Category: lifestyle

Wealth Mindset: 3 Tips for Self-Care (Video)

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Sometimes we need to slow down and recharge. Because if we want a wealth mindset and life of abundance, self-care is key. And we don’t need expensive activities to do it—which is a good thing for our wallets! 

Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Lately, I’ve been juggling various projects and deadlines, including reporting and writing, editing, social media management (including hosting live events and co-moderating rooms on Clubhouse), and more. And this work encouraged me to think about self-care and its importance. I was tired for a minute there, ya’ll. And it’s harder to meet our goals when we’re not operating at full strength.

But taking time for self-care—whether it’s going for a walk, praying, watching a favorite TV show, or something else—helps us to recharge and be better prepared for the road ahead.

Note: The activity examples I shared above are free. We don’t have to spend money for self-care, though if that’s your thing (say, if you like manicures or fine food), and you’ve met your other financial goals, that’s an option, too.

To this point, I recently posted a video on my YouTube channel to share three timely tips for self-care that I’ve learned through my wellness reporting, research, and personal experiences. Because if we’re feeling overwhelmed, we don’t need to push ourselves beyond our limits. We don’t have to finish everything right now. And it’s okay—and even good—to slow down. Or make time for another activity that brings us joy.

For more tips, including a major thing to know to find a self-care practice that works for you (go to the 1:51 time stamp!), plus how to fit this time into our busy lives, please watch the YouTube video.

And feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for tips on creating wealth and establishing a wealth mindset—and a mindset of contentment.

Also feel free to follow me on Instagram, where I discuss this topic in a follow-up post.

During these sometimes tiring times, self-care really can support our journeys into wealth and abundance. So I’ll conclude this post with a question: Will you join me in taking time for yourself this week? I’m confident we can do it—even for just a few minutes. 💫

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26 Social Distance-Friendly Date Ideas—for V-Day and Beyond

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Even during the best of times, dating can be hard. And finding things to do that are fun and unique—whether you’re just starting to see someone or already in a relationship—takes a little effort.

But this year, the fact that we’re social distancing amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that we don’t have access to many of our usual activities, has added a whole new layer to planning. 

Still, if you’re dating or in a relationship, and date night is something that matters to you, try not to let the time slip away. Even if you do modified activities this year—to social distance away from other people—planning special time to spend together can bring a chance to connect. And while fancy dinner or a party scene may not be on the menu, there are lots of other options.

Now, true, a bigger date night (like going to a local hotel) can take some planning. But even small efforts can make a difference. Even if you can’t go out to a fancy restaurant, having a set activity to do at home can build connection. And help things stay fun and spontaneous.

Even if you do modified activities this year, planning time to spend together can bring a chance to connect.

So, in light of these facts, I’ve been writing about dating options for Men’s Health. My latest story focuses on 26 social-distance-friendly dates for Valentine’s Day, but I can confirm that these ideas can be adapted for any day.

✔️For instance, we may not be booking spa experiences like before, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pamper each other. So try having a spa day at home where you do massages or even skincare steps…together.

✔️Or take an online fitness class. Eventbrite, where I also contribute as a writer, has lots of options if you search—and many of them are free or low-cost. Plus this kind of date lets you interact with other people if you’d like, just from a distance.

✔️Another option? Play games—and not the emotional kind. Whether you’re channeling The Queen’s Gambit and take up chess, or you play cards, you can connect by learning more about how your date strategizes…and even how they handle conflict. Bonus: If you play a portable game like cards, or a communication game like Truth, you can play outdoors at a park or a beach (if one is close to you), and add an afternoon or evening stroll to your activities for the day.

✔️One more? Build something together. This one takes a bit of preparation: You’ll need to buy or order a model or a puzzle from Amazon or a similar source in advance to build together at home. If building things isn’t your date’s cup of tea, you may also decide to build a meal by cooking together or having a friendly cooking contest at home, using ingredients in your kitchen to come up with something unexpectedly great. And hey, if your concoction is erm, less than great, you can always laugh about your bonding experience while you log onto Uber Eats.

So check out my story and feel free to try out a date idea that you think you both will appreciate. Longer-term couples may feel more willing to try certain things, but there are options for everyone at every stage of dating. So enjoy the days you have together. 💕

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Tips for Dating During This Pandemic: What to Know Right Now

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Dating in 2020. Is it still possible? How can you adjust? And what exactly should you consider before meeting in person? Things are different now, and there are many issues to navigate, so I wrote about some tips to consider for Men’s Health.

Here’s an experience I had: After mainly staying home during the coronavirus pandemic and not seeing most of my family and friends for months, I reopened dating apps just to check out the scene. Things got a little weird.

The thing is, meeting someone IRL can mean having to be confident in their COVID compliance—and even then, it can still feel off. And I wasn’t the only one concerned about how to navigate using dating apps right now, as dating experts shared with me.

If you’re considering using dating apps, but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and now I present…a plan that can help.

Some apps are trying to help daters navigate these uncertain times. For instance, Bumble now allows users to show which dates they’d be comfortable with (e.g., over video or socially-distanced with masks) and has encouraged people to date virtually.

Still, this pandemic can feel uncertain when it comes to our health and relationships. If you’re considering using dating apps—or considering meeting someone new in general—but feel confused without a roadmap, it’s normal. I did some research (for myself, Men’s Health, and humankind), and presented…a plan that can help.

For instance, when considering whether you want to meet, it’s okay to ask people questions about habits and preferences that matter to you, including whether they’ve been hanging out in crowds and who else they’ve been seeing. That might be different than what you’re used to, but these times can call for adaptation.

It’s also totally appropriate to be more selective about who you meet in person, and to establish ground rules if you decide to connect. Being more direct and particular about what we want actually can be helpful.

So would you go on a date with a new person now? See my article for more specific tips, as news continues to develop. Feel free to share this story with a friend or even a would-be date. (I’m here to help if you need a conversation starter!) And stay safe out there.

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Insider Tip: My Strategy for Saving Money

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

To save money, I act like I don’t have any. 

That may sound odd. So I explained exactly how I do it in a recent story I wrote for Business Insider.

First, I actually like putting away money. As a child, I had my own little bank in the shape of a mailbox. I remember it being a gift from my grandfather, who’d worked for the United States Postal Service. I’d slide coins into the shiny mailbox and grew up learning that it was important to have my own money so I could take care of myself.

As an adult, I’ve set savings goals like traveling and having an emergency fund. The savings strategy that has consistently worked for me is the one where I transfer money out of my checking account, put it in a separate, online savings account with a higher rate of return — and then pretend like my stash doesn’t exist. 

If we’re lucky enough to be working, and to be able to save some extra money, this mind and money trick can be a way to save for education, debt reduction, a “freedom fund,” and more.

I think this strategy can be especially important now, especially for people who are fortunate enough to have additional money as typical spending activities are off limits.

Having savings in the form of an accessible emergency fund is important for many reasons. It provides some cover if things suddenly go south (with jobs, health, or other unexpected expenses). And having savings allows us to have a bit more freedom when it comes to choices like travels and even how we earn money.

Unfortunately, we can’t go to Europe now from the United States—or really move about freely. But, if we’re lucky enough to be working, and to be able to save some extra money, this mind and money trick can be a way to save for education, debt reduction, a “freedom fund,” and more. (I once used it to fund travel to Europe, across three countries, for a month.) 

Even with $20, $50, or $100 at a time.

So have you met your savings goals? Or do you want to? I’ll plan to revisit this topic again because it’s so important.

Read my story in Business Insider to see exactly how this game of pretend has helped me — and could help you. (Just remember this is not financial advice.)

Then feel free to follow me on this blog, and on Instagram and my YouTube channel (!) to keep up with my latest tips and news. Or feel free to comment or email me if you have questions.

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Growth Is the Goal

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

As this month comes to a close, I’m reminded of what I’ve learned. The new things I’ve tried. The myriad opportunities that are here now and ahead.

I’ve accomplished a lot, and you probably have, too. So you also probably realize that success isn’t immediate. The best ideas can start with a seed that then grows and matures. And growth—through life’s storms and during the sunny days—is what matters.

So as long as you’re moving, learning, being challenged, please keep going. It’s actually good when life isn’t simple. It’s good when we face challenges. The things we’ve beaten can prepare us for the next round of the fight.

These things can prepare us for big victories.

So, like the sunflowers of summer–and those that will sprout this fall (I can’t wait to see those!)–let yourself grow.

Look to the light. Start that new venture, pitch that story, write that book, have that key conversation. Do the things you’ve been wanting to do.

Experience it all. And let yourself live.

For more views of these gorgeous flowers and my latest musings on writing and life, please visit me on Instagram.

And if you need a hand with your writing projects or career goals, see this page or this one for details on how I can help.

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Snapshot: Learning from Life’s Storms

Leslie Quander Wooldridge
Storm clouds roll in above a DC city scene.

The clouds came in quickly. One minute the sky was bright and sunny. Then, suddenly, grayish black. With fat raindrops beginning to fall. ⁣
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I didn’t have my umbrella. So I waited inside. And it passed. The storm, that is. It passed…like they always do. That’s the part to remember. ⁣

When we’re in the middle of difficult situations, it can be hard to see past the rain, and the distractions, and the stress. When it comes to writing, for instance, rejections are part of the game. Having to learn new skills and processes, and frustration with that learning curve, can be, too.

But we have to know that these things can’t last forever. That we’ll get better. And that we can withstand the hard times to get to the good ones. Nothing worth having comes without some struggle.

Adjusting our mindsets can help during turbulent times. And actually, speaking of mindset, we can notice beauty (like in this street shot I captured) even when the bleakest clouds come in.
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Have you been surprised by a storm? Remember that it won’t last forever. Be calm in the moment. And realistically (all metaphors aside), carry an umbrella to be prepared. Mine is now securely back in my bag. ☺️

Please feel free to leave a comment here, or share with me on Instagram @lesliequander.

And if you want help with the storms that can accompany getting your writing or communications career going—whether it comes to pitching yourself or just having the confidence to start—please let me know. I have advice for that, too. ✨ ⁣

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Want Success? Freedom? Why It Starts in Your Mind

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

I’ve been feeling free. Light. Accomplished. And extra independent. Things I’ve been wanting and working toward are happening. It feels great to see things that I’ve imagined actually come to pass in real life.

And that is the key, in part. The thought. The willingness to believe that good things are coming and that I am—and we are—worthy of them.

Our thoughts matter and can affect our bodies, our lives, and our experiences. This concept shows up in science, in the law of attraction, and even in faith-based teachings.

So if you want to feel free—or more successful, content, or relaxed—a big way to shift is within your mind.

For example, taking time to think kind thoughts about yourself has psychological and physical benefits, suggests 2019 research from the University of Exeter. In the small study, participants who listened to an audio recording that encouraged them to be kind to themselves reported feeling more self-compassion and connection with others. These participants also had a physical response consistent with relaxation and safety, including a drop in heart rate and a lower sweat response. Meanwhile, those who heard an audio inducing “a critical inner voice” had a higher heart rate and higher sweat response, consistent with feelings of distress.

More mind-power info? As you may know, the benefits of meditation, the practice of training and focusing your mind, are myriad and can include helping with stress reduction, pain control, and even improving sleep.

So this July, and beyond, remember: If you have a dream in your heart, think of it positively in your mind. Believe in yourself, put in the work, and have faith. Think of the thing as already yours. ⁣You might be surprised to see the good things that can follow.

⁣So do you believe in yourself? Want some encouragement? Maybe I can help–especially if you have questions about moving up in your career (including full-time or freelance work in writing, communications, or editing) or how to shift your general mindset. Drop me a comment or email me!

⁣P.S. In this photo, I somehow managed to channel the tropics—from the city. Come hang with me on Instagram @lesliequander to see my other adventures. ☺️?

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Writing Tip: Where to Find Inspiration

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

I’ve been a professional writer and editor for more than a decade. (Where did the time go?!) And I wrote for fun for many years before that.

One question that comes up when it comes to writing and creativity is this: Where do you get ideas? Whether we’re writing on deadline or writing just for fun, our ideas have to come from somewhere. And, in my experience, ideas for stories can come from all around us.

For instance, I wrote about the benefits of training for surgery for The Washington Post after I discovered a related study—and dug in for more research. And I wrote about five tips to protect your hearing for Men’s Health after noticing loud sounds in my own environment.

Recently I went to the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to see a ballet. There, I ran into this exhibit of worldwide photos of hope and resilience (see above). It was another example of how surprises can pop up anywhere and at any time–and how we should be open to them. But it also reminded me that inspiration for writing, other creative pursuits, and even life plans can come from all around us. In fact, I think it’s really cool that we can soak up creativity even in our hometowns—without trying hard or traveling far.⁣⁣

(Side note: If you haven’t been to the Kennedy Center, do check it out when in DC—for everything from opera to ballet. This free exhibit via the National Geographic Photo Camp features photos from at-risk and refugee youth and runs through June 20, 2019.)

So here’s the takeaway: Story ideas and life inspiration can come from anywhere. And they can come by surprise. If you’re looking for ideas for your next piece of writing, look around you. Explore your hometown. Travel. Read something you typically wouldn’t. Start a new conversation.

You can find plenty of inspiration if you pay attention.

For more writing tips and daily snapshots, subscribe to this blog or follow me on Instagram!

Or feel free to comment or email me your thoughts or questions about writing and creativity. ⁣

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Are You Open to Surprises?

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

Life’s beauty can arrive by surprise. ?⁣

We can plan and try to predict things all we want (quick shout out to the Type As and planners out there), but things happen all the time that are completely out of our control. Sometimes these things are what we’d call good. Sometimes they’re not. At least not in the moment. But it’s good to be open to surprises in any case, I think.

For instance, I wasn’t expecting to wander upon these magnolia trees this spring. Cherry blossoms get lots of love here in DC—and the thousands of trees donated by Japan decades ago do deserve their own attention. (Trust me, I wrote about those beauties, too.) But these magnolia blooms in the Smithsonian Castle’s garden were gorgeous. I live here, and I had no idea how amazing this would be. I was just planning a quick pass-through, but ended up marveling at these for several long moments.

Need more encouragement? One older study from Emory University Health Sciences Center found that the brain finds unexpected pleasures more rewarding than expected ones. You’ll understand this yourself if you’ve ever gotten a surprise flower delivery (yes, I’m still talking about plants!) or if you’ve ever won an unexpected prize or other reward.
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So, here’s to not planning everything. And to being open to the unexpected. You never know what you might find.

See more about this garden visit on Instagram–or follow me there @lesliequander so we can keep up!

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Positive Thinking: Our Words and Beliefs Matter

Leslie Quander Wooldridge

As I was walking in our nation’s capital this spring, taking in the beautiful cherry blossoms, I had some realizations. We’re surrounded by beauty—for me, I can see it every day—but we don’t always take time to notice. And we don’t always focus on the good things in our lives.

The annual National Cherry Blossom Festival commemorates the the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees from Tokyo to the city of Washington, DC, according to the festival’s website. And the views and programming over the event’s four weeks attract more than a million people each year.

This season, I looked out on the pretty scenes before me (including the Jefferson Memorial through the trees), and thought to myself. I settled on this (among other things): Our words and beliefs matter. It’s a message that I’ve been hearing lately from other sources, too. It relates to the law of attraction. And that saying: Whether you think you can or you can’t—either way you’re right. ⁣

So I’m making a special effort to think that I can. To say that I can. To KNOW that I can be at peace—even when things are crazy. (For instance, so many people were swarming around me when I took this photo. But I decided I would focus on the view and stay in peace—and I did!) ? ⁣

Do you think positive thinking really works? I’ve seen it work in my life. Feel free to comment or check out my Instagram post to see what people told me. ✨


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