How to Not MINDFUCK YOURSELF

One of the best pieces of advice I was ever given was this: “Stop standing in your way.” And the thing standing in the way of us and our dreams? FEAR. Fear that we won’t succeed, fear that things won’t work out, and fear that we simply aren’t good enough. It is so easy to allow these fears to have control over us. And when we do, fear limits us by keeping us locked in our comfort zones, driving us to self-sabotage, and keeping us stuck.

But as author Zig Ziglar put it, perhaps FEAR has two meanings, one that confines us and one that empowers us:

Meaning 1: Forget Everything and Run

Meaning 2: Face Everything and Rise

Imagine the potential we would unlock if we began to use fear to help us rise to opportunity rather than run from it. Here are a few tips to help do this:

1. Question Your Thoughts

When the voice of doubt, uncertainty, and fear comes into your mind, take a moment to question its authority. Remember that you are not your thoughts; you are simply the observer of them. This means that you have the power to choose whether to trust and act on these thoughts or choose to ignore, replace, and overcome them. When fear tells you, “Don’t do it, you’ll never succeed,” take a deep breath, pause, and replace that thought with one that empowers you. Perhaps you could repeat a positive mantra such as “I am capable of anything I set my mind to.”

2. Be Ok with Discomfort

When fear tells you to “forget everything and run” and you choose to instead “face everything and rise,” you make that wonderful and liberating choice to step outside of your comfort zone. What inevitably accompanies this decision (to varying degrees) is a feeling of discomfort. Remember that your subconscious finds comfort in the familiar, even if that familiar is not something that serves you. So when you decide to rise (step outside of your comfort zone), your subconscious says to you, “What’s going on here? This doesn’t feel right. This isn’t what you normally do.” This creates a feeling of discomfort. At this point, you have another choice to make—do you allow the discomfort to push you to self-sabotage and fall back into old patterns, or do you sit with that discomfort, be OK with it, and keep going for the greater good?

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3. Heal the Source

Fear is almost always driven by a culmination of your insecurities, past experiences, and old pain. When you become aware of your fear, you can allow it to guide you to unhealed wounds that need some love, care, and attention so that you can break the fear cycle.

4. Find Your Reason

When fear rears its ugly head, you need a good enough reason to fight it off and move forward. You need to be clear on WHY you should choose not to Forget Everything and Run, but instead Face Everything and Rise. Ask yourself, “What change do I want in my life and why do I want it?” Allow your desire and passion for personal growth to drive you, undeterred by the doubt in your mind.

5. Get Ready

When you start to live a life that is not governed by fear but is fueled by it, your life will transform in every way. So get ready to let go of the past and embrace the endless possibilities ahead of you.

Essentially, what I’m trying to say is this: fears will come into your mind, but see them for what they are—unwelcome visitors. Don’t allow them to control your behavior or dictate what you do or don’t do. Don’t allow them to rule over you and your future. Do not allow yourself to be mindfucked by your fear. Remember that you always have a choice. So choose to take charge, rise above your fears and doubts, step out of your comfort zone, unlock your fullest potential, and manifest the life of your f*cking dreams!

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Roxie Nafousi is a self-development coach, manifesting expert, yoga teacher, and host of the podcast “The Moments That Made Me.” Head to her website to book a spot in her next self-development webinar, schedule a one-on-one advice session, or download one of her meditations or affirmation playlists designed to help you on your manifestation journeys. Follow her on Instagram.

The content provided in this article is provided for information purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice and consultation, including professional medical advice and consultation; it is provided with the understanding that BeautyLeeBar, LLC (“Hello Beauties”) is not engaged in the provision or rendering of medical advice or services. The opinions and content included in the article are the views of the author only, and BeautyLeeBar does not endorse or recommend any such content or information, or any product or service mentioned in the article. You understand and agree that BeautyLeeBar shall not be liable for any claim, loss, or damage arising out of the use of, or reliance upon any content or information in the article or any other article that is provided on here, BeautyLeeBar.com.

How to Get Rid of ACNE SCARS

Acne scars rarely occur unless we’ve, ehem, picked at them. Sometimes it’s unavoidable, sometimes it’s avoidable but we can’t help ourselves, and sometimes, a pimple never fully comes to fruition, though the ghost of what could’ve been insisting on lingering. Those bastards! That’s because sometimes the clogged pore beneath the breakout we didn’t touch expands to the point that the follicle wall breaks.

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What we’re left with is discoloration, uneven skin, dark or red spots, and sometimes even uneven, slightly pockmarked skin. Now, a new mission is revealed—treat those scars, fast. Here are a few tricks.

Micro-needling

THE THINGS WE DO Ritual Set

This treatment can be done by a professional with a specific machine, or at home with a roller or our favorite, this stamp set. The tiny needles make micro-injuries to the skin, causing only minor, reparable damage that results in accelerated healing and increased collagen production. When skin is healing, new cells are being pushed to the top, evening out the skin tone and texture to rid even deep scarring over time.

AHAs

GOLDE Papaya Bright

Alpha hydroxy acids are exfoliating compounds in many skincare products and naturally found in fruit acids, which is why we love this papaya enzyme mask for gentle, regular exfoliation. While we don’t want to irritate the skin by over-exfoliation, fruit acids are safe for one to two times weekly. You can also use fruit puree or even yogurt from natural lactic acid (another AHA) for an easy at-home remedy, though a little messier.

Rosemary 

LIVING LIBATIONS Rosemary Reset Powder

We don’t commonly think of this herb for skincare uses, but we definitely should. This tasty aromatic increases circulation when consumed, but also when applied topically, which brings nutrient-dense blood to the point of application, speeding healing. It’s also anti-inflammatory and reduces redness. We love this powder used as a spot treatment on our scars whilst we WFH, mixed with a little healing oil of choice, like tamanu, or DewDab for good measure.

LED Light

DMH AESTHETICS LED Light Shield Mask

Light therapy is exploding right now, and for good reason. These light-emitting electrodes heat things up at different therapeutic wavelengths to boost circulation, speed healing, and combat the signs of aging. The DMH Aesthetics mask comes with three settings: red, blue, and amber. While blue prevents acne in the first place, red and amber will be best for stimulating new collagen and cell turnover, revealing fresh, even skin with regular use.

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Manuka Honey

MANUKAGUARD Honey Dew Manuka Honey

Not only is this sweet treat powerfully antimicrobial to prevent breakouts to begin with, but it’s got soothing, anti-inflammatory properties to boot. Apply a light layer as a mask as often as you like, or go for a spot treatment a few times a week.

Aloe Vera

HOLIKA HOLIKA Aloe 99% Soothing Gel

You have some DIY options here. Buy a convenient bottle of the concentrated stuff, or whack off a leaf at the source, slicing off the spikes on the side and fileting out the goo to apply directly onto the face. Aloe is super hydrating, repairing, and soothing, reducing the appearance of scars by nourishing the area. You can even apply a little slab of the clear aloe plant innards onto a scar like a Band-aid spot treatment while working from home to let it work its magic for as long as possible. Don’t overdo it though—aloe, like most other fruits and veggies, has some natural acids in it, making it mildly exfoliating. Overuse can actually cause dryness and irritation, so no need to do this twice a day, every day.

Self-Care Essentials to Treat Yourself to This Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is all about love — be it with others or yourself. Whether you have big plans for the date or not, we suggest taking time for self-care. For us, that means relaxing with a face mask, giving ourselves an at-home manior indulging in salon-like hair treatment. To give you some ideas on how to have an epic self-care moment with beauty products, keep reading for our top picks. 

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Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask

This is like a grown-up version of the DIY face masks we used to concoct during sleepovers when we were kids. It contains avocado fruit extract and oil, plus primrose oil to replenish and seal in moisture. The 15-minute treatment leaves skin feeling supple and soft. It’s perfect as a pre-makeup treatment or to unwind with at the end of the day.

Essie Gel Couture

Take your at-home mani game to the next level with Gel Couture. The polishes have the longevity (the formulas last up to 14 days without chipping), pigmentation and shine of a gel manicure, but can be applied in the comfort of your own home without UV lamps. For Valentine’s Day, we’ll be reaching for Rock the Runway, a striking, scarlet red. 

Garnier Fructis Plumping Treat 3-in-1 Hair Mask

Transform dry, damaged and flat hair with this nourishing mask that’s formulated to plump and nourish strands with 97% natural ingredients like watermelon extract. Leave it on for one minute before rinsing for a quick masking sesh or apply it on damp hair as a leave-in volumizing treatment.

Hey Dewy Portable Facial Humidifier

Help turn your space into a spa-like environment with this cute portable humidifier. Using a humidifier can help prevent and minimize skin and hair dehydration and help you achieve a post-facial-like glow. 

Sara Happ The Lip Scrub

For smooth, kissable lips, a lip scrub is a must. This sweet sugar scrub helps eliminate flakes and dryness. Just massage it onto lips, gently wipe the product off and seal the deal with a nourishing balm or lippie

I’m Treating Myself To The Ultimate Valentine’s Day Date Night

I used to be one of those people who would wince at the thought of being single for Valentine’s Day. However, after years of doing exactly that, I now see Feb. 14 as an opportunity to shower myself with love, as opposed to wallowing in disappointment that I’m not getting it from someone else. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be wined and dined for the holiday and doing what lovers do. But, unless a significant other drop magically out of the sky, I’ll be sailing through this Valentine’s Day alone. And I’m not bummed about it.

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Considering the year we’ve all had, I’ve made the conscious decision to be my romantic partner this year. I’ve scheduled a spa day for myself, complete with a fresh Pedi, my favorite facial, and deep tissue massage. I’m taking myself to one of my favorite restaurants (socially distanced and outdoors, of course), have booked myself a hotel room for the night, and have arranged a masterfully curated self-care kit that I’ll be indulging in throughout the evening.

Now, to some that may seem extra, but to me, there’s no such thing as extra when it comes to self-love. And, to be frank, I deserve it. That’s why I spent quite a bit of time nailing down the details of my Valentine’s Day self-care kit this year. It includes carefully selected products that I can indulge in for my hotel stay and beyond. Each item is practical yet luxurious and reminds me that, with or without a companion, I deserve all the love and all the gifts. Check out what made the cut, ahead.

Buttah Skin Charcoal Detox Mask, $24

There will never come a day when I’m not completely obsessed with a great detoxifying mask. This one, with charcoal, argan oil, and shea butter is one of my favorites. At the beginning of the evening, I’ll let this sit on my skin for 10 minutes and enjoy a glowing complexion for the rest of the night.

Forvr Mood Sweet Spot Candle, $35

Is it really a romantic night in without a candle burning? My pick this year is an aromatic blend of orange, jasmine, and musk, that’s equal parts sweet and masculine.

Before BedHeadz Stardust Pretty in Pink, $29.99

Usually, when it comes to the silk scarves that protect my hair at night, I don’t get too picky with my choices. However, this isn’t any ordinary night. I’ll be protecting these edges with this decadent, 100%-silk scarf. 2021 is all about Living, Loving, and Flourishing!

Margot Elena This Moment Bubble Bath, $56

This year, I’ve resolved to bask more in the moment and appreciate the little things. This bubble bath is a reminder of that promise to myself. With the tranquil aroma of lily and sun blossoms, my hour-long bath session is guaranteed to leave me feeling relaxed and appreciative.

McBride Sisters Be Mine Pair, $59

One of my most recent obsessions has been the McBride Sisters wine. The Black-owned, sister-led company out of Monterey, California, makes some of the most incredible wine I’ve ever tasted. Luckily, they’ve put two of my favorite offerings, the rosé and merlot, together in a box set that I’ll surely be indulging in this year.

Savage Fenty Puff Daisy Xtra VIP Box, $59.95

Savage Fenty Savage Not Sorry Lace Bodysuit, NEW VIP OFFER – 50% Off $29.98

I firmly believe that lingerie isn’t about another person. It should be about making the wearer feel sexy.

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Valentine might be different this year because of Covid-19, but that doesn’t mean we have to stop loving ourselves and doing things that make us feel sexy. All because we are quarantine ( well we all should be – THAT MEANS YOU TOO CELEBRITIES) doesn’t mean enjoying our life has to stop. It just means to get more creative and smart with it.

How are you spending your Valentine’s Day?