Locking in for my Winter Arc

Hey guys, so I have always been someone who is very focused on my “glow up” since I can remember basically. it’s bad but always comparing myself to see how i can improve my overall look and style especially within the alt community what i can borrow from others to try on myself whether its a makeup/hairstyle, photo ideas, outfit aspects i like, room inspo, etc.

I think i’m finally getting to the point I am going to be pretty happy with myself overall. after-all, i look how 11 year old me imagined i’d look when i first discovered alternative communities/fashion and specifically the scene/emo subculture.

I am now gearing myself more towards habit building, and new hobbies that make me feel like I am being productive (so not doomscrolling). This includes a simple, consistent skincare routine, and trying to be off my electronics more like I got a cruiser bike and I’ve been trying to walk my dogs more! Being able to creatively express yourself is really important and I’ve been seeing more about how humans have symptoms of zoochosis basically bc we’re being forced to work constantly and phones/electronics keep us from creativity and interacting with nature.

My dad died unexpectedly in March and I’ve been up and down severely depressed, suicidal, and feeling hopelessness. This is in combination with my cat who was my soul-animal dying unexpectedly in June 2024, a week before his 9th birthday. I think it was a heart attack or kidney failure… I was out of state at the time and my mum didn’t do a necropsy :-( 

I’ve turned focus on trying to diminish the depression through this “winter arc” I believe in working on it in a “prettier, richer, smarter” mindset. So prettier would include things like hair, makeup, skincare, health, fitness. I’m taking medication again, doing skincare as mentioned above, trying to turn habits towards healthier eating, drinking more water, and getting more exercise to get the physique i want instead just starving myself… Richer = budgeting/investments (what I’ll be doing), but can also include working a few more hours a week or trying to get a side hustle (art commissions, diy), and smarter would be focusing on my school (college), and I’m committing to learning a new language (Japanese!) I’m actually going to finish my 2 year degree this upcoming summer and planning a trip for myself to kind of celebrate… the goal is to learn Japanese efficiently enough so after completing my Bachelor’s (4 year) degree I can take a trip to Japan!! :-))

Even if you only make progress to be +1% prettier, richer, or smarter, it’s still progress!!!!!

Are you planning anything for your winter arc lock-in? or since it’s almost December have you thought of your New Years resolutions yet? This is one of the things I get kind of excited talking about