Social Topics Archives - Lashaunta Shanese

What To Do In The First Days Of 2022

January 1, 2022

Happy New Year, everyone! It’s day 1 of 365, and we’ve already accomplished one of the biggest goals— we lived to see another year! Everyone expects the New Year to be completely different than the last. We want our lives to change for the better, but sometimes we don’t know how to get to that point. We start to stress ourselves out the first few days of the year. Let’s not do that— here’s what to do in the first days of 2022.

What to do in the first days of 2022

Don’t stress about New Year’s resolutions.

I get it. Every time the New Year comes around, we force ourselves to create one goal that we want to achieve in the year. Yes, New Year’s resolutions were made to challenge yourself, but they can be done in a fun, non-stressful way. It also doesn’t have to be something extremely challenging. Don’t create a goal that you genuinely don’t want to achieve. That’s how you end up putting yourself down. Also, New Year’s resolutions do not have to be completed within the first two or six months of the new year. Please don’t put a time limit on it. You have the entire year to meet this goal. It’s also not a crime to not have a resolution at all.

Relax your body and mind.

This is something I had to learn. You do not need to go into the New Year pushing yourself. Use this time to relax or write in your planner/journal in the first few days. Give yourself time to breathe before you go hard; you don’t want to burn yourself out before the year even settles in.

New Year, New Growth

Leave the past in the past.

Try not to think about negativity from the past year. Think of this year as a fresh start and allow yourself to bring in good energy. For you to grow this year, you must not let the past hold you back.

Speak highly of yourself and make it a habit.

In the first days of the new year, get used to speaking positivity into your life. This year is yours, and you’re going to achieve everything you have planned. Speak that into existence so you can get used to doing it every day of the year.

I’m excited for the New Year, and I know you all will achieve so many goals. Please don’t be hard on yourself. Move at your own pace, and everything will run smoothly. What to do in the first days of 2022? Relax and prepare for greatness! Happy New Year, everyone.

If you like this post, you’ll love 6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day
To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese, visit her website
Please read my latest article for Sheen Magazine

These 4 Things Can Prevent Your Growth

December 17, 2021

As the new year approaches, the last thing we need is growth prevention. So let’s get into how these 4 things can prevent your growth.

Growth can be stimulating— especially when you’re having a hard time figuring out what’s taking the process so long. For one, we can’t rush it. Growth is something that transpires when you permit yourself to change. It’s when your mind becomes more assorted and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Honestly, the process is dissimilar for everyone. For some of us, we can easily adapt to this new form of thinking which allows growth to overtake our lives. And for others, it’s not a walk in the park.

Either way, there are 4 things that can prevent your growth— whether you can easily adapt to changes or not. Let’s Talk!

These 4 Things Can Prevent Your Growth

Low Self-Esteem

If you’ve never experienced low self-esteem, you’re an icon—seriously. It’s when someone lacks confidence about themselves and what they can achieve. They often think of themselves as failures before they even begin. Low self-esteem is one of the main problems that prevents growth— because in their mind, they already loss.

Environment

Yes, your environment can prevent growth. Sometimes we get too attached to the areas we grew up around and become scared of the thought of leaving. It is possible to grow in the same environment, but not much. We need to experience new surroundings and people from different cultures. We need to experience the world. It’s much bigger than the neighborhood or city you’re used to.

Overly Procrastination

It’s no secret that everyone procrastinates. Even the most successful people talk about how there are times when they ‘put off’ doing something until the last minute. However, overly procrastination can prevent growth. What is overly procrastination? It’s when your motivation is erased by consistently waiting until the last minute to do something. You eventually choose to not finish the project— for example— at all. And we all know, if you don’t finish what you start, you’ll still be in the same position.

Negative Nancy’s (Naysayers)

The people you choose to be around can affect your growth. If you surround yourself with unsupportive people, that energy affects you mentally. You start to second guess yourself and your talent, which can create low self-esteem. If people are always negative around you, distance yourself. Nothing positive comes from that negative energy.

You know you have what it takes to take the world by storm. Grow and allow yourself to stay away from those 4 things. You got this.

If you like this post, you’ll love 6 Affirmations To Start Off Your Day

To learn more about Lashaunta Shanese visit my website.

Read my latest article for Sheen Magazine.

Avoid These Questions on Thanksgiving

November 14, 2021

We love being with family during Thanksgiving, but here are some questions to avoid.

It’s that time of the year again! It seems like yesterday we were celebrating the first day of 2021, and now we’re getting ready for our annual holiday feast. We gather with loved ones we haven’t seen all year, talk about the ‘good ole days,’ and eat our favorite dishes during Thanksgiving. But, for many of us, there is always that one question we loathe that family members always ask us every year.

It is customary to ask someone about their love lives, school, careers, and more as a family. However, it can be a little overwhelming.

Avoid these questions on Thanksgiving:

When are you going to have children?

This question is usually asked by older relatives who are curious about when a younger relative will start a family. Many of our more senior family members started their families in their early 20s. Some expect the newer generation to do the same, but not everyone wants children while they’re young. Some people don’t want children at all. It might seem like a simple curious question, but it can also put a lot of stress on an individual, especially if they’re the only person without a child or spouse in the family.

Why did you lose/gain so much weight?

PLEASE. Avoid making statements or asking questions about someone’s weight this holiday season. This year, as well as the last, have been life-changing for everyone in this world. With the loss of a loved one or the effect of quarantine, many of our bodies changed. Many people gain weight insecurities, and the last thing they need is for a relative to comment on their appearance.

What happened to your last boyfriend/girlfriend?

Some of us may see new faces this Thanksgiving. Try to avoid asking about past girlfriends/boyfriends in front of someone’s new spouse. If you’re curious, pull your relative over to the side and ask. Also, don’t try to make fun of their new spouse in front of the family for laughs and cool points. They’re already nervous about meeting you all. That’s not cool.

You still got that little business?

One thing that many small business owners hate is the lack of support from family members. Although, the family should never be your target audience. When asking about a business you don’t support, keep the ‘shade’ away. Small business owners already have to prove that their business is valuable to their target markets; they don’t want to hear subtle shade during the holidays.

What are some questions you hope to avoid?

If you liked this post, you’ll love Family Time: Weekly Journal

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The Strongest Way To End 2021

November 6, 2021

We’re ending 2021 on a mission—one that’ll have you starting 2022 with a bang!

We all start the year with New Year resolutions, and not even halfway through the year, they disappear. This is completely normal and you shouldn’t feel bad about not accomplishing this yearly goal.

If you felt like a failure this year,I’m here to tell you that you’re not. In fact, we are all still trying to get our lives back on track after one of the hardest years of our lives. I know, we all had plans for 2021 and those plans fell short. However, the year is not over yet. You still have a month and a half to accomplish something—small and big—because a win is major no matter what.

What’s the strongest way to end 2021? With a list of accomplishments, self love and confidence!

List of Accomplishments, Self-Love & Confidence

Go out there and accomplish something!— There are so many things you can accomplish before the year ends. Cook a new dish, start your blog, get your first sale, pass a test— literally anything! These can be added to your list. Then once the new year begins, you’ll feel confident about achieving bigger goals.

Oh, self-love. We can’t live this crazy life without you!— One of the strongest ways to end 2021 is with self love. The more you love yourself, the more you’ll realize how you can navigate through this crazy life on your own. You can gain more love for yourself by having alone time, self-care days, simply giving yourself time to rest. You can also compliment yourself and speak positive energy into your life.

C-O-N-F-I-D-E-N-C-E get into it!—Yes, we all have those days where we feel off. Our confidence is low and we feel drained. However, give yourself an energy booster! Remember everything you’ve accomplished in the past and give yourself a round of applause. Stand up straight, you got this!

The strongest way to end 2021 is to go out and accomplish something (it can be small, don’t stress it), love yourself more, and use that hidden confidence! Let’s take 2022 by STORM!

Read my confidence article on 21Ninety’s website.

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Protect Your Energy: Life 101

October 18, 2021

Let’s learn ways to protect your energy in this crazy world.

One of my favorite topics to write about is protecting your energy. I’ve witnessed some crazy things in my life, and so far, I can comprehend how imperative it is to put a protective barrier around your energy.

Let’s be honest.

As much as we wish the world were a better place, we have to admit that people often push out negative agendas. They always find something hateful to share or say, and they never see anything wrong with their actions. These are the type of individuals that we should plan on staying far away.

These people find joy in seeing others sad and hurt, so the best way to deal with it is to keep your distance.

But, what if we have to be around these people? Let’s get started! That’s when you use these three different ways to protect your energy.

3 Ways To Protect Your Energy

Try to avoid conflict

I know, I know. Sometimes conflict comes around and we have to defend ourselves. However, please try to avoid it as much as possible. It’s one of the quickest ways to take in bad energy. As I said, there are people who will purposely target you and try to bring you down. Most of the time walking away or agreeing to disagree works. Don’t let them win!

photo of a sign and eyeglasses on table — Photo by Binti Malu on Pexels.com

Choose positivity, always

Of course, this is better said than done. We all have bad days even when we try to think positive. It’s a part of life. However, as long as you’re choosing to think positive thoughts, you’re fighting against the negative energy in this world. Also, just because you have a bad day doesn’t mean you’re a negative person. Don’t worry, we all have those moments, even the most positive people in the world do.

woman doing cobra pose — Photo by Marcus Aurelius on Pexels.com

Clear your mind with meditation

When I feel overwhelmed by negative energy, I take a moment to breathe. I usually use the mone minute breathe concentration on my apple watch to help calm my nerves. This is a part of meditation, and there are many other ways you can clear your mind and body of toxic thoughts. Although I still have a lot to learn about meditation, this method works for me.

Now go out there and protect your peace!

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Stress Management and Anxiety: Life 101

October 10, 2021

Let’s find a way to deal with stress management and anxiety.

Stress management and anxiety go hand and hand. For one, the way we handle stress can determine if we’ll allow anxiety to control our minds and body. This is a subject I’m learning more about, but I wrote an article on 21ninety about breathing techniques that could help reduce anxiety.

First, you should never be ashamed for saying you have anxiety. It’s a feeling many people suffer from when life becomes overwhelming. We worry a lot about things that are out of our control, even if it’s small. Sometimes we become so worrisome that it feels like our chest is about to cave in.

This feeling can happen out of nowhere or it can become the result of poor stress management. There might be people that never understand how you feel, but you’re not alone.

You’re not an outcast for suffering from anxiety.

Stress Management

Dealing with stress management and anxiety isn’t a quick fix, but there are ways to start your journey. Breathing techniques are the easiest way to help relax your mind and body. They provide your nervous system with energy to calm down and clear your mind of any worrisome thoughts.

Read my article on 21Ninety about the three breathing techniques that could help reduce anxiety.

I wrote this article because I wanted to learn more about how to deal with anxiety. I’m fortunate enough to not have to deal with it as much because I use the one-minute breath concentration technique a lot, but it’s still stressful.

I hope this article helps those who let anxiety control their lives. Please always remember, you are doing the best you can. No matter where anyone else is, you’re where you are supposed to be. Your life is going to be everything you dreamed of.

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The Key To Having a Productive Day

September 24, 2021

It’s time we discussed the key to having a productive day.

Every day we wake up with the intention of having a better day than before. Because no one wants their days to be worse, that’s insane.

Of course, in the life we live, there are times where events will happen out of the blue that alters your day. However, it shouldn’t stop you from at least trying to map out what you’d like your day to be like.

As a grad student who’s also a journalist/creative marketer/digital content producer (I wear a lot of hats, I know), I need to create a plan for my days, or else I’d drive myself crazy.

In my opinion, the key to having a productive day starts with realistic planning and allowing yourself time to relax.

Let’s get to it.

The Key To a Productive Day

The Key To Having a Productive Day — Photo by Startup Stock Photos on Pexels.com

Realistic Planning

Let me start by saying planning helps a lot with trying to stay organized. If I didn’t plan what days to do my homework and the number of hours I’d spend on each class, I’d be stressed out. However, sometimes we plan things outrageously.

What do I mean by that?

You should plan realistically, meaning map out things you know you’d for sure have time to do. For example, today is my content day for this week.

I planned to write this blog post and create social media content. For me, this is realistic because I know for sure I could get it done without feeling tired. Outrageous planning would be me planning to write 10 blog posts, 5 social media content, and a youtube production.

Don’t get me wrong, there are people who can plan all of those things and get it done, but for me and all that I have to do, it’s not realistic. Planning this would’ve resulted in me thinking my day was unproductive because I couldn’t get it all done.

woman sleeping — Photo by Ivan Oboleninov on Pexels.com

Allowing Yourself Time To Relax

In order to have the energy to be productive, you have to allow yourself to relax. Yes, you read that correctly. If you go the entire day just working, more than likely you won’t finish all of the tasks you’ve planned. Give yourself a coffee/tea break in between projects, read a book or do something relaxing. I usually read a chapter of my favorite book or have a tea break.

What’s your key to a productive day?

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Interview with Trizzy, Part Two

August 18, 2021

Please read part one of my interview with Trizzy to get the full experience. Dating in Your Late 20’s: Dating 101

Dating is such a thrill! You truly never know what to expect. It’s like you’re putting yourself out there in hopes of connecting with your match made in heaven.

In part one of my interview with Trizzy, he explains how he wasn’t ‘ emotionally mature enough ‘ to appreciate the women he met in his younger twenties. He was solely focused on being the young guy who treated women as objects and played with their feelings.

Trizzy used being young as an excuse to act this way, and now that he’s in his late twenties, he regrets his actions.

Part two of this interview includes more insights. Enjoy!

The Interview: Part Two

If you could tell your teenage self one thing about dating, what would it be?

If I Could Tell my teenage self one thing about dating is don’t waste too much time chasing people who don’t appreciate you…

There really are “Plenty of Fish in the sea”…

You’ll Never See Everything Coming…

You’re Not Entitled To Closure…

Improve yourself All the Time…

Your standards might be irrational and Unrealistic…

Give People Space to like you...

Give people the confidence, to be honest with you…

Only be with people who are naturally supportive and considerate…

Try to admire people for what required courage and character, Not Genetics and Geography…

How old are you? What are your thoughts on marriage at this age?

I’m 28 going on 29 in December. My thought on marriage at this age is I’m open to it. It would completely change my life…

I think the blinding part of marriage is that a person feels pressured to stay with one person and work things out, even though it might be a real sign that they should leave.. it can be challenging something I won’t mind doing but I want to be finically stable, Mentally Stable and it has to be something I really want to do…

It gotta be the right person because you can get married but it can be with the wrong person you never know.

Dating in Your Late 20’s: Dating 101

August 11, 2021

Dating 101: Dating in your late 20’s featuring an interview with a guy who goes by the name of ‘Trizzy’.

I was focused on being the asshole guy…
-Trizzy

As we all know, dating and being in a relationship are two different things. When you date, you have the freedom of entertaining as many individuals as you like. The purpose of dating is to have fun and see who you’re most compatible with.

Dating in your late 20's — Image source: Giphy

For some reason, dating has been turned into a challenge, especially as you get older. Although I’m not in my late 20’s, I wanted to see what goes on in the minds of individuals when it comes to dating in their late 20’s. At first, finding this individual was kind of tough. There aren’t many people comfortable chatting about their dating lives.

Yet, there was one male who decided he wanted to get his thoughts on dating in his late 20’s out. This man goes by the name of Trizzy and he’s very vocal about women and what he expects from dating at his age.

The Interview: Part One

As a black male, how is your dating life?

As A Black Man, my dating life has been alright. Let me give you some background first. I have seen so many girls in the past that have been a great fit for me & were amazing people.

I was not emotionally mature enough to appreciate these things. One example would be my first year of college.

I was focused on being the asshole guy who always goes out & hooks up with different girls.

I learned my lesson by observing things. Now that I’m older and wiser I’m Ready for a mature adult relationship I’m emotionally focused & Ready

I appreciate it now.

What’s one issue you have with finding a significant other?

Honesty, Fear of Commitment, Trust, & Loyalty…

A lot of people nowadays tell lies when they can simply be honest. It’s not hard, be honest just tell the truth...

Labels can terrify some people but for others the uncertainty of where the relationship stands is also terrifying. Nowadays people don’t have trust or they don’t know how to trust because of what happened in their past relationship or something they saw.. You gotta have the patience to trust someone.

People are not loyal. They’ll leave when stuff gets tough… Loyalty is something I hold to the heart because I’m loyal to the cure I’m ten toes down, and I’m solid…I want someone to be loyal as well.

Stay tuned for part two of this interview!

If you like this post, you’ll love How to Figure Out If You Are An Overthinker

The Lonely Hour: Reasons Why You Need To Be Alone For A Few Hours Everyday.

January 7, 2021

Being lonely a few hours out of the day doesn’t sound too bad. To be honest, after dealing with the many different actions of humans for majority of the day, it sounds like a breathe of fresh air.

The word lonely has a bad reputation. Society made it the face of depression and basically if you’re ever lonely, you should hurry up and find someone to talk to.

However, this might sound crazy, but we need to be lonely for a few hours a day.

Perhaps I should say “alone” since many people can create the argument between the difference of the two.

Any who, here’s a few reasons why we need that alone time.

• We need time to ourselves.

• It allows us to sit and relax, maybe even use our Apple watches to “breathe”.

• It’s one of the few times out of the day that’s not stressful.

• If you don’t feel like talking, you don’t have to.

• It helps with becoming more in touch with yourself. You can notice more of who you are when you’re not distracted by life. Even if it’s for a few hours. We learn something new everyday.

• YOU CAN BE YOURSELF. You can eat how you want. Nothing has to be perfect when you’re alone. (Although you should always be yourself)

• You’re getting away from life, for a bit.

These reasons are more than enough to convince people why they should take time for themselves EVERY DAY. We deal with so much in life, it’s overwhelming.

Those small moments/ hours of calm can motivate you to keep going. Your mind & body needs rest every day.

Do you agree? Let me know!

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