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Not easier than it seems- Aquascaping

My new hobby, aquascaping, isn’t going as well as I hoped. I thought it would be relaxing and fun to build a little underwater garden, but it’s been more frustrating than expected. Some of the plants I picked have started dying, and it’s been hard to keep everything healthy. It turns out getting the right mix of light, water, and nutrients is trickier than I thought. One of the biggest problems has been algae. It’s growing all over the tank, making the glass and decorations look dirty. It also competes with the plants, making it harder for them to grow. I’ve been trying to keep things clean, but the algae keeps coming back and is really making it tough to enjoy the tank. To deal with it, I bought some liquid carbon, which is supposed to help control algae and support plant growth. I’ve just started using it, so I’m not sure how well it will work yet. Even though it’s been harder than I expected, I’m still interested in learning and trying to improve. I just didn’t realize how much ef...

Bad memory??

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People with depression and anxiety often have short-term memory problems because their minds are always busy or stressed. When you’re constantly worrying or feeling low, your brain struggles to focus on new information, so it doesn’t store things properly. That’s why it’s easy to forget small details or feel like your mind is “foggy.” Another reason is that these conditions change the brain’s chemicals. When you feel stressed or anxious, your body releases too much cortisol (the stress hormone), which can affect the part of the brain that controls memory. Over time, this makes it harder to remember things or concentrate. Sleep is also a big factor. People with depression or anxiety often don’t sleep well — they might have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep. Since sleep helps your brain organize and keep memories, poor rest leads to forgetfulness during the day. Lastly, depression can make you feel tired, unmotivated, and less interested in doing things. When your brain isn’t bein...

A different kind of therapy ✨️ 🐈

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Having a cat has been one of the most comforting parts of my journey with depression and anxiety.  On the toughest days, when I feel overwhelmed, my cat gives me a reason to get out of bed. Just knowing that there’s a little life depending on me makes me feel needed and gives me a sense of purpose, which is something I sometimes struggle to find for myself. The quiet companionship is also deeply healing. When I’m anxious, my cat seems to sense it—curling up next to me, purring softly, and creating a calm presence. That sound and warmth work almost like therapy, slowing down my racing thoughts and helping me focus on the moment instead of my worries. It’s a kind of comfort that words can’t always provide. Beyond comfort, having a cat encourages me to create small routines that bring stability to my life. Feeding, cleaning, and playing with my cat keep me connected to simple daily tasks, which can be so helpful when depression makes everything feel heavy. In return, I get...

From silent battles to quiet victories

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Living with depression and anxiety has been one of the toughest battles of my life. There were times when even the simplest things felt impossible, and I often found myself overwhelmed by feelings I couldn’t fully explain. The weight of sadness and constant worry made me feel isolated, like I was fighting a battle that no one could see. I doubted myself, questioned my worth, and struggled to find hope when everything felt heavy. But even in those dark moments, I kept pushing forward, no matter how small the steps were. Whether it was opening up to friends I trusted, seeking professional help by seeing a psychologist, or simply reminding myself to breathe and take things one day at a time, I started finding little amounts of strength. The journey wasn’t easy, and there were many setbacks which resulted in hospital admissions, but slowly I began to realize that asking for help and taking care of my mental health made me stronger. Now, looking back, I can see how far I’ve come...

Looking back on my high school days 😌

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Looking back at my old school photos reminds me of how far I have come—so much has changed, not just on the outside but within too. I’ve grown, learned, and shaped myself into a better version, and I’m proud of the journey that made me who I am today. My journey with depression and anxiety started in high school and has been far from easy, but looking back, I can see just how much progress I’ve made. There were times when the weight of it all felt unbearable, and I doubted whether things would ever get better. But with patience, self-work, and support along the way, I’ve learned healthier ways to cope, regained control over my thoughts, and started finding joy in moments I once overlooked. I’m not saying the struggles have completely disappeared, but I’ve grown stronger, more self-aware, and more hopeful, and that growth has changed my life for the better. These pictures captured a time when I was still figuring myself out, not knowing how much growth and change was ahead of me. Today,...

Finally started 😍

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I finally started my aquascaping today, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. I went for a mix of natural and decorative elements, using dark gravel as the base so the plants and shells stand out more. The rock structure with the little water wheel became the main centerpiece, and I added a variety of plants to bring in some color. I like how the taller plants in the back and the shorter ones in the front create layers, making the whole setup feel more natural . Seeing my fish swim through the plants and around the decorations makes it all feel complete. Their darker colors pop nicely against the greens and reds of the plants, which adds balance to the whole look. I know as the plants grow and fill in, it’s only going to get better and more natural-looking.  For my first attempt, I’m proud of how creative and vibrant it already feels, and I’m excited to watch it develop into a little underwater world.

Let's get started- Aquascaping 😁πŸͺΈπŸšπŸŒΏ

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My aquatic plants arrived yesterday, and I couldn’t be more excited to finally start my first aquascaping project. I’ve been planning and imagining how I want my tank to look, and now that the plants are here, it feels like the project is truly coming to life. Just need to wait for the substrate to arrive. The substrate is basically soil for aquariums. Each plant has its own unique texture and shape, and I can already picture how they’ll create a peaceful setting in the tank once everything is arranged and settled. This is a brand-new experience for me, so I’m looking forward to experimenting and learning as I go. Aquascaping feels like the perfect combination of creativity and patience. Designing something beautiful while also caring for living plants, TWO OF MY FAVORITE THINGS. I’m excited to see how the tank transforms over time, from the first layout to when the plants start growing and filling in. It feels like the beginning of a hobby that’s both calming and inspiring. ...