My 2022 Goals + Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you are all happy, healthy, and staying safe. I also hope that you are feeling optimistic about what this new year will bring (I know I am)! I always look forward to a new year because it feels like a fresh start. I feel like it is a time when I can truly focus on me, my goals, and being productive. I even like to try forming new habits and making new goals in December; that way, I can go into January feeling like I already know what I am doing and need to do in order to become my dream woman. We are a few days into the new year, and I am feeling so good!

 Today, I simply wanted to share some of my 2022 goals and resolutions with you all. I take my goals and resolutions seriously, and although many people laugh at and/or shrug off the idea of doing these things, they really can have an impact on your life. I found a quote recently that says, “The secret to your future is hidden in your daily routine” – Mike Murdock. To me, this quote reminds me that habits are not formed  in one day. If you want to change your life and make a better future for yourself, you need to take a moment and reflect. Reflect on your habits, your lifestyle, and your daily routine. Then you can take action from here. I find this so empowering and inspirational because you ultimately get to choose how to live your life.

Here are some of my goals and resolutions for this year:

  • Create a healthy morning routine

When you wake up in the morning, you make a choice. Your attitude will affect your day, whether you want it to or not. Choosing to be happy and excited for the day ahead will allow you to let light and hope into your heart. You are much more likely to enjoy the day, even if it isn’t perfect. I have been doing great with this so far, however on rainy or dark days, I tend to feel much more tired and not as happy. I think this is something that a lot of people struggle with, but we shouldn’t have to! Your mind is a very powerful thing, and smiling goes a long way. As soon as you open your eyes tomorrow, try to think of all that could go right and all that you are excited for, even if it is something small. I also use my 5 minute journal every morning and night. This gets you into the habit of expressing gratitude and it trains your mind to think positively. I highly recommend purchasing one, and it only takes (in total) 5 minutes out of your day. It is so worth it because the shift in your mindset will be noticeable to yourself and those around you. You can purchase a 5 Minute Journal here. Besides journaling, I also plan to stretch as soon as I get out of bed, as well as drink more water and say positive self-affirmations. I love waking up every day even more now!

  • Elevate my style

I have found so much style inspiration lately, and it has made me want to completely elevate my style. Whenever I share fashion blog posts, I always mention that my style is “all over the place”, meaning that I tend to dress differently day-to-day (not to say that there is anything wrong with that).  After Christmas, I bought myself a few nice pieces of clothing that match my vision for my 2022 style. If there is one style that I always come back to I would describe it as: classy, elegant, feminine, and professional. I have always had a love for dresses, skirts, blazers, feminine trousers, etc. so I plan to incorporate these pieces into my wardrobe whenever I get the chance. Part of this new goal is also looking put together, neat, and clean each and every day, even if I am just staying home. Doing this always brings me confidence, so why not do it daily? I also plan to wear more neutrals, spend money on quality items, and focus less on trends and more on classic and timeless pieces.

  • Keep a positive mindset

I’ve always described myself as a positive and optimistic person, however, toward the end of 2021, I began struggling with this a bit. I am not sure why, but my mindset was not at its best. Little things started to frustrate me and bring me stress, and overall, this brought me down. This year, I’ve made it a goal to continue keeping a positive mindset. Of course, not every day is going to be amazing; sometimes negative things will happen in life that we have absolutely no control over, and that is ok. It’s about seeing the good in everything, and staying positive despite setbacks, downfalls, and challenges. I want to wake up each and every day, and choose happiness. We all deserve to feel that, so I am going to make a habit to choose it daily. I’ve gotten better at recognizing negative thoughts, and stopping them in their tracks, so I want to work on doing this even more in order to prevent myself from going in a negative spiral. It is not healthy to dwell on negative or upsetting thoughts and feelings for too long, so I am doing my best to keep things light.

  • Get organized

I am sure that this has made it to many people’s 2022 goals, but seriously, I do struggle with this! When I say I want to organize my life, I mean my clothing, my money, my work, my room, etc. I want to start doing this in small and simple ways, such as buying drawer organizers for my clothing, makeup, and hair care. Something as small as this would already make me feel more on top of things. I would like to budget my money better as well. I love shopping, but I don’t want to form any unnecessary or unhealthy habits, so I am working on being wise with my money. I also want to keep my space tidy and clean. I feel like I can be more productive and at peace in my space when it is clean, so this means putting things away after using them. For example, I struggle to put away laundry when it is done. On top of that, I will sometimes take off my clothes and add them to that pile, until it gets too big and I eventually have to put it all away. It would make things so much easier to simply put things back right after I use them.

  • Live a healthier life

As many of you know, I have such a love for fitness and health. I have been working out for almost 6 years now, which is mind blowing to me! I have been struggling with living a healthy life lately, so I am making it a goal to prioritize my health more often. I am planning on going for daily walks (unless of course it is storming and/or pouring rain). There are many benefits to walking, and I think many people don’t see it as important. Fresh air is needed, and if you’re spending day after day indoors, a little walk will do you good. When it comes to other forms of exercise, I plan to continue weight lifting, doing HIIT and doing yoga. For weight training, I would like to do this 3-4 times a week. It may seem difficult to do cardio from home without any machines, but along with walking, I will do HIIT 4-5 times a week to get my heart rate up. And of course, I will continue to do yoga daily. I do this most evenings with my fiancé and a couple family members and I truly love it! Lastly, I will continue going on my monthly hikes with my uncle and fiancé. When it comes to food, I would really like to work on incorporating more fruits and vegetables in every meal. This may sound simple, but I believe that making small, attainable goals is wise.

  • Work on building confidence + self-love

You must have seen this one coming! Confidence is what my blog is all about, and I am outspoken when it comes to this topic (online and in real life). Building confidence is such an important thing that not enough people prioritize. For myself personally, this is something I have been working on since I was a teenager, and truth be told, this is a never ending journey (this is how I came up with the name “Compass to Confidence”). Throughout our lives, we are all going to experience days, weeks, or even months when we may not be feeling super confident, and that is all part of the journey. However, it is not good to fall into a self-deprecating mindset or get too used to negative self-talk. Your mind will eventually start to believe what you tell it, so I am going to speak and think confidence into my life more frequently. I will think more about my strengths and positive attributes rather than what I think I may be “lacking”. I will do the things that bring me confidence, such as dressing up, writing, getting out of my comfort zone, working out, and continuing to surround myself with people who make me feel good.

  • Expressing gratitude

This is something that I have been practicing lately, and I have to say, it truly has changed my life. Being thankful for what you have, rather than seeking more and more will bring you more joy than you could ever imagine. I always tell my fiancé how grateful I am for him as well as other aspects, people, and things in my life. I think it is so important to share these things with others, God, or even to write them down. Once again, my 5 Minute Journal really helps me with this because I get to start and end each day with gratitude. If we get into the mindset that we are constantly lacking or that we never have enough of the things we want, we will never feel at peace in our lives. This is why I believe it is so important to be grateful for the things we have while also praying for and working toward the things we desire. Good things will come to those who are patient, determined, motivated, and hard-working. Nothing in life will ever be handed to you simply because you want it. Focus on the good, and the good will get better.

Thank you all so much for reading today’s blog post! I am really proud of it, and I am very excited to continue reaching my goals this year. I have made some more goals that were not included in this blog post, however I really wanted to discuss a few in more depth. I would love to know what some of your goals and resolutions are, so please leave me a comment! Until next time…

2021 Year in Review + Thank You

I’ve always recognized the importance of reflection. When I stop and think back to all that happened in 2021, I feel grateful. I’ve learned a lot, stepped out of my comfort zone, grown as a person, and matured very quickly. Of course, this year and my life is not perfect, however I think it is important to focus on the good and to live a positive life. Today, I wanted to share my 2021 highlights! Some wonderful things have happened in my life this year; some you may know about, and others you may not. Please keep in mind that while I am only sharing the good, that doesn’t mean that every day was perfect.

  • Went hiking once a month for twelve months

If you have been following my blog since my first “Year in Review” from 2019, you would know that earlier that year, my uncle and I decided that we wanted to hike at least once a month for the entire year. Since then, we have succeeded in doing exactly that. This year, I was away from home for a while, so I was doing my hiking elsewhere (I’ll get to that soon…). Other than the time I was away, we went back to some of our favorite hiking spots in our area. Our hikes aren’t always incredibly intense, but we really enjoy getting some fresh air. I especially love our hikes in spring and fall because I think the weather is just perfect; not too hot and not too cold. A couple other family members have also joined us on a hike or two this year! I am looking forward to continuing this tradition in 2022!

  • Celebrated my five year fitness anniversary

Fitness has looked very different to me this year. Since we are still living in a pandemic and things seem to be very up and down, I decided not to go back to the gym this year. I really do miss the environment and feeling of working out in a gym. I find it to be much more motivating, and I think I work my hardest when in the gym. Although I am fully vaccinated and had my booster for COVID, I felt it was best to continue working out at home. I have been doing weight training, yoga, and some HIIT. As the year has gone on, I’ve found it difficult to do certain workouts. While I was away from home, I really did not do any weightlifting. I am trying to find a way to continue doing the workouts I love while traveling, but it is challenging. Despite this, I have been working out more often now that I am home again, and I truly do love the way it makes me feel! When I complete a workout, I feel strong, confident, and empowered. So, in the New Year, I will continue weight lifting, doing my daily yoga, and throwing some HIIT in there as well! Yoga is pretty much a part of my daily routine, and I’ve recognized some incredible benefits. It helps that it can be done anywhere and everywhere, so there are no excuses! I am hoping that 2022 will be the year when I can finally get back in the gym and feel on track again.

  • Graduated from Queens University of Charlotte

I really can’t believe how fast my four years of college went by! I remember first stepping onto campus for a tour, and also for my first day. It was a lot of hard work, and I remember feeling stressed and overwhelmed as each new semester started. It got easier every year. In many ways, I really enjoyed my time at Queens. I really grew as a person, and I was able to do things that I don’t believe I would’ve had the opportunity to do had I chosen a different school. I met some great people, learned so much about my chosen career path, grew as a writer, and I traveled abroad. Most of all, Queens has given me the confidence and preparation to step out into the real world. I graduated in May with honors, and this is an achievement I will always be proud of. Also, I am SO thankful to be done with school!

  • Traveled out West

My family has had plans to travel somewhere very special since 2020, but of course, that trip had to be canceled. It was canceled yet again this year, however we were still able to do some traveling around the country! It felt so nice to go on a vacation again! In June, we traveled out west to a few places we had never been to before. I won’t go into detail since I wrote an entire blog post about the trip (linked here), but I will say that it was incredible! I really enjoyed seeing Badlands, Mount Rushmore, Yellowstone, and the Grand Tetons! Yellowstone has always been on my bucket list, and I was so excited that I was finally able to go and experience this magical place in person. I had never seen anything quite like it! If you have the opportunity to go, I highly recommend it. You will enjoy every moment, and there is SO much to see and do there. Also, Grand Teton National Park is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! I am not sure if I had ever even heard of it before, but it is now one of my favorite places. Being there felt like I was surrounded by one giant painting. It was surreal. It is also right next to Yellowstone, so if you are going in that direction, you can’t miss it! This trip allowed my family and me to travel to a few different states such as South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming. It is a goal of mine to travel to all 50 states, and I am almost there!

  • Started my career working in marketing

I remember so many people saying that once you graduate from college, it can be really difficult to find a job in the field you want. I was fully prepared to work in retail or in a similar job before actually working in the field I studied four years for. Earlier in the year, I applied to a few jobs, but they were not for me. Then, I happened to get an email in June that I was invited to an interview. The timing couldn’t have been any more perfect. I felt really confident about it, and I got the job! It is a remote job for a marketing company, and I am surrounded by skincare! I really enjoy what I do. My job involves: moderating our social media, creating content (photos, reels, tiktoks, captions etc.), and communicating with some of our partner skincare brands. I was also just given a new title with more responsibilities. I am now a Marketing Communications Specialist! I am looking forward to seeing where my career takes me in the New Year.

  • Celebrated one year with Tom

On July 22, Tom and I celebrated one year of our relationship! Sadly, we were apart at that time, so our celebrations occurred over a video call. We made the best of it though, and very soon after that, we were finally together in person. I couldn’t believe that a year had gone by, but we were and are so thrilled and excited for many, many more years together!

  • Traveled to England to see Tom (twice)

For the past couple years, I’ve made it a goal for myself to get out of my comfort zone more often. When making this goal, I wasn’t sure what I would end up doing down the line, but looking back, I am proud of my courage. For a start, I traveled with my university to France, which was a dream come true. And this year, I traveled completely on my own for the first time to go and see the love of my life. What I thought would be a terrifying and intimidating experience turned out to be amazing. Not everything went right (for example, my luggage was lost for a bit and my flight was changed), but I somehow got through it all and ended up in London to meet Tom in person for the first time after waiting for a little over a year! Since then, I traveled back to England once more. I had never spent so much time away from home or my own country. In 2022, I plan on doing some more traveling, and it is still a big goal of mine to do the things that scare me, because it is always worth it in the end.

  • Celebrated two years of “Compass to Confidence”

I truly can’t believe that I have been blogging for two years now! I still love it as much as I did in the beginning, even though I have not been doing it as often. My life has been a bit busy lately, but I will always enjoy and love having this space to share whatever is on my heart. I am grateful to be able to share my passions, give tips, and inspire others to become confident through my words. It is my mission to guide my followers to confidence, and I will not give up on it. My blog has even allowed me to gain more confidence in myself, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far I and my blog have come. I am looking forward to the content I will make in 2022, and I hope you will continue to follow along on the journey!

  • Got engaged

Last but not least, the biggest highlight of all: Tom and I got engaged! After speaking about engagement and marriage for a while, Tom proposed to me on November 24th soon after we arrived in the US. I always imagined what that moment would be like in my life, and it couldn’t have been any more perfect. From the very beginning, even before we started dating, I never had a doubt in my mind. I knew that he was the one for me very early on. I have never felt anything quite like Tom’s love before, and it was and always will be so special and precious to me. I am grateful to have found my forever person. Now… who is going to help me plan the wedding?!

This year has taught me so much, and overall, it has been wonderful and very enjoyable. I am looking forward to accomplishing more of my goals in 2022, and I can’t wait to bring you along with me. I will be sharing more about fashion, beauty, fitness, travel, entertainment, and more about my personal life! I also wanted to say thank you to those of you who have read my blog posts this year. Whether you have been following along from the beginning, or you are new to Compass to Confidence, thank you. Writing and inspiring others has always been my biggest goal in life, and every time I upload a blog post, I feel like I am reaching that goal. I am forever grateful. Be on the lookout for a blog post in the New Year, and I wish you all the best in 2022! Until next time…

Leading a Life of Positivity

Leading a life of positivity is by no means an easy task. This is especially true during difficult times, however it is extremely beneficial, and you can feel the impact it has on your life almost instantly. Being a positive or optimistic person does not mean neglecting your negative emotions; it simply means that you choose to fight through, despite the obstacles that lie ahead. While it is important and natural to genuinely feel any emotions and feelings you may have, it is also hugely beneficial to actively keep positive thoughts within reach. Excessive negativity is a slippery slope, with the way back becoming more and more challenging the deeper you may slide. A balance then, is a good and safeguarded idea.

The term “toxic positivity” has been floating around the internet for a while now. This refers to the way that an individual may neglect, deny, or reject any of their negative emotions and instead, feeling the need to excessively have a positive attitude. We as human beings are complex, and at times, this may mean that we need to look deeper within ourselves to truly understand why we feel the way we do. It may not always be comfortable to be alone and to sit with your own thoughts and feelings, however in order to learn more about the person you are, this is essential, and even more so if you want to live more positively. Don’t be afraid to dig deep under the surface to get to your soul.

While it is never a good thing to repress feelings, it is important to come back to positivity. There is always light to be found, and sometimes you have to look a little harder. Accepting yourself and your emotions can give you the space and peace you need to move forward. It can take time; some obstacles you face may take days, months, or even years to battle through, but being positive is a choice you get to make every single day.

The learnings and self-discovery elements of feeling all emotions are among reasons why it is important to experience both sides of the attitude seesaw. Just as with growing-up and adapting to ‘the real world’, growing through our experiences is necessary for personal development. Time itself and our thought processes should fuel debate in our internal monologue, eventually leading to understanding, acceptance and perhaps answered questions too – whether independently or dependently. A person’s explanatory style (the way you describe and explain the events in your life) can dictate the outcome of the aforementioned process. Collectively, the results can vary significantly from one person to another.

Not straying too far from the path of positivity is often a challenging thing to do amidst trouble, but with habitual glances in this direction, it can be made easier. Believing that things happen for a reason is a great way of feeding optimistic rationale into your explanatory style. There are many circumstances that we cannot control in life, so relinquishing that grasp will lift a weight from our burdened shoulders. Letting go of the things that are out of our hands is often a tricky thing to do, but when you master this, you will be free. There are certainly some situations in life that we do have control over as well, so once you find the root of the problem, or the spark that started the fire, don’t be afraid to ask for help or speak up about how you are feeling. This can be the start of a new view on life, leading you down a positive path.

Practicing gratefulness can heavily influence our mood, both presently and prospectively. Although not always obvious, there is always so much to be thankful for and sometimes we need to remind ourselves and others of those beautiful things. There may be moments when we forget about the many blessings in our lives, and instead focus on all that we don’t have. Try not to get stuck in this mindset that you are lacking, because this is not the case. You have all that you need within you to become your best self, to succeed, and to reach positivity with bravery and strength. You lack nothing.

Engaging in self-care routines, prior to, during and after our difficulties is a wonderful way to build resilience and to steadfastly pursue an elevated perspective. By investing quality time in ourselves, we look at life through a more truthful lens, revealing just how beautiful and capable we really are. In particular, capability in perseverance to run with endurance, in this marathon we call life.

– Amanda Sacchere & Tom Patch

Thank you so much for reading today’s blog post. Tom and I hope that you found it engaging and inspirational, and we really appreciate your support with our writing. We truly believe in uplifting and supporting others, and that is always the hope and goal with my/our blog posts. We both see the importance of leading a life of positivity; we hope that you see it too!

To Tom:

I can’t thank you enough for writing this blog post with me. I love learning more about your view on life as well as your own personal thoughts and opinions on such important topics. It allows me to understand your soul, and it is a soul that I am so deeply in love with and I admire to pieces! Thank you for always reminding me to come back to who I truly am: a positive and optimistic person. I love you!

How to Pose for Photos

There are some people who will do absolutely anything to avoid having their picture taken, and then there are people like me. I actually like having my photos taken! Over the years, I have figured out what works for me when it comes to posing for photos, so today I will be sharing some of my go-to poses as well as a few helpful tips! These are also great for those of you who would describe yourselves as a bit more shy or awkward in photos. They are all very simple to do, and I am very excited to be sharing them with you today! All of these are standing poses, however I will be making a post for sitting poses soon!

Hand in hair

If you follow me on Instagram or you know me well, you’d know that this is my go-to pose. It’s simple, but I think it’s really cute! It also works really well if you do not have any kind of prop with you. I especially like this pose up close. I believe that it works best when your hair is down, but you can also play with a pony tail or a bun, so you can really make it your own!

Hold a prop

This is one of the best ways to get a great photo of yourself because it’s so easy to play around with a prop! You can use anything from sunglasses to a purse to flowers! Sometimes I like to put one hand on my sunglasses whether they are on top of my head or on my face (it can often look candid or as if you were moving while the photo was being taken). Most of the time, I am carrying some kind of purse (I typically go for crossbody bags). This is another cute prop for any photo because you can have your bag in your hands, over your shoulder, or just down by your side. You can also look at your surroundings and go from there! In the photo above, I saw these flowers close by, and decided to use them for a photo. I understand how taking photos can feel a bit awkward at times, but you can get really playful and creative when you have something to hold!

Leg up

This is another very cute and flirty pose that anyone can do! I like it because it’s in moments like this when a genuine smile can come out. I like to have fun when getting my photos taken, and I never want to seem like a robot. Movement in photos can often be a good thing, so when you’re not sure how to pose next, pop a leg up and smile! (This is also a great way to show off your cute new shoes!)

Pretend to walk

This is a great pose for those moments when you just aren’t sure what to do! I like to start a little further away from the camera. Whoever is taking my photo will stand in one spot, typically off to the side and not straight in front of me. Then I will simply walk confidently while smiling at the camera and sometimes looking away. You can ask the person taking your photo to just keep taking them as you walk, and you are bound to get a good one in there! Be sure to stand tall and stride forward smoothly.

Look off to the side or look down

Another classic. This one is great for my girls who are a bit more camera shy! It’s pretty self explanatory (as most of these poses are), but I really like it because it makes it seem like you are looking out at something or someone important. When it comes to looking down, I normally do not tilt my whole head, I typically like to just look down with my eyes (but you can do it either way).

Face away from the camera

Lastly, this is another pose that’s great for those who are still getting used to the camera. It’s so easy because all you have to do is turn your back to the camera and face away! It makes it even better when you have a really pretty and picturesque background! You can even turn your head to the side as if you are looking at something beside you, giving anyone who sees the photo a peek of your face.

I really hope that you found this blog post helpful! I have gained a lot of confidence over the years, but there are definitely still times when I just can’t get a great photo (it happens to all of us). Don’t let it get you down or make you feel insecure. At the end of the day, you should do what feels right and natural for you in photos! I am planning on making this a mini series and I will be posting a few parts to this in the near future, so be on the lookout for that! I will include sitting poses as well as more standing ones. Thank you so much for reading! Until next time!

Check out my Instagram for more: @sacchere14

Reflecting on my Time at Queens University of Charlotte

At 17 years old, I had to decide where and how I wanted to spend the next four years of my life. I always knew that my parents wanted me to go to college, however this is something I truly wanted for myself as well. I’ve always enjoyed school, and I really had to think about my future at this time. In high school, I made the decision to work toward my goal of becoming a writer. When it was time to apply to college, I wanted to stay in my area, close to my family. I applied to a few different schools, but my number one choice was Queens University of Charlotte, a small private school right in the vibrant city of Charlotte in North Carolina.

I remember going back and forth on the pros and cons. I was hesitant due to the cost of this school, however it seemed like the right fit for me. It was smaller than most universities, it had the major I wanted, and I loved the area. It was also very close to home, and I felt comfortable with this. Going into it, I knew that attending Queens would be a big step for me. During campus tours and orientation and registration, I learned that there were many things that were required of Queens students. For example, each student had to complete a mock interview (which I was so nervous about) as well as two internships during their time at Queens. There was also the option of traveling abroad, which at the time I didn’t believe I would ever do (because it was just too nerve wracking to think I would be doing that without my loved ones). College is a time for people to step away from what is comfortable and to grow into the person you are meant to be. Despite my hesitations, I said yes to Queens, and it’s safe to say that I don’t regret it. I knew my future self would be proud of the decision I made.

Luckily, I had older siblings who were in/went to college before me, so I felt like I knew what to expect. Well, nothing could prepare me for the amount of work that I had to do. My freshman year was difficult to say the least. I remember crying with each new semester because of how overwhelming it felt (though once I became a junior, I did not let the stress get to me that much). It took some time, but I got used to all of the work, and although it was a lot, this is to be expected when attending college. It isn’t meant to be easy, but in the end, you feel very proud of all that you’ve accomplished.

I went into college as a journalism major, however at the end of my sophomore year, a new major was introduced: multimedia storytelling, and I felt that this was a better fit for me. I was able to take courses relating to photography, videography, journalism and writing, social media, and communication. All of this was right up my alley, and I really enjoyed many of my classes. During my first two years of college, I had a lot of general education courses to take. These weren’t always my favorite, however I understood the importance of taking them. In my last two years of college, I was able to take more courses relating to my major, which I found to be very interesting. What I love about my major is that it does not put me in a box. It has allowed me to explore different pathways within my desired field.

As I have mentioned, I was really nervous about so many of the requirements that I would eventually have to complete. At a smaller school, you are much more likely to have to participate, and I was always the quiet shy girl. I did not know if college would help me get out of my shell, but I certainly hoped it would. I also did not know just how much I would grow in my time at Queens. Through each experience, I gained more and more confidence in myself and in who I am becoming. I was a member of many group projects, which allowed me to meet new people and to learn how to work with others and to share ideas. I completed a mock interview, which taught me some helpful tips for future interviews, and it gave me more experience and practice. I completed two internships relating to my field, which gave me the experience I needed as well as some important lessons in relation to the workplace. I also did something that as a freshman, I never saw myself doing, and that was traveling abroad with my school. While I have done quite a bit of traveling abroad with my family, I had never done it alone or with people I did not really know. Well, when I was given the opportunity to go on my dream trip to France in March of 2020, I could not refuse. While I was a bit sad that I could not experience this trip with my family, they were supportive and very happy for me. Why on earth would I pass up this opportunity? I had such an amazing week in France (a group of us went to Paris and Lyon)! I will never forget the experience! It allowed me to gain more independence and confidence. Somehow, even miles away from home, I felt so comfortable walking the streets of Paris, and although I was not alone, I still had to take care of myself while I was away. This made me realize just how ready I was to get out of my comfort zone and to take some time to do something for myself without depending on others too much. I had many responsibilities, and I am proud of myself for taking such a big step; one that I never imagined I would take in my time at college.

There were many moments when I surprised myself during these past four years. I was able to find the courage to speak up at events such as the scholars luncheon, and I finally began to feel brave enough to speak up in my classes toward the end of my junior year. I found that a lot of my anxiety went out the window and was replaced with confidence in my own knowledge and experience. Being around the right people really helped as well. One of the many things I loved about college was just how accepting and kind everyone seemed to be. This was pretty different coming right out of high school, where this was not always the case. I loved that people were more mature and I think it’s because everyone is in the same boat. Everyone is experiencing similar things at similar times, like being away from family and being out on your own. While I have gotten much better with my social skills, I still would like to work on this some more, and I am hoping to get better at public speaking as well.

The COVID-19 pandemic began during my second semester of my junior year, right when I got back from France. Since then I have been learning virtually. I’m not going to lie, I have been a little upset that my final year of school had to take place on zoom, but I am glad that Charlotte has become a bit safer, and that I am able to have my graduation ceremony in person.

As my time at Queens comes to a close, I truly do feel like a completely different person walking out than I did when I first stepped onto campus. I was 18 years old when I took my first class at Queens, and now I will be gradating in two days at 21 years old. On Saturday May 8th, I will receive a Bachelor of Arts in Multimedia Storytelling. I am so proud of the work that I’ve done at Queens, and I cannot believe how fast these past 4 years have gone by. I remember my first day as a freshman, and now I am a graduating senior. While I am a little nervous about the future and where I will go after graduation, I believe in myself and the skills and lessons that I have learned at Queens, and for that I am grateful.

I wanted to end today’s blog post with a thank you to Queens University of Charlotte. I truly believe that this school has made me a better person overall. I feel that everything I’ve done and everything I’ve learned has helped shape me into the woman I have always dreamed of becoming. My growth does not end here. Life does not end here. While I may not be learning in a classroom anymore, I will be learning for the rest of my life; through any and all of my future experiences and endeavors. I look forward to the many life lessons ahead of me.  Thank you Queens, for all that you’ve brought to my life. I feel prepared to step into the real world with confidence, bravery, and of course, my education.

And to my 17 year old self, you were right. Thank you for being brave, and for making a choice that scared you. It was worth it, and I am so proud of you.

How to Create Your Own Blog

Hey everyone! I hope you are all having a lovely day, wherever you may be! For today’s post, I thought it could be helpful to share some tips on how to create your own blog! I first started blogging back in August of 2019, and I have continued working on it ever since. It is something I am very proud of, and as a writer, I love having a space to share whatever is on my heart. Before creating my blog, I put a lot of thought into what I wanted it to truly be, and I’ve learned so much along the way. Please keep in mind that I am certainly not an expert and I do not know everything, however through my own research and experience as a blogger, I believe that these tips may be valuable to you.

Make a plan

Before ever creating my blog, I thought long and hard about what I wanted my blog to look like, what I wanted it to be about, and who I wanted it to reach. There are so many questions you need to ask yourself before you start. I had been wanting to create my blog for a long time, but I only started to seriously think about it in early 2019, so I made a plan for myself. I thought about my own passions and what I believe to be my purpose in life. I truly feel that I was born to write and to help others, so that was going to be my top priority. I was also at a point in my life when I really recognized the importance of self-love and confidence. I knew that it was a journey that I was so happy to be on, and I wanted to share that with others. After so much planning, over thinking, and dedication, I started to create my blog, Compass to Confidence, where I would share my passions, give tips, and inspire people to become confident.

Pick your niche

When I began researching about how to create a successful blog, I remember reading up on “niches” and how this can help you find your true audience. Well, I had a different idea for my blog. I have so many interests and passions, and I knew that I did not want to create a blog that was only about fashion or fitness; I wanted to share it all. The only downside is that by writing about multiple topics, rather than one or two, it could be difficult to attract a large audience. I understood this, and I knew that it might hinder my chances of having a successful blog, however I am still glad that I made the decision that I did. I am able to write whatever I want, and this is what makes me happy. I know not everyone who checks out my website will be interested in beauty or health, but I believe that there is something for everyone. Although this is the direction I decided to go in, I would recommend picking your niche. I would try to narrow it down to one or two topics, making sure that they are things you can write about frequently. However, if you’re like me and you are determined to write about multiple topics, you definitely can (as long as you understand how it may affect your blog).

Pick your hosting site & register your domain

The first step to actually create your blog is to pick a hosting site and register your domain. There are a variety of hosting sites out there, such as Wix, GoDaddy, or Bluehost, to name a few popular choices. I chose to create my blog with WordPress and I registered my domain through this site (most of the time, your hosting site will help you register your domain). Once a year, I have to pay not only for my domain, but also for my hosting site, and there are different plans you can choose from (such as basic, business, etc).

Think about spending some money

If you’d like to take blogging seriously, you may want to think about spending some money to enhance your blog. Most of the time, if you choose to create a blog that is completely free, you are very limited in your options, and your overall site may not look exactly how you want it to. Also, there are many widgets that will not be available to you. You really do not have to spend a ton of money, but if you hope to create a successful blog, this may be the right step. If you want to create a blog simply as a hobby, and it is not something you want to take very seriously, then spending money may not be your priority, and that’s ok!

Keep your site simple & user-friendly

If you were to go to a website where you couldn’t locate the menu, there were too many pop-ups, and it was overall difficult to navigate, would you choose to go back to that site? Probably not. Think about your readers. It is ok to make your website your own and to have fun creating it with different widgets; you just don’t want to go overboard. Your website can be aesthetically pleasing and professional while simultaneously being user-friendly. At the end of the day, your readers want to see your content, but if it takes them 20 minutes just to find your latest post, there is a good chance they won’t be subscribing to you.

Create a blogging schedule

From the very beginning, I decided that I would share a blog post at least twice a week. I like to post every four days, and I try to change this up often. For example, if I share a post about fashion, then my next few posts are most likely going to be about a different topic (such as travel, entertainment, or beauty), though it doesn’t always work this way. If you are sticking to your specific niche, the same rule applies. People want to see something different, so do your best to plan out your posts, and don’t be afraid to get creative and try new things! I feel that creating a blog schedule will really help to keep you on track. Successful bloggers post frequently and they are always coming up with new ideas. I like to jot down a ton of ideas in my phone and I plan out blog posts for the months ahead. By doing this, I give myself time to plan out my posts, to write them, and to take photos/videos for them. I recommend having a planner for your blog as well!

Create eye-catching content (photos, videos, etc.)

This is something that I am still working on, however I would say that I have definitely gotten better with it! Taking great photos/videos will help attract your audience, plus, it makes your blog look more professional. You do not need any fancy equipment, especially if you are just starting out. Using your cellphone should work well! If you have great editing skills, then you can also use this to enhance your photos. You can stick to a theme, or change things up often. I like to change the photos on my homepage every season, and I stick to a certain theme with these photos as well.

Promote your blog posts

Social media is a fantastic way to promote your blogs. I share each new post on all of my social media platforms. By doing this, I can reach more people who have similar interests. I also try to utilize the different tools on social media such as Instagram reels, hashtags, and stories. I also like to look at my analytics (for my social media and my website) to see where my followers are coming from. I really like to plan out my posts ahead of time by figuring out the best way to promote my blogs.

Write for an audience

This is something I was able to learn pretty quickly, but I feel that many writers who are just starting out may struggle with this. As someone who has been writing in journals her entire life, I knew that when I started blogging, I needed to know how to write for an audience. I feel that through writing, I am always able to help myself, however it my goal to inspire and uplift others. I have found a way to not only write for myself, but for my readers as well. Something I like to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t always get too personal, and you should remember that most people will read your blog because of how it will benefit them. As a blogger/writer, you should ask yourself: what can my readers get out of this post?

I really hope that you found these tips helpful, and I highly recommend creating your own blog! It gives you the space to share your writing, no matter your interests/passions! Make sure to do your research ahead of time, and plan, plan, plan (just don’t over think too much like I did)! It does take a lot of effort and time, but if this is something you truly want to start, then you should definitely go for it! Thank you so much for reading!

How to Pursue Your Dreams

Some of us grow up and discover our purpose early on in life. We recognize some of the goals and dreams that we have, and we make a plan on how to reach them. Of course, this is not the case for everyone. Others are still trying to figure out what their purpose is. They are still wondering what their dreams really are, and how to pursue them. As we get older, we may change our minds or choose a different path, however we all have a light within us. The trick is to believe it and to never let it go out.

My boyfriend Tom has collaborated with me on this post, which I am always very thrilled to say! I love what he had to share on the topic, and his writing never fails to amaze me! We are sharing advice and words of encouragement, not because we are perfect or because we have it all figured out, but because we continue to grow and learn throughout our own experiences. We are hoping to inspire any and all readers with our words. This is a topic that will always remain relevant, and it can be helpful to anyone, no matter where you are in life. At times, people can be very hard on themselves and their journey, but there is and never will be a deadline or age limit when it comes to reaching your goals or pursuing your dreams.

It’s really important to discover what motivates you. When you close your eyes and imagine your dream life, you have to tell yourself that your goals and dreams are attainable, however, you can’t sit back and wait for the magic to happen, you have to work for it. Remember that motivation comes and goes, and while this is completely normal, you have to press forward in order to get to the other side. Motivation can come from a variety of things, but it shouldn’t always be centered around money, recognition, or material desires. More than anything, focusing on your passions will lead you to success. Always remember that success looks different to every soul you come across, and there truly is no clear definition of the term.

Pursuing dreams in life is healthy, motivating and ambitious. However, success is not only measured in calculated steps. Along the way to achieving goals, there will be wins and setbacks located at tangents, all of which should be embraced with positivity as part of the challenging yet rewarding journey. It isn’t about a perfect succession of planned events but rather the recognition that difficulties and unexpected opportunities are all part of the process. In addition, each person’s journey is uniquely mapped, often looking different to others’, but of course in no way inferior or superior.

The difficulties or surprises in question can either be seen as obstacles or as disguised open doorways. It really is a matter of perspective. A positive and accepting attitude produces an open mind, while relinquishing full control generates resilience and a renewed perspective despite the prevailing circumstances! 

A very common emotion that many people experience when it comes to their dreams is fear, or more specifically, the fear of failure. While this emotion is valid and understandable, you must do your best to ignore these intrusive thoughts. The moment you begin to doubt yourself is the moment you will start to fall back. We’ve all done it at some point, and we will likely do it again, but it’s so important to think positively. No one said it was easy, however when you truly want something, you’ll work hard to make it happen. Dreams and plans may change throughout your life as well, and that’s ok. You don’t have to stay on one path forever. You can always turn around, make different choices, and grow from the overall experience. Share your passions proudly. You should never feel as if you’re tiptoeing around your dreams. It is a good idea to keep to yourself when planning out your next steps (remember, you don’t have to share every detail). Don’t let fear get in the way, and more importantly, don’t let it win. You have power over your thoughts, so do your best to let go of the fear, and believe in yourself wholeheartedly. At the end of the day, you should be your biggest cheerleader.

In setting goals and working towards them, it is important to not compare yourself to others but rather to surround yourself with the right people, those who genuinely support and encourage you, lifting you up all the while. There may be other people who offer nothing but judgement, but those people know so little about your life and they are walking a different path, one that meanders towards a different goal. Everyone is unique and therefore everyone has a unique pathway, so it’s important to accept the obvious differences. Time is also a factor which isn’t worth worrying about. Not only do people’s actual goals differ but so does the timeframe in which they’re achieved. Measuring success is individually bespoke, with no ‘one-size-fits-all’ set criteria.

It is natural for us to want to be liked by others. No one likes to feel judged; we all want to be accepted. Maybe it’s a thought that’s simply floating around in the back of your mind, or maybe it’s recurring and persistent, bringing you anxiety and fear. Either way, pursuing your dreams becomes a lot more challenging when you’re too concerned about what others think of you. To worry about the way others perceive you is to live a life that is not your own. When you believe that your passions aline with your purpose, no one can tell you otherwise. It can be difficult to change your mindset, but as you grow and experience life, this fear of judgment will slowly disappear. And when you look back to see all of the progress you’ve made, those who judged you, doubted you, or laughed at your plans will be unseen through the fog of your past struggles. What lies ahead is much more thrilling, and you will find incredibly supportive and uplifting individuals who can turn your life around for the better.

At the end of the day, you deserve to feel happy and fulfilled with your life. While we are all going to face obstacles at one point or another, testing your motivation, determination, strength, and courage, you must work through them and think about how you will feel when you reach your goals. It won’t always be easy, but it will always be worth it in the end. The decisions that you make and the path that you go down are ultimately up to you, but remember to take some time to pause and appreciate how far you’ve come. You don’t have to be striving toward your goals every day and night. Go at your own pace. Relax, breathe, and take care of yourself on your journey, otherwise, you won’t be at your very best, and your dreams may begin to pass you by.

Above all, going after what you want in life should be adventurous and exciting! It will take hard work, dedication and perseverance. But if you can muster a smile regardless of what comes your way, then you’ll always feel like you’re more than halfway there.

Thank you so much for reading! We hope that you enjoyed today’s blog post, and we hope that you found it helpful and inspiring! We plan to share more of our writing in the future, and we appreciate the support very much!

– Amanda Sacchere & Tom Patch

To my love:

Tom, I can’t thank you enough for wanting to share your gorgeous words with me and with the world! I love the way that we work together, making up the absolute best team. I’m more than excited to live out our dreams together! I love you!

Lessons from Love

A gift to my love.
Photo by: Tom Patch
(@notapatchontom on Instagram)

Valentine’s Day is almost here, and I have been thinking about sharing a post relating to romantic love. While I am no relationship expert, I have been experiencing what I believe to be true love, and it is honestly the most beautiful thing I have ever felt. Today, I will not be the only writer in this post; my boyfriend Tom is going to be sharing some of his gorgeous words as well. We collaborated on this blog post to share some of the things that we have learned from being in a strong, happy, and healthy relationship with one another. Everyone deserves to be loved, and today, we hope to remind you of that.

Every relationship is different, and every person is unique. We all look for different qualities and characteristics in a partner, and this is normal. However, the things that we share today could be beneficial and very helpful in any relationship. The most important thing is to simply to show love to one another. Today, Tom and I are sharing some lessons we have learned from love.

Love will never try to change you. It is all about accepting your partner just as they are. While we all have what we believe to be “flaws” whether they relate to our physical appearance or our personality, we have to remember that love is about opening up and being vulnerable. More importantly, it’s about showing compassion and acceptance, and being understanding.

We may not always see it, but everyone is special and we all have a purpose in this life. Sometimes, almost like magic, someone will appear in your life, take you by the hand, and remind you of why you are special. It’s important to believe it for yourself, but to have someone stand by you and be there to constantly remind you, is such a powerful thing. Confidence and bravery will come in waves, and it can spark something deep inside of you. Rather than judging, we should all focus more on listening and accepting. This will allow your partner to be seen and heard, and they will feel even more comfortable opening up as time goes on. Never be afraid to show your true colors, because someone out there is going to see the brightest shades of love in you.

– Amanda Sacchere

A healthy and beneficial relationship is built on trust and confidence, in each other and together. The trust and confidence to talk about anything and everything, even the taboo or controversial, is a powerful and sustaining path to an unshakeable partnership.

 It can often feel like many aspects of life sadly encourage a diluted way of communicating, therefore neglecting depth and sometimes resulting in feeling misunderstood and underappreciated. A loving relationship on the other hand, should facilitate the opportunity to come as you are, to speak openly and candidly, without the fear of being judged or ignored. Think of it as both a physical and emotional safe place to be, where the world’s clamorous distractions are faded into insignificance like the diminishing background noise in a potent film. With a comfortable space, loving partners are empowered to discuss anything and everything they wish, ensuring that words spoken will fall upon a caring, listening ear. Love tones don’t need to be pitch perfect, but the simple act of regular, deep conversation is enough to strengthen an already beautiful bond.

Tom Patch

Reassurance is important. Even though your partner may know that you love and care for them, you should still remind them daily. You don’t have to go all out with grand gestures. You can simply use your words to let them know how you feel about them. You can even get creative and use your passion to express your love; whether that is through writing, photography or even singing! If you let time pass you by without telling your person that you love them and that they are the only one for you, they may begin to feel lonely, or as if they are not important to you. Challenges will arise, as they often do in life, however when you put in the effort and work on building a strong relationship, you can get to the other side, and you will be victorious together. Never stop showing love to your partner. There are so many beautiful ways to show someone that you care.

– Amanda Sacchere

Actively encouraging and supporting your partner in every good thing they do is a very beautiful and selfless demonstration of care. This continuous, conscious act produces far-reaching benefits and outcomes even greater than the sum of the effort invested. Social media is awash with motivational reminders of the importance of kindness and encouragement. The intentions behind those lovely words on screen are clear, but putting those words into daily practice is hugely rewarding for everyone, particularly your partner. The words and actions you use to lift people up are powerful and effective, offering peace, joy and empowerment to both you and your recipient!

Isn’t it remarkable how the language of love can raise people up to heights they never thought they’d reach and engage with people on a level they’ve so earnestly been waiting for!?

– Tom Patch

And lastly…

When someone loves you, you’re going to know it. You will feel it not only in your heart, but in your mind, body, and soul. You will be radiating gratitude, positivity, and fearlessness. Falling will be effortless, and showing love will forever be the goal. Love does not leave you questioning your worth, and love certainly does not make you feel lonely, insecure, or weak. You won’t have to question their heart or their intentions for you because they will make it as clear as day. You should be able to wake in the morning with the confidence and belief that you are loved. People often put in the effort when it comes to those they care about. Sometimes, that will mean phone calls throughout the day, and it can even mean crossing an entire ocean to get to the one you love. Words are powerful, but actions speak for themselves.

– Amanda Sacchere

Love is a journey that two people choose to take together, hand-in-hand. There is so much more to experience and learn. There may be challenges to overcome, but there will also be incredible and momentous occasions that you will share. Choose each other daily, and always choose love. Tom and I are looking forward to creatively sharing more of our relationship with the world in the future.

As many of my followers may know, my blog is all about finding confidence. So, I wanted to remind anyone and everyone that self-love and self-acceptance is what will lead you to finding romantic love. While it can be very difficult, I encourage you to take that first step. When you find confidence, and when you practice loving yourself daily, you will attract all of the right people into your life. I say this because I truly have experienced this first-hand. By loving yourself first, your romantic relationship will flourish and bloom, like a bud turned to a rose, and it will be so much stronger as a result. You will give and accept love freely, and there will be no holding back.

We hope that you found today’s blog post helpful! Tom and I enjoyed writing it, and we hope that our words will inspire someone out there to stay positive and to never give up on finding a real love. Thank you so much for reading! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day!

For Tom,

I am forever grateful to have found my person in you. I am the luckiest girl in this world to be able to experience your wonderful love. Thank you for everything! We are still growing, my love!

“Your heart is my home.”
A beautiful gift from Tom.

My 2021 Goals and Resolutions

Happy New Year everyone! I am very excited for 2021 and all that it has in store for us! I know that 2020 was a very difficult year for so many people, but I truly believe that things will be better this year, and that there is so much to look forward to!

I always get so excited when a new year begins because I feel so much hope for what’s to come. I also start thinking about goals I would like to reach and resolutions I would like to make. I know some people tend to laugh at the idea of “resolutions” because it is common for people to forget about them as the months go on, but I happen to be very determined, and I am not the kind of person who gives up easily on things that I really want. With that being said, I would really like to share some of my 2021 goals and resolutions with you all!

  • Go hiking once a month for twelve months

If you have been following me for a while, you may recognize this goal. This is something that my uncle and I have been doing for two years now, and we plan to continue again this year! I have a love for nature, and going on hikes really helps me to stay present and even get some exercise outdoors! We don’t live in an area that has too many intense hikes, but in the past, we have been able to go to a few different places. While I love a gorgeous mountaintop view, there is something serene and beautiful about flatland hikes as well. I am looking forward to another year of monthly hikes!

  • Stop procrastinating

I always knew that I was a bit of a procrastinator, but I didn’t realize just how much until recently. I noticed that I was putting off every little thing (even some things that I wanted to do). I started to get frustrated with myself! I recognized that if I keep making excuses for not doing these things, I will obviously never get them done. Whether it is cleaning or writing, I really want to stay focused and get on track to reach my goals. So, this year I want to stop making excuses and get things done, no matter how small.

  • Stay organized

I was looking back at my goals and resolutions from last year and realized that I wrote the exact same resolution for 2020. I wouldn’t say that I am very messy or someone who is completely disorganized, but I could definitely work on it. I tend to be a bit more organized with my school work, but at times, I will forget to do something small. I am not so organized with my room, so I have a plan to clean and organize my space once a week (including my bathroom). If life is stressing me out, a messy room can add to that stress, so I would like to keep things as tidy as possible. I also really love to plan things out, so ever since I got to college in 2017, I’ve kept a planner. Even though I’ve mostly used it for school in the past, I decided that this year, I would use it for everything in life. I want to write down any and all plans for the day/week/month, and I feel that by doing this, it will keep me on track. I love crossing things off my list, and it can feel really great and satisfying after a productive day.

  • Say positive affirmations daily

I have been on my self-love journey for quite some time now, and I am really proud of how far I’ve come. Of course, self-love can be difficult at times, but it is important to keep going. I feel like I stopped doing this for a while, so I decided it would be good to start saying positive affirmations again. It can be really beneficial to start your days off with positive thoughts about yourself or about how you want your day to go. You don’t have to say them out loud, but as long as you are thinking them, that is all that matters. Your mind is a very powerful thing, so what you believe, you will become. I’ve noticed that I will bring myself down at times by discussing the things I don’t like about myself. We’re all human though, and we all have things we may not necessarily love about ourselves, and that is ok. As long as you are working on loving yourself, then one day, those flaws will no longer negatively affect you. I hope to speak positively about myself more often, even if it is just in my own head. Remember: confidence is different than cockiness. Yes, it is amazing to love yourself, but you should never walk around thinking that you are better than anyone else.

  • Prioritize my overall health

As many of you know, I am very much into fitness. I have a plan to try to stay on track this year. In 2020, I ended up losing my motivation, especially in the second half of the year. My gym was not open for most of the year, so I was stuck with at-home workouts (and I still am). So, my plan is to do weight training and HIIT at least four times a week, and to continue doing my daily yoga. I have set up a workout split and I am hoping to get my motivation back once again. Hopefully sometime soon, I can go back to my gym, but for now I think it’s best to stay safe and stay home. Healthy eating has always been a bit of a challenge for me. I first started eating healthier in 2018, but over the past couple of years I realized that I was getting so bored of my usual healthy meals and snacks that I slowly stopped thinking about eating healthier. This year, I want to try to change things up a little bit, and find new ways to eat better. Of course, I won’t be jumping into it too quickly, but I really want to put healthy and delicious foods into my body, because I have experienced the overall benefits. I am also going to continue focusing on my mental health. I’ve been in a really great place these past few years, so I will do my best to continue taking care of myself in all ways. Happiness looks beautiful on anyone and everyone!

  • Weekly pamper nights

Sometimes we just need a little self-care. I recently bought a few new items to add to my pamper routine, and I am so excited to use them! I decided that I would have a pamper night at least once a week. While outer beauty isn’t everything, it is nice to keep up with my appearance, and it makes me feel beautiful and confident when I do. On this day, I can take my time, using things such as body scrubs, hair masks, and nail polish to make me feel pampered. Everyone deserves some time for themselves, and if you use that time to take care of yourself, it’s even better!

It is only the second day of 2021, and I have already learned quite a bit. I was speaking to my best friend and I was talking about New Year’s resolutions, and I questioned why we all wait until January 1st to start forming these new habits. It can be difficult and nearly impossible to change your life overnight. If anything, we should start in December! If you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed or upset because you are struggling to turn things around and do better this year, you aren’t alone. Take it day by day, and don’t be too hard on yourself. It is important to be motivated and inspired, but of course this can come and go. Take your time forming these new habits, but stay disciplined. You don’t have to have it together all the time, but you should do your best to accomplish your goals, and work on bettering yourself daily.

Thank you all so much for reading my first post of 2021! I am feeling very inspired to create some fun and interesting content for you all this year! Everything from beauty and fashion, to fitness and health, to travel and entertainment! If you haven’t already, I would really appreciate it if you would subscribe to my blog, and share it with friends and family! I am wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and safe New Year!

What are some of your goals and resolutions for 2021? Leave me a comment below!