Although I stayed at home and it felt like I did practically nothing, I picked up a few new skills and felt more fulfilled than ever before.

Here are some of the things I tried: 

1. Reading

I had lots of books lying around at home that I hadn’t looked into. Currently, I’m in a nonfiction phase where I have the patience for good science writing and nothing else. I found Ways of Being by James Brindle and X+Y by Eugenia Cheng to be insightful. A few pages a day when there’s time to spare really compounds.

2. Coding

I will study computer science in college, so I refreshed my coding skills. If you don’t know how to code, W3Schools tutorials are a great place to start. I personally think that although AI can do low-level coding, it is still important to understand the logic behind programs. 

3. Baking cookies

This was my first time baking without the help of my parents. I followed a Preppy Kitchen recipe. My snickerdoodles had too much flour in them so they were spherical, but they still tasted good. It felt nice knowing I won’t starve in college since I could follow a recipe. 

4. Art

I haven’t drawn on paper in a long time, so I revived my creative muscles by sketching faces at various angles. Then I tackled a digital portrait on my iPad. It’s been a while, so I really needed to review how to shade and make my colors cooperate to convey value and form.

5. Origami

I especially love making 3D geometric shapes with modular origami. I could cut out 30 squares, fold them into units, and build a dodecahedron while watching a movie. It is very relaxing and rewarding to finish a polyhedron.

6. Physics

I was getting scared about AP Physics C Electricity and Magnetism, so I watched YouTube tutorials about electric fields and solving for voltage, current, and resistance in circuits. I hope that effort I put into physics now will pay off when it’s crunch time in April.

7. Starting a tutoring business

I’ve been teaching math with a company for a while, but I wanted to learn how to manage my own finances (and have emergency money for college). On New Year’s Day, I posted an ad into the city Facebook group and gained a client. I’m having my first sessions soon, so I’m excited so see how this goes! 

Hopefully, my creative experiments will inspire you to try new things and dream big this year. Happy 2026!

The post Addicted to the scroll? Try these 7 Creative Experiments appeared first on GirlSpring.

This is my typical morning routine, and if I had to guess, many others spend their mornings in a similar way. However, if nobody had fallen into these bad habits, we would have a lot of extra time in the morning: time to eat a good breakfast, work out and organize the day, all if we didn’t waste it on social media.

If by cutting social media out of mornings we could drastically alter them, then how else could it affect our daily life? What would life without social media look like?

Would we stroll down the street, and consequently,would we actually notice the people and our surroundings? Would we devote our full attention in class, not constantly worrying about the text messages and notifications we’re missing? And would we make better, unforgettable memories, being entirely present in every moment?

It’s easy to become wrapped up in a funny tweet, aesthetically pleasing Instagram picture or entertaining Facebook video. But how often do we take a step back and realize what we’re actually missing? Would our lives feel more complete by cutting social media out?

There was a time where people didn’t have to worry about constantly refreshing their application. As our parents and grandparents say, it was a much simpler time. We’re too stuck in our ways to reverse them now, but surely we can find a way to climb out of the social media hole that we’ve dug ourselves in.

I believe the main problem is treating our smartphones and other gadgets as a priority. We prioritize this technology over others and even ourselves. Further, we choose to indulge in social media rather than activities that could advance our education, health or social lives.

If we could divert our focus away from our phones and social media for a small amount each day, it’ll start to add up, resulting in better relationships and a fuller life– the type of life our parents said they grew up in, without phones.

The post Life Without Social Media– is it Possible? appeared first on GirlSpring.

Ins:

• Oral Hygiene: I really want to start taking better care of my teeth! I brush them at least three times a day but never floss, use mouthwash, and have only whitened them a couple times. Hopefully soon I’ll try the oil pulling technique for teeth care; where you swish coconut oil for about 20 seconds in your mouth and brush after!
• Mixing metals: I have kind of always been into this because I have a silver bracelet that I wear everyday no matter if the outfit is “gold,” but I want others to be in on it too! Recently, I told my sister that her mixed metals weren’t hurting her outfit. Good jewelry is good jewelry, don’t be afraid to mix it up sometimes!
• Going to bed earlier: This is so important to me in order to have the healthiest final semester of high school. I’ve had really bad sleeping schedules, and I surely hope it helps the dark circles under my eyes. Also, just being tired all the time is the worst feeling in my opinion!
• Shoe game: I’ve recently discovered the power of a good shoe! When I was younger, I never understood the fact of a cute sneaker, but now I do! This can really amplify an outfit – it’s hard to train my minimalist-wired brain, but colors can mix and match! You can also treat solid colors you usually wouldn’t see (like red or green) as a neutral.Outfit is already more fun! 
• “Oldies” music: I know it’s really not that old, but I love music from around the time my parents were growing up. The vibe is just completely different and just makes me feel calm and good! The 70s have been my favorite decade to listen to so far.
• Glossy/Glowy makeup: If  matte is your thing, go for it! Personally, I’ve been really into that dewy look, but it’s been hard because I don’t have the clearest skin that I think is so closely associated with glowy makeup looks. Instead, I’m learning that doesn’t matter! I love lip gloss and the “clean girl” look and thus want to try and up my makeup game to reflect what I like on myself!

Outs:

• Screen time: I have really had to self-check myself on how much time I spend on my phone. I’m holding myself accountable and setting screen time limits on my most used apps!
• Listening to non-Taylor’s Version albums: Some people are really attached to her old music, but it just shows better support for her as an artist and her growth in so many different aspects! To me it’s kind of a why not listen to her new, matured voice?
• Staying out of touch: I’ve come to appreciate my relationships with people a lot more over the past year, and I want to show them that! It’s so important to just show you care and be a part of the the lives of the people you love.
• Avocado: This might be too niche, but avocados just aren’t for me. Something about their texture just really irks me – they became super trendy in the last year, especially with avocado toast. 
• Indecisiveness: This is such a huge one! As one who really struggles with being indecisive at the end of the day, everything will work out no matter what you choose. It’s also annoying on the receiving end. For example, when you try to make plans, but no one can make a decision, so nothing ends up happening. 
• Shows’ seasons: Maybe I just watch too much TV, but I hate having to wait so long to see a second season of a show! After a while, I tend to forget major plot details and characters, but I still wish there was a way for them to come out faster. The actors I yearn for deserve the break, yet sometimes I just want to binge watch!

I have so many more but these are my 2024 ins and outs! This is a new, fun way to look at some resolutions and things you want for yourself this upcoming year. Let’s start off on the best note possible, and remember to never beat yourself up if you can’t stick to resolutions every single day!! Happy New Year, and let me know if you have any similar goals!

And don’t forget to check out Girl Spring contributor Wardah Naim’s article on how to keep and maintain all those resolutions!

The post My 2024 Ins and Outs appeared first on GirlSpring.

Giving Resolutions

It’s giving, resolutions? Not this year. New Year’s resolutions have been a thing since I was a kid, but what are they really? Empty promises on things we’ll do the upcoming year and the changes we’ll make to help ourselves. Yet, the most important part of this is remaining true to your word and staying committed to what you said you’d do.

You ever notice the hoards of people in the gym during the first week of January? Slowly, it dies down and the crowd fades, but the question is, what about you? You’ve gone every day and stayed consistent while these people haven’t. And that’s what we’re going to talk about.

It’s Giving, Commitment

Part of building yourself as you mature is staying true to yourself and never giving up, no matter what anyone else is doing. Pushing yourself to try new things and stick with them is a wonderful thing and definitely changes it up.

It’s Giving, Dedication

YOU are the most important part of your life, so take care of yourself! I used to tell myself I had zero time to stretch, go to the gym, meal prep, have hobbies, etc… but the truth is, when I managed my time and took the time to make changes in my day, I realized just how much time I really had. Wanting to do the things you said you’d do last year is so this year.

You’re Worth It

Mental health is important as well, especially going into the new year. As someone who takes mental health very seriously, I know it may be hard to get out of bed sometimes, or even take a shower. I don’t care if you’re not going anywhere, put on that makeup you’ve been thinking about and wear that cute outfit – even if it’s only for yourself, do it. Trust me, a little bit goes a long way for your self-worth and self-esteem.

Here’s some things I started doing that could give you ideas as well:

– Nighttime Journaling

– Listening to music before bed to unwind

– Making a to-do list or schedule of plans (This helps keep you on track)

– Stretching in your free time as an excuse to wear that cute gym outfit

– Start volunteering/helping out in your community

– Do something new you haven’t done in a while (challenge yourself, you’d be proud you did)

Reward Yourself

Shoutout to Girl Spring contributor Corra Maddox with her poem Grown up, because damn girl, that hit me deeply. Don’t grow up too fast, so make sure to reward yourself for the things you’ve done different! I don’t care how small it is, a win is a win and you’re a winner.

So go to Dunkin’ and get that drink, make yourself a super cute yummy snack, or buy yourself that cute thing you’ve been eyeballing for a while.

In the End, it Really Does Matter

All in all, resolutions mean nothing if you don’t act on them. Don’t bring empty promises into the new year, make that change and do it for yourself. Don’t overwhelm yourself with too many things at once, so make sure you still enjoy being young.

I may not be much older than you girlies, but trust me, it’s fun being a kid – heck, I still am. Have fun with your goals and make them positive, don’t rush into being an adult, but most of all, do it for you.

You’re the most important person in your life, don’t forget that.

It’s giving, Girl Power.

Being mindful of yourself and your mental health is important starting the new year, so check out Girl Spring’s article on the importance of mindfulness this year.

The post It’s Giving, Resolutions appeared first on GirlSpring.

[Phillips Exeter Academy, one of the most prestigious boarding schools in the US.]

But what exactly is this viral new trend and how should we embrace it?

The Root of the Preppy Aesthetic

The term “preppy” originally; referred to a subculture of privileged American youth who attended prep schools in the Northeast, such as Phillips Exeter and Andover, that fed into prestigious universities. The preppy stereotype was tied to old-money families, expensive sports, and luxury brands like Brooks Brothers. 

Traditional preppy fashion stems from mid-20th century Ivy League campus looks, characterized by clean lines, classic silhouettes, and a timeless appeal that refuses to go out of style. The preppy girl’s wardrobe includes blazers, button-down shirts, A-line skirts, tailored trousers, and simple dresses. The color palette leans towards neutrals, with navy, white, and pops of bright colors like pink and green as staples. Accessories like pearls, headbands, and ballet flats complete the look. 

Exclusion

Over the years, it’s transformed into a broader cultural phenomenon. Especially since the explosion of social media during the 2020s, the preppy aesthetic went viral and even developed sub-aesthetics. VCSO, or Southern Prep is a more trendy, casual version of the classic preppy look. 

While the roots are elitist, today, the preppy aesthetic is accessible to all, celebrating both classic and contemporary elements.

An Empowering Way of Life 

The preppy aesthetic is more than just fashion, it’s a state of mind that promotes:

1. Confidence: Dressing well leads to feeling confident. When you’re wearing a navy blazer, you can’t help but sit straight and feel like conquering the world. 

2. Academic Excellence: Embracing the academic side of the preppy aesthetic will motivate yourself to earn impressive grades and enjoy learning.

3. Empowering Traditions: The preppy style embraces and cherishes traditions, paying tribute to the foundations that have paved the way for today’s women.

4. Community Building: Unlike the exclusive origins of the aesthetic, the modern preppy community is inclusive and supportive. Girls who embrace this aesthetic often find a sense of belonging. 

5. Success: Many women attribute their success to the values associated with preppy style: drive, discipline, and staying classy. 

Owning the Preppy Aesthetic

The beauty of the preppy aesthetic is that you can adapt it to your unique style. Mix and match classic pieces with trendy ones, and add a personal touch with accessories that reflect your personality. This style is all about celebrating the traditions that empower you while keeping an eye on the future.

The preppy aesthetic isn’t just a hashtag; it’s a way of life. Embracing the preppy look is a declaration of self-empowerment, a commitment to one’s growth, and a celebration of the strength of womanhood. So, embrace your preppy side and step into the world with the timeless elegance and confidence it brings.

Keeping up with the preppy aesthetic, check out Girl Spring’s guide to luxury gifts this christmas.

The post The Preppy Aesthetic: From Exclusion to Empowerment appeared first on GirlSpring.

Taylor Swift announced 1989 (Taylor’s Version) at the final Los Angeles show of the Eras Tour. Following her master’s dispute over her first six studio albums, Swift announced she would re-record the albums. The first album to be recorded was Fearless (Taylor’s Version) followed by Red (Taylor’s Version) and Speak Now (Taylor’s Version). All of her songs debuted at the top of the US Billboard Hot 200 and met critical acclaim. 

Swift began teasing 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by releasing “Wildest Dreams (Taylor’s Version)” in September 2021. The next year she released “This Love (Taylor’s Version). Snippets of “Bad Blood (Taylor’s Version)” and “Out Of The Woods (Taylor’s Version)” were featured in different movie trailers. 

The album was a huge success and broke numerous records.  It caused the biggest stream day for an album on Spotify, and became the highest number of vinyl sales in the century. 

Just like the original, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is a 1980s synth-pop album that features the heavy use of synthesizers and percussion. The album includes the re-recorded songs from the original album and five unreleased songs “From the Vault.” The deluxe version of the album includes the remix of: “Bad Blood” featuring Kendrick Lamar and “Sweeter than Fiction”, off the soundtrack of the movie “One Chance.”

The five vault songs are

“Slut”– Swift wrote about the slut shaming that she had experienced due to her relationship, however, the world’s opinions on her relationships do not bother her. 

“Say Don’t Go”– A song about not wanting her lover to leave her. 

“Now That We Don’t Talk”– This song is the shortest song in her discography. Swift sings about moving on from an ex, accepting that she doesn’t have to fit in with their taste and lifestyle. (Which she mocks in her song).

“Suburban Legends”– The track depicts a hopeful romance that would be remembered by everyone. 

“Is It Over Now?”– (This is my favorite song from the vault) It records the ending of a relationship and the mistakes that happened throughout. The rumors say that the song is about Harry Styles. 

Overall feelings about the album

I personally felt that most of the vault songs seemed to be heavily influenced by the production of her previous album Midnights. 

The main difference in 1989 (Taylor’s Version) is how Swift’s vocals have matured.  While the lyrics remain the same, there are a few differences from the production of the original to the re-recording. For the most, 1989 (Taylor’s Version) might be better than 1989 and shows off Taylor Swift’s amazing vocals and production skills. 

The post 1989 Album Review: Taylor’s Version appeared first on GirlSpring.

YouTube isn’t just for cat videos and vlogs, it’s a treasure trove of content that can help you relax, learn, and empower yourself. So, instead of spiralling into more procrastination and anxiety while mindlessly scrolling through videos, here are some channels and content recommendations to elevate yourself.

1. Productivity: Surviving School and Being Purposeful

I don’t know about you, but being productive helps me feel refreshed and purposeful. After all, you can’t worry about whatever drama happened in school if you’re busy grinding for your math test! Here are some productive picks beyond study music, timers, and lectures:

Gohar’s Guide: For those looking to boost their productivity and find guidance on study techniques and college applications, Gohar’s Guide is a fantastic channel to explore. Gohar provides valuable insights and tips to help you navigate the academic challenges of high school and college.

MahadtheMentor: If Gohar wasn’t enough for you, here’s his brother! Another gem for students, Mahad offers advice on various aspects of student life, from acing exams to crafting the perfect college application. His motivational content will keep you inspired and on track to achieve your academic goals.

3Blue1Brown: If you’re stuck on math or just curious, 3Blue1Brown provides captivating visual explanations of complex concepts. Even if calculus makes your brain woozy, their elegant animations and simple explanations will surely get something to stick.

2. Curiosity: Treat Your Brain

If school freaks you out, you can still increase your intellect by fueling your curiosity. You’ll feel smart and confident after gathering cool facts, keeping up to date with the world, and expanding your mind with these channels!

The Infographics Show: What’s going on in China? Why is everyone talking about the Arctic? And the Ukraine War is still going on? If the chaotic world is stressing you out, The Infographics Show provides bite-sized, yet, visually engaging content that keeps you informed.

cleo abraham: Did you know that computers can smell and ChatGPT can talk? Stay up to date with the latest advancements in technology and science through cleo abraham’s channel. From futuristic tech trends to mind-bending scientific discoveries, this channel sparks your curiosity and keeps you in the know.

Mark Rober: Wanna get revenge? Modern problems require innovative solutions! Dive into the world of engineering, innovation, and awe-inspiring experiments with Mark Rober. His captivating videos on cool engineering projects and ingenious pranks will leave you both entertained and enlightened, fresh with inspiration for getting your way the cool way.

3. Satisfying: Finding Serenity in Simplicity

Sometimes, self-care means simply unwinding and indulging in content that soothes your senses. In terms of satisfying, whatever floats your boat works! Here are some rare picks if you’re ready to increase your satisfaction:

Polyrhythms: The mesmerizing world of polyrhythms can transport you to a place of relaxation. Lose yourself in the hypnotic patterns and rhythms.

Creative Dessert Decorating: Watching talented bakers create intricate designs on desserts is oddly satisfying. It’s a treat for your eyes and a source of inspiration for your own creative endeavors.

Typing Sounds: The gentle, rhythmic keyboard clicking can help you unwind and de-stress after a long day. Typing sounds not only calm you down, they also help motivate you to work if your procrastination is backfiring!

4. Humor: Laughter Is the Best Medicine

In the quest for self-care, laughter often takes center stage. What’s better than a hearty chuckle to lift your spirits and brighten your day? Here are some YouTube channels that will have you in stitches:

Jianhao Tan: If you’re a fan of relatable humor tangled with sophisticated storylines, Jianhao Tan is your go-to creator. His videos revolve around Titan Academy, a fictional school in Singapore, tackling scenarios like “15 types of students before an exam.” But what sets him apart is his ability to weave juicy plots of romance, adventure, and empowerment into his content, keeping you both entertained and engaged.

Twosetviolin: Music enthusiasts and orchestral aficionados, this one’s for you. Twosetviolin is a delightful channel that will have you laughing out loud at orchestra antics and music memes. Whether you’re a classical music lover or simply looking for some musical humor, this channel strikes all the right chords.

IntrovertedMadness: For those who appreciate honest parodies and relatable humor, IntrovertedMadness has got you covered. Watch “college slander” roast your dream schools and funny yet, enlightening cartoons about Stanford and life. You’ll find yourself nodding in agreement and laughing along with the creator’s witty take on everyday experiences.

And who knows, if you’re inspired by these eclectic picks, you might even consider starting a channel of your own to inspire others and share your story. With dedication and a camera, anything is possible!

YouTube isn’t just a platform for entertainment, it’s a valuable resource that can enhance your self-care routine. Whether you’re seeking productivity, nurturing your curiosity, or simply looking to unwind, YouTube has channels and content creators that cater to your every need. So, the next time you’re in search of some self-care, open up YouTube and let its vast world of content empower and relax you.

Like, Subscribe, and Comment!

The post YouTube: Your Ultimate Self-Care Companion appeared first on GirlSpring.

Before the Vote & Political Sheroes

Before the Vote is a ten-episode podcast video series on YouTube that covers the many ways teens can exert influence over government and politics even before they have the right to vote. On the series, I have been able to interview some pretty cool women that work in the Alabama legislative and judicial systems on how and why they got into their positions, as well as how teen voice can help them in their jobs. On other episodes, I’ve chatted with fellow teens on tangible ways we can share our voices outside of voting. 

If you’d like to check out the series (which I highly recommend you do), you can find it here. Also, if you watch a video, please consider taking the survey linked in the description box of each video. This lets me know what you think of the series! The survey is completely anonymous and takes a maximum of two minutes to fill out.

Now that I’ve given a brief overview of what Before the Vote is, I wanted to share with you some of the major highlights of the interviews and conversations that made up the series to hopefully empower you to use your voice to influence politics in today’s world.

1. We all have a part to play in our government

Oftentimes teens assume that because they don’t yet have the right to vote, they don’t have a part to play in government affairs. This is a far cry from the truth, because our country’s government is designed with the goal of representing all citizens, not just those over 18.

While there are certainly downfalls in that system today, there are still means for teens to get their voices out to ensure they are well-represented, and it’s our responsibility to utilize those resources. This is especially important for female teens, who are vastly underrepresented in today’s government.

2. Know those who represent you

The job of representatives and senators is to represent their constituents, and you are one of them! After talking with two state representatives and a state senator on the podcast, it was made clear to me that they value any and all input from the people they represent, especially young teens.

Teens have a unique perspective and an acute awareness of issues that older generations simply don’t know as much about, therefore, it’s our civic duty to ensure that we share those issues and perspectives with those that represent us. Find the contact information of your State Representative and Senator, as well as your Congressional Representative and Senators. And let them know what you’re thinking! This is definitely a means of sharing my voice that I hope to engage in more going forward.

3. Stay informed

In order to be aware of issues affecting us and our communities, we have to be tuned in to the news. I like to get my news from podcasts, but you can also educate yourself on current affairs by reading online news articles, print news sources, or even on social media, however, a major problem we face today as consumers of the media is the massive amount of misinformation and bias flying around.

It’s a good idea to fact-check information you consume and keep an eye out for potential biases in reporting. Sometimes it’s best to read about the same event from multiple sources to try and weed out the true facts of the case.

4. Use social media to your benefit

As I’m sure you already know, we have a powerful, powerful tool at our fingertips. In addition to using it to get quick updates on current events, social media can also be used to spread the word about a cause you have a passion for.

You can share educational posts that other users make, you can join an online community centered around a specific cause, or you can even create your own page dedicated to an issue you care about. Just make sure that the information you’re sharing is factual, and be sure that you’re understanding and respecting others’ differences in opinion.

5. Get plugged into local politics

Many people overlook the presence of local politics in our daily lives, but if you’re looking for a way to make a direct impact on your community, then getting involved in your local government is a great place to do so.

See if you can form a teen coalition at city council meetings, or get in touch with your mayor’s office to see if there are any opportunities for you to get involved. Even carrying out local community service projects can help further a cause you care about.

6. Explore youth in government programs

Youth in government programs are a fantastic way to get direct experience with the actual processes behind passing legislation, deciding a legal case, and creating policy. The YMCA has Youth in Government programs, including the Youth Judicial and Youth Legislature conferences, in just about every state in the US. There are also Girls State and Boys State programs across the nation.

Furthermore, most schools have a student council of some sort where students can take on a decision-making role within their school governments, which is crucial, because students are the ones mostly impacted by administrators’ decisions.

7. Learn how to have civil conversations

This is a tough skill to take on in today’s politically-polarized society; I struggle with it myself, but it’s crucial if we hope to have a future generation of problem solvers that are united by shared nationality and not divided by different parties.

When faced with a difference in opinion, we must choose to see the person behind the opinion and not just the party. We can’t villainize the other side and get defensive over our own opinion. Instead, we must try our best to listen to the reasoning behind the other person’s beliefs and use the disagreement as an opportunity to educate the other person on our beliefs. If all else fails, and no one is able to pull the other person to their side, then simply agree to disagree. Don’t let political arguments disrupt relationships—it’s just not worth it.

Reflect on everything

This was a lot of information, but don’t be overwhelmed! Those are just a few of the major themes that ran throughout the conversations I had while making the Before the Vote series.

I hope you’ll take a moment to check out an episode or two, but even more than that, realize how important your voice is toward the effectiveness of our government!

If you wish to stay updated on politics and the daily news in the area, click the link here and check out podcasts that cover politics!

The post Sharing Your Voice “Before the Vote” appeared first on GirlSpring.

Whether you know it or not, every girl, every person, has a problem, and nowadays you can blame society for it. Yeah, I know that sounds weird but it’s true, nobody is perfect, and whoever you see on a glowing screen isn’t perfect either.

News Flash! The trick is to be confident, so yes, still care about your personal hygiene, but don’t care about the color, length, or style of your hair. Love yourself no matter your flaws, because as much as you might hate yourself, you’re stuck with you. You got the confidence part down? No? I didn’t think so, here are some bite sized advice to help: 100% TTT {Tried, tested, and true}

1. Don’t tell anyone your crushes

I know it’s hard and I know the feeling of feeling like your going to burst with your secret, but to be honest, if you don’t tell anyone, there’s no chance of him or her knowing behind your back. It feels much worse then your I’m-gonna-burst-with-my-secret-feeling. Much, much worse, and embarrassing.

2. Don’t follow trends you don’t want to

It’s hard trying to know if you truly want something or if it’s just a fad rubbing of on you, but at the end of the day, you’ll know and if you really want it you’ll wait a couple months and it will be much cheaper in most cases. Also ,I know it’s hard not to be pressured by friends or classmates, but to be honest, some fads aren’t that cool when you look back.

3. Rule out the toxic friends

Yep, we are at that point where you might have been in a situation where someone says, “{your name}, I don’t want to be friends with you anymore. You’re too toxic for me.” Half of the time, they’re not “breaking up” with you because you’re toxic, but because there still are toxic friends; I’ve had them too. One even chucked a flashlight at me and said, “I’m done with you and all this drama, Zoe!,” when I  confronted her of being mean to me and a friend, while she was sticking her head in all the drama we had, even though nobody wanted her there. Then she ran up a hill and started singing some song. Yep…

To get to my point, toxic friends are people who don’t love you for who you are or look like and only are friends with you for their own gain {a free trip to the mall, popularity, or free stuff}. When you get to the point where you are going to confront a toxic friend, don’t call them toxic, because in my experience that will just give them something to gossip about.

4. Don’t let others determine your worth

This happens to every girl, someone will come along, a friend, a teacher, even a parent or guardian, and they will tell her what they think she’s worth. Whether it’s a good or bad thing, someone always believes this. The trick is to block that out of your head, because you are the only one who can determine your worth, and after you read this I hope you realize you are priceless, worth bazillions, even trillions!

5. Care for yourself

Caring for yourself doesn’t mean a jade roller or a $150 dollar skincare routine, it means taking a shower, wearing clean clothes, and paying attention to your bodily needs! Then afterwards, think about a skincare routine, mine is $40 dollars for a complete set and it’s really good quality. While you’re young you don’t feel effective on how you treat your body, but 10, 20, 30 years from now who knows!? You’re worth so, so much! Would the Louvre just chuck the Mona Lisa around? No! Take care of yourself!!!

6. Be trustworthy

You should be able to have a decent amount of trust if you want to have friends that tell you secrets. Show them that you care and don’t spill their secrets! Then they will trust you and respect you {I know that sounds weird but it’s so true!}

7. Be a good friend

I know we’ve covered toxic friends and trustworthy friends, but this is super important! A friend wants to know you care about them and that you understand, so if you want to make friends you have to be friendly to everybody, yes, even that kid {you know who I’m talking about!}.

When you get into middle school and high school, your friends will be dating, and to be a true friend you need to be there! {I’m not encouraging you to} Be there when your friend’s so stressed she wants to skip class! In high school, it’s literally a whole new world! You won’t know anybody unless a friend goes to the same school, but in most high schools, it’s hard to stick together. Having a likeable personality is like gold.

8. Coping with stress

School gives us stress, friends produce stress, influencers produce stress, and parents produce stress. I could go on and on, so I’ll stick to the basics. Stress is real. Mental breakdowns are real.. Some things that helped me cope with stress were to first identify how I would unconsciously cope. That might be stress eating or self-punishment. Second, I would try to created healthy ways to cope, like venting into painting, journaling, and writing. Third, I would tell someone, whether that be a trusted friend or an adult that I knew would stay with me on the journey.

9. Knowing your true self

So many people I have known have hurt themselves when they don’t know who they are and let others determine who they are. First, you need to realize you’re loved by someone, and that means that you’re worth something in someone’s life, thus then go on from there. I know this sounds silly, but affirmations help.

“I am loved,” “I am kind,” “I am worth so much.”

Thanks so much for reading! I hope this helped you realize that you are not alone in whatever you struggle with and that these methods help you. I feel like today, with so much influence from a world a lot of us don’t know, so many girls feel worthless because they have flaws. I’d hate for our generation to be raised like that. Lots of Love to whoever’s on the other side of the screen! You are not alone!!!!

Click here to see how Girl Spring contributor Caroline Whitney writes about staying true to yourself when society constantly throws labels at us.

The post Tackling What Society Throws At Us appeared first on GirlSpring.

In recent years, the Western world has experienced a remarkable surge in the popularity of boba, also known as bubble tea. Originating from Taiwan in the 1980s, this unique beverage has become a cultural phenomenon, captivating the taste buds and hearts of people across the globe.

With its delightful combination of tea, milk, chewy tapioca pearls, and a wide range of flavors, boba has transcended its Asian roots to become a beloved and influential drink in the West.

Boba’s journey to the West began in the 1990s when Taiwanese immigrants and entrepreneurs started introducing it in Asian communities, primarily in the United States. Initially, it gained popularity among the Asian diaspora, creating small, tight-knit communities of boba enthusiasts. However, it didn’t take long for its unique appeal to capture the attention of a broader audience.

Social Media & Pop Culture

The advent of social media platforms played a pivotal role in catapulting boba to mainstream popularity. Instagram, in particular, became a hub for sharing aesthetically pleasing photos of colorful and Instagrammable boba drinks. The visually enticing nature of boba, combined with the hashtag culture, helped create a viral sensation that sparked curiosity among non-Asian communities.

Moreover, boba’s presence in popular culture, including movies, TV shows, and music videos, further contributed to its exposure and desirability. Celebrities and influencers embraced boba as a fashionable accessory, often spotted with their signature cup of boba in hand. This integration of boba into Western pop culture further solidified its status as a trendy and desirable beverage.

Diversification of Flavors & Ingredients

One of the significant factors behind boba’s widespread appeal is its versatility in flavors and ingredients. While traditional boba flavors like classic milk tea and taro remain popular, Western adaptations have introduced many innovative flavors, such as matcha, fruit-infused teas, and even savory options!

Additionally, boba shops began offering customizable options, allowing customers to choose sweetness levels, tea bases, and different toppings beyond tapioca pearls, such as fruit jellies, aloe vera, and popping boba. The adaptability and variety of drinks have played a crucial role in attracting a diverse range of taste preferences, further fueling boba’s influence on the Western palate.

Creating a Social Experience

Beyond its delicious taste, boba has become synonymous with social experiences. Boba shops, often adorned with cozy aesthetics and Instagrammable corners, have transformed into trendy gathering spots for friends and communities. Boba outings have become a common way to socialize, fostering a sense of connection and shared enjoyment.

Entrepreneurial Opportunities

The rise of boba has also presented numerous entrepreneurial opportunities. Boba shops have sprouted in cities across the West, from bustling metropolitan areas to suburban neighborhoods. This growth has created jobs and economic opportunities within local communities and entrepreneurs have embraced boba as a profitable and exciting business venture.

Bring on the Boba!

The influence of boba on the West is undeniable. From its humble beginnings in Taiwanese communities to becoming a global sensation, boba has transcended cultural boundaries and captivated the taste buds of millions. Through its innovative flavors, captivating aesthetics, and social experiences, boba has left a lasting mark on Western culture. As its popularity continues to soar, one thing remains certain – boba has become so much more than just a beverage.

It is a symbol of inclusivity, creativity, and the power of culinary fusion,  enriching the cultural tapestry of the West, one sip at a time.

Click here to see more fun drinks you can have this summer!

The post Boba and Its Influence on the West appeared first on GirlSpring.