you. I also value new readers and even the ones who lurk – you know, the ones who read my blog posts but never leave a like or comment. I’m aware of the lurkers based on my stats, even though there hasn’t been much engagement lately. I take responsibility for this lack of engagement as I haven’t been very active here. Nevertheless, I truly appreciate those who come across my blog and take the time to read my content.
For those following me on Twitter/๐, I’m still active there, sharing my current hobbies and interests. If you have an account, feel free to follow me, and I’ll follow you back! I’m also open to DMs. Twitter/๐ is where I feel comfortable expressing my thoughts daily. You can follow me using the link below:
๏ผห*โขฬฉฬฉอ Who I Want to Become โขฬฉฬฉอ*ห๏ผ
I know I should be working on hobbies during my free time, but when is there ever free time? lol You know what I mean. I find myself struggling to work on hobbies, which includes writing blog posts, posting recipes (I have a bunch that I want to share with you), and building and creating things. Instead of creating things, I often find myself trying to fill a void – a shopping void. Yikes. I try not to be materialistic, but lately, I have found some comfort there. It’s weird, and I need to pause, breathe, and reflect. I have tons of crafting supplies, so it’s just a matter of starting. Instead, I keep wanting to accumulate more supplies because I am afraid to start, and this is my way of distracting myself. When I am not browsing the internet, window shopping, or wanting to buy things to fill this empty void in my life, I just want to sleep, play a dumb game on my phone, or do some other mindless activity.
Building and creating things brings me joy, so why is it such a struggle? I need to work through this resistance, and there is no better time than now. So there’s that, and possibly revisiting my Power List. I do need to find my planner, so perhaps I can start with that, and monthly goals of course.
My mental health has been questionable lately, but I find comfort in writing on WP. I don’t know why I don’t do it more often, to be honest. Putting my thoughts into writing helps me process emotions and solve problems. I don’t feel like I’m talking to a wall because I know people are reading my blog posts, and that brings me comfort. Just knowing that there’s someone out there who cares, even if we don’t talk face-to-face, helps me feel less alone. I hope I can pull through this slump and thrive for the rest of April.
I am curious to know what your goals are for the month of April. Feel free to let me know in the comments section below โ Also, I would really appreciate it if you followed me on Twitter (@serene_hilz), that is, if you aren’t already a follower. It is so hard to grow on that platform but I really do enjoy using it to connect with like-minded bloggers.
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