Symphony No. 5 in E-Flat Major Op. 82 - Jean Sibelius & The Parting of Hero and Leander - J. M. W. Turner // Semiramide: Overture - Gioachino Rossini & Untitled - Dora Maar // 3 Gymnopédies: No. 1 in D Major: Lent et douloureux - Erik Satie & The Thinker - Auguste Rodin // Cello Suite No. 1 in G major, BWV 1007: 1. Prelude - Johann Sebastian Bach & The Creation of Adam - Michaelangelo
final little push. I’ll be doing some work on my essay until probably 23rd, but interspersed with watching christmas films and going on dog walks, so fairly lowkey. fortunately the essay is super interesting + I’m so happy that this course has opened up so many different schools of thought and ways of reading in just one term! also extremely pleased with this table in my bedroom, now that my desk is gathering dust in my house for a couple of weeks. when I hurried back a couple of days ago, I did make it a priority to bring my laptop stand in my suitcase (people often ask - it’s this guy, and I couldn’t recommend it more! https://www.ikea.com/gb/en/p/braeda-laptop-support-bamboo-veneer-30384822/)
hope everyone is safe, well + starting to wind down for the holidays. it’s been rough, and weird, recently and, really, all year, and the news is getting difficult to listen to again, but we’ve all pulled through and a bit of indulgence is certainly in order now!
ICYMI: Let Love Grow This February Free Wallpapers!
Happy Love Month everyone! May this be a time to make space for love to grow - whether it be in yourself, others, or the world around you.
Product details
File format: PNG
For personal use only
Colors may vary on different screens
Please note that this is a ‘pay what you want’ product, so you can choose to get it for free or leave a tip*! Tips help me fund the production of physical items like prints, stickers, tote bags, and roll up pencil cases that I hope to offer to you soon!
Also, I’d love to see it when you use these wallpapers for your devices! Please tag me on Instagram @arialligraphy or use #arialligraphy so that I can feature your post. Wishing you a lovely month ahead!
Good morning! Grateful that I woke up today feeling more rested than during the holidays.
I spent most of the weekend in mini-sessions for managing my headspace and healing. It has not been easy, but I do think the journey is worth it. :) Sharing with y’all this photo from one of my “clearing” art sessions. The work I do every day (studying, doing research, and designing) relies a lot on details, so I enjoyed doing the complete opposite and living in the calm brought by painting the sky and water. It feels great to release the heavy energy and let the light in! I hope I can keep these little rituals throughout the year and beyond.
✿ ICYMI: January 2021 calendar wallpapers are up on my Ko-fi shop!
I ended up reflecting on this question more than I expected and saw how far I’ve come with the work I do, so I turned this question into a full post/article! Thank you to the person who sent this a long time ago, and I’m sorry for responding so so late!
Quick background: my first work experience happened way before COVID, but I also started a new job two weeks before our country went into lockdown. I’ll be anchoring my responses from these experiences. Please note that things may be different for anyone!
On a work desk tour You can check out snippets of my desk setup on my Instagram Stories Highlights (filed under - work: upd, work: abs-cbn, and desk mini-tour)! My high school/uni study space is my dedicated work space now that I’m working from home (since March).
I’d love to do an official mini-tour as well because the way I currently use this space is way different from my school days, and it’d be nice to reflect on that! I’ll post more pics - or maybe make a vlog soon??
On first day jitters Small disclaimer: some of these tips might depend on your employer’s hiring and onboarding process, and you know *gestures vaguely* COVID, but these are things that helped me a lot in my first job as well as my interns before their first day!
First things first, breathe! Although it’s normal to be nervous about starting a new job and stepping into a new environment, you can mitigate some of the anxiety by preparing days (and even weeks) before.
Coordinate with your recruiter or HR. Aside from pre-employment preparations, ask them if they can give you a tour of the area and show you where the following places are: where to clock in and out, your work area, your immediate superior’s office, your teammates’ area, HR department, cafeteria, and the nearest lavatory from your office. These places are crucial to your survival on your first day. You can always familiarize yourself with the other surroundings as the days pass anyway.
Refresh your memory about the company/organization. Sure you might have done your research for the job interview, but that doesn’t mean you no longer need that info. Browse their website and revisit their mission statement, org chart (if available), and other important details.
Plan your outfit! The dress code is usually explicitly stated in the employee handbook/orientation (or you can ask HR about it). You can even get some outfit ideas from the people you come across in the building. It’ll help you adapt to the company culture and blend in.
Make sure you pack a notebook and pens. And water! Check with your recruiter/HR if you need to bring other documents or supplies too.
Optional: do a dry run of your commute to work. I usually do this early on (sometimes in the job interview and/or job offer stages) to make time adjustments.
If it’s your first day and you’re already working remotely, try to have a plain background when attending video calls! This puts the focus of others on you and what you say rather than what’s around you in the room.
Lastly, try to relax the way you normally do. It’s easier than done, but remember that you were chosen out of the many candidates for a reason. You got this!
On making friends Normally, someone else will make the first move to welcome you to the team. In any case, set a goal to talk to at least one person that day. This person can be your new teammate or someone who’s next to you/near your work area (okay now that I think about it, my first friends at work are always the receptionists and security guards rather than my teammates). You can make small talk (what do they do, how long have they been in the company, etc.) and even ask if you can get lunch together. Do keep in mind though that they may not be available to talk often or for a long time because of their own tasks.
People will naturally gravitate towards you the first few days. Take advantage of it and do be kind and respectful.
On showing up even if you’re tired The first 3-5 months will be challenging because this is a period of adjustment for you. You’re navigating social circles and figuring out norms all while getting acquainted with your work. It’s a lot! But this also a good time to reconnect and remember your personal whats and whys - what is it about this company that made me want to work here? what is my favorite part of my job so far? what do i wish to achieve with this job? This may help you build purpose and motivation as you go to work everyday. Also, if things get overwhelming, it’s alright to take a step back and breathe. You have the skills to do the job, but it doesn’t mean that you need to have it all figured out at once.
In the long run, set clear boundaries, use your leaves or PTO, and use up that one hour ✨ unpaid ✨ lunch break. This is for your mental health and peace of mind. You are giving 7 or 8 hours (or more) of every day to your job but this is not all there is to it. A lot of people are very passionate about what they do and strongly identify with their job, and that’s okay too! Just remember to cultivate your inner life - make time for your hobbies and things that are important to you, hang out with your friends (ideally not your work friends + do this responsibly please), and take care of yourself.
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Felt like the previous paragraph was a pep talk to myself so yeah! We’re all just figuring things out one day at a time. You’ll be okay. I hope anyone who comes across this still finds this post helpful especially since COVID has drastically changed the way work works! For new or follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to reach out via DM or my ask box!
It’s my first time to drop by in months and I’m so so sorry to everyone who sent me a message here but didn’t get a response!
I think I’m in a good headspace to answer some this week so you’ll see some posts from me pop on your dash! I’ll be choosing and answering questions related to art, organization, productivity, and work/studies! In case you want to add more questions, here’s the link to my ask box.
Took inspiration from my day and night hustle for this month’s wallpaper set. Aside from your usual desktop and mobile version, I added an option where you can replace your default folder icon with the window for a cleaner look! I’m thinking of doing a set like this every now and then, so let me know what you think!
Download link:Ko-fi (tips are very much appreciated!) / Google Drive
+ I’d love to see how you use these freebies in your day-to-day activities! Please tag me on Instagram @arialligraphy or use #arialligraphy / #thearialligraphyproject here on Tumblr so that I can feature your post!
1. Are you staying home from work/school? I’m staying home from work. My job is on-campus and I miss it dearly.
2. If you’re staying home, who’s there with you? My whole family.
3. Do you have pets to keep you company? Not anymore. My stray cat friend died last week.
4. Who do you miss the most? My friends and co-workers/teammates!
5. When was the last time you left your home? Around mid-March.
6. What was the last thing you bought? Milk tea-flavored ice cream!!
7. Is quarantine driving you insane or are you finally relaxed? Somewhere between? I’m grateful that the work I do is fun and meaningful, so it takes away A LOT of quarantine stress. But there are still times when I end up confronted by unresolved inner conflict and anxiety or I’m just plain exhausted. That’s when I really have to rely on my self-care practices in order to bounce back!
8. Are you a homebody? Yes but I won’t say no to an adventure or opportunity to go out and spend time with the people I love.
9. What movies have you watched recently? A lot of Ghibli films and Portrait of a Lady on Fire!!!
10. Any event that you were looking forward to that got cancelled? Travelling alone to some Southeast Asian countries and coming back to Thailand. Like an Eat, Pray, Love kind of thing!
11. What’s the worst thing that you’ve had to cancel? Same answer as #10!
12. What’s the best thing you’ve had to cancel? Hmm I can’t think of any! I set some really good plans for myself this year.
13. Do you have any new hobbies? Yes! Propagating plants!
14. What are you out of? Watercolor paper. I might start painting on the wall soon hahaha
15. What music are you listening to? Quite a lot! I’ve been vibin’ with different genres like jazz, bossa nova, alt-rock, and 70s/80s pop. For guilty pleasures, this is my playlist.
16. What shows are you watching? Mrs. America, Feel Good, Schitt’s Creek, and The Good Wife. Add me on TVTime!
17. What are you reading? The Labor Code of the Philippines and The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
18. What are you doing for self-care? Making art, reflecting, regulating my emotions, managing my internal dialogue, and exercising are some of the things I’m doing!
18. Are you exercising? Yes! It’s part of my morning routine.
19. How’s your toilet paper supply? We’re all good! I think people in my area started coming into their senses about this and are just buying the amount they need. Phew.
20. Have you made any changes to your hair during quarantine? I’m actually glad that I haven’t! I’ve been resisting the urge to cut or dye it.
Stay focused and organized with this month’s freebie bundle!
The printable’s minimal design will inspire you to move forward with your goals and keep your days on track. It also lets your creativity and individuality shine since you can add your own designs. Pair it with this artsy wallpaper, and you’re one step closer to making this month your own!
+ I’d love to see how you use these freebies in your day-to-day activities! Please tag me on Instagram @arialligraphy or use #arialligraphy / #thearialligraphyproject here on Tumblr so that I can feature your post!
6 a.m. wake up time + 10-minute meditation + breakfast // Ready for what today brings! (Hopefully, it brings like, three to five sentences because I am stuck with revising some parts of my thesis. Please, universe, please.)
“I’m okay.” At least that’s what I tell you and what I tell myself Because for as long as I can remember, there’s been this odd feeling deep, deep, deep inside of me that I can’t quite explain and it wouldn’t go away
Some days it consumes me downplays even the littlest of the good things that happened to me It’s as if I deserve this and I have no right to be happy I am easily irritated I push people away even if all I wanted was to call out their name and ask them to stay
But what frustrates me the most is that I no longer appreciate all of the things that made my worries dissipate I look at art; I used to make art because art is supposed to make you feel something But how is that even possible now when the void only keeps on growing and at the end of the day, you still feel like you’re missing something?
That’s why I say I’m “okay” Two letters or four, however you spell it It looks simple and easy It doesn’t ask any questions It doesn’t take much out of my depleting energy And that’s what I want right now — what I think I need
Some people see past my fictitious testimonies, my false confidence, false smile, false laugh So it looks like I’m not succeeding in the illusion that I keep conjuring They tell me to man up and to stop overthinking They tell me to snap out of it; there are bigger problems than my own Gee, Karen, I didn’t know it was that easy! I should have thought about that sooner Now, I think you’ve cured me!
I look around me and see how people can just simply be happy My friends are going to med school, they’ve defended their thesis, they sleep in on weekends, they have time to watch a movie It looks like things come to them so naturally Then only one thing invades my thoughts in the wee hours of the morning: why can’t that be me?
Deep down I know that those things can be misleading; that these people also have things that they’re keeping We might have the same struggles, there’s just a little difference in the details It’s just that these bad brain days make me feel like I’m beyond repair, and this distorted way of thinking is here to stay and keep me in despair
I tried everything there is: books that help you rediscover your purpose, catch up with my good ol’ friends, chant while in the sitting position called “lotus”, and redirect my focus to school things instead I’ll admit that it somewhat helped and suddenly, things are no longer as intense So here I am, thinking, “Did I…just make that up in my head?”
So one day, I find myself singing again ABBA, Beyoncé, Kanye, you name it I’ve set my mind on grad school I’m working on defending my thesis You wouldn’t even believe that I got eight hours of sleep last weekend I also just watched a whole season of good TV I didn’t even know that the agents of SHIELD had been battling the Kree Gosh, I don’t want this feeling to end
But that good, happy place doesn’t last and the emptiness creeps in way too fast I thought I’ve had a good grip on this new reality How did I let it get taken out of my hands? Here we go again It’s barely been a minute since I actually felt sane Here we go again with this random period of crippling paranoia “Can we please chill for a minute, dear brain?”
No. And it was there when I came to understand why people jumped in front of moving trains, why they threw themselves off buildings, why some chose to drink the night away — a quick fix Acting as quickly as the void that swallowed them whole; as quickly as their desire to put it all to an end
They say that the truth will set you free; they say it’ll bring about inner peace, help you go to bed and finally get a good night’s sleep but there are always two sides of the same coin and we rarely talk about the other story, the one where the truth can be filled with pain and agony the one that makes us feel that we’re locked up in a box and then suffocated by a bag full of life’s atrocities
I wish more people would see this truth that I’m still me and you’re still you that we are not the demons inside our minds that every day is a fight to no longer be slaves of the pain we feel inside I long for the day where I could be honest look you in the eye, take a deep breath, and say, “The truth is, I am not okay.”
I wrote this spoken word poetry piece in the quiet of the morning in my favorite café. All 827 words in under 20 minutes. There were no tears shed in the process of writing and practicing until today, where I broke down mid-performance in front of my literature professor and 16 of my classmates. I guess it was only then and there where I really felt every word I uttered. I was so focused on extracting those feelings and putting them into words, I neglected to understand what they meant. So here I am, back in the café, coming to a realization that there’s still so much pain left inside of me, even if for the past few days I feel like I’m finally getting back on my feet. It’ll probably take a little bit more effort (and maybe even that spiritual retreat next week) to achieve some sort of inner peace, but I’m glad I made this progress of acknowledging my truth today.
If you ever find yourself resonating with this piece, I wish I could surround you with fluffy clouds, cute lil’ bunnies, and all the good things. If you need a friend, my inbox is open 24/7.
A little throwback to one of my planner spreads from November 2017. This was taken during finals season, but my to-do list for this week already looks a lot like this hahaha How’s everyone’s week going?
Hello, lovelies! I’ve gotten a couple of asks about studying so I decided to condense them into one post for you guys! I’m trying to hit a bunch of different topics so if you need an even more specific post you can send an ask! Without any further ado, have some tips! My studyblr is @spacey-scholar
Prep
First, you always need a good base for your day! Especially if you’re studying a lot.
Make a good full breakfast! Ex. Eggs and Toast, Smoothie and fruit, Pancakes and a cup of juice.
How’s your hygiene? Do you need to shower, brush your teeth, wash your face, condition your hair? Do it! You’ll be distracted if you feel messy!
Get dressed like it’s a normal day. Staying in PJ’s is okay! But being ready for the day seriously helps focus!
Likewise, your space should be clean. A clean space is a clean mind! Remove dishes, trash, scrap paper, and extra items. Wide down your desk, organize your pens and books. Your space should feel like your space!
Now make a list of what you need to get done! What needs to be done Now, what needs to be done Soon, and what needs to be done Later?
Order your list how you want your day to go, and don’t put super-tough subjects back to back, or subjects that are similar exercises i.e. reading thirty pages of two different books back to back is no fun.
The Studying
It’s important to buckle down with No Distractions! If you find yourself distracted put your phone away! If you need your phone, put it on Do Not Disturb until you’re done. I also do this at night for better sleep.
Pick the best technique for you, Pomodoro, reward-based, group studying, etc.
Play music but only if it will not distract you! If you sing along or daydream it’s the wrong music! Classical, Lo-fi, and White noise are all good! My Spotify Here has some good ones.
Use a nice journal (I don’t mean expensive!) and pens/pencils you enjoy using. I like to have a specific journal and color dedicated to each subject.
Take notes on recorded lectures and classes, if you’re doing online classes right now try to screen record or record the audio! That way if you space out you can play it later and take notes, and you can absorb the lesson better instead of being distracted.
Don’t worry about your notes, stationary, pictures, being beautiful and your grades being perfect. Life doesn’t always look the way it does on Instagram. And the people who spend hours trying to get a good photo of their coffee are not studying!
Use flashcards! Quizlet is good if you need premade ones! If you can save up and buy them, Barrons AP Flash Cards are the best in my opinion. Very clean, not too long, very durable, and cover all subjects.
Feeling Distracted
If you catch yourself drifting off and getting into your head, get up and take a quick walk, stretch, or energizer.
It’s okay if this happens, don’t guilt yourself! practice affirmation. The best and smartest still get distracted.
If you are drifting, why? Are you hungry? Tired? Thirsty? Bored? Get a snack and some water, take a break and rest, find a way to make your studying more enjoyable.
Remember that Motivation and Discipline are different things. Sometimes we just won’t be motivated, we won’t want to do it and it will be rather frustrating. But the cure to this is not shaming its discipline. Remind yourself “This may be hard, and I may not want to do this, but I want to reach my goals and If this is what It takes I will make it happen.
Always do just one more page of you’re tired. One at a time and oh you did it! Maybe just one more? One more? Eh, one more just to finish the train of thought, Oh just- I’m done? Nice!
If you really can’t focus just move on and come back to this subject, you can always ask for help.
Supplementary Things
There are so many apps you can use to study, for free! My favorites are Tide, Quizlet, Focus Keeper, Forest, Flora, Egenda, SpanishDict, Photomath, and Kahn Academy.
You can also join a study group! You may know one, but if you don’t, there are a lot of online ones! I’m in a study Discord and have been for a while! it helps a lot and motivates me to finish my work!
You can make a studyblr, but don’t do it just for the aesthetics! It’s about studying, and sometimes that gets messy! Sometimes we fail a test, we spill our tea on our notes, we cry because we don’t understand the formula. That’s the part you don’t see!
Having cute stationery can really help, as well as nice organizers and decorations for your space! I don’t have much money so I get a lot of stuff on Amazon or FB Marketplace.
Health
Remember that no matter what you are good enough. It’s okay if you fail, it’s okay if you struggle.
It’s also okay if your path doesn’t go the way you expected! Maybe you go to a different school than expected! Or choose a trade instead! Maybe you take a gap year! Maybe your passion changes! Maybe it changes six times!
Your health is always more important than your school. If you are in pain, mentally or physically, if you are anxious, exhausted, burnt out, talk to your teachers about it! You matter more than a grade.
Your best is good enough! And your best doesn’t look the same as someone else’s best! Don’t compare!
