16 Things to Remember in 2016

#1: Don't self-diagnose. If you think something is wrong, go see a doctor.

#2: Don't judge people. Not cool, yo.

#3: You don't have to jump on the bandwagon. Just because something is super popular doesn't mean you have to like it.

#4: Be confident not cocky.

#5: Don't take your parents for granted.

#6: If someone says "no" or "stop," STOP. Consent is necessary in all things.

#7: Don't take yourself so seriously.

#8: A listening ear is a running mouth.

#9: Sunscreen, logic, and vocabulary are important.

#10: If you invite someone somewhere, pay attention to them.

#11: Self-victimization is stupid. Don't do it.

#12: Don't say something is scientifically proven. It's not. It is scientifically supported.

#13: Expect to succeed but prepare to fail.

#14: Don't get offended so easily.

#15: Don't be stupid on Sundays. Everybody deserves a break.

#16: Act like you've got some raising.

Fear 101

      Fear is a natural emotion caused by the feeling of emotional or physical danger. Fear is important because it helps us keep ourselves safe from legitimate threats. Self-preservation is vital in a successful life! However, there are times that we find ourselves fearful of things that don't necessarily pose a threat to us. Fear is completely normal. It is okay to be scared sometimes. If it starts affecting your daily life, seek help.

      I am personally scared of very peculiar things that most people do not even think about. Just for example here is a list of a few things that I find terrifying.
               1) Brain parasites. You never know when they will strike and they are catastrophic.
               2) Alligators/Crocodiles. A lizard that is bigger than me and could eat me? No, thanks.
               3) Open water. Yep, that means oceans and lakes are not my vacation choices.
               4) Spiders. Yay, a normal fear!
               5) Stomach virus. It almost killed me once and that was enough for me.
               6) Cannibals. Am I ever going to run into one? Ya never know.
               7) Papercut on the eyeball. No bueno. Just no.
               8) Decapitation by seatbelt. You know when people brake check you and you fly into it.
               9) Burnt alive. Please no. Horrific way to die. Plus, the smell. Eww.
             10) Being doused in acid. No way. Do not dissolve me in acid while I'm still alive.
             11) Being watched in a creepy Edward Cullen way. That is not flattering, That is stalking,
             12) Being behind a truck carrying a portapotty that gets knocked off. Just gross.
             13) Failure

   There are a lot more things that I find terrifying, but these were the ones that I could think of off the top of my head. My fears do not define me. They are just an added quirk in my life. I am in no way disabled by these fears and they do not control me. In fact, I find fears to be very motivating in my life. Fear of brain parasites makes me more aware of my own cognitive processes and behaviors. Fear of alligators is an excellent motivator for speed when walking through swampy areas.Fear of open water makes me swim faster. Fear of spiders makes me awesome at stomping them. Fear of the stomach virus outbreaks make me more health conscious. Fear of cannibals made me have great aim when throwing things or hitting targets. Fear of papercuts on eyeballs inspires optimum eye care. Fear of decapitation by seatbelt makes car and road safety a high priority. Fear of being burnt alive increases knowledge of fire safety. Fear of being doused in acid created the best lab safety. Fear of being watched in a creepy way makes me very observant of my surroundings. Fear of portapotties makes a cleaner lifestyle. Fear of failure guarantees my success. That is how I overcome my fear. I use them to strengthen and enhance myself and my life.

   Some other ways to overcome fear are to
            1) Find out what exactly causes your fear.
            2) Calm yourself down when faced with your fear.
            3) Remove yourself from the fear when faced with it.
            4) Distract yourself.
            5) Think it through. What scares you about it, why, what can you do about it...
            6) Face the fear. Gradually expose yourself to the fear and become comfortable with it.
            7) Think realistically. What is the worst it could do? Can you escape it? Remedy? Etc...
            8) Talk about it.
            9) Seek help. If the fear affects your daily life, seek help for it. There is absolutely no shame.
          10) Laugh about it. Trust me. I laugh at my bizarre fears all the time. I know they are illogical.

    Fear is nothing to feel shame over. We are mostly all scared of something. Some psychologists even say that all of us have at least one fear in common. Don't make fun of people who admit to being scared of things. That's not cool, yo. Fear is normal, it is important, and it's here to stay. We just have to find ways to accommodate it. We cannot let the fear control us. However, we can find ways to control the fear.


                                                                   -Liv

It's October!

Hey, y'all! It is now October and I could not be happier. The weather is starting to cool down here in the south, Halloween is right around the corner, and it is acceptable to watch horror movies every single day! Plus, the candy options are always splendid during this month. In honor of this fabulous month, I will be making posts themed around the October lifestyle. I will try to post at least twice a week, if not more. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with y'all during this festive month. Stay tuned.
                                                                             -Liv

P.S. I will try my darndest to tag anything that could be scary.

Stuck in a Rut?

   Everyone feels stuck in a rut sometimes. You know those times in your life when you feel like you don't even know what's going on or what to do next, the times when you are bored with your routine that you've done so many times before, the times when you know it just doesn't feel right and you don't know how to fix it. Sometimes you want to run away. Sometimes you want to shake things up. Sometimes you don't know what you want to do, but you want to do something. It's normal to feel this way. The good news is that it doesn't last forever and there are a few things that can help. Sometimes you just need to spice things up a little bit to get back on track. Here are a few things that always help me feel better. Some of these suggestions cost money and some are completely free.

1.) Dress Up.
    Go to your closet and pick out an outfit that shows who you are as an individual. Make sure that if you are going to work, that it falls within dress code. If you like edgy fashion, grab that pencil skirt, those kickbutt stilettos or flats, and that power lipstick. Top it off with a mysterious leather jacket and take on the world. Look fabulous to feel fabulous.

2.) Change Your Mani/Pedi.
    Find all your nail polish and get to work changing your life one nail at a time. Some people get stuck using the same color or design over and over. Don't do that. Monotony isn't fun in anything including your nail color. Not sure what kind of color or design you want to do? I suggest getting a Pinterest and checking out all the nail tutorials. YouTube even has some great ones. Always going for French tips? Try a fiery red. Instead of the safe, muted pink go for the loud coral. I love French tips and pinks, but sometimes you need a bolder choice. Still not enough of a change? Go for an accent nail. Do a design. Do some jewels. Have fun, you can always change it back if you don't like it.

3.) Rearrange Your Furniture.
    This is one of my go-to techniques to battle the mental rut. Changing your environment can add just enough difference to your routine. In college whenever I was feeling "trapped," I would move the room around. If the furniture is too heavy to move, move the accent pieces (side tables, lamps, pillows, trinkets, etc...) Trust me, this helps more than you would think.

4.) Nap.
    Yes, you read that right. Sometimes the feeling of being stuck is because your brain is in overdrive and super tired. Naps help. They give your brain time to process the overload of information. Naps are the bombdiggity.

5.) Try a New Style.
    Sometimes spicing up your look is just enough to help the mental rut subside. It's a little different than just dressing up. Trying a new style is wearing something that you wouldn't normally even think of wearing. Everyone has a few items of clothing that they don't wear because they don't think it matches their style. Try those pieces out. If you are always wearing jeans and a t-shirt, try a dress for a day. If you only wear flare jeans and flats, try some skinny jeans or leggings and boots. Same with your makeup. Always wearing a cat eye and red lips? Try a smokey eye and nude lips. Are neutrals and lipgloss your go-to look? Try a bold lip or eye. Makeup and clothing are easy to change over and over again.

6.) Buy New Shoes.
    If you feel stuck and you have a little bit of extra money, buy some shoes. Shoes can change your outlook on life. There is just something about a new pair of shoes that makes a person feel invigorated. Been eyeing a new pair of heels that you keep avoiding because "I'll never wear them." Of course you will never wear them, if you don't have them. Chances are you can even find a pair on sale that are just as fabulous. Shoes can change your life.

7.) Buy Makeup.
    Go buy that eye palette or lipstick that has been calling to you for the past month. (Make sure to budget for this though.) Revamping your makeup collection can make you feel like a new person. Wearing new lipstick gives an ego boost like no other. Using new eyeshadow and watching the colors blend to perfection on your eyes is one of the best feelings. Plus, using makeup brushes to create a flawless face can make you feel like you graduated from Hogwarts with top honors. 

8.) Get a New Scent.
    Buy something that smells beautiful. New fragrances can make you feel indulged and powerful. Walk in Bath & Bodyworks and find a smell that calls to you and makes you feel in control of your life. Smelling good can make you feel good.

9.) New Undies.
    No joke. Buy a new bra or panties. Heck, buy a matching set. Nothing makes you feel like you have your life together more than matching undies. Even if no one else sees them, you will know. It can be your own little secret. 

10.) Have a Day With Yourself.
      Take a day trip. Go to that museum or attraction that you have always wanted to go to but never had the chance. Go on a self-date. Take yourself out to eat and a movie. Wear what you want to wear. Order what you want to eat and drink. Go watch that movie you've been dying to see. Do what you want to do...except murder that's not legal. "Me" time can help a lot of things in life. 

Basically, feeling stuck in a rut isn't the end of the world. You can conquer this. Stay strong, my friends.

                                                                                    -Liv

Introducing Liv

Hey, y'all! I'm posting a basic introduction to my blog to explain the types of posts and content that will be posted.
1) Everything I post will be completely safe to view in public settings (ie: work).
2) This blog is in no way meant to offend or ostracize anyone.
3) This blog is solely based on my opinions. No products, companies, or celebrities sponsor me or claim to agree with me on anything.
4) This blog is for entertainment purposes. I am not a doctor. I am not giving you legal advice. I am not a psychiatrist. I am not an expert on everything.
5) This blog will feature life tips on a lot of various topics, including but not limited to psychology, self-help, makeup, criminals, education, relationships, social media, etc...
       
                                                                                                       -Liv