As promised, this is page 2 of my notebook.

For a more relevant introduction and practical guidance, find the first part of this post here! Or, just keep reading this and then go back. Whatever. How smart is this design, you can actually switch between the two posts without a care.

9- Do what you love- what makes you feel alive. This is true gratitude.

Do what you love, everyday. Stamp-collecting, sport, drawing stick figures, Sudoku- what have you. It will help you remember who you are and why you are here. There cannot be a fitting substitute for what you love to do because when you disregard this aspect of yourself, you set yourself up to be unfulfilled. Over time, you forget who you are, what you love and what you are capable of. This sense of misalignment and disappointment, though seemingly random, stems from the simple act of not being attentive to your happiness. So do happy, make happy.

10- Seek and you shall receive. In short, all you have to do is ask.

Many of us shy away from asking people for help. Perhaps it's deep distrust, unresolved ego issues or just toxic shyness. In fact, when you open yourself up to receive, the world opens up to you. You start a dialogue, a collaboration and put yourself out there to become more than who you are. While giving is a deeply satisfying act, the art of receiving must not be taken lightly, for it is always a two way street. By receiving, someone gets a chance to give and feel satisfied and wanted. Here is a video that deepened my understanding of this topic.

11- Grow a thick skin and give no fucks.

(PAUSE: I understand a lot of points in both lists tie back into interactions with toxic people and how to preserve yourselves in such situations- quite clearly it was a struggle for me. So when you make your list, notice the pattern. Know what needs more work!)

You get one life to be the awesome person that you are. People around can direct their crap at you. You either get back at them or ignore them. But you don't hang around them or dwell on what they say or do. Remind yourself always, everyone is accountable. By default, you decide when to walk away, without citing reasons. You do not owe anyone a second longer of yourself than you find necessary.

12- Never aim to be the "nice" person.

Nice people don't get anything done. They do not get their life in order nor do people like being around them, unless a doormat is needed. 'Nice' is a poor word used by people who need slaves, to find one. A 'nice' person is one with low self esteem and confidence. It is that person who needs to please and get validated cause they have no clue who they are. You know a good alternative that actually makes someone worth something? Being empathetic. Standing up for yourself and for others in when it scares you, because you don't avoid conflict when it matters most. Being your best self, against all odds, without external validation. Putting yourself first, without trampling on others. Darn, it ain't easy but it's worth it.

13- Don't hesitate treating people the same way they treat you. Just don't make a habit of it.

Self care and confidence are not mastered overnight, but are a cumulative effect of your daily habits and thoughts. You teach people how you wish to be treated. You push yourself to get things done when you really could just binge-sleep. You don't take crap from anyone and swallow it. It's always a good time to fight fire with fire. No, you don't break their bones. You just speak your mind, clearly and school them to not mess with people.

14- Running from conflict is futile.

In most cases, the people who lead us to our ruin are loved ones. Because they are meant to understand us, guide us and nurture us, speaking against them or even simply speaking your mind gets that much harder. This is especially true of family and close friends. There may be a clash of ideals or bitter fights or moments of conflict when you may think a shitty compromise can equate to mental peace eventually- at least you will not be alone. WRONG. At these times, don't believe everything you think. Face the conflict head-on, both internal and external. Don't tolerate a situation where you are the scapegoat. It's not pleasant but in the long run, at least everyone will know, and hopefully, love you for your courage and honesty.

15- Be yourself, unapologetically.

Love yourself. This line is overused in ad campaigns desperate to get your money. Loving yourself is not dunking in a bath of rose petals or eating your feelings from a box of ice-cream. Self love is ugly and dynamic most of the time. It involves owning the parts of yourself that you do not approve of, with grace. Without your ownership, you cannot be whole. When you're not whole, you are disconnected from yourself. Being disconnected makes it impossible to be yourself. You begin to exude a vibe of shame and low self esteem. And you don't deserve to do that to yourself.

16- Speak your mind even when you are most afraid.

We're taught humility, politeness and acceptance- all in the wrong context. We're made to feel shameful as kids for talking back, even though the adults may be wrong. We're punished for not following the dress code at college, even though that should not be a focal point. We are taught to accept what is morally vile because 'that's how it has always been done'. Whenever we are disciplined, we're isolated from the rest. Once we comply, we get a reward for obedience. This system works well to make us decent citizens but not a chunk of the time, it just reinforces bigotry. Don't stay silent because you're afraid to be sidelined, or whatever. Especially when it's something that has to be addressed.

17- Take charge, even when you have no clue.

If there is something you'd love to try out but have no idea how to, jump in. Most often I see people hesitate because it's new or because they will be judged or because they may not be good at it. This 'analysis paralysis' helps nobody get anywhere. Be out there, without a care! Speak up, do something that scares you. That is liberation.

18- Don't be too serious. It's boring.

I did save the best for the last. Being dead serious doesn't make you better at something or more committed as a person. Bickering and stressing over events that you can laugh off and learn from instead, are never signs of a bright and positive individual. You will die, in a week or in a hundred years. So will I. Where's the time to bully yourself? If there's anything that you must take away from this post it's the conscious decision to spread good vibes and treat others the way you'd want to be treated- with love, positive energy and honesty.

There goes my first ever 2 part post! Nobody likes a preachy peach so I have condensed a whole deal of analysis the best I can. Have you a personal mantra that pulls you through the day?

Please do add it in the comments below!