blackspadeszx
262 posts
Latest Posts by blackspadeszx
🧸 may 12 - may 18
moodboard for the week:
workouts for the week:
monday: 30 minute mobility
tuesday: 10 minute cardio + 20 minute pilates
wednesday: 40 minute yoga
thursday: 15 minute hiit + 25 minute stretch
friday: 20 minute cardio/full body + 20 minute mobility
saturday: 30 minute stretch
sunday: 15 minute cardio + 15 minute stretch
books for the week:
lady killers: deadly women throughout history by tori telfer
project hail mary by andy weir
as nature made him: the boy who was raised as a girl by john colapinto
some essays to fill your time
Just a bunch of things I've read recently.
The Authoritarian Roots of India's Democracy by Tripurdaman Singh
Why is Everything So Ugly?
Casual Viewing by Will Tavlin
“You are Next”: Unmarried Urban Women in India and the “Marriage Talk” by Shilpa Phadke
Crossing Days by Thomas Dai
Inside the Indian Manosphere by Lhendup Bhatia
Optimism and Desperation by Camilla Grudova
Everyone is Cheating Their Way Through College by James Walsh
Blunt-Force Ethnic Credibility by Som-Mai Nguyen
When My Authentic is Your Exotic by Soniah Kamal
The discontent of Russia by Joy Neumeyer
On anti-political projects by Kat Rosenfield
'Correcting' historical wrongs is a slippery slope by Manu Pillai
I've noticed how a lot of people are operating from (and never seem to live up to their ego) and how often ego gets confused with confidence. Aka fake confidence. We live in a world where loudness is mistaken for strength and arrogance for self worth. But in reality, the ego is fragile. It constantly needs feeding, approval, attention, validation, status—while real confidence is quiet, grounded and doesn’t need to prove anything
Ego is rooted in fear Confidence is rooted in self trust
1. Ego needs validation. Confidence doesn’t
Ego: Do they think I’m good enough?
Confidence: I know I am, whether they see it or not
2. Ego competes. Confidence supports
Ego: Wants to outshine others
Confidence: Knows that lifting others doesn’t dim your own light
3. Ego controls. Confidence allows
Ego: Obsessed with outcomes, appearances and being liked
Confidence: Trusts the process and is okay with not being for everyone
4. Ego reacts. Confidence responds
Ego: Feels attacked and lashes out
Confidence: Stays calm and chooses peace over power
5. Ego hides. Confidence reveals
Ego: Covers insecurities with masks—perfectionism, arrogance, or over explaining
Confidence: Is okay being imperfect, vulnerable, real
6. Ego proves. Confidence just is
Ego: Needs to show, argue and justify
Confidence: Speaks less, and moves with quiet certainty
7. Ego needs attention & validation. Confidence is secure without it
Ego: Constantly checks for texts, views, likes, compliments
Confidence: Enjoys attention, but doesn't depend on it
18.04.25
Daily carries.
Need to keep reminding myself of the importance of ritual in my life. When I forget it, when I forget myself, I find myself feeling so adrift. Like I’ve lost something. Ritual grounds me in a way few things do. Writing as a ritual. Fragrance as a ritual. Water breaks as a ritual. Lip balm because I perpetually forget that last one.
🎶 Present Tense - Radiohead
🎀 april 14 - april 20
moodboard for the week:
workouts for the week:
monday: 30 minute pilates & mobility
tuesday: 30 minute walking cardio
wednesday: 30 minute yoga
thursday: 30 minute full body
friday: 20 minute yoga
saturday: 45 minute full body hiit
sunday: 20 minute rest day mobility
books for the week:
the stranger in her house by john marrs
lessons in chemistry by bonnie garmus
nothing more to tell by karen mcmanus
night shift by robin cook
major goals for the week:
🪽 make time for exercise daily
🪽 read library books before due date
🪽 limit snacking
🪽 make advising appointment for registration
weekly workout routine (no equipment)
✧——⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𝜗𝜚 ⊹ ࣪ ˖——✧
monday: 30 minute cardio pilates
tuesday: 30 minute upper body + 10 minute stretch
wednesday: 30 minute lower body + 10 minute stretch
thursday: 30 minute stretch
friday: 30 minute full body + 10 minute stretch
saturday: 30 minute dance hiit cardio
sunday: 30 minute yoga
someone convince me that downloading PDFs is not actually the same thing as working on my dissertation
Judith Slaying Holofernes - Artemisia Gentileschi, 1620.
How to Be the Calm & Cool Friend
Being the effortlessly cool and collected friend isn’t about suppressing emotions—it’s about mastering them. It’s about presence, confidence, and a touch of mystery. Here are some key traits and actions to embody:
1. Master Emotional Control
Stay composed, even in chaotic situations.
Take a deep breath before reacting.
Speak slowly and deliberately.
Keep facial expressions subtle
2. Be Unshakeable in Conversations
Listen more than you speak. People respect someone who doesn’t feel the need to fill every silence.
Keep responses concise—mystery adds to your allure.
Avoid over-explaining yourself. Say what you mean, and let it stand.
3. Move with Purpose
Every movement should feel intentional—no frantic gestures.
Good posture = instant confidence boost.
Walk like you know where you’re going, even if you don’t.
4. Develop a Low-Reactivity Mindset
Don’t overreact to bad news—assess before responding.
Keep emotions in check, especially in tense situations.
Train yourself to pause before reacting impulsively.
5. Have a Signature Style
Stick to neutral, timeless pieces.
Dark colors, structured fits, and subtle accessories.
Always look effortlessly put together—no need to be flashy.
6. Be the Friend Who Has Their Life Together
Stay organized and self-sufficient.
Handle your responsibilities without complaining.
Offer advice sparingly, but make it impactful.
7. Keep Your Social Presence Understated
You don’t need to be the loudest in the room to be the most respected.
Social media: post with intention, not impulse.
Keep personal drama private—people respect mystery.
Being the calm and cool friend isn’t about being perfect—it’s about showing up with confidence, composure, and a little bit of mystery. Keep your energy steady, your words intentional, and your presence undeniable.
xoxo, sally
pic1 | pic2 | pic3
Don't ever underestimate yourself. No dream is too big, because I think dreaming gets us where we want to go. Be curious, explore, open yourself up to new ideas always. It will be OK. Don't worry about making bad decisions. Oftentimes, you learn the most in those situations of failure and move in and put your point of view out there and express how you would deal with the situation or business decision you would make. Just to keep believing in yourself, you can do it. If you believe in yourself and have confidence, then others will have confidence in you too. Just keep going. Just keep working hard. And then you get to the other side, of course you have what it takes to get to the other side. Be fearless,journal your thoughts, cut out people who make you feel behind, buy yourself books, explore new things, everyday is a new day, embrace discomfort, set boundaries unapologetically, celebrate small wins, trust your intuition, stay consistent, invest in your growth, rest without guilt, challenge your fears, be kinder to yourself, step outside your comfort zone, believe in your potential, disconnect to reconnect, prioritize inner peace, speak up for yourself, stay curious, nourish your body, learn from failures, visualize your success, let go of perfectionism, protect your energy, keep moving forward and u will see the change
4theitgirls masterlist
workout posts
🎀 30 day workout plan
🎀 “how much exercise should i be doing?”
🎀 ab & core workouts
🎀 all about mobility
🎀 all about yin yoga
🎀 barre workouts
🎀 beginner guide to pilates
🎀 beginner pilates routines
🎀 cardio and hiit pilates routines
🎀 cardio routines
🎀 christmas-themed workouts
🎀 december 2024 workout plan
🎀 february 2025 workout plan
🎀 fitness tips from adriana lima
🎀 full body workout routines
🎀 how to build your own workout routine
🎀 january 2025 workout plan
🎀 lower ab workout routines
🎀 lower body workout routines
🎀 march 2025 workout plan
🎀 mat workouts
🎀 mat workouts pt. 2
🎀 mat workouts pt. 3
🎀 non-cardio non-pilates beginner workouts
🎀 non-yoga stretch routines
🎀 november 2024 workout plan
🎀 pilates routines
🎀 quick standing workout routines
🎀 short workouts, add-ons, and finishers
🎀 standing workout routines
🎀 stretches to get your splits
🎀 tone and flexibility workout routines
🎀 upper body workout routines
🎀 workout plan for beginners
🎀 workouts and stretches for your period
🎀 workouts and yoga for women’s health
🎀 workouts and stretches for posture
🎀 workouts and stretches you can do in bed
🎀 workout youtube channels
🎀 workout youtube channels pt. 2
🎀 yoga routines
study posts
📖 study like blair waldorf
📖 study like elle woods
📖 study methods
📖 study like paris geller
📖 ways to romanticize school
📖 ways to stay organized in school
📖 youtube channels for study motivation
bookish posts
🍵 november 2024 book journal
🍵 december 2024 book journal
🍵 january 2025 book journal
🍵 february 2025 book journal
🍵 youtube channels for the book girlies
miscellaneous posts
🍸 2025 goals and plans of execution
🍸 2025 quarterly overview
🍸 a guide to blair waldorf
🍸 youtube channels to replace mindless scrolling
🍸 christmas gift ideas
🍸 cycle synching
🍸 how to build a routine
🍸 it girl spring cleaning
🍸 it girl youtube channels
🍸 it girl youtube channels pt. 2
🍸 meditations and tips for anxiety
🍸 productive ways to fill your notebooks
🍸 productivity apps for self improvement
quick standing workout routines
5 minute full body fat burn by shirlyn kim
5 minute standing abs by move with nicole
7 minute hourglass workout by shirlyn kim
8 minute standing abs & hiit by pamela reif
8 minute hiit cardio by hailey c.
9 minute full body weight loss workout by shirlyn kim
10 minute cardio by pamela reif
10 minute all standing abs by eleni fit
10 minute standing abs by eylem abaci
10 minute standing hiit & abs by pamela reif
10 minute standing abs w/ one dumbbell by fitbymik
10 minute standing cardio by bigsis
10 minute all standing hiit by monikafit
10 minute beginner full body by pamela reif
10 minute cardio hiit by nobadaddiction
10 minute full body weight loss by mizi
10 minute standing abs by pamela reif
10 minute standing back & posture workout by hailey c.
10 minute standing abs by heather robertson
10 minute standing weighted abs by madfit
10 minute standing abs by emi wong
10 minute standing arms by madfit
10 minute standing abs by hailey c.
10 minute tabata by emi wong
10 minute standing ripped abs by hailey c.
10 minute standing abs & hiit by juice & toya
10 minute standing abs by emi wong
10 minute dumbbell standing abs by juice & toya
12 minute beginner friendly cardio by hailey c.
12 minute standing arms & abs by madfit
15 minute standing hiit by emi wong
15 minute standing cardio by mizi
15 minute standing cardio by growwithjo
15 minute standing fat burn cardio by bigsis
15 minute nonstop standing cardio by eleni fit
15 minute dumbbell abs by mizi
15 minute standing fat burn hiit by emi wong
15 minute standing abs with weights by madfit
15 minute full body standing cardio by lena snow
15 minute slimmer legs by mizi
15 minute arms & abs by madfit
15 minute standing abs with weights by madfit
15 minute total beginner cardio by madfit
15 minute full body hiit by madfit
15 minute pilates style legs by madfit
15 minute dumbbell full body by fitbymik
18 minute kickboxing cardio by bigsis
Who is SHE?
→ journal out who you want to be in 2025:
1. What does she look like? (Physical appearance, style)
2. How does she dress on a typical day?
3. What does she like ?
4. What doesn't she like?
5. What is her behavior like in different situations?
6. (Social interactions, demeanor)
7. How does she prefer to be treated by others? (Expectations from relationships)
8. How does she treat people around her? (Interpersonal relationships, kindness)
9. What does her daily routine entail? (Activities, schedule)
10. At what time does she usually go to bed? (Sleeping habits)
11. When does she wake up in the morning? (Morning routine)
12. What are her hobbies and interests? (Leisure activities)
13. What is her profession or occupation? (Career, job responsibilities)
14. What are her long-term goals and aspirations? (Career ambitions, personal achievements)
15. How does she handle stress or challenges? (Coping mechanisms, problem-solving approach)
16. What type of books does she enjoy? (Cultural preferences)
17. How does she maintain her physical and mental well-being? (Health and self-care routines)
18. Does she have any specific dietary preferences or restrictions? (Food choices)
19. Who are her closest friends, and what are her relationships like with them?(Friendship dynamics)
20. How does she navigate conflicts or disagreements? (Communication style, conflict resolution)
21. What values and principles guide her decision-making? (Personal ethics)
22. How does she spend her leisure time on weekends? (Weekend activities, relaxation methods)
romanticize your evening routine
- light multiple candles (non toxic/beeswax)
- put on calming frequency music (528 Hz)
- dry brush and gua sha with oil
- take an everything shower and use all your best products
- blowout your hair so it’s nice for days
- apply a super hydrating lotion
- make yourself a cup of chamomile tea
- write for 10-15 minutes in a beautiful journal
- browse pinterest for inspiration
- put your phone away for the night
- put on your favorite show and have your favorite snack
- red light therapy for 30 minutes
- magnesium spray
- linen sheets, silk pillowcase and eye mask
the key to surviving grad school (also maybe life but definitely grad school) is to pick a side quest every few months or so. something that brings you joy and that you can get better at over time, independent of whether or not your research or classes are going well. put your need for academic validation to use in a non-academic setting and everything will feel less dire and you will learn you are more than your work
random book recs for you: the anthropologists by aysegul savas; the bee sting by paul murray; the netanyahus by joshua cohen; crossroads by jonathan franzen; dominion by tom holland; unruly waters by sunil amrith; himalaya by ed douglas
How to be more attractive 🪞✨
Be a great listener
Keep some mystery
Let others shine
Remember small details
Respect time and energy
Share knowledge humbly
Never beg or chase
Validate yourself
Keep options open
Stay busy and fulfilled
Stick to your word
Learn to say no
Stay positive
Prioritize your needs
Know your worth
Be selective with your circle
Treat yourself as a priority
THE SQ3R METHOD
The SQR method (survey, question, read, recite, review) is a reading comprehension technique that helps you to identify important facts and retain information within their textbook.
STEPS
I. Survey - Skim over the reading instead of start reading the textbook.
2. Question - Form questions of the topic.
3. Read - Begin reading the full chapter and look for answers to the questions you formulated.
4. Recite - After reading a section, summarize in your own words what you just read
5. Review -Review by quizzing yourself on what you just learned
#n1pp
You already have the traits you admire from the people who inspire you. What you see in them is visible because it is already within you, if not you wouldn’t have recognized it.
2025 series: my goals and plans to execute them
goal #1: improve skin
drink more water (60-84 oz daily)
consistent skincare routine
face masks 1-2x weekly
gua sha & jade roller
body & face moisturizer nightly
goal #2: improve hair
hair gloss every 4-6 weeks
trim every 2-4 months as needed
stop habit of touching hair and scalp
goal #3: improve overall health
exercise at least 4x per week (to start)
cut down on sugar intake ; replace excess sugar with whole foods
aim for 9 hours per night ; develop evening routine
improve posture through mindful correction when sitting and exercising
goal #4: read more often
make specific reading goals
replace mindless scrolling with reading
goal #5: improve overall mental health & peace
meditate at least 4x per week to start, gradually moving to daily
full day of social media detox once a week
prioritize actions and thoughts that bring happiness
goal #6: improve self confidence
experiment with hair, makeup, and clothing to find what suits me best
prioritize self care and acts of self love (taking time to myself, setting boundaries, protecting my peace)
If you lack discipline, you also lack:
Consistency Focus Progress Self control Confidence Time management Achievement Accountability Motivation Reliability Resilience Healthy habits Financial stability Structure Emotional regulation Work ethic Clarity Purpose
Discipline isn’t just about goals or career. It’s about you & the relationship you have with yourself.
getting started
this pile of notebooks contains my class notes from more than two years. most of what i need to know for the ABITUR is in there, so the first step for my preparation would be to tear out all the pages concerning my five exam subjects and organise them in seperate folders.
it's a lot, and it's hard to get started, but i was just overcome with a rush of motivation to do it and i should make use of that.
— chester
Agnes Kasparkova turns a small village into her own little art gallery Location: Czech Republic
Learning how to speed read 🤓📚
Learning to speed read is about improving your focus, limiting how much you mentally pronounce words & training your eyes to move efficiently across the text.
Try practicing 15-30 minutes every day.
Avoid pronouncing the words in your mind. Distract yourself by humming or chewing gum to prevent mentally “saying” every word. Focus on seeing the words instead.
Trace a pen, finger, or cursor under the text to guide your eyes and maintain a steady pace.
Instead of one word at a time, train your eyes to take in 2–4 words or even whole phrases. Intentionally skip words. Your brain is powerful and will fill in the blanks for you.
Stare at the text & try to see words at the edges of your gaze by widening your focus.
On each page, skim for the main ideas; scan for keywords, names & important details. Move your eyes in a zigzag pattern across the page for faster navigation.
Group the words into small “chunks” or phrases to process ideas faster. This helps your brain process information more efficiently because it sees ideas as a whole instead of breaking them down word by word.
Example:
Instead of reading word-by-word:
• “The / cat / sat / on / the / mat.”
You train your eyes to see and understand groups of words as phrases:
• “The cat / sat on / the mat.”
With time, you might even group larger chunks:
• “The cat sat on / the mat.”
You can set a timer & work on increasing your words per minute gradually. You can also use apps to practice.
Read the table of contents, headings, and first sentences of paragraphs to get the gist before diving deeper and summarize key points to make sure you are retaining the material. When I’m reading in bed, I will stop to take notes every few pages if I want to research further or really liked something. This also helps if you are reading complex books.
A Photographic Survey by Jessica Wynne of Chalkboards Filled by Mathematicians
Thursday, 7 Nov 2024
Completed Graphics Assignment
Completed Electrical Assignment
my MOVEmber workout plan
start date: friday, november 1
⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ♡ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ ♡ ˚୨୧⋆｡˚ ⋆ ⋆ ˚｡⋆˚୨୧
day 1: 30 minute pms & menstrual pain workout + 20 minute lower back workout & stretch
day 2: 44 minute core & mobility
day 3: 30 minute pilates
day 4: 30 minute walking cardio + 15 minute stretch
day 5: 45 minute yoga
day 6: 30 minute full body strength + 10 minute stretch
day 7: 35 minute pilates x mobility
day 8: 30 minute hiit + 10 minute stretch
day 9: 45 minute yoga
day 10: 30 minute pilates
day 11: 30 minute full body + 20 minute yoga
day 12: 40 minute mobility & dynamic stretch
day 13: 30 minute cardio + 25 minute yoga
day 14: 1 hour yoga & breathwork
day 15: 30 minute full body strength + 20 minute stretch
day 16: 30 minute stretch
day 17: 30 minute yoga hiit fusion
day 18: 45 minute power pilates
day 19: 30 minute hiit + 20 minute full body + 10 minute stretch
day 20: 30 minute yoga
day 21: 30 minute full body + 10 minute stretch
day 22: 30 minute hiit + 25 minute stretch
day 23: 45 minute yoga
day 24: 30 minute mobility & strength
day 25: 45 minute strength & cardio
day 26: 30 minute stretch
day 27: 30 minute slim leg workout + 15 minute slim leg stretch
day 28: 30 minute pilates core
day 29: 30 minute hiit
day 30: 1 hour yoga