Hello and welcome to a new post that I'm so excited to share with all of you. Today I wanted to talk to you about creative ways you can make money online- and specifically passive income. When I created my blog, the biggest goal for me was to be able to make an income while making an impact. In simpler terms, I wanted to make this blog profitable, without forgetting to help others find their creative voice and inspire them to live a life full of passion, individuality and creativity. I know many people out there can relate to my journey. After I finished Grad School I was certain of one thing: I didn't want to get a job in the corporate world. That would drain my soul and make me miserable. So I opted for the non-conventional path. And honestly, it wasn't all peaches and creams. I've had my setbacks and doubts, but running my own creative business and my blog are something that makes me immensely proud and happy. Knowing that I'm in control of my life and career and that every morning I wake up and get to work on something that is entirely mine fills my heart with joy and excitement. I know that not everyone can take this path without first taking the time to assess the situation. Also, I don't expect you to. As a young adult, I understand the financial strains and responsibilities that make it necessary to have a steady income. But, you can look for alternative ways to make some extra money and in today's guide I will share with you some ideas that are simple and don't require a high investment. Let's start with the basics. First I want to talk about what I think passive income really is. A quick Google search for the term can lead to millions of confusing and contradicting definitions. From what I understand, passive income is money you receive on a regular basis from an activity, product or service you created in the past, that doesn't require you to work on it again. Once the income source is made available, it will generate money on its own, provided that clients buy or acquire it. Passive income is not making money while you sleep, or investing in real estate or stocks. It is also not easy money or a set and forget revenue stream. You are going to need to work hard in creating your products or services and you'll need to invest money and time in creating multiple revenue streams. But in the long term, you'll receive money regularly without having to be working on it 24/7. I find that the best and simplest way to start with your passive income portfolio is through the internet. There are a great variety of options to make money online. The internet is a huge marketplace that allows you to have diverse revenue streams. You can write books or articles, sell photographs or photo editing presets, you can sell handmade products or create an online shop. There is a myriad of possibilities. All you need are the right tools to create, promote, sell and manage your products or services. My Top 3 Passive Income Online Revenue Streams 1. Online Store/Marketplace We are living in the age of digital shoppers. Most of us use the internet to buy pretty much everything we need, ranging from food, clothes, personal care items and entertainment. So why not take advantage of this consumer preference and start an online store. You don't need to invest a lot of money to do this and there are many tools available online that help you set up and manage your shop. 2. Writing and Blogging One of the best ways to generate passive income is through writing a book or eBook and selling it through your own online store or blog. If you love writing or have great stories and ideas to share with the world, then this passion project can turn into something lucrative. Blogging is also a great way to make some extra money. You have to work really hard to produce content that attracts your readers and provides value. The blogging industry has changed so much and now it is not only about the blog posts you write. It is important to build your brand and social media engagement. But blogging offers you complete freedom to explore creative ways to make money. You can use affiliate programs, sell your own products, offer specific services and even sell online courses or books about specific blogging niches and themes. 3. Design and Photography Selling your designs and photographs online is a great way to turn a hobby into a profitable business. If you're passionate about photography or have a keen for graphic design then you can really make good money selling your art. There are many sites like Creative Fabrica that let you sell digital goodies like graphics, fonts, illustrations, printables, photographs, photo editing presets, templates and so much more. Photography is also great to make money. There are many bloggers and brands that are constantly looking for professional photos that match their aesthetic. If you already have a camera and know a thing or two about photography, then why not sell your portraits and photos online. I hope this post inspired you to start looking into ways to start making some additional money and turn it into a form of passive income in the near future. Remember, in order to enjoy this path you are going to have to initially work hard and invest some time and money. In order to make money you need to put in a little effort. Don't believe people or websites that claim you can make money while you sleep or by being lazy. That's not how this work. Passive income is meant to be looked at as a future investment. You work hard now to create products or services that later on will have the ability to generate revenue without you needing to exchange all your energy and time into them. This form of income is meant to be auto-sustainable and take advantage of the online marketplace. I really hope this post was useful in some way. Let me know in the comments down below what are some ideas you want to carry out to start your passive income journey. Like and share this post so other people can get inspiration too. Thank you so much for reading. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Today, I wanted to share something that I'm positive will change your life and mindset: the Law of Attraction. Maybe you already know all about The Secret and how to manifest the best life, or maybe you've never heard of it but are looking to transform your life, once and for all. In this post we will take a look at the basics of The Law of Attraction and I'll share some of the most powerful affirmations to manifest your dream life. Let's start with the basics. The Law of Attraction, according to the official website, "is the ability to attract into our lives whatever we are focusing on." This concept suggests that our thoughts and feelings can influence our experiences. Proponents believe it's a universal principle, affecting everyone regardless of background. The core idea is that focusing on positive thoughts can attract positive experiences, and vice versa. The Law of Attraction can be a puzzling concept, and it's natural to wonder if it holds any weight. While some practices associated with it might seem unusual, the core idea is about harnessing the power of positive thinking. There's no single right way to approach it, and complex rituals or special items aren't necessary. The focus lies on cultivating optimism. If you have positive energy in your thoughts, you'll start to see positive manifestations in your life. How to Apply the Law of Attraction Whatever reality you envision for yourself has the possibility of becoming true. Every thought is creating pictures of the life you want, and these images are influencing the choices and actions you take towards making your thoughts a tangible reality. So what this means is that you can have the life you want. Yes I know it sounds so simple and almost out of a fairy-tale. But why not believe it? Think about it. If you want a happy life, you're going to think happy thoughts and allow yourself to be in situations, environments, and relationships that only bring you joy. And when you hit a wall of negativity and sadness? You have the power in your mind to control how you react to it. It's not so crazy after all. Now, this might be the simplest explanation on how the Law of Attraction works. I'm not an expert on the subject and I may be getting it all wrong. But this is how I shifted my mindset and started manifesting positivity and happiness into my life. If you're getting started with the Law of Attraction or are looking for a simple way to start manifesting it in your life, you can follow the 5 basic steps I highlight below. Remember, always listen to your mind and soul. Do what feels right for you. There's not a correct or incorrect way to apply the Law of Attraction. Nobody can manifest a single thing in someone else's reality or tell you how to live your life. It's all on you. So take charge of your life and believe in the positive power of the Law of Attraction. 5 Basic Steps to Implement the Law of Attraction 1. Create a plan for your life. Take the time to visually reflect the kind of life you want. Whether it's a dream board, a vision board, a journal, or any other way you want, let the Universe know what kind of life you envision. This will help give you clarity on what actions and steps you need to take to manifest the life of your dreams. 2. Turn your vision into a present reality. The power of using affirmations will help you translate your life vision into a reality. Whatever area of your life you decide to work on, always tell the Universe you're ready now. Don't hope for the future or dwell in the past. Manifesting is meant to happen in our present. I created a set of printable images with some of the most powerful affirmations that have helped me transform my life. There are tons of resources available online that you can search for and even books that you can buy. But most importantly, write your own set of affirmations. You can use what others have written as a guide on how to start; but you're the only one that knows your vision and it's your gift to turn it into your very own reality. 3. Pour passion and emotion into your vision & reality. Don't just create a vision board or a list of affirmations as an obligation. Do it with all the passion you have inside you. Feelings and emotions are a contributing factor in the outcome of all our situations. The deeper and powerful your focus, the more stronger it will manifest in the Universe. 4. Meditate and reflect. If you really want to manifest abundance in every area of your life, you need to stray away from the hectic and busy way of modern life. You need to calm your mind in order to produce calm thoughts that will send out the best vibrations to the Universe. Meditation and reflection can help, by allowing you to let go of negative thoughts and emotions. 5. Be grateful and learn to receive. Being appreciative of what's present in your life is going to make your life better. Instead of complaining and whining about things around and inside you, appreciate and be thankful for all that you have. Trust me, in no time you'll start to experience changes in your life as your days fill with happiness, fulfillment and abundance. It's also important to prepare yourself to receive and welcome the changes the Law of Attraction brings into your life. Let go of all negative and useless experiences, things, relationships and feelings. Renew yourself and your surroundings. In other words, clear off the old and make way for the new. And finally, share your blessings and joy with all living beings around you. Spread kindness and positivity wherever you go and in everything you do. Don't forget to download the free set of printable images with some of the most powerful affirmations to start manifesting the life of your dreams. I really hope this post serves as a guide to shift your life into a path of positivity, abundance, and prosperity. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Welcome to the last post from the Living a Clutter-Free Life series. In the previous posts I shared my thoughts on how clutter impacts your mental health and how it can affect your productivity. In today’s post we’ll take a look at some easy steps you can follow to get rid of the clutter in your life. These steps focus on getting rid of clutter in general. If you want to see steps targeted to specific areas be sure to download the free e-book, where I share a more in depth decluttering process. 10 Basic Steps to Get Rid of Clutter 1. Set a goal and ask yourself why you’re doing a declutter. 2. Create a plan and include a schedule of when you'll carry out the project, the tasks you need to get through, and a budget of all the expenses you'll have like buying cleaning supplies, bags, bins, etc... 3. Select the area you want to tackle. You can pick a specific room, a small area like the pantry or closet, or even your entire house. 4. Sort through all the items in the area and put them in piles. You can group them according to type or function, for example create piles for books, clothes, décor, and so on. 5. Filter through items by asking yourself basic questions like: Is it still useful? Is it in good conditions? Does it work? Is it a duplicate? Do I really need it? Have I ever used it? 6. For each item you filter, make three piles. One for things to donate, one for things to keep and the other for things to get rid of. 7. Appoint when and where you’ll donate the items. You can go online to see where the nearest donation pick up is. You can take it to veterans' shelters, women's shelters, homeless' shelters or even your local thrift store. 8. Throw away and discard properly of the items you’ll get rid of. Some things need to be taken to the proper place. Do your research to avoid getting into any legal trouble. Remember some items can be toxic to the environment if disposed of incorrectly, while others will cause more pollution. 9. Place the items you kept in its rightful place. You can use baskets, bins, drawer organizers to sort everything out. A little tip is to not overcrowd your shelves and counters with items, since this can make a space look messy and unorganized. 10. Swipe, vacuum and clean the entire area or room you just decluttered. Suggestions to avoid getting overwhelmed while decluttering If you have a vast amount of mess and clutter in multiple areas in your house, chances are you don't know where to start and it's very likely that the thought alone of having to tackle such a big project is making you stress out. But, though it might be difficult, the longer your prolong it, the messier it will get. So just be brave and with some of the suggestions below I'm sure you'll get through it. 1. Plan The most important thing is to plan out what you're going to do. Taking a couple of minutes to write down the specific tasks you'll follow, what day you'll do it, at what time, what supplies you need, if you'll hire help, etc... Planning will allow you to have a general idea of the work you need to do and how much time it can take. Knowing before hand what to expect is a great way to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 2. Avoid distractions When decluttering, chances are, you'll get tired, hungry, bored or start doing something else, like watching Netflix or YouTube. But try your best to commit to what you're doing. A good idea is to divide the project in tasks and small steps. For each small achievement, give yourself a small break to drink water or eat a snack. You need to be committed but also don't be so strict about the project that you end up overexerting yourself. 3.Divide If you have a lot of decluttering to do, you can divide the project into various days. Hiring someone to help is also a good idea. Don't feel pressured to do everything all at once, or all on your own. Know your limits and take the time you need. How to actually finish your decluttering project Maybe, in the past, you've started a decluttering process with all the will and enthusiasm in the world, committed to finishing it, until you gave up half way. Maybe you got side tracked looking at old photographs...maybe you got tired and took a nap...maybe the mess was too much and you gave up. But the past doesn't matter anymore. Don't feel guilty or sad. This time you'll be able to finish your project by following some simple strategies. 1. Don't get emotionally attached to stuff. Learn to let go of material things and stop feeling guilty for getting rid of stuff you wasted money on. 2. Get over the "I might need it just in case" mentality. Stop holding on to stuff thinking you might find it useful in the future. 3. Don't expect things to be perfect. Give yourself a break and don't be too harsh. You'll get there, so for now rejoice in the fact that you started decluttering your house. 4. Set deadlines to carry out certain tasks so you don't overwork yourself. Don't try to get everything done in one day. If it took you long to make a mess, it will take you long to clean it. Be patient and smart about the work. How to maintain your home/space clutter-free If you've followed the steps and actually managed to finished decluttering your home or work-space congratulations, you did it! Now the most important part is to maintain the order and cleanliness. In order to do this, you need to establish a cleaning routine in your life. (I offer some suggestions in the free e-book) . In general terms, set aside some time, whether it's 5, 10 or 15 minutes to go through each area in your house and put away misplaced items, throw away trash, clean and swipe furniture and surfaces, vacuum the floors and organize everything left. And finally, stop buying stuff that you don't really need. The more items you have, the messier a space can get. Keep things simple and only buy the necessary. Your wallet will be fuller and your home will be cleaner. This officially means the end of the Living a Clutter-Free Life series. I hope you found the tips and suggestions useful and that all this information motivates you to tackle all the clutter that may be present in your life, whether it’s your home, work-space, or digital devices. Remember that our mind is directly influenced by our surroundings and sometimes the state of these are a reflection of what’s happening inside of us. We need to create a clean, organized and peaceful space in order to get the best reactions from our mind and body. Sometimes our gloomy state can be improved if we put in a little effort and turn our physical environment into something more pleasant. You can read the previous two posts from the series: How Clutter Impacts Your Mental Health and How Clutter Affects Your Productivity. Don't forget to download the free E-book that includes a more in depth process, steps, checklists and all the tools and tips you need to plan your decluttering project. If you found this post useful please leave a like and share it with others. Comment down below if you end up taking on a much needed decluttering project. Thanks so much for reading. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Welcome to the second post in the series Living a Clutter-Free Life. Last week I talked about how clutter impacts your mental health. In this blog post I’m going to share the negative impact clutter has on your productivity. Messy and disorganized spaces can have a negative effect on a person’s ability to concentrate and process information. According to a study done by the Princeton University Neuroscience Institute: “The capacity of the visual system to process information about multiple objects at any given moment in time is limited. Multiple stimuli have been shown to compete for neural representation by mutually suppressing their evoked neural activity throughout visual cortex.” (McMains & Kastner, 2011). In other words: too much stuff, cluttered in the environment, can limit the brain’s ability to focus and process information. The brain is not comfortable when there’s a lot going on around it. Instead of focusing on the single task at hand, thoughts shift between the messy surroundings. This interferes with productivity and efficiency since there’s an impeding need to clear the clutter but also trying to concentrate on work. Having a cluttered office or workspace can negatively impact your productivity in many ways because it: Decreases performance. Increases stress. Overloads the senses. Produces a constant feeling of unease. Impairs the ability to think creatively. Slows the capability to switch between assignments. Consumes valuable time spent trying to find things. Now that I’ve highlighted the negative effects of clutter in productivity, it’s time to take action. Look around your workspace and get real with yourself. Assess the situation and tackle the problem. The amount of time and effort you’ll invest highly depends on how much mess you have. Below are some suggestions on how to eliminate the clutter around the workspace. I want to point out that clutter doesn’t only manifest in a physical setting. It can also take form in both a digital context and a mental one. Physical Clutter Organize papers and notes: (file, shred, and throw away as needed). Clean out your messy drawers. Throw away stationery you no longer need or use or is not functioning. Sort through your Post-it notes and discard what’s no longer relevant. Organize all electronic cables and chargers. Pick up trash and empty bin by the end of the day. Create a filing and document storage system: use trays, boards, filing cabinets. Digital Clutter Go through your computer files and delete any old or duplicates. Sort out all your emails: (delete spam, create folders to classify important ones, answer urgent emails, empty bin). Remove all files and shortcuts to avoid a messy desktop. Organize different files in separate folders. Organize your browser: remove bookmarks you no longer use and create folders to organize others by categories. Mental Clutter Take 5 minutes every day to write down all your ideas and thoughts in a clean page. I like using the Strikethrough method. Read my post about how I plan my days and download the free planner. Jot down all appointments and add them to your calendar app. I use Google Calendar to keep track of my appointments. (Download on Android or iOS ) Get a daily planner to stay on top of things and plan your days. It’s good to write down things for easy access and to help remember them. Use these suggestions to organize your work environment. After you’re done classifying and sorting things out, it’s important to wipe your desk area and cabinets, take out the trash, and vacuum the floor. After following a decluttering process, you’ll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders and you’ll be excited to spend time in your office. In no time you’ll see an improvement in your focus and productivity. Everything that you keep around you will affect your energy, so never underestimate the power of letting go of the things that no longer serve you. -Lucy Crane- Next week, I’ll be sharing the last post of this series where I give you some strategies and tips on how to tackle the clutter in your life as well as a free e-book with steps, checklists and planning outlines to help and motivate you to get started and actually finish your decluttering project. Thank you for reading this post. Let me know in the comments down below how you deal with clutter and if you’ve become aware of how it negatively impacts your productivity. Like and share this post if you found it useful or think it can help someone else. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Taking a few minutes each day, week, or month to plan your schedule and sort through all the appointments, goals, events and tasks can significantly impact your overall productivity and sense of accomplishment. There are many effective ways to plan your day, from the popular Bullet Journal, to calendar-based systems, checklists, and time-blocking. I wanted to share the straightforward method I use for daily planning. This is more manageable and less overwhelming than the Bullet Journal, which I found wasn't suited to my personality or artistic style. The layouts and upkeep didn't work for me, so I gave up. This experience helped me discover my preference for list-based planning systems that are simple. After doing some research online, I came across the Strikethrough method, which was originally developed by Chris Kyle. I decided to set up and modify my own Strikethrough planner by creating my own template and making some personal tweaks. Keep in mind, you can easily adapt this method to any notebook using pen and paper. Keep reading to learn how I set up my Strikethrough planner and how I use it to organize my days. THE BASICS Set Up Download my template to see how I set up my planner. You can print the template and bind it, which is easier. Print how many pages you need. Just remember that around 50% should be assigned to The Live List, 30% to The Vault, and 20% to The Dump. *Or you can buy a notebook and divide it in three areas and manually label each page following the same design as the template. The System The Strikethrough planner is composed of 3 areas: The Live List, The Dump and The Vault. The Live List This is the active to-do list for the day, which you fill the previous night. This list is your day plan. Whatever you complete, you strike it through (hence the name of the system) and whatever you don't, can be added to the next Live List. Every Live List only has 9 tasks per page so you don't get overwhelmed with too much to-dos. Each task has a priority square on the right to decide the order to tackle them. You can create your own system with levels and symbols to prioritize tasks. (In the template, I provide an example of the one I use). There are two ways to plan and use The Live List. 1. A Daily To-Do System: you plan 9 tasks each day and strike what you complete. The rest of the tasks get moved to next day's list. 2. A Rolling To-Do System: you plan 9 tasks and only after you've completed all of them (whether that is in one day or more) you plan another List with new tasks. The Vault This is a set of specific lists with a two-letter tag before the title. In here you essentially break down a project in tasks. In each page you write any upcoming project and all the tasks and activities you need to do in order to complete it. The individual tasks are the ones that end up in your Live List once you're ready to tackle them. For The Vault, you create a Key System with Tags to label the type of projects you write down. In the template I provide the ones I use, but you're free to create some that work specifically for you. The Dump This is a space to jot down all your inspiration and ideas. This is your place of freedom. No tasks, no priority squares. Just a blank page to put down all the thoughts you want to remember and that can potentially become projects and tasks in the future. INSTRUCTIONS 1. Print all your pages and divide them accordingly in the three areas. The Live List -Write the date on top of the page. Then add the 9 tasks and in the right square classify the priority level for each task using the priority keys. The Vault -After you've brainstormed different projects you need to work on, divide them in categories and assign a tag to each. Use the sample Tag Chart in the template or create your own. -Go to a blank page in the section, write a title description and the category tag in the square above to identify what type of list it is. You'll notice there are 15 spaces to write tasks and not 9. That's because in this section you create the tasks you want to tackle in the future. Once you plan your day, you move tasks from this area to The Live List. The Dump -There are no rules. Doodle, brainstorm, write, and draw whatever you want. This is a free space to come with ideas and inspiration. How to carry tasks from one list to the other The Strikethrough method uses a very simple referencing system composed by the page number and the task number. For example task 3 is on page 50 from The Vault and you want to add it to The Live List. You write 50.3 on the line in The Live List in which you want to add the new task. I personally don't like referencing like this because it can get confusing and I like reading exactly what I have to do, so I don't forget. I simply write down the words. It all depends on your personal taste. As I mentioned above, this is a modified version of the Strikethrough system. You can add or remove things from it. The important thing is to have a system you're comfortable with and can easily understand. I personally like using this method because it's flexible and you can adapt it to what really works for you. I hope you give this simple planning method a try. Let me know in the comments down below if you do and how it works out. Also share what is your preferred method for planning and why. I love reading your suggestions. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Welcome to the first post in the series Living a Clutter-Free Life. In this blog post I wanted to share how having a cluttered and messy house can have a negative impact on our mental health. A cluttered space -be it our bedroom, office, kitchen or any other room- can make someone feel unmotivated, overwhelmed and sometimes like a complete failure for not being able to keep their life together. And once a person starts living in a messy space they tend to settle in and become accustomed to it, thus leaving things in chaos and not doing anything about it. All this clutter makes them anxious and depressed and this anxiety and depression keeps them from cleaning the mess. And it goes on and on like a wheel. Sometimes it can get so overwhelming and feel like it’s never going to get better. But remember a house is a place of living, not of storage. We all deserve to live in a nice, clean and organized environment. Have nothing in your home that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful. -William Morris- Have you ever heard that saying “clutter attracts clutter”? Maybe it’s not a popular one, but it really is true. The more mess and clutter you have, the longer you are willing to put up with it and see it as an okay thing for you to do. People tend to accumulate things for different reasons. Maybe they’re impulsive buyers or get emotionally attached to things. They might even be holding onto things for sentimental reasons like holding onto memories of the past or they just can’t let go because they fear they’ll need something in the future and can’t bear to get rid of it, just in case. But whatever the reason for this mess, one thing is for sure: it’s having a negative effect on your energy, mood and outlook on life. What clutter can do to your state of mind Makes it more difficult for you to relax. Makes you feel embarrassed of your house. Causes you to feel guilty and ashamed. Causes constant stress, thus affecting your brain health. Puts you constantly on edge, exhibiting negative behaviors like anger, frustration or lack of focus. Welcomes procrastination and poor decision making into your life. Causes feelings of sadness, unfulfillment and in some cases depression. Reduces mental focus causing difficulties in problem solving, memory retention, and concentration. Makes you feel chronically tired. Now that I’ve outlined the negative ramifications of clutter in mental health, it’s time for you to sit back, and with all the honesty in the world, take a careful look around your house. Do you see any rooms, closets, shelves, dressers or cabinets that are dirty, disorganized or pilled with items you don’t ever remember buying? Maybe take a look at the points mentioned in the list above and see if you feel that way about your own space. If you do, then it’s time for you to do some decluttering in your life. At the end of this series I’ll be sharing strategies and tips on how to tackle the clutter in your life as well as a free e-book with steps, checklists and planning outlines to help and motivate you to get started and actually finish your decluttering project. Thank you for reading this post. Stay tuned for the next post: How clutter affects your productivity. Let me know in the comments down below if you’re currently tackling clutter in your life or if you’ve successfully gotten rid of it. Like and share this post if you found it useful or think it can help someone else. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Life can be a little overwhelming sometimes. Work, family, friends, health, money, career… Why are there so many things that demand our attention and dedication? If I could ask for a superpower I would either choose to be invisible, so I can disappear to a far away place without anyone ever noticing, or I would ask to have the ability to perfectly balance every aspect of my life, so I don’t feel pressured or stressed with my day to day tasks. But realistically, both of those are not likely to happen. So, instead of wishing the days away I consulted the wisest source in my life: Google. As I sat in front of my laptop, trying to understand why I let myself feel overwhelmed, questions started to pour out of my mind and into my keyboard. Am I letting society influence so much of my decisions? Am I only doing things to please my parents? Am I living a life I’m proud of? Am I following my dreams? Am I happy? For the first time in my life I’m able to admit I felt disappointed with my answers. This being honest with yourself thing can get really tough when you finally understand that you’ve been the one getting in the way of your happiness. So why did I allow my life to shift into something that completely went against my dreams, goals, desires? Probably because I was scared of rejection, anger, criticism. Maybe I felt alone and misunderstood. I realized that I needed to take a bold step forward and pursue a different outcome for myself. No more throwing my dreams away and locking them in a box. I needed to find my purpose again, something that would make getting out of bed every morning worthwhile. But how do I do it? Well, Google it of course. I started with the basic questions: how to be happy? How to live your dream life? But I’m the type of person that likes a more practical approach to things. Instead of just reading and trying to find answers between my thoughts I wanted something that could help me see more clearly and understand the next step I needed to take in my life. I found many ideas and methods to help find your purpose, all ranging from answering a bunch of questions, journaling, taking quizzes or asking friends and family. But the one that caught my attention and that seemed more comprehensive and practical was a Japanese method known as Ikigai. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that indicates a person’s reason for being: the thing that motivates you to get up every day and live a life of purpose and passion. It’s the essence of what you want to achieve during your lifetime. Now, your Ikigai is never static. As you grow and change as a person, it is very likely that your purpose will shift to accommodate your new perspectives and desires. That’s why it’s important to take some time in your life to evaluate your priorities and get in touch with your inner self. While there are many books and guides on how to find your Ikigai, the basic scheme is simple and easy to understand. There are four main elements that compose the main structure: mission, passion, profession and vocation. When the four elements converge, it’s believed you’ve found your life’s Ikigai. To understand and apply the method a little better, a Venn Diagram template has been developed. In it you fill out your mission-what you love; your vocation-what the world needs; your profession-what you can get paid for; and your passion- what you’re good at. Remember, you’re trying to figure your life’s purpose, so it’s important to be honest and truthful with yourself. Don’t fill out what you think others want you to but instead what your heart and mind are longing for: your dream, desires, ideas, passions...anything that fills you with joy and determination and gets you excited just thinking about. A very important aspect of Ikigai is that it’s not an isolated technique. Even though it’s true you need to fill out the diagram by answering the four key areas, you also need to look into your everyday activities. Even the smallest changes in your lifestyle can translate into a more fulfilled and happy life. Authors Hector García and Francesc Miralles suggest following ten guidelines to help you find your purpose. 1. Stay active and don’t retire. I’m a firm believer in the idea that the mind needs to be stimulated. The moment we decide to stop dreaming, planning, moving is the moment we lose our sense of purpose. It’s never too late or too soon to find what makes our life meaningful and actually live doing that. 2. Leave urgency behind and adopt a slower pace of life. Don’t let anyone or anything dictate your life’s pace. Do things that feel right to you. Stop looking over your shoulder to see how others are living their lives. Take your time and enjoy the ride. 3. Only eat until you are 80% full. Food is the main source of energy. Eat a balanced, healthy diet. It’s important to enjoy your meal time and be meaningful of the food you put into your body. 4. Surround yourself with good friends. Negative, toxic people will make you feel like life is a strain and that you’re supposed to do what everyone else is doing. Find people that lift you up, support your dreams and make you happy. 5. Get in shape through daily, gentle exercise. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind and both are important when it comes to taking action to accomplish our life’s purpose. 6. Smile and acknowledge people around you. A smile can attract positive energy into your life as well as into someone else’s. The world needs more positive frequencies. Happiness in our environment can rapidly transform the way we feel and think about the world around us. 7. Reconnect with nature. Nature is the best source of inspiration, peace and beauty. Like John Muir so perfectly said: “Take a course in good water and air; and in the eternal youth of Nature you may renew your own. Go quietly, alone; no harm will befall you.” 8. Give thanks to anything that brightens our day and makes us feel alive. The secret to happiness is being grateful for all that is around us. We call blessings into our life if we have a grateful and positive attitude. 9. Live in the moment. There’s no point in worrying so much about what happened in the past or what might happen in the future. Just be present in the moment right now and be mindful of the experiences in the present. 10. Follow your Ikigai. You did the reflections and found your life’s purpose. Now comes the most important part: turning it into action. Go out to the world and live. Thrive, flourish, do. Be happy and joyful. Life is a beautiful and glorious event. I encourage you to follow through the steps in this post to help find your Ikigai. If you feel like you’re lost or confused as to what is next in your life, taking the time to understand the four important areas and how you can unite them can help give your life a new meaning and allow you to accomplish great things. I created a free workbook to assist you in finding your Ikigai. There are actionable, simple steps to help you fill out your mission-what you love; your vocation: what the world needs; your profession-what you can get paid for; and your passion- what you’re good at. Just click here to download the file. Additional Resources Check out this books to gain more depth on how to find your Ikigai and discover how other people have applied this concept to their life. The Little Book of Ikigai: The secret Japanese way to live a happy and long life Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life Awakening Your Ikigai: How the Japanese Wake Up to Joy and Purpose Every Day Thank you for reading this post. As always, remember to like and share it if you found it in any way helpful. Feel free to leave a comment down below to let me how you applied the steps in finding your Ikigai. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

More often than not, our environment, our responsibilities and even society can put a great amount of pressure in our life. It can get really frustrating when these burdens accumulate and make us feel trapped and worn out. Sometimes we feel the need to escape from our life, even if its just for a couple of minutes. There are things that are under our control, like the way we react to stressful situations. But sometimes, we lose our minds and give in to the stress, allowing tension and anxiety to govern our mind and body. Trust me, this happens to almost everyone. And it’s thanks to those experiences that I’ve learned some valuable lessons about taking control of my situation. I’ve noticed that when I haven’t been resting properly or drinking enough water, my mind starts to fog and my body feels like its full of heavy stones. Sometimes, working out too frequently contributes to my gloomy state. And when I eat healthy, drink water and stop putting some much pressure to get things done, I actually feel happy and productive in my day to day activities. So, instead of allowing external factors to underwrite our physical and mental situations, we need to realize that the power to heal, smile, breathe and enjoy life comes from our individual actions and attitudes. That’s why I wanted to share some easy ideas on ways you can start practicing a self-care routine in different areas of your life. Emotional Wellbeing 1. Write down what you’re feeling. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a notebook, a random piece of paper or even an app on your phone, just get it out. This helps put everything on perspective and avoid bottling all those emotions and feelings. 2. Meditate. Find a quite space where you can be alone and without distractions. Taking some time to empty your mind can help you have more clarity to face your issues and make more sound decisions. 3. Speak up. Stop holding on to negativity and keeping quiet about how you’re feeling. Bottling up can do so much harm for both your mental and physical health. You can directly talk to the person involved in your distress or if for some reason you feel you can communicate with them, then seek out a therapist, a close friend or a family member you trust. 4. Encourage yourself. Every day tell yourself lovely and inspiring words. You don’t need to wait for someone else to show you your value and beauty. Self-love is the most important action you can take towards establishing a sustainable and strong self-care routine. Personal Growth 5. Stay Curious. What you feed your mind has a great impact on how you feel. That’s why it’s so important to read, listen and watch instructive and inspirational content. It’s okay to watch a cheesy movie or read a silly romance novel once in a while, but don’t neglect deep subjects that nurture your mind and soul. 6. Organize your life. There are two important aspects that impact your day to day life: your home and profession. And you need to sort them out in a way that allows them to become organized and efficient as well as bring joy to your life. -Declutter and clean your house, decorate your space, make it cozy and relaxing. -Write down your daily to do, plan out your week, budget, track your expenses. Even though some of these things seem dull, they are an essential part of life and the sooner you learn to take care of this priorities, the faster you’ll achieve a more balanced and happier lifestyle. 7. Don’t pressure yourself. If today you’re not feeling the best, learn to take some time off without feeling guilty. Learn to listen to your mind and body. Sometimes you need to allow yourself to say no to things and people that drain your energy and make you feel exhausted. Social Relationships 8. Cut out negative people. The environment has a significant impact in how you perceive and feel about life. And if you’re constantly letting negative, toxic, pessimistic and selfish individuals influence you, whether that’s in person or online, you are never going to enjoy a happy, joyful and positive life. 9. Find people to connect with. Loneliness and isolation can make you feel worthless and unlovable. You need to connect with people that share your values and can support your dreams and ideas. Sometimes finding them can be a tough experience, accompanied by mistakes and wasted time. Don’t get discouraged, eventually you’ll find happy and kind people that’ll make you feel welcomed and appreciated. 10. Discover new places around you. Going out and exploring your local town or taking a road trip to a place you’ve always wanted to go can be so refreshing and relaxing. Traveling opens your mind and let’s you live new experiences. You never know where your new favourite coffee shop may be if you don’t go out and try something new. Physical Wellbeing 11. Eat Healthy Balanced Meals. Food fuels your body. If you eat crappy, processed food every day, your body will feel like a drag. A colourful, organic, natural diet full of fruits and vegetables can do wonders for your physical health. Always keep balance of your protein, fats and carbohydrate consumption and tailor your food to your personal needs. It’s also important to consume enough water and when needed supplement accordingly. 12. Get Moving. Physical activities not only help maintain a healthy weight, they’re also a great way to de-stress and detoxify. Move your body, whether its running, dancing, yoga, weightlifting, walking or any other form of activity you prefer, your body will thank you if you keep full of life. 13. De-stress. Implement a de-stress routine like lighting candles, having a spa day, listening to music, reading at night, journaling, sleeping or anything that helps you unwind after a long exhausting day. 14. Medical Checkups. Sometimes your bad days can be caused by underlying health issues. It’s important to regularly visit a doctor and get a proper examination. Check your hormone levels, blood pressure, weight, eyesight as well as dental and mental evaluations. No matter what you do in life, if you’re not healthy everything will seem pointless and tiring. Your health should always be the most important aspect of your self-care routine. There you go, guys. This are my 14 easy ways to practice self-care. I know there are more aspects than the ones mentioned in this post, so be sure to live some ideas on how you practice self-care, down in the comments. Don’t forget to like and share this post if it was valuable to you. Thank you for reading. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Many people aim to improve their fitness for various reasons, like health, appearance, or personal satisfaction. Dedicating time, effort, and commitment to our health goals doesn't have to involve spending large amounts of money. There are various approaches to fitness, so if you enjoy group exercise and a structured environment, a gym membership might be a good fit. Gyms can also provide guidance on proper form and technique for exercises. However, gym memberships aren't the only option. A gym might not be convenient or affordable for some, or perhaps expensive programs and equipment seem unnecessary. The good news is there are many affordable ways to get in shape. This includes various workout routines, healthy eating habits, and adjustments to your lifestyle. Here are my 9 tips on how to get fit while on a budget. Working Out 1. Use YouTube as your new personal trainer If you're looking for cost-effective workout options, YouTube has a vast library of fitness channels. You'll find a variety of exercise routines, from cardio and strength training to yoga and Pilates, catering to all interests and fitness levels. You can discover a wide range of videos and create a personalized workout playlist tailored to your fitness goals. 2. Use what you have around you No need to go to the gym to get a good workout. Walking or running in your neighborhood, using things around the house like the stairs, benches or even working out in your own yard can be as effective and challenging. Healthy Eating Making small changes to your daily eating habits can have a significant impact on your health and fitness journey. Finding a balanced approach that works for you and your lifestyle is key to long-term success. As a general approach you can start implementing some small changes like: 3. Drink water Avoid sugary drinks like soda, alcohol, processed juices, and don’t add sugar to your coffee or tea. 4. Make healthier food choices Reduce processed foods, and incorporate more whole foods into your diet. 5. Don’t overeat or under eat. It's important to be mindful of your portion sizes and how often you eat throughout the day. Don't worry about strictly counting calories, but focus on being aware of your overall food intake. Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Aim for balanced meals that incorporate a variety of nutrients to keep you healthy and energized. Lifestyle Changes A good, challenging workout program and a balanced meal plan are key to maintaining a fit and healthy body. But you also need to have a healthy mind to actually stay fit and enjoy your journey. To achieve a balanced state of mind you can start by: 7. Learning how to relax and enjoy the things you’re doing. Nobody is rushing you or pressuring you. Remember you’re doing this to improve your life and make it sustainable. 8. Enjoying the little victories. Take each day as it comes and celebrate your accomplishments now, instead of worrying about the future, even if it means you only did one thing today that’s different from yesterday that will help you achieve your goals. 9. Don’t compare to others. The journey to a healthier you is unique! We can all lose weight, tone up, and improve strength at our own pace and through different methods. Remember, what works for others might not be the best fit for you. Don't feel pressured to follow expensive gym memberships or trendy workout gear your friends or colleagues might have. Focus on what's sustainable and affordable for you. There are often budget-friendly alternatives that can be just as effective. I hope these tips empower you to reach your fitness goals in a way that aligns with your budget! Disclaimer: I'm not a doctor, nutritionist or fitness professional. This tips are my personal advice on things I've implemented in my life and have worked for me. Before changing anything in your life, whether it's diet, workout or life practices, consult a trained and certified professional. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved

Mental health concerns like anxiety and depression can be a challenge for people of all ages, including millennials. I believe it's important to approach these issues with an open mind and a willingness to listen, so we can better support those who are struggling. I've been working on creating a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, making changes to my routine like eating a sugar-free diet, taking supplements, and incorporating fun workouts. I also enjoy meditation, reading, and listening to music for relaxation. However, sometimes life throws curveballs, and it can be difficult to maintain that balance. During these times, I might notice a shift in my mood. I may get a feeling of unease or a sense that something isn't quite right. Physical symptoms like shakiness, sweating, or even a headache might also arise, which can lead to difficulty concentrating and feeling overwhelmed. Anxiety can be a challenge, but there are ways to manage it. After some research, I discovered a few apps that have been helpful, and I'd like to share them with you in hopes they might be beneficial for you as well. 1. What's Up? - Mental Health App This is the number one app I turn to. I downloaded it for free on the Google Play Store. According to the developers, this app utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance Commitment Therapy methods to help you cope with Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Stress and more. The app has a simple design and it’s very easy to use. Once you’ve installed it, a little introduction page appears and once its over you can see the main page which offers four options: Help Right Now, Coping Strategies, Information and Personal. The resources in this app are so useful. There’s great information, not too much that overwhelms you, though. It has a great number of tools aimed at different situations ranging from breathing exercises, games to distract you, catastrophe scale, forums, quotes, affirmations, informational pages on various mental health issues, as well as a personal page where you can keep a diary, a habit tracker and notes. The good thing it’s 100% free to access and use all the resources. The only purchase you can make is a donation, so you can access more themes the app offers which are used to change the background and button colors. Download it for Android on the Google Play Store Download it for iOS on the App Store 2. Google Keep Yes, a simple app like Google Keep can be a tremendous asset when dealing with anxiety. I use it as a kind of journal. Sometimes I have a lot going through my head and the best way I can deal with feelings of nervousness and worry is to write down exactly what I’m feeling and thinking and why these things are worrying me. The cool thing about Google Keep is that you can create Labels, which lets you group your notes. In my case, I keep them grouped by topics. I prefer to journal here instead of a notebook because I usually have my phone with me and since you can sync this app with all your devices, I can just take my phone and go to a quiet place to be alone and write down my thoughts or I can write straight from my laptop if I’m working and get the need to let my feelings out. I urge you to give it a try. Sometimes writing down what’s bothering you can be a great way to understand the situation and clear your head. Download it for Android on the Google Play Store Download it for iOS on the App Store 3. My Affirmations: Live Positive Late last year I started paying more attention to the Law of Attraction and how positive thinking and reassuring statements can help us feel at ease. In this app you can select which areas you wish to receive affirmations for and schedule notifications. It’s a very simple principle, but trust me, it’s a game changer, especially in those times when you feel alone, misunderstood or overwhelmed. Seeing all those positive affirmations can help you shift your mindset and provide encouragement and support. Download it for Android on the Google Play Store Let me know in the comments if you end up checking any of the apps to help you cope with anxiety. Until next time. Gabriela Fernández Copyright © Faërie Lifestyle. All rights reserved