February wrap-up: Loves, learnings & laughs
The best bits of my month.
I had this idea that at the end of every month, I’d share three loves, three learnings, and three laughs. A way to time capsule what’s happening, reflect on the month that’s been, and give you a little glimpse into my world, hoping that something resonates or is exactly what you need to hear.
So, let’s talk about it!
3 Loves
My Frank Green Bottle
There is a lot of wear and tear on my bottle because I take it everywhere, and I mean everywhere, I go. I didn’t bring it to Bali during my month-long December-January holiday, and I missed it so much. SO. MUCH. I don’t think I even got close to drinking two liters of water while I was there, and I’m 100% sure it’s because I didn’t have my bottle with me. What I love more than the gorgeous olive green colour is the engraving, making it authentically mine, $NF ❤️ (the $ is an inside joke from my days at Cash App).
ECCO Offroad Women's Nubuck Outdoor Sandal
When I was going to Bali, I wanted sandals that were both comfortable but designed specifically to protect my feet. Birkenstock’s didn’t work for me, even though I desperately wanted them to because they look effortless and so cool. Then I stumbled across ECCO. My sister calls them “dad sandals,” but I think with the right attitude and styling they’re SUPER cool and, most importantly, insanely comfortable. I’ve been back in Melbourne for over a month now, and I still wear them everywhere, because these sandals were made for walking.
My Design Works Ink “It’s Written in the Stars” Journal
I didn’t buy this for myself, it was a gift from a friend. And for the longest time, I didn’t write in it because it just felt too fancy. Like, it deserved to stay in its wrapping forever to preserve the gorgeousness of its midnight blue silk cover and gold engraving of “it’s written in the stars”. Then I thought: Why am I waiting? I deserve to both have and use nice things, not reserved for some undefined “special occasion.” So, now, the pages get filled with all my manifestations, Substack articles, and poetry.
3 Learnings
Stay true to what you want
If there’s something you really want for yourself, don’t settle for second best out of fear that it won’t happen. The fear of not getting what you want is what actually keeps it from you. Stay firm in your vision and say no to everything that doesn’t align with that, it'll have no option but to manifest.
Listen to your body
Recently, I got these red rashes on my skin, completely out of nowhere. And because I always look at the mind-body-soul connection, I realised my skin was angry. Pissed off because I wasn’t looking after myself. I wasn’t giving myself or my body enough attention. So, I had to make changes to my diet (bye bye gluten), my rest cycles, even the materials of the clothes I wear (no more cheap and uncomfortable polyester). When your body speaks to you, find the quiet and listen.
Pause before you react
Sometimes, there will be things that trigger you. And it’ll be the type of trigger that hits you in the face. And you’ll want to react, throw a jab, a punch, something back. But pause. Bring the temperature down. Because reacting in the heat of the moment? That rarely leads to anything good, just regret. And the feeling of regret is worse. Like, how many times have we acted out of anger, felt terrible and then thought, ‘I shouldn’t have done that’. So, next time, take a breath. Go for a walk. Cool off. Then respond—from a place of power, not riled up emotion.
3 Laughs
Roasting my sister’s dishwasher stacking skills
I have never met anyone as bad at stacking a dishwasher than my sister. It’s just not her thing. I’ve accepted this. And now? I just laugh about how poorly housebroken she is and feel sorry for her next house mate.
Mum catching me stealing Iftar food
I cheekily snuck into my mum’s kitchen and packed up all the food my mum made for Iftar, to take back to my place so I wouldn’t have to cook. She started laughing when she saw me steal all of her eggplant fry (it’s the most simple dish and it’s incredibly delicious). Then I started laughing because she was laughing. A wholesome moment, you had to be there.
This TikTok video of “Dumb and Dumber”
There’s this TikTok by Barstool Sports (3.8M views) called: POV – Dumb and Dumber are working on stuff together. They literally do everything the instructions of the device say NOT to do. And it’s hilarious because, well… isn’t that all of us? I watched it three times in a row because it reminded me of all the times I’ve tried to assemble IKEA furniture with friends, insisting "Nah, we don’t need to read the manual." Spoiler: we did.
This month was all about prioritising self-care, staying true to my vision, and laughing at the little things, because it really is the little things that makes life spectacular.
What were your loves, learnings, and laughs this month? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to hear them!
Until next time,
Nabila