Dear Reader,

I decided to level up and become the best version of myself sometime during my late 20's. 

I know that many ladies out here want to level up but don't know where to begin. I want you to know that I have been there as well.

I share with you the beginning of my level-up journey in hopes that these tips help you too!! 

1. Introspection

Introspection is the act of looking within oneself. 

When I looked into myself, I started to be honest to myself about my flaws and my strengths. No one is perfect & I started accepting myself, flaws and all. 

I analysed what I could do better, began watching videos about inspirational women and reading a lot.

Some days I would fall back into my old mannerisms, but I stopped being hard on myself. I concentrated on reducing my flaws in the long run.

2. Set Boundaries 

When I began my journey, I learnt the proper way to set boundaries and to say no. 

This may look like a step back but helped me prioritise the important things in my life. 

I started becoming open to people around me about my personal growth and why I took the time and space to prioritise for it. I have received a lot of love and support from my dear family and friends for doing so. 

Setting up boundaries has helped me to analyse my personal growth, given me time to heal, to feel thankful and to decide my future course of action.

3. Personal Style

As I began levelling up, I also decided to change my style. 

I believe that personal style embodies the brand you want to convey to others, with just a look.

I took the time to build my wardrobe( You can check out my other blog on this) and decided on the Elegant & Classy Personal style. 

I also created a colour palette for myself based on the colours that are best suited for me.

I donated most of my old clothes to charity and then began to build an elegant and classy wardrobe with my favourite colours.

4. Inner Feminity

I will be honest in saying I was never a feminine lady, be it in behaviour or looks. And this did not work out in my favour, whether I was at home, work or society. 

Deciding to become more Feminine & Elegant has been a positive impact on my life. I started attracting respect and helped develop deeper and stronger relationships with people.

My first step towards feminity was to start walking and behaving elegantly.

5. Taking risks

I was nervous about taking risks and would always wonder "What would others think". 

Now, I have the self-confidence to pursue what I love and am always open to new things.

I started taking risks with what I loved doing & it's worth it. 

Do Want to start on that book or your own business? Dream of travelling the world? 

Well, my dear Lady, take this as a sign to whatever it is you want to pursue.

Don't be afraid to do things that you never did because "it isn't my style". You are transforming as a person and change your destiny!

6. Gratitude

I started becoming more grateful. I began becoming thankful for the things I have and the people in my life. I became Thankful for the love and support from every person in my life. 

I started by keeping a gratitude journal and listing a few things I was grateful for that day. It keeps me on track with my level up to progress.

7. Empower Others

When I began my level-up journey, I also started becoming aware of the people around me. I started understanding and empathising with others.

I started becoming more kind, caring and respecting of others needs.

To do so, I started looking at other women who are inspirational to me online. I read, listened and learnt from them. I also started empowering women through small acts of kindness.

8. Network

When I began levelling up, I started meeting a lot of people. Due to the Covid pandemic, physical contact has become reduced, however, I can meet & connect with people of similar mindsets due to the advent of social media.

This has helped open a world of opportunities & possibilities in my life. 

Connect with someone, even remotely. Exchange ideas and grow as an individual.

9. Ownership

I started becoming accountable for my actions and my life. I stopped feeling sorry for myself or my problems. I became confident and responsible for my life and became independent.

I believe that we have everything needed to accomplish what we want in life. And that mindset has helped me to progress my Journey to becoming a high-value woman.

10. Invest in Yourself

The best kind of investment you are going to do in your life is on yourself.

Start investing in your Physical, emotional & Financial well-being. Start small & stay consistent in your investments.

As always, all Good things take time. Becoming your best version doesn't happen overnight. It's the little changes that make you grow as a person. Don't be too hard on yourself. Somedays may not work in your favour, but consistency is key. Keep working on yourself every single day and the changes will be visible across time.

I hope your level up journey goes great and I wish you the very best. Feel free to contact me for any queries on levelling up. 

I too am on my level-up journey and hope to send you more tips on levelling up

Lots of love, 

Deepika

Dear Ladies,

Before I began my level-up journey, I would sport bright, glitter & even metallic coloured nails as I thought they were trendy. I have tried different colours like blue, yellow & even green nails in my younger days.

But then as I started becoming more refined, I let go most of my bright nail colours & styles. I still love the bright neon/glitter/metallic dramatic nails, but it does not match with my elegant lifestyle. 

So this is what do I do to have elegant nails for every occasion.

1. Colors

Elegance is all in the details. If you would want to look polished & neat, you need to use neutral colours that will suit you & the occasion.

For a Feminine Look go for pale Pink & Nude shades.

For a Classy & Elegant Look go for White & cream shades.

For a Creative & Dramatic look go for Red shades.

For a natural look go for natural nails.

2. Style

One of my favourite nail styles is French Nails. It is considered to be a classic & makes you look neat & polished. It looks natural but also looks like you have gone into a lot of effort. 

French Nails style which consists of a band of white nail polish across the tip of the nail which contrasts with the natural pink colour below.

3. Shape & Size

Squoval Nail Shape

Square Nail Shape

 

Round Nail Shape

Lastly, you need to consider elegant shapes & size for your nails. Whether you have natural nails or acrylics, it's better to stick with short & medium-sized nails.

When it comes to shapes squoval, round & square are considered to be the elegant nail shapes.

Most of all, it's up to you to decide what type of nails make you feel confident & elegant. You can combine different elegant colours, styles & shapes to embody your style.

Lots of love,

Deepika.

Image Courtesy-Pinterest

5. The Evening Gown

Celebrate the classics in your chic Evening Gown.

4. The Ethnic Dress

Bring out your Festive Feminine look with the traditional Ethnic dress.

Occasion- Casual & Festive.

Best Fabrics- Cotton, Linen & Silk.

Types- Plain, Embroidered, Zari, Lace, Printed

Personal Style- Feminine, Creative, Natural.

3. The Salwar Suit

If Comfort is your style, look no further than the salwar suit.

Occasion- Casual & Festive.

Best Fabrics- Cotton, Linen, Silk, Chiffon, Georgette.

Types- Plain, Lace, embroidered, Printed.

Personal Style-Natural, Feminine.

2. The Lehenga

Twirl into weddings with elegance in your Romantic Lehenga.

Occasion- Festive & Wedding.

Best Fabrics- Velvet, Raw Silk, Georgette, Brocade, Taffeta.

Types- Plain, embroidered, Lace.

Personal Style-Dramatic, Feminine.

1. The Saree

The Queen of Elegant attire is the graceful & refined Saree.

Occasion- Casual, Formal, Festive & Wedding.

Best Fabrics- Cotton, Silk, Chiffon.

Type- Plain, embroidered, zari.

Personal Style-Classic, Elegant, Feminine.

My dear reader, my personal favourite is the Sophisticated Saree, what's yours??

Lots of love,

Deepika.

Image Courtesy- Pexels, Unsplash

Dear reader, ever had to deal with a stressful situation like a sudden job interview or presentation?

Or nervous about meeting new people? Well, you would want to have that charismatic confidence to navigate these situations.

Posture

Want to know how to appear more confident? It's all in your posture.

Adjust your posture to look more assertive. Straighten your back, pull your shoulders away from your ears, and uncross your arms and legs.

Voice

Adjust your voice based on the situation and the impression you want to create.

To sound competent and trustworthy, adopt a lower-pitched voice and to sound warm, raise your pitch.

Controlled Breathing

Reduce stress with easy natural breaths.

Take a deep breath, expanding your belly. Pause. Exhale slowly to the count of five. Repeat four times.

Believe in yourself

Look back to all the things you have achieved and look at the endless possibilities ahead of you.

Make a commitment that you will believe in your abilities and your judgments.

Smile

Image Courtesy: Pinterest