thoughtcatalog--2020-09-28--What Each Zodiac Sign Should Put Effort Into In October 2020

You should put effort into your mental health .
Don ’ t put more on your plate than you can handle .
Treat yourself gently .
You should put effort into your friendships .
Even though you can ’ t see the people you love in person , you can still text and call them .
You can still remind them how much they mean to you .
You should put effort into your dreams .
Stop procrastinating .
Stop pretending you have better things to do .
Work toward your goals so you get closer and closer to completing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ becoming the best version of yourself .
Focus on healing .
Focus on growing .
You should put effort into your appearance .
You look beautiful but you don ’ t feel beautiful , which is a problem .
Don ’ t be afraid to pamper yourself because you deserve a surge in confidence .
You should put effort into self-reflection .
Be more honest with yourself about your strengths and your flaws .
Don ’ t lie to yourself because you ’ re only hurting yourself .
You should put effort into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re older doesn ’ t mean you should stop learning .
Keep reading .
Keep discovering .
Keep searching for answers .
You should put effort into breaking your bad habits .
You haven ’ t been happy with yourself — but that can change .
You have the power to alter yourself and your life .
You should put effort into overcoming your fears .
Don ’ t let your worries hold you back from greatness .
Destroy your doubts .
Conquer your fears .
You should put effort into your career @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You have what it takes to succeed .
You should put effort into your love life .
Set aside time for romance .
Set aside time to feel admired and loved .
You should put effort into your hobbies .
Do more things that make you happy .
Life is too short to spend it being miserable .

Aries
You should put effort into your mental health. Don’t put more on your plate than you can handle. Treat yourself gently.
Taurus
You should put effort into your friendships. Even though you can’t see the people you love in person, you can still text and call them. You can still remind them how much they mean to you.
Gemini
You should put effort into your dreams. Stop procrastinating. Stop pretending you have better things to do. Work toward your goals so you get closer and closer to completing them.
Cancer
You should put effort into becoming the best version of yourself. Focus on healing. Focus on growing.
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Leo
You should put effort into your appearance. You look beautiful but you don’t feel beautiful, which is a problem. Don’t be afraid to pamper yourself because you deserve a surge in confidence.
Virgo
You should put effort into self-reflection. Be more honest with yourself about your strengths and your flaws. Don’t lie to yourself because you’re only hurting yourself.
Libra
You should put effort into your education. Just because you’re older doesn’t mean you should stop learning. Keep reading. Keep discovering. Keep searching for answers.
Scorpio
You should put effort into breaking your bad habits. You haven’t been happy with yourself — but that can change. You have the power to alter yourself and your life.
Sagittarius
You should put effort into overcoming your fears. Don’t let your worries hold you back from greatness. Destroy your doubts. Conquer your fears.
Capricorn
You should put effort into your career. Stop doubting your own potential. You have what it takes to succeed.
Aquarius
You should put effort into your love life. Set aside time for romance. Set aside time to feel admired and loved.
Pisces
You should put effort into your hobbies. Do more things that make you happy. Life is too short to spend it being miserable.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--What If I’m Actually The Bad Friend?

What If I’m Actually The Bad Friend?

I message you for the hundredth time .
My message remains left unread .
I wait , wondering what I could have said , how a “ hello ” could be so wrong .
All I am left with is waiting .
You beat around the bush .
I ask about meeting up – it ’ s been months since I ’ ve seen you .
You say I ’ m never around .
I say I can ’ t stay where I ’ ve been if I want to go anywhere .
I ’ m out chasing dreams and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ jealous of .
But you ’ ve got a partner who takes more precedence over me now .
Love became a replacement for years of friendship , and I ’ ll stay wondering if you ’ ll ever be the first to contact me .
We communicate about making plans .
I give you obscure dates and times which for me are not obscure because I never take a break , but for you are difficult to plan around .
But I ’ m trying , aren ’ t I ?
Doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ days I ’ m available .
I give you a list .
I don ’ t hear back .
I wonder if I should respond .
But then I worry you ’ re like my other friend who leaves me unread for weeks on end , as if I ’ m some sort of TV series they can pick up right where they left off .
Eventually shows fall off the air because they ’ re obsolete .
I wonder if I am , too .
You haven ’ t once asked genuinely @ @ @ @ @ @ @ always your punching bag for complaints .
I listen to everything you hate and provide useless advice for situations I ’ ve never been in .
I don ’ t know why anyone would ask me for advice , I ’ m friendless , but I guess I ’ m good enough to ask for advice .
I ’ m good enough when it ’ s needed but never when I need somebody .
I ’ m too comfortable remembering I am always replaceable .
You tell me I enjoy being the victim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You ’ re probably right , but I shouldn ’ t have to complain about friends , right ?
Shouldn ’ t I have friends that love me and care for me , no matter what crazy dreams I aspire for ?
So why do they leave me and leave me unread ?
We live in an age where it ’ s so easy to ignore someone until you ’ ve ignored them out of your life .
We live in an age where it ’ s simple to ghost someone rather @ @ @ @ @ @ @ why shouldn ’ t I complain when I ’ m treated unfairly ?
When did I have to quiet myself so others could feel important ?
I have become too honest , honest enough to lose everyone , and abandon the ones who didn ’ t lose touch with me .
Before I fall asleep the night you brashly reminded me that I am an unlovable person not a single soul could become close with , thoughts run rampant in my brain , and I can no longer fall asleep .
I am @ @ @ @ @ @ @ never follow through .
I am messages left unread , intentionally .
I am forgettable .
I am never in the same place at the same time .
I am disappointment when I don ’ t show up for an important event .
I am resentment when I ask you to help me but can ’ t bother to be there for you .
I am anger when I complain about life but I haven ’ t heard anything about yours .
I am always the victim , but never one to claim @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am everything a friend shouldn ’ t be .
When I wake in the morning , I message all my friends .
I give this one last shot because maybe you are right .
Maybe I ’ m actually the bad friend .
I ’ ve relentlessly chased dreams all these years and left everyone behind in the dust , disposable .
The last one standing is me , but no one with me .
I can ’ t rebuild the bridges I burnt to the ground , but I can make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I have lost enough years being the bad friend .

I message you for the hundredth time. My message remains left unread. I wait, wondering what I could have said, how a “hello” could be so wrong. All I am left with is waiting.
–
You beat around the bush. I ask about meeting up – it’s been months since I’ve seen you. You say I’m never around. I say I can’t stay where I’ve been if I want to go anywhere. I’m out chasing dreams and maybe that’s something to be jealous of. But you’ve got a partner who takes more precedence over me now. Love became a replacement for years of friendship, and I’ll stay wondering if you’ll ever be the first to contact me.
–
We communicate about making plans. I give you obscure dates and times which for me are not obscure because I never take a break, but for you are difficult to plan around. But I’m trying, aren’t I? Doesn’t that count? You ask which days I’m available. I give you a list. I don’t hear back. I wonder if I should respond. But then I worry you’re like my other friend who leaves me unread for weeks on end, as if I’m some sort of TV series they can pick up right where they left off. Eventually shows fall off the air because they’re obsolete. I wonder if I am, too.
–
You haven’t once asked genuinely about my life. But I am always your punching bag for complaints. I listen to everything you hate and provide useless advice for situations I’ve never been in. I don’t know why anyone would ask me for advice, I’m friendless, but I guess I’m good enough to ask for advice. I’m good enough when it’s needed but never when I need somebody. I’m too comfortable remembering I am always replaceable.
–
You tell me I enjoy being the victim by complaining about everyone in my life. You’re probably right, but I shouldn’t have to complain about friends, right? Shouldn’t I have friends that love me and care for me, no matter what crazy dreams I aspire for? So why do they leave me and leave me unread? We live in an age where it’s so easy to ignore someone until you’ve ignored them out of your life. We live in an age where it’s simple to ghost someone rather than give the honest truth. So why shouldn’t I complain when I’m treated unfairly? When did I have to quiet myself so others could feel important? I have become too honest, honest enough to lose everyone, and abandon the ones who didn’t lose touch with me.
–
Before I fall asleep the night you brashly reminded me that I am an unlovable person not a single soul could become close with, thoughts run rampant in my brain, and I can no longer fall asleep.
I am the person people start plans with but never follow through. I am messages left unread, intentionally. I am forgettable. I am never in the same place at the same time. I am disappointment when I don’t show up for an important event. I am resentment when I ask you to help me but can’t bother to be there for you. I am anger when I complain about life but I haven’t heard anything about yours. I am always the victim, but never one to claim the blame. I am disposable.
I am everything a friend shouldn’t be.
–
When I wake in the morning, I message all my friends. I give this one last shot because maybe you are right. Maybe I’m actually the bad friend. I’ve relentlessly chased dreams all these years and left everyone behind in the dust, disposable. The last one standing is me, but no one with me. I can’t rebuild the bridges I burnt to the ground, but I can make one last attempt at being good because I have lost enough years being the bad friend.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--What Each Zodiac Sign Is Slowly Discovering About Themselves

You ’ re discovering that you aren ’ t as heartless as you like to pretend and actually care deeply about others .
You ’ re discovering that you are uncomfortable alone and need to get more accustomed to being lost in your own thoughts .
You ’ re discovering that you change your mind a lot because you have no idea what you really want and need to start focusing on your vision for the future .
You ’ re discovering that you put more effort into your relationships than into yourself because you don ’ t believe you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though you definitely do ) .
You ’ re discovering that you can ’ t control everything and need to learn how to sit back and go with the flow .
You ’ re discovering that you aren ’ t able to save anyone else and need to focus on your own problems before worrying about everyone else ’ s .
You ’ re discovering that there ’ s a difference between high standards and unrealistic expectations , and you need to learn how to be more understanding of other people ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that pretending everything is fine will push away more people than admitting the truth .
You ’ re discovering that you aren ’ t as unsuccessful or unlovable as you ’ ve been telling yourself all these years .
You ’ re discovering that you aren ’ t always going to be the smartest person in the room , but that can be a good thing because it means you have a chance to learn .
You ’ re discovering that you can ’ t keep putting off your problems until tomorrow or @ @ @ @ @ @ @ worse .
You ’ re discovering that you care more about your career than your love life and are allowed to focus on your dreams first .

Aries
You’re discovering that you aren’t as heartless as you like to pretend and actually care deeply about others.
Taurus
You’re discovering that you are uncomfortable alone and need to get more accustomed to being lost in your own thoughts.
Gemini
You’re discovering that you change your mind a lot because you have no idea what you really want and need to start focusing on your vision for the future.
Cancer
You’re discovering that you put more effort into your relationships than into yourself because you don’t believe you deserve love — even from yourself (even though you definitely do).
Leo
You’re discovering that you can’t control everything and need to learn how to sit back and go with the flow.
Virgo
You’re discovering that you aren’t able to save anyone else and need to focus on your own problems before worrying about everyone else’s.
Libra
You’re discovering that there’s a difference between high standards and unrealistic expectations, and you need to learn how to be more understanding of other people’s faults.
Scorpio
You’re discovering that pretending everything is fine will push away more people than admitting the truth.
Sagittarius
You’re discovering that you aren’t as unsuccessful or unlovable as you’ve been telling yourself all these years.
Capricorn
You’re discovering that you aren’t always going to be the smartest person in the room, but that can be a good thing because it means you have a chance to learn.
Aquarius
You’re discovering that you can’t keep putting off your problems until tomorrow or they’ll snowball into something much worse.
Pisces
You’re discovering that you care more about your career than your love life and are allowed to focus on your dreams first.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--Having History With Them Doesn’t Mean You Should Have A Future With Them

Your history shouldn ’ t be an excuse to stay with someone when the relationship is going downhill .
It doesn ’ t matter how well a person treated you in the past .
It doesn ’ t matter how many warm and fuzzy memories you have with them .
What matters is how they treat you today .
What matters is whether you ’ re happy with them today .
Every relationship is going to have speedbumps .
There are going to be arguments .
There are going to be doubts .
But there is a huge difference between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and becoming a stranger to someone .
People change .
Your partner isn ’ t going to be the same exact human as they were when you first met , but neither are you .
However , you should be growing together , not growing apart .
If you are no longer as happy as you once were , if you feel like you no longer make sense as a couple , then you ’ re allowed to walk away .
Some people are only meant to be temporary stops along your journey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ stay with you forever .
There ’ s nothing wrong with walking away from someone who once meant the world to you .
Maybe they still do .
But you have to listen to your heart over your history .
You have to do what is best for the future you , not the old you .
As much as it might hurt to walk away from someone who has been in your life for a long time , you aren ’ t doing yourself any favors by staying .
You ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re only taking away your chance ( and your person ’ s chance ) to discover something new and exciting .
Remember , you don ’ t owe this person your heart , simply because you gave it to them years ago .
Things change .
Feelings change .
If you want to leave , then you shouldn ’ t let anything stop you .
Having history with someone doesn ’ t mean you ’ re stuck with them forever .
You can be thankful for what you went through in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
You can look back on your memories with a smile , even if you aren ’ t interested in making any more memories .
You ’ re not the same person you were yesterday , so you don ’ t have to fulfill that person ’ s dreams .
Fulfill your own dreams .
Do whatever the current you desires .
Forget about what you wanted in the past and focus on what you want right now .
Ask yourself what would make you the happiest .
Whatever you do , don @ @ @ @ @ @ @ convince you to overstay your welcome .
If you are ready to leave , then you ’ re allowed to go .
You aren ’ t trapped in your current situation .
You aren ’ t obligated to keep trying to fix what ’ s broken long after you realize the job is impossible .
Don ’ t feel guilty over doing what is best for yourself because , in the end , it will be best for the other person , too .
You ’ ll both have the chance to grow @ @ @ @ @ @ @ have the opportunity to find the place where you really belong .

Your history shouldn’t be an excuse to stay with someone when the relationship is going downhill. It doesn’t matter how well a person treated you in the past. It doesn’t matter how many warm and fuzzy memories you have with them. What matters is how they treat you today. What matters is whether you’re happy with them today.
Every relationship is going to have speedbumps. There are going to be arguments. There are going to be doubts. But there is a huge difference between going through a rough patch with someone and becoming a stranger to someone.
People change. Your partner isn’t going to be the same exact human as they were when you first met, but neither are you. However, you should be growing together, not growing apart. If you are no longer as happy as you once were, if you feel like you no longer make sense as a couple, then you’re allowed to walk away.
Some people are only meant to be temporary stops along your journey. They’re not meant to stay with you forever. There’s nothing wrong with walking away from someone who once meant the world to you. Maybe they still do. But you have to listen to your heart over your history. You have to do what is best for the future you, not the old you.
As much as it might hurt to walk away from someone who has been in your life for a long time, you aren’t doing yourself any favors by staying. You’re only putting off the inevitable. You’re only taking away your chance (and your person’s chance) to discover something new and exciting.
Remember, you don’t owe this person your heart, simply because you gave it to them years ago. Things change. Feelings change. If you want to leave, then you shouldn’t let anything stop you.
Having history with someone doesn’t mean you’re stuck with them forever. You can be thankful for what you went through in the past without wanting them in your future. You can look back on your memories with a smile, even if you aren’t interested in making any more memories.
You’re not the same person you were yesterday, so you don’t have to fulfill that person’s dreams. Fulfill your own dreams. Do whatever the current you desires. Forget about what you wanted in the past and focus on what you want right now. Ask yourself what would make you the happiest.
Whatever you do, don’t let your history with someone convince you to overstay your welcome. If you are ready to leave, then you’re allowed to go. You aren’t trapped in your current situation. You aren’t obligated to keep trying to fix what’s broken long after you realize the job is impossible.
Don’t feel guilty over doing what is best for yourself because, in the end, it will be best for the other person, too. You’ll both have the chance to grow without each other. You’ll have the opportunity to find the place where you really belong.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--Almost Relationships Aren’t Fair To You

Almost Relationships Aren’t Fair To You

Almost relationships aren ’ t fair to you because you deserve consistency .
You shouldn ’ t have to sit there wondering whether your text is going to be answered in five seconds or five days .
You shouldn ’ t have to wonder whether the other person is going to surprise you by ghosting you or asking you to be official .
You shouldn ’ t be so utterly confused about their feelings for you or what they expect from you .
You should know where the other person stands .
You should have a clear idea of what @ @ @ @ @ @ @ relationships aren ’ t fair to you because you deserve to feel wanted .
You deserve to feel like you ’ re the most important person in the room when you ’ re with your partner .
You deserve to know what deep , unconditional love feels like — and you ’ re not greedy for wanting something so meaningful .
Despite what the mean voice in the back of your mind might be telling you , you don ’ t deserve to be a backup plan .
You don ’ t deserve @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s inconvenient .
You don ’ t deserve to feel like you ’ re a second choice .
Almost relationships aren ’ t fair to you because they are sticking you in relationship purgatory .
They are making you believe there ’ s a chance a real relationship could be forming , when really , the other person isn ’ t interested in a change .
They aren ’ t interested in a serious commitment like you are .
They are holding you back from finding someone who matches you better , someone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ percent of their heart .
Almost relationships aren ’ t fair to you because you ’ re honest about what you want .
You ’ re transparent about your feelings .
You wear your heart on your sleeve .
You don ’ t tell lies to make others more comfortable .
You don ’ t shy away from the truth — and you deserve someone who returns the favor , not someone who strings you along , not someone who pretends to care to stop you from finding someone who actually does .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ you because you ’ re looking for more .
You shouldn ’ t settle for less .
You shouldn ’ t take what you can get because you assume you aren ’ t going to stumble upon anyone else .
If you want a serious relationship , you deserve a serious relationship .
Don ’ t pretend you ’ re fine with less than that , simply because someone who has stolen your heart refuses to meet your standards .
They ’ re not the only person who will be interested in you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you ’ re going to get .
Almost relationships aren ’ t fair to you because you ’ re a catch .
You have a soft heart , a kind soul , an authentic , genuine personality .
Even more importantly , you are willing to put in the work that a relationship requires .
You aren ’ t going to take someone you love for granted .
You aren ’ t going to purposely harm their heart .
You are going to be attentive and affectionate .
You are going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to give your person everything they deserve — and you should be getting that same type of love in return .

Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because you deserve consistency. You shouldn’t have to sit there wondering whether your text is going to be answered in five seconds or five days. You shouldn’t have to wonder whether the other person is going to surprise you by ghosting you or asking you to be official. You shouldn’t be so utterly confused about their feelings for you or what they expect from you. You should know where the other person stands. You should have a clear idea of what is running through their mind.
Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because you deserve to feel wanted. You deserve to feel like you’re the most important person in the room when you’re with your partner. You deserve to know what deep, unconditional love feels like — and you’re not greedy for wanting something so meaningful. Despite what the mean voice in the back of your mind might be telling you, you don’t deserve to be a backup plan. You don’t deserve to be pushed aside when it’s inconvenient. You don’t deserve to feel like you’re a second choice.
Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because they are sticking you in relationship purgatory. They are making you believe there’s a chance a real relationship could be forming, when really, the other person isn’t interested in a change. They aren’t interested in a serious commitment like you are. They are holding you back from finding someone who matches you better, someone who is willing to hand over one-hundred percent of their heart.
Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because you’re honest about what you want. You’re transparent about your feelings. You wear your heart on your sleeve. You don’t tell lies to make others more comfortable. You don’t shy away from the truth — and you deserve someone who returns the favor, not someone who strings you along, not someone who pretends to care to stop you from finding someone who actually does.
Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because you’re looking for more. You shouldn’t settle for less. You shouldn’t take what you can get because you assume you aren’t going to stumble upon anyone else. If you want a serious relationship, you deserve a serious relationship. Don’t pretend you’re fine with less than that, simply because someone who has stolen your heart refuses to meet your standards. They’re not the only person who will be interested in you. They’re not the best you’re going to get.
Almost relationships aren’t fair to you because you’re a catch. You have a soft heart, a kind soul, an authentic, genuine personality. Even more importantly, you are willing to put in the work that a relationship requires. You aren’t going to take someone you love for granted. You aren’t going to purposely harm their heart. You are going to be attentive and affectionate. You are going to be supportive and encouraging. You are going to give your person everything they deserve — and you should be getting that same type of love in return.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--6 Reminders When Your Dreams Are Taking Forever To Reach

1 .
If you give up on yourself then there ’ s zero chance you ’ re going to succeed .
However , if you keep going , if you keep putting in the work and trying your hardest , then there is a chance you could reach your dreams .
There ’ s a chance you could end up with everything you ’ ve ever wanted .
Since you love what you ’ re doing anyway , there ’ s no reason to quit in the middle of the race .
Giving up guarantees that you ’ re never @ @ @ @ @ @ @ means that you have a real shot at reaching the finish line .
2 .
“ Your reaction to the test is part of the test.
” This quote from Delilah S. Dawson rings true , regardless of what you ’ re trying to achieve .
You ’ re not going to reach success overnight .
You ’ re going to have to work for it .
That means you ’ re going to have to remain patient .
The road ahead of you isn ’ t going to be smooth from start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ be speedbumps along the way , but the way you handle the issues that arise will determine how successful you ’ ll be in the future .
3 .
You ’ re closer to your dreams today than you were yesterday .
You might feel like you aren ’ t making any progress because you haven ’ t gotten the results you want yet , but take a look at how far you ’ ve come .
You ’ re not the same person as you were weeks , months , or years @ @ @ @ @ @ @ You ’ ve learned .
You ’ re inching closer and closer to your destination , even if you don ’ t realize it .
You might have a long way to go , but you don ’ t want to give up when you ’ ve already come so far .
4 .
Your dreams are dreams for a reason .
You want this .
You need this .
So why would quitting be an option in your mind ?
If you want something badly enough , if it ’ s the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , then you should keep going .
Ignore the people who are instilling doubts in your mind .
Ignore the pessimistic voice in the back of your head , trying to convince you to give up .
Remember , you ’ re not foolish for trying .
You ’ re incredibly brave .
5 .
Comparing your journey to somebody else is only a waste of time .
Maybe you feel like you ’ re behind .
Maybe you feel like you should have achieved more by now .
It ’ s only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around you , but remember that timelines are imaginary .
There isn ’ t a certain age when you ’ re supposed to reach success .
It can happen at any point in time .
It might happen for others earlier or might happen for you later but it doesn ’ t say anything about your worth .
You ’ re simply on different paths than the people around you .
6 .
You should never feel silly for following your dreams .
Don ’ t give up because you ’ re worried @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Don ’ t give up because you ’ re scared of failure .
Only give up if the journey is no longer bringing you happiness .
Otherwise , you can rest assured that you ’ re doing the right thing .
You ’ re following your heart .
You ’ re taking a chance on yourself .
You ’ re choosing to keep moving forward , even when it ’ s hard , even when it ’ s inconvenient , even when someone else in your shoes might simply give up .

1. If you give up on yourself then there’s zero chance you’re going to succeed. However, if you keep going, if you keep putting in the work and trying your hardest, then there is a chance you could reach your dreams. There’s a chance you could end up with everything you’ve ever wanted. Since you love what you’re doing anyway, there’s no reason to quit in the middle of the race. Giving up guarantees that you’re never going to reach your destination. Trying means that you have a real shot at reaching the finish line.
2. “Your reaction to the test is part of the test.” This quote from Delilah S. Dawson rings true, regardless of what you’re trying to achieve. You’re not going to reach success overnight. You’re going to have to work for it. That means you’re going to have to remain patient. The road ahead of you isn’t going to be smooth from start to finish. There are going to be speedbumps along the way, but the way you handle the issues that arise will determine how successful you’ll be in the future.
3. You’re closer to your dreams today than you were yesterday. You might feel like you aren’t making any progress because you haven’t gotten the results you want yet, but take a look at how far you’ve come. You’re not the same person as you were weeks, months, or years ago. You’ve grown. You’ve learned. You’re inching closer and closer to your destination, even if you don’t realize it. You might have a long way to go, but you don’t want to give up when you’ve already come so far.
4. Your dreams are dreams for a reason. You want this. You need this. So why would quitting be an option in your mind? If you want something badly enough, if it’s the only thing that will make you happy, then you should keep going. Ignore the people who are instilling doubts in your mind. Ignore the pessimistic voice in the back of your head, trying to convince you to give up. Remember, you’re not foolish for trying. You’re incredibly brave.
5. Comparing your journey to somebody else is only a waste of time. Maybe you feel like you’re behind. Maybe you feel like you should have achieved more by now. It’s only human nature to compare yourself to those around you, but remember that timelines are imaginary. There isn’t a certain age when you’re supposed to reach success. It can happen at any point in time. It might happen for others earlier or might happen for you later but it doesn’t say anything about your worth. You’re simply on different paths than the people around you.
6. You should never feel silly for following your dreams. Don’t give up because you’re worried you’re wasting your time. Don’t give up because you’re scared of failure. Only give up if the journey is no longer bringing you happiness. Otherwise, you can rest assured that you’re doing the right thing. You’re following your heart. You’re taking a chance on yourself. You’re choosing to keep moving forward, even when it’s hard, even when it’s inconvenient, even when someone else in your shoes might simply give up.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--Cutting Out Toxic People Will Help You Grow Into A Better Version Of Yourself

Toxic people are going to try their best to bring you down to their level .
They are going to make you as miserable as they feel .
They are going to destroy your confidence , crush your dreams , and make you question your own sanity .
They are going to weigh down your life with stress and drama .
However , once you cut them out of your world , you ’ ll have the opportunity to grow .
They won ’ t be around to tell you you aren ’ t good enough anymore .
They won @ @ @ @ @ @ @ decisions for you , to manipulate you into doing what they want , to muddle your mind with little white lies .
Cutting out toxic people will help you grow into a better version of yourself .
It will give you the chance to focus on your own wants , needs , and priorities .
You can finally stop worrying about trying to please them all the time and dedicate your time toward self-reflection and self-care .
You can give yourself the type of attention you ’ ve always deserved .
Cutting out @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you to see your own beauty .
Without this person around to give you orders and ultimatums about what to wear and how to behave , you ’ ll be able to ask yourself what you want .
You ’ ll be able to figure out what makes you happy , what makes you feel pretty , what makes you excited for tomorrow .
Cutting out toxic people will give you a chance to see what you truly deserve .
You can raise your standards .
You can refuse to settle for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ past .
You can decide you deserve so much more .
Cutting out toxic people will allow you to surround yourself with more positive influences .
Instead of dreading your time with someone toxic , you can spend more time with the people who support you , who believe in you , who have your back no matter what .
You can stick around the people who actually see your worth , who actually care about your opinion , who actually want what is best for you .
Cutting out toxic people will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It will help you take control of your present and your future .
Without them around to bring you down , you ’ re in complete control .
You don ’ t have to ask anyone for permission before you make a decision .
You don ’ t have to worry about causing fights or tiptoeing around feelings .
You can live your own life .
You can be your own person .
Of course , your growth isn ’ t going to happen overnight .
Even after this person is gone , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the back of your mind .
You ’ re going to have to put in the effort to heal from what they did to you .
You ’ re going to have to make the decision to keep moving forward every single day .
But you are strong enough to get through the heartbreak of losing them and you are strong enough to endure the roller coaster of learning to love yourself again .

Toxic people are going to try their best to bring you down to their level. They are going to make you as miserable as they feel. They are going to destroy your confidence, crush your dreams, and make you question your own sanity. They are going to weigh down your life with stress and drama.
However, once you cut them out of your world, you’ll have the opportunity to grow. They won’t be around to tell you you aren’t good enough anymore. They won’t be around to make your decisions for you, to manipulate you into doing what they want, to muddle your mind with little white lies.
Cutting out toxic people will help you grow into a better version of yourself. It will give you the chance to focus on your own wants, needs, and priorities. You can finally stop worrying about trying to please them all the time and dedicate your time toward self-reflection and self-care. You can give yourself the type of attention you’ve always deserved.
Cutting out toxic people will make it easier for you to see your own beauty. Without this person around to give you orders and ultimatums about what to wear and how to behave, you’ll be able to ask yourself what you want. You’ll be able to figure out what makes you happy, what makes you feel pretty, what makes you excited for tomorrow.
Cutting out toxic people will give you a chance to see what you truly deserve. You can raise your standards. You can refuse to settle for the BS you’ve endured in the past. You can decide you deserve so much more.
Cutting out toxic people will allow you to surround yourself with more positive influences. Instead of dreading your time with someone toxic, you can spend more time with the people who support you, who believe in you, who have your back no matter what. You can stick around the people who actually see your worth, who actually care about your opinion, who actually want what is best for you.
Cutting out toxic people will help you get your life back. It will help you take control of your present and your future. Without them around to bring you down, you’re in complete control. You don’t have to ask anyone for permission before you make a decision. You don’t have to worry about causing fights or tiptoeing around feelings. You can live your own life. You can be your own person.
Of course, your growth isn’t going to happen overnight. Even after this person is gone, their voice is going to remain in the back of your mind. You’re going to have to put in the effort to heal from what they did to you. You’re going to have to make the decision to keep moving forward every single day. But you are strong enough to get through the heartbreak of losing them and you are strong enough to endure the roller coaster of learning to love yourself again.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-29--What Each Zodiac Sign Needs To Stop Falling For

Stop falling for people who expect you to come running when they call , even though they ’ re never there when you need them .
Stop falling for people who act like you ’ re too clingy , simply because you like spending time together .
Stop falling for people who refuse to match the amount of effort you ’ re putting into the relationship .
Stop falling for people who are too immature to take responsibility for their mistakes .
Stop falling for people who act like you ’ re asking for too much , simply because you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with you .
Stop falling for people who are trying to change the core things about you .
Stop falling for people who string you along without letting you know whether they ’ re interested in a relationship or not .
Stop falling for people who brush off your concerns and complaints because they don ’ t respect your feelings .
Stop falling for people who cause drama wherever they go .
Stop falling for people who refuse to put a label on the relationship .
Stop falling for people who you can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ around .
Stop falling for people who make you cry yourself to sleep every night .

Aries
Stop falling for people who expect you to come running when they call, even though they’re never there when you need them.
Taurus
Stop falling for people who act like you’re too clingy, simply because you like spending time together.
Gemini
Stop falling for people who refuse to match the amount of effort you’re putting into the relationship.
Cancer
Stop falling for people who are too immature to take responsibility for their mistakes.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
Leo
Stop falling for people who act like you’re asking for too much, simply because you expect them to be upfront and honest with you.
Virgo
Stop falling for people who are trying to change the core things about you.
Libra
Stop falling for people who string you along without letting you know whether they’re interested in a relationship or not.
Scorpio
Stop falling for people who brush off your concerns and complaints because they don’t respect your feelings.
Sagittarius
Stop falling for people who cause drama wherever they go.
Capricorn
Stop falling for people who refuse to put a label on the relationship.
Aquarius
Stop falling for people who you cannot be your genuine, uncensored self around.
Pisces
Stop falling for people who make you cry yourself to sleep every night.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-30--15 Things I Should Have Said When I Was 16

1 .
No .
No , I don ’ t want to .
No , I don ’ t have to .
No , I don ’ t miss you , and no , I no longer love you .
No , I will not allow you to manipulate me any longer .
I will not let you kiss my neck and tell me you love me when my bones turn to dust at the mere idea of you ever revisiting a place you once called home .
No , I ’ m not your fucking home .
2 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and yes , I love you .
Yes , I was wrong .
3 .
It ’ s worth it .
You ’ re worth it .
You ’ re worth your best days , and you ’ re worth your worst days .
It ’ s worth it to try ; he ’ s worthy of forgiveness .
She ’ s worth more than the lies she told you and the candy cigarettes she singed you with , and you ’ re worth more than flicking the coal back in her @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sorry .
I ’ m sorry I ever made you think you were less than every daisy in the field I forlornly laid in upon you leaving .
5 .
I love ( d ) you .
I loved you then .
I love you now .
I love you forever and always .
I loved you recklessly .
6 .
Live in the moment .
Relish in the downpour ; take every chance you ’ ve got to make a snow angel , because as it melts away , your demons will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ you have .
Hold his hand a little tighter and kiss his lips a little softer—soon you will miss them .
7 .
Stop .
Get your hand off my thigh .
Stop .
I am going to stop drinking .
The next time I lock eyes with myself in the dusty reflection beneath me , I will see young eyes beneath the snow-capped mountains , and I will stop to ask myself how she would feel .
I will stop .
8 .
Thank you .
Thanks , Mom , for rescuing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ giving me the stuffed dog I wailed into the night I was no longer his .
Thanks , Dad , for unknowingly picking me up each time I fell .
Thank you for taking the training wheels away from me at such a young , tired age , for it taught me to only fear inadequacy and to embrace the bruises .
Thank you .
9 .
Keep going .
You haven ’ t lost until you ’ ve given up .
Keep going on the assignment that you swear you ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ career you swear you ’ ll never have , keep going for the boy you swear it will never work out with .
It will all work itself out .
I promise .
10 .
Love .
Love deeply , love dangerously , love freely , love honestly .
Love your mother even when she ’ s said the same thing countless times ; love your father when it seems like he just doesn ’ t understand your bottled up angst .
Love does not equate to vulnerability .
11 .
It ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to not be okay .
It ’ s okay to take a little longer getting ready in the morning because half of the fight was just letting your feet hit the floor and reminding yourself that you lived to greet another empty morning .
It ’ s okay to just be okay .
12 .
I want to leave .
I want to leave this party .
I want to leave you .
I want to leave the notion that I am comparable to anyone else in the past .
I want to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ground , the decaying petals allowing new life to sprout from the ruins .
I want to leave and find beauty in new places and people and things that are not destroying me from the inside out .
I want to leave .
13 .
Go ahead .
Go ahead and leave .
Go ahead and chase your dead end dreams .
Go ahead , walk away , come here , stay , leave , make up your mind and go ahead .
Go ahead because I need to go ahead too .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ girl that cried every time she locked eyes with ones that were led astray , goodbye to old habits and new ways to engage in them , goodbye to the fleeting thoughts of mistreating the only body that you have , goodbye to those who thought I wasn ’ t worth fighting for , and goodbye to the notion that I needed anyone in the first place .
It is okay to walk away .
15 .
It ’ ll pass .
It ’ ll pass and the sun will shine again and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ breathe in the crisp air and repeat to yourself “ I made it ” until gratitude courses through your veins and a smile graces your face and you ’ re dancing in your socks at 10 in the morning .
It ’ ll pass , and you ’ ll forget his name but start to find the beauty in your own .
It will heal , it will pass , and you ’ ll come out stronger than you ever could have known .
It ’ ll pass , as time does , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hands that are too calloused to hold yours , and voices that no longer call out for you .
For friends that have gone , for family that has changed , for moments that seemed to last forever but now exist only in fractals .
Hold onto it .
Then let it pass .

1. No. No, I don’t want to. No, I don’t have to. No, I don’t miss you, and no, I no longer love you. No, I will not allow you to manipulate me any longer. I will not let you kiss my neck and tell me you love me when my bones turn to dust at the mere idea of you ever revisiting a place you once called home. No, I’m not your fucking home.
2. Yes. Yes, I need you, and yes, I love you. Yes, I was wrong.
3. It’s worth it. You’re worth it. You’re worth your best days, and you’re worth your worst days. It’s worth it to try; he’s worthy of forgiveness. She’s worth more than the lies she told you and the candy cigarettes she singed you with, and you’re worth more than flicking the coal back in her direction.
4. I’m sorry. I’m sorry I ever made you think you were less than every daisy in the field I forlornly laid in upon you leaving.
5. I love(d) you. I loved you then. I love you now. I love you forever and always. I loved you recklessly.
6. Live in the moment. Relish in the downpour; take every chance you’ve got to make a snow angel, because as it melts away, your demons will be revealed and reminiscence will be all you have. Hold his hand a little tighter and kiss his lips a little softer—soon you will miss them.
7. Stop. Get your hand off my thigh. Stop. I am going to stop drinking. The next time I lock eyes with myself in the dusty reflection beneath me, I will see young eyes beneath the snow-capped mountains, and I will stop to ask myself how she would feel. I will stop.
8. Thank you. Thanks, Mom, for rescuing me time and time again and for giving me the stuffed dog I wailed into the night I was no longer his. Thanks, Dad, for unknowingly picking me up each time I fell. Thank you for taking the training wheels away from me at such a young, tired age, for it taught me to only fear inadequacy and to embrace the bruises. Thank you.
9. Keep going. You haven’t lost until you’ve given up. Keep going on the assignment that you swear you’ll never finish, keep going for the career you swear you’ll never have, keep going for the boy you swear it will never work out with. It will all work itself out. I promise.
10. Love. Love deeply, love dangerously, love freely, love honestly. Love your mother even when she’s said the same thing countless times; love your father when it seems like he just doesn’t understand your bottled up angst. Love does not equate to vulnerability.
11. It’s okay. It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to take a little longer getting ready in the morning because half of the fight was just letting your feet hit the floor and reminding yourself that you lived to greet another empty morning. It’s okay to just be okay.
12. I want to leave. I want to leave this party. I want to leave you. I want to leave the notion that I am comparable to anyone else in the past. I want to leave the old me rooted in the ground, the decaying petals allowing new life to sprout from the ruins. I want to leave and find beauty in new places and people and things that are not destroying me from the inside out. I want to leave.
13. Go ahead. Go ahead and leave. Go ahead and chase your dead end dreams. Go ahead, walk away, come here, stay, leave, make up your mind and go ahead. Go ahead because I need to go ahead too.
14. Goodbye. Goodbye to the girl that cried every time she locked eyes with ones that were led astray, goodbye to old habits and new ways to engage in them, goodbye to the fleeting thoughts of mistreating the only body that you have, goodbye to those who thought I wasn’t worth fighting for, and goodbye to the notion that I needed anyone in the first place. It is okay to walk away.
15. It’ll pass. It’ll pass and the sun will shine again and you’ll open your window and breathe in the crisp air and repeat to yourself “I made it” until gratitude courses through your veins and a smile graces your face and you’re dancing in your socks at 10 in the morning. It’ll pass, and you’ll forget his name but start to find the beauty in your own. It will heal, it will pass, and you’ll come out stronger than you ever could have known. It’ll pass, as time does, and you’ll be nostalgic for hands that are too calloused to hold yours, and voices that no longer call out for you. For friends that have gone, for family that has changed, for moments that seemed to last forever but now exist only in fractals. Hold onto it. Then let it pass.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-30--30 Things Single Guys Wish Girls Would Keep In Mind While Dating

1 .
Say what you mean !
Don ’ t dance around an issue .
Don ’ t make it a game .
Be direct and just come out with it ( in a non-assholish way ) .
You could save yourself a lot of time , potential pain , or the escalation of an argument that wasn ’ t even on the table .
That ’ s for both sexes .
2 .
Remember that love is a choice , not a feeling .
Someone who loves you is going to treat you in such a way that you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t feel it , and he has no interest in doing things to make you feel loved , he doesn ’ t love you .
He might have the hots for you , sure .
That ’ s not love .
3 .
Longevity in a relationship is about compromises both ways .
If the other one is the only one who always has to bend backward but you never do , you are not doing it right .
4 .
People change for their own reasons .
Don ’ t get into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ change .
Unless he wants to , it won ’ t happen .
5 .
Sometimes us men really are thinking about nothing , nothing whatsoever .
If we say nothing it usually means nothing .
6 .
We don ’ t have to talk to consider it quality time .
7 .
When you are with your SO put the f # @ % ing phone down .
nothing gets to me more than having a set time to be together and her constantly checking texts , FB , Instagram… when I @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on silent and stays in my pocket so I can be focused and engaged with her .
8 .
Most character traits that a guy has aren ’ t going away .
People change throughout the course of a relationship , but fundamentally core behaviors and beliefs won ’ t budge .
If you see a habit or trend you have to put up with that bothers you , ask yourself if you can put up with it forever .
Relationships will have sacrifices , but don ’ t assume you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tolerate something , and don ’ t assume they ’ ll sacrifice theirs for you .
9 .
Even men like to be pampered and made to feel sexy .
How you do that depends on your man , but we absolutely love it when we receive it .
10 .
Sometimes men need space to relax and play videogames with their buddies .
It doesn ’ t mean that they don ’ t love you but giving them some space is so important .
11 .
Care about their happiness as much @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t settle for a partner that doesn ’ t feel the same way about you .
12 .
If we compliment you , take the compliment , and don ’ t say anything like , “ No I ’ m ugly , ” “ No I ’ m fat.
” We ’ re complimenting you for a reason and it ’ s not because we have to .
13 .
If we say something seemingly offensive out of nowhere , ask what we mean instead of assuming the absolute worst thing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Little compliments are really awesome .
Also , talk about what you want and don ’ t want , please ( this goes for men and women ) .
Good communication makes things so much easier .
15 .
If you hit or berate your boyfriend/spouse , that ’ s abusive .
It doesn ’ t matter what gender the abuser is , and even if it doesn ’ t hurt physically it can really hurt mentally and emotionally .
16 .
We can ’ t read minds .
Never think “ we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are thinking .
17 .
If you want to be with someone else , dump your partner .
Don ’ t pull that bullshit where you play the field while having a partner who you ’ re keeping on the backburner if things don ’ t work with your new crush .
And sure as hell don ’ t string your partner along waiting for the “ perfect moment ” to break up with them while you ’ re fucking around with someone new .
The best time to break up with your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to be with them ( especially if you want to be with someone new ) is immediately , rip off the band-aid and get it over with .
19 .
Be the one who engages intimately once in a while .
What I ’ d give to have a girlfriend reach out and touch me without me doing anything prior .
Means a lot to a guy !
20 .
If you like a guy , not even head over heels , just if you appreciate being around them , just tell them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ get compliments like this , so we often hold onto the ones we get for months , even years .
Tell your friends you love them , and care about them .
It might mean nothing to you , but it means the world to us .
21 .
If you see a dude you like , go for it .
I HATE the whole “ only the man asks because that ’ s the masculine thing to do.
” Nothing is hotter than a strong-ass woman who sees what she wants and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Swanson because powerful women are awesome to me .
22 .
The best advice I can give is you sometimes shouldn ’ t be friends with an ex or someone you rejected .
You ’ re absolutely NOT doing them a favor you ’ re NOT letting them down easy .
You ’ re dangling a dream in front of someone who will never get it .
Cut contact and leave .
You ’ re turning a broken heart into a festering one .
23 .
We enjoy a comfortable silence .
Not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ meaningless talk .
24 .
Don ’ t treat your partner differently in front of other people than you do in private .
25 .
Why do people love dogs ?
Seriously , why ?
They don ’ t do much .
They don ’ t work .
They don ’ t do our taxes .
They poop and don ’ t even clean up after themselves .
The only thing dogs do is provide affection .
That ’ s the answer .
The secret to winning affection is to give it .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ is to be wanted .
Do what dogs do and be excited , be happy to be near us , and we will race around the earth to steal you the sun .
26 .
Please don ’ t volunteer us to do something for someone else before asking .
27 .
Please stop ghosting me .
It actually feels worse than being told the truth about how you feel .
28 .
When we say that we don ’ t care about something , like what color to paint the living room @ @ @ @ @ @ @ outcome of the decision matters less than your happiness about the outcome of the decision .
29 .
Men also appreciate little displays of affection , like flowers , or a coffee , or something simple like that .
30 .
Probably my top advice for anyone in a relationship : DO NOT PLAY RELATIONSHIP GAMES !
Just say what you want , don ’ t make the other person guess , don ’ t make them try to win you over .
Don ’ t play the silent game where they have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guess how to fix things .
And , don ’ t “ loyalty test ” them or whatever crap .
If trust is lacking , tests won ’ t fix them .
Communication and trust will .
If that doesn ’ t work , tests certainly won ’ t .
Just say what you want .
If the other person genuinely doesn ’ t know and is trying , that ’ s okay .
Don ’ t make it unnecessarily hard on them .

Some men from Ask Reddit have some requests from the women they date.
1. Say what you mean! Don’t dance around an issue. Don’t make it a game. Be direct and just come out with it (in a non-assholish way). You could save yourself a lot of time, potential pain, or the escalation of an argument that wasn’t even on the table. That’s for both sexes.
2. Remember that love is a choice, not a feeling. Someone who loves you is going to treat you in such a way that you feel loved. If you don’t feel it, and he has no interest in doing things to make you feel loved, he doesn’t love you. He might have the hots for you, sure. That’s not love.
3. Longevity in a relationship is about compromises both ways. If the other one is the only one who always has to bend backward but you never do, you are not doing it right.
4. People change for their own reasons. Don’t get into a relationship with someone hoping he will change. Unless he wants to, it won’t happen.
5. Sometimes us men really are thinking about nothing, nothing whatsoever. If we say nothing it usually means nothing.
6. We don’t have to talk to consider it quality time.
7. When you are with your SO put the f#@%ing phone down. nothing gets to me more than having a set time to be together and her constantly checking texts, FB, Instagram… when I am with my SO my phone is on silent and stays in my pocket so I can be focused and engaged with her.
8. Most character traits that a guy has aren’t going away. People change throughout the course of a relationship, but fundamentally core behaviors and beliefs won’t budge. If you see a habit or trend you have to put up with that bothers you, ask yourself if you can put up with it forever. Relationships will have sacrifices, but don’t assume you’re willing to sacrifice your happiness forever to tolerate something, and don’t assume they’ll sacrifice theirs for you.
9. Even men like to be pampered and made to feel sexy. How you do that depends on your man, but we absolutely love it when we receive it.
10. Sometimes men need space to relax and play videogames with their buddies. It doesn’t mean that they don’t love you but giving them some space is so important.
11. Care about their happiness as much as you care about your own… and don’t settle for a partner that doesn’t feel the same way about you.
12. If we compliment you, take the compliment, and don’t say anything like, “No I’m ugly,” “No I’m fat.” We’re complimenting you for a reason and it’s not because we have to.
13. If we say something seemingly offensive out of nowhere, ask what we mean instead of assuming the absolute worst thing that could be interpreted.
14. Little compliments are really awesome. Also, talk about what you want and don’t want, please (this goes for men and women). Good communication makes things so much easier.
15. If you hit or berate your boyfriend/spouse, that’s abusive. It doesn’t matter what gender the abuser is, and even if it doesn’t hurt physically it can really hurt mentally and emotionally.
16. We can’t read minds. Never think “we should know” what you want or are thinking.
17. If you want to be with someone else, dump your partner. Don’t pull that bullshit where you play the field while having a partner who you’re keeping on the backburner if things don’t work with your new crush. And sure as hell don’t string your partner along waiting for the “perfect moment” to break up with them while you’re fucking around with someone new. The best time to break up with your partner when you don’t want to be with them (especially if you want to be with someone new) is immediately, rip off the band-aid and get it over with.
18. Communicate clearly. Men don’t handle subtlety well.
19. Be the one who engages intimately once in a while. What I’d give to have a girlfriend reach out and touch me without me doing anything prior. Means a lot to a guy!
20. If you like a guy, not even head over heels, just if you appreciate being around them, just tell them!
We don’t ever really get compliments like this, so we often hold onto the ones we get for months, even years.
Tell your friends you love them, and care about them. It might mean nothing to you, but it means the world to us.
21. If you see a dude you like, go for it. I HATE the whole “only the man asks because that’s the masculine thing to do.” Nothing is hotter than a strong-ass woman who sees what she wants and takes it. Just call me Ron Swanson because powerful women are awesome to me.
22. The best advice I can give is you sometimes shouldn’t be friends with an ex or someone you rejected. You’re absolutely NOT doing them a favor you’re NOT letting them down easy. You’re dangling a dream in front of someone who will never get it. Cut contact and leave. You’re turning a broken heart into a festering one.
23. We enjoy a comfortable silence. Not every moment needs to be filled with meaningless talk.
24. Don’t treat your partner differently in front of other people than you do in private.
25. Why do people love dogs? Seriously, why? They don’t do much. They don’t work. They don’t do our taxes. They poop and don’t even clean up after themselves. The only thing dogs do is provide affection. That’s the answer. The secret to winning affection is to give it. All men want, all people want is to be wanted.
Do what dogs do and be excited, be happy to be near us, and we will race around the earth to steal you the sun.
26. Please don’t volunteer us to do something for someone else before asking.
27. Please stop ghosting me. It actually feels worse than being told the truth about how you feel.
28. When we say that we don’t care about something, like what color to paint the living room, what it means is that the outcome of the decision matters less than your happiness about the outcome of the decision.
29. Men also appreciate little displays of affection, like flowers, or a coffee, or something simple like that.
30. Probably my top advice for anyone in a relationship: DO NOT PLAY RELATIONSHIP GAMES!
Just say what you want, don’t make the other person guess, don’t make them try to win you over. Don’t play the silent game where they have to guess what they did wrong or guess how to fix things.
And, don’t “loyalty test” them or whatever crap. If trust is lacking, tests won’t fix them. Communication and trust will. If that doesn’t work, tests certainly won’t.
Just say what you want. If the other person genuinely doesn’t know and is trying, that’s okay. Don’t make it unnecessarily hard on them.


thoughtcatalog--2020-09-30--How Each Zodiac Tries To Cool Down When They’re Heated

You have a drink .
You try to forget your problems .
But it only gets you angrier .
You call up someone you trust to rant to them about how unbelievably angry you are and how you ’ re not sure how to handle it .
You head to bed .
You hope everything will feel better in the morning .
You get emotional .
You can ’ t stop the tears .
You end up crying your eyes out .
You curse .
You scream .
You throw a fit because you can ’ t bottle up your @ @ @ @ @ @ @ run to clear your head .
You need to do something or you ’ re going to explode .
You blast music .
You try to drown out your own thoughts .
You do your research .
You try your best to see the other person ’ s point of view so you can stop hating them so much .
You snack on junk food .
You console yourself by treating yourself .
You get silent .
You get lost in your thoughts and don ’ t say a word .
You hop @ @ @ @ @ @ @ angry you are with the world .
You make sure everyone knows where you stand .
You meditate .
You do yoga .
You try to restore balance and find peace .

Aries
You have a drink. You try to forget your problems. But it only gets you angrier.
Taurus
You call up someone you trust to rant to them about how unbelievably angry you are and how you’re not sure how to handle it.
Gemini
You head to bed. You hope everything will feel better in the morning.
Cancer
You get emotional. You can’t stop the tears. You end up crying your eyes out.
For the person who is always googling astrological compatibility when they meet someone new. How You’ll Do Everything Based On Your Zodiac Sign includes an exhaustive analysis of each sign’s personality. You’ll learn which high school clique represents them (Pisces are the cool art kids), who would get eaten first in a scary movie (Gemini, obviously) to how each sign prefers to say ‘I love you’ (for Taurus, it’s with good food). Alternating between silly, sweet, and serious, this book is filled with deep dives into the mind of everyone whose birth chart you can get your hands on. Buy now
Leo
You curse. You scream. You throw a fit because you can’t bottle up your emotions anymore.
Virgo
You go for a run to clear your head. You need to do something or you’re going to explode.
Libra
You blast music. You try to drown out your own thoughts.
Scorpio
You do your research. You try your best to see the other person’s point of view so you can stop hating them so much.
Sagittarius
You snack on junk food. You console yourself by treating yourself.
Capricorn
You get silent. You get lost in your thoughts and don’t say a word.
Aquarius
You hop on social media to rant about how angry you are with the world. You make sure everyone knows where you stand.
Pisces
You meditate. You do yoga. You try to restore balance and find peace.


thoughtcatalog--2020-10-01--A Letter From Your Scorpio Ex-Girlfriend

so you found someone .
found her when you were still waking up in the middle of the night kissing my face , actually .
would you run back to your dreams and meet her there ?
would your lips still taste of me ?
and those circles you ’ d trace on my arms , my legs — was it my skin you were touching ?
and when my hair found refuge between your fingers , what were you thinking of ?
who ?
was it misplaced affection ?
did you know i mistook it for medicine ?
did @ @ @ @ @ @ @ can ruin a person ?
do you give it to her in all of its purity ?
is your dirty saved only for women like me ?
do you make love to her ?
do you fuck her ?
do you put on that same playlist ?
i wouldn ’ t take her for being one to get down to Deftones or Type O. your girl doesn ’ t know a thing about metal .
but i bet she pretends ; takes up all of your likes and interests .
is she malleable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ she is ?
does she agree with you always ?
swallow all your bullshit like pudding ?
the stench — can she even smell it ?
is she soft ?
do you like that she doesn ’ t flinch in her sleep ?
that life has left no part of her florid and bruised ?
she doesn ’ t know anything .
congratulations , your girl is blemish-free .
your girl is sweet .
someone you can introduce to your friends .
to your family .
sweet in her prim dress when you @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
sweet when you ’ re teaching her all the things you didn ’ t have to teach me .
sweet when she doesn ’ t know you ’ re doing it all wrong .
sweet when she ’ s acting wifey .
sweet that she doesn ’ t know what you ’ re up to on trips .
sweet when you ’ re trying to assuage your guilt .
sweet that she doesn ’ t know how to sting .
does she have to keep from biting her lip at the sight @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fingers into that hairy mole on your back when you ’ re about to cum ?
does she love the ugliest parts of you ?
i felt them before i knew .
she ’ ll make a lovely wife .
a simple life .
that ’ s good .
i would have let myself been wasted by reckless love .
if you had let me , i would have scraped my knees bloody to worship you .
i would have made an idol out of you with my poetry .
will you leave @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and bitter , cursing all the things she mistook for promises ?
wailing the way only a forgotten snowflake melted in your hands could ?
will you go chasing after other butterflies in the garden or will you finally settle domestic and curl at her feet ?
my spirit will be dancing wildly with the wild roses .
fuck you for seeing my thorns as anything but gorgeous .
i was the most beautiful flower .
the darkest shade of crimson .
velvet to the touch .
your hands — they did not @ @ @ @ @ @ @ every stringy yarn of flesh i unraveled before you .
i know i once said you were good for me and i know i said i loved you , but darling , you know i ’ ve always been sick .
understand this : i never needed to be fixed .
this darkness .
these things .
this is not weak .
to still be here with all the things that live inside of me .
to still love after everything that ’ s been done to me .
when you ’ re @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it — those aren ’ t wasps humming in the rafters , it ’ s understanding the world burst like music out of me .
it ’ s lying next to an angel and missing the demon that glows in the night .
it ’ s not insomnia .
those are your eyes like broken headlights staring at a ceiling smeared pale with regret .

so you found someone. found her when you were still waking up in the middle of the night kissing my face, actually. would you run back to your dreams and meet her there? would your lips still taste of me? and those circles you’d trace on my arms, my legs — was it my skin you were touching? and when my hair found refuge between your fingers, what were you thinking of? who?
was it misplaced affection? did you know i mistook it for medicine? did you not know too much processed love can ruin a person?
do you give it to her in all of its purity? is your dirty saved only for women like me?
do you make love to her? do you fuck her? do you put on that same playlist? i wouldn’t take her for being one to get down to Deftones or Type O. your girl doesn’t know a thing about metal. but i bet she pretends; takes up all of your likes and interests. is she malleable?
do you like how much younger she is? does she agree with you always? swallow all your bullshit like pudding? the stench — can she even smell it?
is she soft? do you like that she doesn’t flinch in her sleep? that life has left no part of her florid and bruised? she doesn’t know anything. congratulations, your girl is blemish-free.
your girl is sweet. someone you can introduce to your friends. to your family. sweet in her prim dress when you take her home to mommy and daddy. sweet when you’re teaching her all the things you didn’t have to teach me. sweet when she doesn’t know you’re doing it all wrong. sweet when she’s acting wifey. sweet that she doesn’t know what you’re up to on trips. sweet when you’re trying to assuage your guilt. sweet that she doesn’t know how to sting.
does she have to keep from biting her lip at the sight of you?
does she dig her fingers into that hairy mole on your back when you’re about to cum? does she love the ugliest parts of you? i felt them before i knew.
she’ll make a lovely wife. a simple life. that’s good. i would have let myself been wasted by reckless love. if you had let me, i would have scraped my knees bloody to worship you. i would have made an idol out of you with my poetry.
will you leave her like you left me, reeling and bitter, cursing all the things she mistook for promises? wailing the way only a forgotten snowflake melted in your hands could? will you go chasing after other butterflies in the garden or will you finally settle domestic and curl at her feet?
no matter.
my spirit will be dancing wildly with the wild roses. fuck you for seeing my thorns as anything but gorgeous. i was the most beautiful flower. the darkest shade of crimson. velvet to the touch. your hands — they did not deserve me. your eyes unworthy of every stringy yarn of flesh i unraveled before you.
i know i once said you were good for me and i know i said i loved you, but darling, you know i’ve always been sick.
understand this: i never needed to be fixed. this darkness. these things. this is not weak. to still be here with all the things that live inside of me. to still love after everything that’s been done to me.
when you’re lying in that bed and you hear it — those aren’t wasps humming in the rafters, it’s understanding the world burst like music out of me. it’s lying next to an angel and missing the demon that glows in the night. it’s not insomnia. those are your eyes like broken headlights staring at a ceiling smeared pale with regret.


thoughtcatalog--2020-10-01--Energy Healing: How Chakras, Acupuncture, and Crystals Effect Energy [2020]

Rei means “ God ’ s Wisdom or the Higher Power.
” Ki means “ life force energy.
” When those two phrases are put together , it results in Reiki , which means , “ spiritually guided life force energy.
” The stronger a person ’ s life force energy is , the better they will feel throughout the day , both physically and emotionally .
However , when their life force is low , they are more likely to get sick or feel sad .
Unfortunately , a person ’ s energy isn ’ t going to be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will fluctuate on a constant basis .
After all , energy likes to move and can get stuck .
Emotional trauma is one of the biggest sources of energy blockages .
This is because any issues that impact the mind can create pain in the physical body .
However , energy medicine can promote healing and help energy move through the body smoothly .
Reiki , which is the Japenese practice of energy healing , is a type of energy medicine .
It is a holistic practice that reduces stress and promotes healing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in order to create balance and harmony in the energy body .
Chakras are the energy centers of the body .
There are seven chakras located in the navel , upper abdomen , heart , throat , head , and in between the eyes .
Although each chakra is located in a different spot , they do not function separately .
They are all part of a single , whole energy system .
Chakra healing is incredibly important because when one chakra is out of alignment , the whole body will suffer .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ are each impacted by different types of trauma .
Fear can impact the root chakra .
Guilt can impact the sacral chakra .
Shame can impact the solar plexus .
Grief can impact the heart chakra .
Dishonesty can impact the throat chakra .
Illusion can impact the third eye chakra .
And attachment can impact the crown chakra .
When one of these chakras is blocked , energy healing is the best way to unblock the chakra , realign the body , and cleanse the mind .
A Reiki practitioner does energy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ touch can restore balance to the body .
However , it is not the practitioner who is directly impacting energy .
“ The practitioner does not cause the healing , nor are they the source of the energy .
The practitioner is a channel for the energy.
” ( 1 ) Not every Reiki session will look the same .
The healing process can involve different tools and techniques , depending on a person ’ s personal preference .
Some people prefer crystals and smudging while others prefer acupuncture and massages .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a few ways to get rid of negative energy and create a smoother energy flow : Acupuncture is the most popular type of energy healing .
Small needles are placed into the body in order to stimulate the flow of energy .
Meridians , the path through which the life-energy known as qi flows , helped traditional Chinese medicine practitioners develop acupuncture .
Although acupuncture is considered pseudoscience , since it is not based on any scientific knowledge , it is safe when performed by a professionally trained practitioner using clean , single-use @ @ @ @ @ @ @ known as zone therapy , stimulates certain pressure points .
These pressure points are located in the hands , ears , and feet .
A professional reflexologist will use thumb , finger , and hand massage techniques without any oil or lotion .
This is meant to free up blocked energy and cause energetic healing .
Massage therapy is also a form of energy healing .
A masseuse will ask their client to spread out across a massage table , a massage chair , or a mat on the floor .
Then they @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , fingers , elbows , knees , forearms , or even feet .
This is meant to reduce tension in the muscles , which helps the body and mind relax .
This type of therapeutic touch is a soothing way to restore energy and increase vibrations .
Smudging , or “ saging ” , involves the burning of herbs .
It is a sacred , ancient practice that can clear negativity from a human energy field .
It will invite positive energy into the space instead , thereby promoting a person ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
In order to perform a smudging ritual , the only necessary tools are sage , a candle to light the sage , a fan to spread the sage , and a vessel to put out the sage once the ritual is complete .
Crystal healing is another form of spiritual healing .
High-vibe crystals , such as Selenite , Quartz , Calcite , Danburite , and Labradorite , have healing energy .
A healer may place crystals across a person ’ s body and leave them there for a certain period of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) in order to heal the body .
However , some people also wear crystals on a necklace or keep them in a pocket in order to have them nearby at all times to increase their energy field .
Energy therapy has countless benefits .
An energy healing session can decrease stress , anxiety , and exhaustion .
It can also help someone feel more balanced and in touch with their emotions .
According to a study by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine , people who have gotten a Reiki treatment @ @ @ @ @ @ @ many physical and psychological symptoms common to a wide range of diseases such as mood problems , anxiety , depression , fatigue , pain , and nausea.
” ( 2 ) It ’ s important to attend an energy healing session regularly .
In order to find an energy healer or practitioner , ask a local yoga studio for a referral .
However , it is also possible to learn energy healing techniques to use at home .
Over 800 American hospitals offer Reiki training for free ( 3 ) .
It only @ @ @ @ @ @ @ there is to know about Reiki energy and become a Reiki master .
Most people will complete the course in only two weekends .
Then they are free to practice energy healing on their own , without a healer to assist them .
However , keep in mind the fact that energy healing is based on pseudo-scientific beliefs .
This alternative medicine is not a replacement for conventional medicine .
If someone is experiencing a health issue , they should visit a doctor to make sure they are getting the proper treatment .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ to taking conventional medication , but it should not be used as a substitute .
( 1 ) Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults ( 2 ) A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health

Rei means “God’s Wisdom or the Higher Power.” Ki means “life force energy.” When those two phrases are put together, it results in Reiki, which means, “spiritually guided life force energy.”
The stronger a person’s life force energy is, the better they will feel throughout the day, both physically and emotionally. However, when their life force is low, they are more likely to get sick or feel sad.
Unfortunately, a person’s energy isn’t going to be the same throughout their lifetime. It will fluctuate on a constant basis. After all, energy likes to move and can get stuck.
Emotional trauma is one of the biggest sources of energy blockages. This is because any issues that impact the mind can create pain in the physical body. However, energy medicine can promote healing and help energy move through the body smoothly.
Reiki, which is the Japenese practice of energy healing, is a type of energy medicine. It is a holistic practice that reduces stress and promotes healing. It brings the chakras into alignment in order to create balance and harmony in the energy body.
How Energy Healing Relates to Chakras
Chakras are the energy centers of the body. There are seven chakras located in the navel, upper abdomen, heart, throat, head, and in between the eyes. Although each chakra is located in a different spot, they do not function separately. They are all part of a single, whole energy system. Chakra healing is incredibly important because when one chakra is out of alignment, the whole body will suffer.
Although the chakras work together, they are each impacted by different types of trauma. Fear can impact the root chakra. Guilt can impact the sacral chakra. Shame can impact the solar plexus. Grief can impact the heart chakra. Dishonesty can impact the throat chakra. Illusion can impact the third eye chakra. And attachment can impact the crown chakra. When one of these chakras is blocked, energy healing is the best way to unblock the chakra, realign the body, and cleanse the mind.
Types of Energy Healing
A Reiki practitioner does energy work for a living. Their healing touch can restore balance to the body. However, it is not the practitioner who is directly impacting energy. “The practitioner does not cause the healing, nor are they the source of the energy. The practitioner is a channel for the energy.” (1)
Not every Reiki session will look the same. The healing process can involve different tools and techniques, depending on a person’s personal preference. Some people prefer crystals and smudging while others prefer acupuncture and massages. To break down the options, here are a few ways to get rid of negative energy and create a smoother energy flow:
Acupuncture is the most popular type of energy healing. Small needles are placed into the body in order to stimulate the flow of energy. Meridians, the path through which the life-energy known as qi flows, helped traditional Chinese medicine practitioners develop acupuncture. Although acupuncture is considered pseudoscience, since it is not based on any scientific knowledge, it is safe when performed by a professionally trained practitioner using clean, single-use needles.
Reflexology, which is also known as zone therapy, stimulates certain pressure points. These pressure points are located in the hands, ears, and feet. A professional reflexologist will use thumb, finger, and hand massage techniques without any oil or lotion. This is meant to free up blocked energy and cause energetic healing.
Massage therapy is also a form of energy healing. A masseuse will ask their client to spread out across a massage table, a massage chair, or a mat on the floor. Then they will perform different techniques with their hands, fingers, elbows, knees, forearms, or even feet. This is meant to reduce tension in the muscles, which helps the body and mind relax. This type of therapeutic touch is a soothing way to restore energy and increase vibrations.
Smudging, or “saging”, involves the burning of herbs. It is a sacred, ancient practice that can clear negativity from a human energy field. It will invite positive energy into the space instead, thereby promoting a person’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being. In order to perform a smudging ritual, the only necessary tools are sage, a candle to light the sage, a fan to spread the sage, and a vessel to put out the sage once the ritual is complete.
Crystal healing is another form of spiritual healing. High-vibe crystals, such as Selenite, Quartz, Calcite, Danburite, and Labradorite, have healing energy. A healer may place crystals across a person’s body and leave them there for a certain period of time (typically twenty minutes or so) in order to heal the body. However, some people also wear crystals on a necklace or keep them in a pocket in order to have them nearby at all times to increase their energy field.
Benefits of Energy Healing
Energy therapy has countless benefits. An energy healing session can decrease stress, anxiety, and exhaustion. It can also help someone feel more balanced and in touch with their emotions. According to a study by The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, people who have gotten a Reiki treatment have shown “statistically significant improvements in many physical and psychological symptoms common to a wide range of diseases such as mood problems, anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, and nausea.” (2)
It’s important to attend an energy healing session regularly. In order to find an energy healer or practitioner, ask a local yoga studio for a referral. However, it is also possible to learn energy healing techniques to use at home.
Over 800 American hospitals offer Reiki training for free (3). It only takes about ten hours to learn everything there is to know about Reiki energy and become a Reiki master. Most people will complete the course in only two weekends. Then they are free to practice energy healing on their own, without a healer to assist them.
However, keep in mind the fact that energy healing is based on pseudo-scientific beliefs. This alternative medicine is not a replacement for conventional medicine. If someone is experiencing a health issue, they should visit a doctor to make sure they are getting the proper treatment. Energy medicine can be taken in addition to taking conventional medication, but it should not be used as a substitute.
Sources:
(1) Effect of Reiki Therapy on Pain and Anxiety in Adults
(2) A Large-Scale Effectiveness Trial of Reiki for Physical and Psychological Health
(3) Reiki Really Works: A Groundbreaking Scientific Study


thoughtcatalog--2020-10-02--The 9 Aura Colors and Their Meanings (+ What They Say About a Person’s Personality) [2020]

Auras are an invisible field of energy surrounding a person .
They extend anywhere from five to seven feet from the physical body .
A person ’ s aura color represents their emotional state and their personal traits .
Aura energy can tell a lot about a person , an animal , or even plants and trees .
As Katheryn Grace , the founder of Aura Shop , says , “ Anything alive has an aura.
” A human aura is typically a combination of different aura colors .
However , there is usually a more dominant color that sticks @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a life color typically doesn ’ t change over the course of a person ’ s life , they may gain an additional , different color when they develop a new skill or personality trait .
Most people are incapable of seeing auras with the naked eye .
However , it ’ s still possible to tell what someone ’ s aura is based upon the energy they give .
Pamala Oslie , an aura expert , says , “ Even if people can ’ t see the aura , we can all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ people are magnetizing and other people feel dangerous from the first meeting .
During an aura reading , an aura reader will typically ask the client to sit against a backdrop and then take a photo .
The camera will produce a Polaroid with different colors across the picture .
The colors to the right represent the person ’ s emotional state during the prior week .
The colors over the head and torso represent their current emotional state .
And the colors to the left represent their weeks to come .
To @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the auric field of a person .
Christina Lonsdale , a Portland-based artist , explains it like this : “ The camera uses hand sensors that pick up this energy field and a proprietary algorithm matches this energy to a color.
” To determine what those colors in the photograph actually mean , here is a breakdown of all the aura color meanings : A red aura means someone has an energetic , passionate , and fiery personality .
They don ’ t like to follow instructions and will put their thoughts into @ @ @ @ @ @ @ with the root chakra , so having a red aura means a person ’ s root chakra is healthy and unblocked .
A yellow aura , or a gold aura , means someone is sunny , cheery , and charismatic .
Anyone with a yellow aura is confident , strong , and empowered .
They make friends everywhere they go because they are social and have a personality that attracts others .
This color is associated with the solar plexus chakra , so anyone with a yellow aura has their solar plexus unblocked @ @ @ @ @ @ @ violet aura , represents sensitivity , intuition , and intelligence .
It is associated with the third-eye chakra .
Anyone with a purple aura or a violet aura may have psychic ability .
An orange aura represents creativity and sexual energy .
These people learn from experience rather than reading theories or essays .
They prefer having hands-on experience in a subject .
Orange is associated with the sacral chakra , so anyone with an orange aura has their sacral unblocked .
A green aura means someone is kind , compassionate , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and are easily influenced by others since they choose to see the good in people .
They also love music and nature .
This color is associated with the heart chakra , which means anyone with a green chakra has their heart chakra unblocked .
However , the green aura color meaning can also be negative .
Muddier shades of green can represent possessiveness and fear of not being loved .
A pink aura means someone is kind , compassionate , caring , and loving .
They must be careful when it comes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ makes it easy for others to take advantage of them .
Like a green aura , this color is associated with the heart chakra .
A blue aura , or an indigo aura , represents a powerful mind .
They are insightful and wise .
However , they need to be careful to ground themselves since they are daydreamers .
This color is associated with the throat chakra .
A white aura means someone has a quick mind and a strong sense of connection to a higher power .
However , they are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
This aura is associated with the crown chakra .
A brown aura , or a tan aura , means a person is hard-working , grounded , and prefers working with their hands .
However , this color can also represent greed and selfishness .
It suggests a person is self-involved and highly opinionated .
A grey aura is uncommon .
It represents negative emotions and negative energy .
The color can indicate a lack of direction or confusion about where a person is headed in their life .
A turquoise aura means @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are multi-taskers who are incredibly organized and are great at handling tough situations .
Because they are so magnetic , they have a strong influence on others .
A black aura is a sign someone is exhausted or stressed .
Although most people ’ s auras can have both positive and negative associations , this aura color meaning is entirely negative .
This emotional imbalance is incredibly unhealthy .
However , grounding or energy healing can help brighten the aura back up .
A rainbow aura is rare to see .
These auras @ @ @ @ @ @ @ evolved , who meditates regularly , or who considers themselves an energy healer .
There is also a belief that first-time incarnations to the Earth have rainbow auras because they are still spiritually connected to the realm of creation .
Auras are actually layered .
Each layer represents a different part of the physical , mental , emotional , and spiritual conditions of a human being .
It ’ s important to know the aura layer meaning in addition to the color meaning , so here is what each one represents : The @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , which outlines the body .
This layer is only located one to two inches from a person , which is why it is able to reveal the conditions and health of the physical body .
The second layer is the Emotional Layer , which is in the shape of an oval .
This layer is two to four inches away from the body .
It is constantly changing and reflects a person ’ s current mood .
The third layer is the Mental Layer .
It is located four to eight inches @ @ @ @ @ @ @ commonly present themselves in this layer .
The fourth layer is the Astral Bridge Layer .
It is eight to twelve inches away from the body .
It is the window to a person ’ s spiritual nature and represents love , well-being , and life-balance .
The fifth layer is the Etheric Template Layer .
It is two feet away from the body .
It represents the level of communication and creativity a person contains .
The sixth layer is the Celestial Layer .
It is two to three feet away from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ mind .
The seventh layer is the Ketheric Template Layer .
This is the final layer , which protects all the other auras and holds them together .
( 1 ) Your Guide To Auras : What They Are & What To Expect During A Reading ( 2 ) What Your Aura Color Means And Reveals About Your Personality ( 3 ) What Is An Aura ?
And 15 Other Questions , Answered

Auras are an invisible field of energy surrounding a person. They extend anywhere from five to seven feet from the physical body. A person’s aura color represents their emotional state and their personal traits. Aura energy can tell a lot about a person, an animal, or even plants and trees. As Katheryn Grace, the founder of Aura Shop, says, “Anything alive has an aura.”
A human aura is typically a combination of different aura colors. However, there is usually a more dominant color that sticks out more than the others. Although a life color typically doesn’t change over the course of a person’s life, they may gain an additional, different color when they develop a new skill or personality trait.
Most people are incapable of seeing auras with the naked eye. However, it’s still possible to tell what someone’s aura is based upon the energy they give. Pamala Oslie, an aura expert, says, “Even if people can’t see the aura, we can all feel it.” This is why some people are magnetizing and other people feel dangerous from the first meeting.
The 9 Aura Colors and Meanings:
During an aura reading, an aura reader will typically ask the client to sit against a backdrop and then take a photo. The camera will produce a Polaroid with different colors across the picture. The colors to the right represent the person’s emotional state during the prior week. The colors over the head and torso represent their current emotional state. And the colors to the left represent their weeks to come.
To put it simply, aura photography shows the auric field of a person. Christina Lonsdale, a Portland-based artist, explains it like this: “The camera uses hand sensors that pick up this energy field and a proprietary algorithm matches this energy to a color.”
To determine what those colors in the photograph actually mean, here is a breakdown of all the aura color meanings:
A red aura means someone has an energetic, passionate, and fiery personality. They don’t like to follow instructions and will put their thoughts into action without hesitation. Red is associated with the root chakra, so having a red aura means a person’s root chakra is healthy and unblocked.
A yellow aura, or a gold aura, means someone is sunny, cheery, and charismatic. Anyone with a yellow aura is confident, strong, and empowered. They make friends everywhere they go because they are social and have a personality that attracts others. This color is associated with the solar plexus chakra, so anyone with a yellow aura has their solar plexus unblocked.
A purple aura, or a violet aura, represents sensitivity, intuition, and intelligence. It is associated with the third-eye chakra. Anyone with a purple aura or a violet aura may have psychic ability.
An orange aura represents creativity and sexual energy. These people learn from experience rather than reading theories or essays. They prefer having hands-on experience in a subject. Orange is associated with the sacral chakra, so anyone with an orange aura has their sacral unblocked.
A green aura means someone is kind, compassionate, and forgiving. They have an open heart and are easily influenced by others since they choose to see the good in people. They also love music and nature. This color is associated with the heart chakra, which means anyone with a green chakra has their heart chakra unblocked. However, the green aura color meaning can also be negative. Muddier shades of green can represent possessiveness and fear of not being loved.
A pink aura means someone is kind, compassionate, caring, and loving. They must be careful when it comes to setting boundaries because their sweet nature makes it easy for others to take advantage of them. Like a green aura, this color is associated with the heart chakra.
A blue aura, or an indigo aura, represents a powerful mind. They are insightful and wise. However, they need to be careful to ground themselves since they are daydreamers. This color is associated with the throat chakra.
A white aura means someone has a quick mind and a strong sense of connection to a higher power. However, they are perfectionists who are always nervous and worried. This aura is associated with the crown chakra.
A brown aura, or a tan aura, means a person is hard-working, grounded, and prefers working with their hands. However, this color can also represent greed and selfishness. It suggests a person is self-involved and highly opinionated.
A grey aura is uncommon. It represents negative emotions and negative energy. The color can indicate a lack of direction or confusion about where a person is headed in their life.
A turquoise aura means someone has strong communication skills. They are multi-taskers who are incredibly organized and are great at handling tough situations. Because they are so magnetic, they have a strong influence on others.
A black aura is a sign someone is exhausted or stressed. Although most people’s auras can have both positive and negative associations, this aura color meaning is entirely negative. This emotional imbalance is incredibly unhealthy. However, grounding or energy healing can help brighten the aura back up.
A rainbow aura is rare to see. These auras typically belong to someone who is spiritually evolved, who meditates regularly, or who considers themselves an energy healer. There is also a belief that first-time incarnations to the Earth have rainbow auras because they are still spiritually connected to the realm of creation.
The 7 Aura Layers:
Auras are actually layered. Each layer represents a different part of the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual conditions of a human being. It’s important to know the aura layer meaning in addition to the color meaning, so here is what each one represents:
The first aura layer is the Etheric Layer, which outlines the body. This layer is only located one to two inches from a person, which is why it is able to reveal the conditions and health of the physical body.
The second layer is the Emotional Layer, which is in the shape of an oval. This layer is two to four inches away from the body. It is constantly changing and reflects a person’s current mood.
The third layer is the Mental Layer. It is located four to eight inches from the body. Mental health issues commonly present themselves in this layer.
The fourth layer is the Astral Bridge Layer. It is eight to twelve inches away from the body. It is the window to a person’s spiritual nature and represents love, well-being, and life-balance.
The fifth layer is the Etheric Template Layer. It is two feet away from the body. It represents the level of communication and creativity a person contains.
The sixth layer is the Celestial Layer. It is two to three feet away from the body. It represents the subconscious mind.
The seventh layer is the Ketheric Template Layer. This is the final layer, which protects all the other auras and holds them together.
Sources:
(1) Your Guide To Auras: What They Are & What To Expect During A Reading
(2) What Your Aura Color Means And Reveals About Your Personality
(3) What Is An Aura? And 15 Other Questions, Answered