Manage Those New Year’s Resolutions With This Easy Ombre DIY

I Intentionally Dubbed 2024 My Personal Victory Year

I, like so many others, woke up on January 1st and decided it would be my year. I set intentional resolutions, goals, and even made sure to be specific about them. Similar to how I write in-depth articles, I broke them into the following sections:

• Motherhood
• Relationships
• Career
• Wellbeing
• Spiritual

It's the first year I decided to listen to my heart's desires in order to capture a screenshot of the life I want to live. I even prayed over my resolutions and goals, asking to be guided as I accomplished things or were led to them. As February rolled around, I didn't really think twice about the impact of what I'd done because life started to fall into a familiar hum that becomes mundane after a while.

I guess I needed to be reminded of the intentional goals I'd written down because things got painfully interesting after this.

My First Adult Car Was Totaled

Car accidents are never fun as I've been on the receiving end of one before, but this wasn't like before. This time I was emotionally hurt to learn the first car I'd assumed total responsibility for was no longer going to be mine. Though I knew I was lucky no one was seriously harmed, all I could think about is the morning I paid it off. I had every reason to spend the nice bonus I received from my last job, but I decided paying off my car mattered more in that moment.

This is the car that took me from my parents' home to living on my own, trips out of town, and days spent buckling a newborn into his carseat. For 8 years, this car and I were locked in like besties. It truly felt like we'd grown up together so to have it ripped away so suddenly was heartbreaking.

Even though the SUV I got was aligned with everything my fiancé and I were talking about, I couldn't appreciate it for a while because I all could see what was what I had.

I Took A Chance On A Full-Time Creative Career

Once I started making peace with having a new vehicle, I started feeling the urge to leave my first adult job behind. I'd spent 10 years there, but it was becoming obvious that it was time to leave the nest. Similar to my first car, my co-workers watched me go from a wide-eyed college student to a confident adult. Though I learned so much there, I knew it wasn't where I wanted to be forever.

Deciding to leave what felt familiar was one of the scariest things I'd ever done and I spent days wondering if I'd made the right choice. It's not that writing wasn't lucrative, but I had to learn how to navigate a remote job that's been unlike any role I've had before. My imposter syndrome was in overdrive because I was waiting for the shoe to drop off my other foot.

Thoughts like "What if I'm not good enough" or "What if my co-workers hate me," plagued my mind because I couldn't believe I'd taken a chance on myself that seemed like it was working in my favor. That only happens in movies, right? In this case, wrong.

The same month I truly decided to focus on my writing career is when I interviewed Whoopi Goldberg. Since then, I've gone on to talk to different authors and even moderated my first book event in Atlanta. But, it still took a while for me to truly be grateful for the amazing things that's happened this year.

The Day I Turned 33 Put Everything Into Perspective

PMS plagued me for the better part of last week, so I decided to listen to my body and not do anything for my birthday. I kept waiting for myself to feel disappointed for not getting dressed up, but the feeling never came. The sad part is I almost wanted it to because who doesn't want to celebrate their birthday?

It turns out that I did celebrate, even if it wasn't in the typical 'party and dinner' way.

Deciding to focus on feeling peaceful in my new space, I opened my journal and started writing 33 things I'm grateful for. I didn't think I could find that many things, but it got easier to start being appreciative of life instead of focusing on everything I'd even thought went wrong.

In between bites of pizza and cheesy bread, I dropped all expectations and started writing. The more I wrote, the happier I felt which makes me wonder why I didn't do this before. So, without further ado, here is everything I realized during my gratitude practice this year!

The Things I'm Most Grateful For Right Now: 

"I'm grateful for quiet moments where I can hit the reset button when I need to."

"I’m grateful for moments I’ve accepted accountability for my actions."

"I’m grateful for having a supportive family and fiancé."

"I'm grateful for forgiveness and chances to start over."

"I’m grateful for the beauty and joy of reading."

• I'm grateful for home-cooked meals.
• I'm grateful for praying grandmothers.
• I'm grateful for older siblings I get along with.
• I'm grateful for reminders I'm not alone.
• I'm grateful for the gift of writing.
• I'm grateful for time spent in nature.
• I'm grateful for having friends in my life who feel like family.
• I'm grateful for my mom introducing me to therapy before my 20s.
• I'm grateful for every day I wake up with air in my lungs.
• I'm grateful for moments that cause me to slow down and think before acting.
• I'm grateful for multiple seasons of growth.
• I'm grateful for my first full-time writing job.
• I'm grateful I work with one of the best teams ever.
• I'm grateful for having access to food, shelter, and a transportation.
• I'm grateful for having an active imagination.
• I'm grateful for being able to watch my son grow.
• I'm grateful for learning about the ins and outs of postpartum so I can help other new moms!
• I'm grateful for having a new place to live that's cozy.
• I'm grateful for watching the seasons change.
• I'm grateful I get to learn what it means to have a healthy romantic relationship.
• I'm grateful for boundaries.
• I'm grateful for understanding my parents betters.
• I'm grateful I'm still in tune with my inner kid.
• I'm grateful for book clubs.
• I'm grateful for the amazing authors I've come across.
• I'm grateful for funny memes on social media.
• I'm grateful for hot chocolate — yes, I'm serious.
• I'm grateful for LIFE itself.

Everything You Need To Know About Stretching During A Workout

1. Why to Stretch: It’s not just for gym rats. According to Tipps, all of us, no matter how athletically inclined, should be incorporating stretching into our schedules.

“Many people ignore stretching when working out or just as a daily routine,” she says. “Stretching has an array of health benefits that serve as building blocks for longevity and physical well-being.”

Stretching increases flexibility, which improves range of motion in addition to improving workouts, and it delays the effects of atrophy later in life. It also aids posture and relieves stress. In terms of exercising, stretching has advantages both pre- and post-workout.

“Stretching increases blood flow to the muscles and improves your circulation,” explains Tipps. Because of this, failing to stretch beforehand can result in injury, and neglecting to do it afterward can lead to enhanced soreness and a longer recovery period. You’re also making yourself more susceptible to pain, inflammation, and tension in general, Tipps warns.

2. When to Stretch: Most people are at least vaguely aware of the benefits of stretching, but a lot of confusion surrounds when to actually do it during a workout. Contrary to popular belief, the heavy-duty stretching should be reserved for when you’ve finished exercising.

“After your workout is a better time to stretch with more dedication,” Tipps confirms. “Your muscles are tense, and they are tired and stressed in a good way. So stretching can help relieve that tension and reduce the soreness that results from working a muscle.”

Allot 10-15 minutes for these post-sweat stretches. Before your workout, simply stretch lightly, keeping the time to less than 10 minutes.

“Ease your muscles into the idea that you will be challenging them to perform,” Tipps instructs.

3. What to Stretch: Both of these stretch seshes should always address your arms, legs, and back, regardless of what areas that workout focuses on.

“There are different parts to each of these areas, so concentrate on those that your workout calls for that day, but don’t neglect everything else altogether either,” advises Tipps. “Remember, a lot of workout routines include compound exercises, which are multi-joint movements that work several muscles at one time.”

Although stretching might initially seem like yet another chore to add to your to-do list, its benefits are invaluable enough to no longer ignore. As Tipps encourages, “Stretch regularly, and over time you will reap the benefits and maintain your mobility.”

How do you stretch when working out?

There are quite a few stretches you can do when working out depending on what your body needs. No matter what you end up going with, remember not to force it — stretching should, well, stretch your muscles, but it shouldn't be painful! Check out these Pro Tips To Reach Your 2024 Fitness Goals, The Best At-Home Workouts, and 9 Easy Stretches You Can Do To Exercise At Your Desk for more ideas!

Is it better to stretch during or after a workout?

Nichole Tipps recommends saving your more intense stretches for after a workout. But don't be afraid to do a few easy stretches beforehand!

Is 'ACOTAR' a BookTok famous series?

BookTok is the reason we love the ACOTAR series so much. All it takes is a quick search on TikTok to see how many fan theories, memes, and hot takes exist within its realm. Have an intense dislike for the way Feyre's siblings failed her after their mother died? There's a video for that. Want to see hilarious depictions of the Suriel? You won't be disappointed!

But, I've never read anything in the series? What's it about? 

We thought you'd never ask! A Court of Thorns and Roses introduces readers to the thin line that separates humankind from the mythical world, but boundaries are crossed when a young woman named Feyre unknowingly commits a grave offense. As her family's only hope for survival, she slays a wolf who happens to be a close friend of one of the many high fae in ACOTAR.

As repayment for her "terrible" deed, she's whisked away from everything she knows to live the rest of her life in the spring court. But Feyre soon learns that politics and evil aren't just relegated to humans because she's subject to torment that turns her into what's she still trying to understand.

Throughout each book, we watch as Feyre comes to grips with who she thought she could trust, her perception of herself, and the consequences of each choice she makes.

Knowing this, what will ACOTAR book 6 be about? 

Don't panic, but ACOTAR'ssixth book doesn't have a plot yet! The only sliver of hope we have stems from Sarah J. Maas' appearance on the TODAY show last year. She said, "I know much more about what’s happening in this one. And then the next book in that series, I have the ideas and general, vague thoughts. But the nitty gritty of writing and the emotional journeys with the characters — I usually love to go on those journeys with them.”

Has Sarah J. Maas shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6? 

Sorry, but she hasn't shared a release date for ACOTAR book 6 either! The TODAY show speculates "readers will have to wait a year or two" which makes sense.

What theories do fans have about the next book? 

Fans believe Sarah J. Maas dropped a massive hint about what to expect in her collab video with Spotify last year. Instagram user @just.innis wrote, "Hear me out: spilled the tea, spring, two rings on the same fingers (rose and blue), flowers and doors behind her, "a looong book" ("...Azriel’s wings are the biggest." if you know what I mean), soon... 👀📚🤯."

If you're not familiar, E! News reported this could be an indication that Feyre's sister Elain and Azriel, one of Rhysand's right-hand-men, will get the love story fans have been waiting for. Most fans are in agreement because this Reddit thread dives deeper into the potential lore. @plantsandanimalsdude wrote, "I think …. Elain will decide to reject her mating bond and choose Azriel, taking control over her life after losing her humanity and engagement to a man SHE chose."

A separate Reddit thread starts off with a belief ACOTAR book 6 will be a follow-up to Nesta's story (Feyre and Elain's eldest sister). User@PrestigiousFun782wrote, "...it's pretty clear that Nesta's plot is not done yet. For that my theory is that she will learn a lot about her powers and maybe she would leave the night court..."

However, nothing's set in stone. The only thing Sara J. Maas promised is that ACOTAR book 6 is "going to be a long book."

OMG, I want to catch up on ACOTAR! Where do I start?

• A Court of Thorns and Roses(Book One) — An introduction to Feyre, the high faes, and danger!
• A Court of Mist and Fury(Book Two) — An exploration of Feyre's conflicted feelings about marrying Tamlin, her growing understanding of Rhysand, and an even darker evil
• A Court of Wings and Ruin (Book Three) — A tale of 'sleeping with the enemy' to gain important intel that'll save Feyre's new home, albeit with damning consequences that changes everything
• A Court of Frost and Starlight (Book Four) — A story of rebuilding and healing after mass devastation
  
• A Court of Silver Flames (Book Five) — A close look at Nesta Acheron's journey as she learns to accept who she is, how she'll spend the rest of her life, and who she'll come to love