5 Ways To Move On From A Toxic Relationship

5 Ways To Move On From A Toxic Relationship

Stay positive and keep moving forward.
Lindsey Ocock
Lindsey Ocock Jan 31, 2017
26
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There are many things I want to do in 2017. Leaving negativity behind is one of them.

I'm a pretty organized gal when it comes to making lists of tasks I need to accomplish during the day; however, when it comes to mental baggage or overthinking, I tend to hold onto every little detail and dwell on it. Last August, I moved to college and brought a lot of sh*t with me — literally and metaphorically. But with my first semester being over and the new year in full swing, I'm happy to say I left the bullish*t in 2016. If you're like me trying to turn over a new leaf or just lead a more positive life, here are five ways to move past toxic relationships and unmemorable moments bringing you down.

1. Let things go.

When something comes up about the relationship you're trying to move on from, picture everything you've been trying to let go of floating away from you. Put whatever is bothering you in a box and close it. Literally, picture the box closing — it sounds a little silly, but it really helps close any mental doors that are still open. This is a new chapter for you and you're not going to let this bring you down any longer.

2. Keep your distance.

To go along with number one but definitely just as important — delete their number so if you feel tempted to call them at a weak moment their name won't be blatantly staring reminding you of the past.

3. Focus on yourself.

The relationship was toxic but not everything was bad, right? Whether it was the amount of attention your significant other or friend gave you or you just don't want to be alone, forget about it and just focus on yourself. If you feel like you want to talk to them or you need their attention, stop and love yourself! Do something for yourself because it's all about you.

4. Organize your space.

Sometimes when your mind is clouded and your home is messy it doesn't help you focus on what you want to accomplish. Declutter your life, clear your mind.

5. Go out with your friends.

Whether you go out to meet new people or just have a chill night with your best friends — it is always a good idea to do something you love with people who truly care about you and your happiness. Surrounding yourself with positive people will make you feel better about the outcomes of your life and the hurdles you may face.

Remember, you can't move on from something in a day, but the fact that you're working towards leading a more positive and simple life is a huge step. Just remember, stay positive and keep moving forward!

Cover Image Credit: Pexels
Lindsey Ocock
Lindsey Ocock Jan 31, 2017
At College of Charleston

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20 Fun Facts To Use When Introducing Yourself

As we embark on the semester, we are put on the spot in order to share interesting details about ourselves. This article discloses possible fun facts to tell others!
Jennifer Kustanovich
Jennifer Kustanovich Sep 4, 2017
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After experiencing my first week of classes, I have learned that every student needs a handy-dandy list of fun facts about themselves to tell other people. Many professors use the first couple of classes to learn about their students, so you may need to think about who you are and how you want to introduce yourself to your professor and classmates. We all have that one go-to interesting fact about ourselves, but sometimes you just have to mix it up!

1. My favorite hobby is...

What do you do in your free time? Personally, I love to stay active! I am a competitive Latin dancer and enjoy teaching and taking Zumba classes, going to the gym, and hiking.

2. I love...

Is there something, someone, or somewhere that you love? What makes your heart ache? What do you miss when it's gone? I can say that I love my friends because I feel my most confident when I'm surrounded by those who love and support me.

3. I look up to...

Is there someone you adore? Who mesmerizes you? Who do you wish to learn from? After watching "A Ballerina's Tale," I discovered Misty Copeland. In 2015 she became the first African American ballet dancer to become the Female Principal Dancer at American Ballet Theatre. Her passion, grace, and strength continuously motivate me to better myself as an athlete and an individual.

4. This art speaks to me because...

Coco Chanel said, "In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different." This encourages me to always follow my heart no matter what. I will never follow society's standards and norms because they do not define me. Chanel's saying definitely influences my character and lifestyle.

5. A funny and/or embarrassing memory of me is...

When you make others laugh they want to spend time and make memories with you! Don't be afraid to embarrass yourself. You will come off as down to earth, easy-going, and loyal.

6. My siblings or lack thereof influenced me by...

I can go on and on about my brother, who is 10 years older than I. We have opposite personalities and despite the age gap, we're quite close.

7. My pet(s) are my life because...

Only sad people don't like hearing about furry creatures, even if your pets are slimy and slithering creatures all human beings enjoy hearing pet tales!

8. I'm afraid of...

Your personality can be revealed by your likes and dislikes, including the things that you fear. I am terrified of change and the unknown, hence, the future is an anxiety-inducing topic to discuss for me.

9. I am the way I am because...

What have you gone through in life that has shaped you into who you are today? Remember to be open minded and allow yourself to open up to your peers. You may be surprised by how others respond and/or what others have endured as well.

10. The most unusual item that can be found in your dorm...

This is a fun fact about yourself that can easily liven up an awkward conversation. Think about your quirks and differences! One item I have in my dorm is my teddy bear, Peter, whom I like to joke is my boyfriend.

11. My dream job is...

In college, "What's your major?" is a widespread question. Nonetheless, skip the boring statement of "I'm majoring in..." and go in depth on what your dream job is (hopefully your major factors in to this dream of yours).

12. My hidden talents are...

Angelina Jolie is a knife thrower. Kendall Jenner can produce bird noises. Amanda Seyfried can crochet and knit. Is there anything special you can do? Some people have rare and unique talents, maybe you can think of some hidden talents of your own!

13. My guilty pleasure is...

I will say it a million times: don't be shy when introducing yourself to new people! I'll start by divulging my guilty pleasure: Youtube's family vlogging channel, "OKBaby"!

Check them out: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvUCbnwzySKgbKiB_...



14. Some activities on my bucket list are...


This is an easy way to grab people's attention and find others with similar desires as you. Be an adventurer! Go out of your comfort zone!

15. Talk about your best friend...

How would your best friend describe you? What do you love to do with your best friend?

16. Talk about an accomplishment of yours...

You are incredible and have achieved so much! Reveal something that you are proud of — show off a little!

17. This one time at my job...

Bosses breathing down your neck. Curious coworkers asking personal questions. Cursing customers who never leave you alone. Your job can be filled with tons of hilarious situations that can easily entertain a crowd.

18. During the summer...

Any scars with stories? Any summer flings? Any lessons learned from the tanning too long? Now that summer is over, disclose memories that can leave positive impressions on others.

19. I volunteer at...

Do you do any community service? Share a funny moment while you were volunteering. What did you learn while there? Would you continue?

20. [blank] is meaningful to me because...



What do you appreciate in life? What brightens your day? What makes you fall in love? What does someone have to do to make you smile?

Finally, remember to be outgoing! Reveal that three-mile smile and open your arms to learning about others. Spread smiles, love, and happiness.

Cover Image Credit: Pexels
Jennifer Kustanovich
Jennifer Kustanovich Sep 4, 2017
At The State University of New York at Stony Brook

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I'm The Shy Girl Who Isn't Really That Shy

I'm not a shy girl, but I am a girl who likes to listen. I have my own ideas and I'll share them with you, just wait.

Grace Patrow
Grace Patrow Sep 20, 2018
110
views

I'm the shy girl who isn't really shy.

I was always seen as shy from the outside and by people who didn't really know me. But, when I told my dad I was shy, his response was "No, no you're not."

And when I get to know people, I often get a "wow, you're not actually shy at all."

They're right, I'm not really that shy, but sometimes I don't exactly feel comfortable showing my whole self to people I just met.

And as much as I wish I could always feel comfortable; as much as I wish didn't have to go over what I was going to say in a class discussion 100 times in my head before I (hopefully) had the courage to speak, I think that's just who I am and I wouldn't trade that for the world.

It's kind of hard to explain, but there are some people I instantly feel comfortable with. On the other hand, in some situations, it takes me a little longer to get comfortable. And that's okay.

You see, I'm not the type of person who gets a high off of validation or attention.

Sure, sometimes attention can be nice and validation can feel good, but I don't need it. I am content enough with myself to receive validation from myself. I am able to give myself all the attention I need.

I hate it when people say, "Oh why aren't you talking? You're so shy."

I'm not talking because I don't want to. I like to listen and you like to talk. That's okay, but we all have our own cup of tea.

Plus, you didn't even get to know me or give me the chance to talk, but now I feel absolutely squished.

Give me the respect to be myself at my own pace, as I'm giving you the respect to be yourself at your own pace. It's okay that our paces are different.

And if I feel comfortable around you — if I'm myself around you, consider yourself lucky. That's not something that necessarily comes easy for me; it's not easy to give myself to anyone. That's something I'm working on, but I don't necessarily think that's a bad thing.

I'm not a shy girl, but I am a girl who likes to listen. I have my own ideas, and I'll share them with you, just wait.

Grace Patrow
Grace Patrow Sep 20, 2018
At University of Wisconsin, Madison

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