Nana, losing yourself & letting go.

Releasing✨ + prideeee 🌈

I just started watching the anime series Nana, and so far…I love it! The girly drama, the fashions, the hairstyles, and the tough topics it covers are right up my alley.

In case you’re unfamiliar, Nana tells the story of two young women with the same name crossing paths and growing closer as friends while going through major life changes. Hachi, the “girlier” of the two Nana’s caught my interest immediately. Not only because of her cute, feminine style…

…but because she worked my nerves to no end. Not in a bad way, though.

Hachi loves the idea of love, and she loses herself in a one-sided relationship with an older man who couldn’t care less about her. Really, he’s married and taking advantage of her, then coldly dumps her once his job transfers him to another city.

When it comes time to graduate high school and head to university, Hachi doesn’t really have a mind of her own. She’s wrapped up in the end of her past relationship and makes overcoming the break-up and rejecting her boy-crazy nature her entire personality. Once her best friend makes the decision to move to Tokyo to further her own academic pursuits, Hachi’s ready to mindlessly follow her without thinking of what she wants for herself.

As I watched Hachi lose herself in her relationships (friendships included) I cringed a bit…but I could also relate. I too, have done silly things in the name of love. I’ve had moments in the past where I ended up places I didn’t want to be just to feel accepted, even for a moment. I’ve also pursued things that weren’t my passion because, well, everyone else around me was doing it. There’s safety in conformity, it’s true. But it’s also hollow and never feels good in the end. Life feels so much more fulfilling once you define how you want to live for yourself and stick to it.

In order to find yourself, try cutting off people who drain you (like Hachi’s boyfriend). Try embracing hobbies that bring you joy. Define who you want to be, and start making decisions that make that version of yourself smile.

I’m hoping as the series progresses that Hachi learns more about who she is, and makes decisions based on her own defined sense of self. Until then, I’ll keep watching!

Releasing & Accepting.

I love a clean slate, don’t you? Even if nothing has really changed physically, I like to think I can always wipe my mind clear and start fresh mentally. I just feel like it’s time for a deep breath and a releasing exhale. So, here are things I’m letting go, and other things I’m accepting.

• I’m rejecting my inner Hachi and releasing myself from any wants that aren’t truly mine. Instead, I’m accepting the new blessings that have been coming my way! I’m happy with the person I’m becoming, and I’m attracting more and more people who are like me…it’s incredible!

• I’m releasing myself from the fear of judgment, and accepting that I am fine just as I am.

• I’m releasing myself from any past hurt and placing it all in God’s hands. It’s not up to you to wonder what you did to deserve mistreatment. It’s not your fault. Trust that the people who hurt you will get the energy they put out ten times over, in this life and the next.

• I’m releasing myself from any desire to be “liked”, and leaning into a desire to be fair. I’m accepting that that means I will sometimes feel uncomfortable, and that’s okay.

• I’m releasing myself from others’ perception or expectations of me. As Gavin DeGraw says, “I don’t wanna be anything other than what I’ve been tryna be lately”. I’m going where my inner compass takes me, regardless of where other’s think I should be headed.

• I’m releasing myself from the (self-imposed) pressure to produce, and accepting that it’s okay to take your time and pace yourself in the chaos of life.

What are you releasing and accepting?

It’s Prideeee 🌈

Happy Pride to all my fellow not-straights. Pick up the Monster High Pride Issue before the month ends!

I didn’t write this issue, but a team of talented writers and artists crafted the cutest double issue for the ghouls. I love it! And I’m team IDW/Monster High all the way!

If you grab it, let me know! That’s all for nowwwww.

♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Listen to my girly podcast!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Read my nerdy self-help book!: The Magical Girl’s Guide to Life

Follow me on Instagram!: @Jacqueaye