Yasmin Shiraz's Blog

Products I Actually Use & Recommend

I test every product on this page for at least 30 days before recommending it. No hype, no BS—just honest reviews of the wellness tools that have genuinely helped me with fitness, gut health, mental health, mindset, sleep, and stress.

Fitness

Because you can’t have a winning mindset without taking care of your body.

Physician’s Choice Probiotics 60 Billion

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: I use this to help me burn extra calories. Once you get used to the vest, it is an easy way to turn up your workout.

Best for: Anyone who enjoys walking and wants to burn extra calories.

Get it on Amazon

Walking Pad with Incline, Akluer Incline Treadmills for Home

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: This is light-weight, easy to set up and easy to pack in a closet. It goes up to 4mph. I enjoy using it.

Best for: Anyone who wants to be consistent every day with their workouts.

Get it on Amazon

Physician’s Choice Probiotics 60 Billion

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: This is such an effective workout especially if you use it with dumbbells or use the resistance bands. I lost 20lbs using this.

Best for: Anyone who wants to add some variety to their workouts.

Get it on Amazon

Apple Watch Series 10

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: The Apple Watch has helped me to monitor my heart health before, during and after workouts. I find using it helps me to keep my exercise going. (I currently use Series 8.)

Best for: Anyone who wants to track their daily exercise.

Get it Amazon

Gut Health

Because you can’t have a winning mindset and stomach issues at the same time.

Physician’s Choice Probiotics 60 Billion

4.5 Stars (4.5/5)

Why I recommend it: I used to struggle a lot with having a sensitive stomach, bloating and gas but since I started using Probiotics, those issues have greatly reduced. I’ve tried different Probiotics over the years, but this is what I’m using currently.

Best for: Anyone with occasional constipation, bloating or gas.

Get it on Amazon

Mental Health

Because you can’t have a winning mindset without managing your mental health.

Turmeric Curcumin Supplement Gummies

4.5 Stars (4.5/5)

Why I recommend it: Turmeric is reportedly an anti-inflammatory, but I have noticed when I take these I feel less stressed and less anxious.

Best for: Anyone who deals with feeling overwhelm or anxiety.

Get it on Amazon

Sleep & Recovery

Because you can’t have a winning mindset on 4 hours of terrible sleep.

Doctor’s Best High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Lysinate Supplement

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: Whenever I’ve struggled with sleep, I take two of these about an hour before bedtime. They help to take the edge off. And, when I wake in the morning I do not have any morning grogginess. Bonus: It helps with constipation.

Best for: Anyone with stress-related sleep issues or trouble falling asleep.

Get it on Amazon

Dr. Teal’s Pure Epsom Magnesium Salt Soak, Sleep Blend with Melatonin, Lavender & Essential Oils

5 Stars (5/5)

Why I recommend it: This gives your bath a super relaxing boost. It makes my muscles relax and it helps me to fall asleep faster. Bonus: This is really great after a day where I’ve lifted weights because it’s soothing to my muscles.

Best for: Anyone who wants to go to sleep fast and experiences muscle soreness

Get it on Amazon

My Products: Mindset & Productivity

These are the systems I created because I couldn’t find what I needed.

Yasmin’s Daily Digital Planner – $47

What it is: My personal digital planner with daily planning pages, affirmations, habit trackers, and a vision board—all in one place.

Why I created it: I was tired of juggling 5 different apps and notebooks. This keeps everything organized in one system.

Best for: People who struggle to stay consistent and want a structured daily planning system.

Get The Planner Here

Total Body Resent Bundle – $27

What it is: A collection of 5 books covering sleep, stress, eating, self check-ins, and vitamins—everything you need to reset your body and mind.

Why I created it: Your mindset depends on your body. This bundle addresses the physical foundation that supports mental wins.

Best for: People who want a complete wellness reset.

Get The Bundle

Get Help With Procrastination & Depression – $17

What it is: My bestselling book on breaking procrastination and depression through daily wins.

Why I wrote it: I needed a system that worked even on my worst days. This is that system.

Best for: Anyone stuck in the cycle of starting strong and quitting by week 2.

Get the Book

How I Choose What To Recommend

I only recommend products I’ve personally tested for at least 30 days. If it’s on this page, I genuinely use it and believe it works.

Some links on this page are affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you). This helps me keep creating free content and honest reviews.

Want more free resources? [Download my 7 Day Habit Reset Guide ]

The post Real Product Reviews. Personally Tested. For Your Wellness. first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

On November 4, 2025, New York City made history. Voters elected 34-year-old Zohran Mamdani as mayor, making him the youngest mayor in more than a century and the city’s first Muslim mayor. But this election was about more than breaking records. It was about hope. About affordability. About a city finally believing that change was possible.

And it all started with one person who refused to campaign the old way.

The Man of the People

Videos flooded the internet during Mamdani’s campaign. He appeared at clubs in Brooklyn—Gabriela, Toñitas, Damballa, Mood Ring, and music venue Elsewhere—speaking to crowds, dancing, and meeting voters where they were.

Photo courtesy Zohran Mamdani Instagram

In one viral moment, Mamdani was behind the DJ booth singing and dancing to “Gyal You A Party Animal” before giving an impassioned speech and leading the club into Jay-Z and Alicia Keys’ “Empire State of Mind”.

At a cultural center for the elderly, he participated in tai chi and other cultural dances. He walked the entire length of Manhattan, stopping to talk with everyday New Yorkers. He took the subway like everyone else.

This wasn’t a photo op. This was who he was.

In one video, Mamdani “dapped up” New Yorkers as he walked, saying residents “deserve a mayor they can see, they can hear, they can even yell at”.

That’s a man of the people. Not performing for cameras. Actually showing up.

Understanding the Real Issues

Mamdani’s platform included support for free city buses, a rent freeze in rent-stabilized housing, universal child care, and the construction of 200,000 new affordable housing units. He also proposed a $30 minimum wage by 2030 and operating five city-run grocery stores to drive down prices.

Photo Courtesy Zohran Mamdani

These weren’t abstract policy proposals. These were solutions to the problems keeping New Yorkers up at night.

Rent is crushing people. Transportation costs add up. Childcare is unaffordable. Groceries keep getting more expensive.

Mamdani didn’t just acknowledge these problems. He offered concrete plans to fix them.

As one strategist put it, “It’s not the affordability crisis in this country — it’s, ‘I need new deodorant and it’s $13.99, when did deodorant get to be $13.99?'”

That’s what Mamdani understood. The cost of living crisis isn’t theoretical. It’s in every transaction. Every bill. Every choice between necessities.

The Campaign That Changed Everything

Mamdani was relatively unknown before announcing his candidacy in October 2024, polling as low as one percent in February 2025. By June, he had upset former Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary. By November, he had won the general election.

How did an underdog accomplish this?

Social media played a massive role. By election day, Mamdani had amassed more than 1 million followers on Instagram, as well as hundreds of thousands on TikTok and X. One “Subway Takes” TikTok video alone garnered more than 3 million views.

But it wasn’t just about going viral. When voters were asked why they voted for Mamdani, they didn’t say it was because of “some cute thing on social media”—they said they learned about policies that mattered to them.

Mamdani also created campaign materials in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, Bengali and other languages, speaking directly to immigrant New Yorkers about the issues affecting their lives. He explained ranked-choice voting while speaking fluent Hindi, complete with playful South Asian pop culture references.

More than half of New York City’s South Asian population is of Indian descent, and these communities often aren’t targeted by mainstream campaigns. Mamdani didn’t ignore them. He spoke to them. In their languages. About their concerns.

That’s respect. That’s inclusion. That’s real representation.

The Detractors and the Hate

Of course, not everyone was thrilled about Mamdani’s rise.

Islamophobia trailed his campaign for months. President Trump posted online: “Any Jewish person that votes for Zohran Mamdani, a proven and self professed JEW HATER, is a stupid person!!!” (That’s his exact phrasing, all caps and multiple exclamation points included.)

In early November, Trump threatened to withdraw federal funding for New York City should Mamdani be elected mayor.

During the primary, opponent Andrew Cuomo accused Mamdani of accepting “dirty money”, trying to tie his campaign to controversial organizations without real evidence.

Some critics dismissed him as too young. Too inexperienced. Too radical. Too everything.

Actress Debra Messing was particularly vocal in her opposition to Mamdani, sharing and resharing her thoughts about him on Instagram.

But here’s what matters: Mamdani won anyway. He defeated former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The election saw more than 2 million voters turn out—the highest turnout for a mayoral election since 1969.

The detractors were loud. But the people were louder.

Why New Yorkers Are Excited

There’s a palpable sense of hope around Mamdani’s election. Not naive optimism. Real, grounded hope that things can actually change.

Courtesy Zohran Mamdani Instagram

At Kabab King, his favorite restaurant, supporters talked about “30 years of Islamophobia being normalized” and feeling seen for once. One group of young women even playfully mocked the Islamophobic attacks, yelling “Sharia Law, baby!” while laughing.

That’s what representation does. It lets people breathe. It lets them exist without constantly defending their right to exist.

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez noted that Mamdani “had to defeat a Republican and the old guard of the Democratic party at the same time,” adding that “he still won resoundingly”.

The message? New Yorkers are tired of the status quo. They’re tired of politicians who don’t understand their struggles. They’re tired of empty promises.

Mamdani represents something different. A new generation. A new approach. A new possibility.

A New Era for New York

Mamdani, who spent some of his formative years in South Africa, is of Indian-Ugandan descent. He was born in Kampala, Uganda, to academic Mahmood Mamdani and filmmaker Mira Nair.

His background is uniquely global. His perspective shaped by multiple continents, multiple cultures, multiple ways of seeing the world.

After graduating from Bronx High School of Science and earning a degree in Africana studies from Bowdoin College, Mamdani worked as a housing counselor and musician before entering politics.

He understands housing issues because he worked directly with people facing them. He understands art and culture because he lived them. He understands struggle because he’s seen it up close.

As a State Assembly member since 2021, he helped launch a successful fare-free bus pilot program and participated in a hunger strike alongside taxi drivers.

That’s not performative activism. That’s solidarity. That’s putting your body on the line for what you believe in.

The Ripple Effect Begins

Here’s what excites people most about Mamdani’s victory: the ripple effect.

When one person breaks through, it changes what others think is possible. New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America chapter is already touting Mamdani’s victory in recruitment efforts, calling it just the beginning.

Young people watching this election learned that you don’t need to be part of the establishment to win. You don’t need millions in corporate donations. You don’t need to play by the old rules.

You need a real message. Real connection with voters. And the courage to actually mean what you say.

Already, other Democratic candidates are trying to replicate Mamdani’s approach, creating walking-and-talking videos with saturated colors and quick cuts. His impact is spreading beyond New York.

But it’s more than just campaign tactics. It’s about what’s possible when you actually try to help people instead of just managing their expectations.

One Person, Countless Lives

This is why Mamdani’s story matters to everyone, not just New Yorkers.

One person decided to run for mayor. One person refused to campaign the traditional way. One person spoke directly to the issues keeping people up at night.

And it changed everything.

Now, 200,000 new affordable housing units could be built. Buses could become free, making transportation accessible to everyone. Rents could freeze, giving people breathing room. Universal childcare could let parents work without drowning in expenses.

That’s tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands of lives directly improved. Families who can afford groceries. Kids who get quality childcare. Workers who can get to their jobs without it eating their paychecks.

And beyond the policy, there’s the symbolic impact. Muslim kids seeing someone who looks like them as mayor. South Asian families feeling represented. Young people believing they can make a difference.

That ripple spreads outward. One inspired kid becomes a future leader. One family feeling seen participates more in their community. One person who voted for the first time because of Mamdani stays engaged in politics.

That’s how change compounds. That’s how one person creates a movement.

The Lesson for All of Us

You don’t have to run for mayor to create a ripple effect in people’s lives.

You just have to show up authentically. Understand what people actually need. Refuse to accept that things have to stay broken.

Mamdani danced with voters not because a consultant told him to. He did it because that’s who he is. He spoke multiple languages not for optics. He did it because that’s his community.

He focused on affordability not because it polled well. He did it because it’s what mattered.

Authenticity resonates. Real solutions matter. Showing up consistently changes minds.

Whatever space you’re in—your workplace, your neighborhood, your family, your field—you can be that person who refuses to accept the status quo. Who listens to what people actually need. Who takes action even when others say it’s impossible.

The Work Ahead

Mamdani will take office on January 1, 2026. He’s assembling his team, planning his first 100 days, preparing to govern a city of millions.

The real work is just beginning. Campaign promises have to become policy. Enthusiasm has to translate into governance. Hope has to deliver results.

There will be obstacles. There will be critics who say “I told you so” at every stumbling block. There will be systems resistant to change and interests opposed to reform.

But here’s what New Yorkers bet on: that Mamdani means it. That he’ll keep showing up. That he’ll fight for the policies he campaigned on.

He’s already announced experienced team members, including Dean Fuleihan as First Deputy Mayor, Maria Torres-Springer in a senior role, and his former Chief of Staff Elle Bisgaard-Church.

He’s not winging it. He’s building a real administration ready to govern from day one.

Why This Matters Beyond New York

Cities across America are watching. States are taking notes. Candidates are studying what worked.

Because if a democratic socialist can win in America’s largest city with a progressive platform focused on affordability, what does that say about where the country is headed?

It says people are tired of politicians who don’t understand their struggles. They’re tired of being told to lower their expectations. They’re tired of choosing between rent and groceries, between childcare and savings, between survival and living.

As one strategist described Mamdani’s success: “Zohran cracked the code so many Democrats are searching for: laser-focus on affordability, scroll-stopping videos, and blend Obama’s happy warrior with Bernie’s populist anger”.

That formula isn’t specific to New York. Economic anxiety is everywhere. The cost of living crisis is national. The hunger for real change is universal.

Mamdani proved that meeting that hunger with actual solutions can win elections. That young candidates with bold ideas can beat establishment favorites. That coalition-building across communities creates unstoppable momentum.

The Power of Believing Change Is Possible

Maybe the most important thing Mamdani accomplished was this: he made people believe change was possible.

For years, New Yorkers heard “that’s just how it is.” Rent will keep rising. Subways will stay broken. Nothing can really change.

Mamdani said: what if it could?

What if we froze rents? What if we made buses free? What if we built hundreds of thousands of affordable units? What if we paid workers a living wage?

What if we stopped accepting that struggle is inevitable and started demanding that our government actually help us?

That shift in thinking—from “nothing can change” to “let’s make it change”—is revolutionary. It transforms passive acceptance into active participation. It turns cynicism into hope.

And when millions of people start believing change is possible, it becomes inevitable.

One Person, Infinite Ripples

This is what I want readers to understand: one person really can create a ripple effect in a multitude of lives.

Zohran Mamdani isn’t a superhero. He’s a 34-year-old who decided to run for office. Who worked hard. Who stayed authentic. Who listened to what people needed.

And in doing so, he changed the trajectory of millions of lives in America’s largest city.

You have that power too. Maybe not to become mayor. But to create ripples in your sphere. To refuse to accept broken systems. To show up for your community. To believe that your actions matter.

Because they do. One person speaking up at a meeting changes the conversation. One person volunteering changes a neighborhood. One person refusing to accept injustice inspires others to act.

The ripples spread. They intersect with other ripples. They build into waves. And eventually, they create the kind of change that seemed impossible at the beginning.

That’s what Mamdani proved in New York. That’s what you can prove in your life.

Change starts with one person who believes it’s possible and refuses to give up until it becomes real.

Be that person. Create your ripples. And watch how far they spread.

****To read why I think The Clipse deserve at least 4 out of 5 Grammys, click here.

The post Zohran Mamdani: The New Mayor of New York City first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

At just 25 years old, Halle Bailey has lived several lifetimes. She’s been a viral sensation. A Disney princess. A mother. A survivor.

Her journey is about resilience. About moving forward no matter what. About refusing to let life’s curveballs knock you off your path.

And if you’re going through something right now, Halle’s story is proof that you can make it through. I’ve done some videos about Halle over this past year and I believe she is someone to root for and believe in. I appreciate her journey.

The Beginning: Chloe x Halle

Halle gained fame as part of Chloe x Halle, the R&B duo she formed with her sister Chloe. Their harmonies were otherworldly. Their chemistry undeniable. Their talent impossible to ignore.

But talent doesn’t just appear fully formed. It’s built.

Their father taught them how to write songs when they were just 8 years old. Eight. Most kids that age are still figuring out multiplication. Halle and Chloe were crafting melodies and lyrics.

And they didn’t stop there. They taught themselves how to play instruments by watching YouTube videos.

Think about that for a moment. No expensive music lessons. No prestigious arts academy. Just two sisters, a computer, and an unshakeable belief that they could learn anything they set their minds to.

That’s the foundation of resilience right there. The willingness to teach yourself. To figure it out. To not wait for someone to hand you the tools.

Halle Bailey: Growing Up on Screen

From 2018 to 2022, Halle starred in Grown-ish. She wasn’t just a guest star or a recurring character. She was part of the fabric of the show.

Those formative years, from roughly ages 18 to 22, she spent growing up on screen. Learning her craft in front of millions of people.

That takes courage. To be vulnerable. To make mistakes. To find your footing while cameras are rolling and the internet is watching.

But Halle did it. She showed up. She learned. She evolved.

And all of that was preparing her for what came next.

The Little Mermaid: Making History and Facing Backlash

In 2023, Halle took on her first lead role as Ariel in Disney’s The Little Mermaid.

A Black Ariel. A reimagining of a beloved character. A chance to be part of Disney history.

The casting caused backlash. Some people couldn’t handle seeing a Black woman as a mermaid. As if mermaids have a documented racial requirement. As if fantasy has to look one specific way.

The racism was ugly. Vocal. Relentless.

But Halle continued. She didn’t shrink. She didn’t apologize for existing. She did her job.

And she did it fantastically.

When The Little Mermaid was released in May 2023, Bailey received praise for her performance. Critics and audiences alike recognized her vocal talent, her emotional depth, her ability to carry a major motion picture.

She proved that she belonged in that role. Not despite being Black, but as a talented actress who happened to be Black and perfect for the part.

The backlash didn’t define her. Her performance did.

Solo Artistry: Love?… or something like it

While building her acting career, Halle also pursued her solo music. She released her studio album, Love?… or something like it which she released in late 2025.

This wasn’t just a side project. This was a statement.

The album is emotional. Beautifully executed. Vulnerable in ways that take real courage.

She wasn’t hiding behind the duo anymore. This was just Halle. Her voice. Her story. Her heart on every track.

The album title itself is telling. Love?… or something like it. That uncertainty. That questioning. That willingness to admit you don’t have all the answers.

That’s mature artistry. That’s someone unafraid to explore complicated emotions and put them into song.

Her father’s lessons when she was 8 years old had come full circle. She was writing her own story now. In her own way. On her own terms.

Love, Motherhood, and Heartbreak

In 2021, Halle began a relationship with rapper and YouTuber DDG. For a while, things seemed good. Young love. Two people building their careers. Navigating fame together.

About two years into the relationship, Halle gave birth to their son. A new chapter. A new identity as a mother on top of everything else she was managing.

But in 2024, DDG announced their split.

Breakups are hard for anyone. When you’re in the public eye, they’re excruciating. When you share a child, they’re even more complicated.

And then things got worse.

The Restraining Order and Public Battle

In May 2025, Halle was granted a restraining order against DDG following allegations of abuse.

Neither parent wanted the case played out in the media. This was about their safety. About their son. About protecting what mattered most.

But privacy is a luxury that public figures rarely get.

DDG’s fans attacked Halle on social media. Viciously. They questioned her character. Her motives. Her truth.

It was hurtful. It was unnecessary. And it was relentless.

Imagine going through one of the hardest moments of your life while strangers dissect every detail online. While people who don’t know you decide you’re lying. While your pain becomes entertainment.

That’s what Halle faced.

And somehow, she kept her chin up.

Choosing Grace Over Retaliation

Here’s what’s remarkable about how Halle handled everything: she didn’t retaliate.

She didn’t go online and attack DDG. She didn’t air dirty laundry for clicks. She didn’t weaponize her platform to turn fans against him.

She stayed away from being negative online. At all.

That takes incredible discipline. When people are attacking you, the instinct is to defend yourself. To fight back. To make sure everyone knows your side of the story.

Halle chose differently. She chose to protect her peace. To focus on her son. To keep working.

She shot a movie in Italy. She continued building her career. She showed up for herself even when it would have been so easy to collapse.

That’s resilience in action.

Postpartum Depression and Being Honest

Through news surrounding the custody case and Halle’s own interviews, she opened up about struggling with post-partum depression.

She was trying to be the best mom she could be while her brain chemistry was working against her. While her relationship was falling apart. While strangers online were calling her names.

Post-partum depression is brutal. It’s isolating. It makes you doubt everything about yourself as a mother and as a person.

And Halle experienced it all while under a microscope.

Her honesty about this is so important. Too many women suffer in silence because they’re afraid of being judged. Afraid of being seen as weak. Afraid that admitting struggle means admitting failure.

Halle said: I’m struggling. And I’m still here. And I’m still trying.

That’s not weakness. That’s strength.

The Custody Case Resolution

The custody case appears to be resolved now. The details are private, as they should be.

What matters is that Halle fought for what she needed. She protected herself and her son. She didn’t let fear keep her in an unsafe situation.

She used the legal system. She got the restraining order. She did what was necessary even though it meant public scrutiny.

And on the other side of it, she’s still standing.

Still working. Still creating. Still being a mother. Still being Halle.

Life’s Curveballs Don’t Define You

This is what I want readers to understand from Halle’s journey. Life will throw you curveballs.

You might face racism when you’re just trying to do your job. You might experience heartbreak when you thought you’d found love. You might struggle with mental health while trying to be strong for others. You might be attacked by people who don’t know you but hate you anyway.

The curveballs will come. That’s not optional.

But how you respond? That’s everything.

Halle could have quit acting after the Little Mermaid backlash. She could have stopped making music. She could have retreated from public life entirely after the custody battle.

She didn’t. She kept going.

Not because it was easy. But because she remembered who she was and who she wanted to be.

Don’t Forget Who You Are

When life gets hard, it’s easy to lose yourself. To let circumstances redefine you. To become the trauma instead of the person who survived it.

Halle Bailey didn’t let that happen. Through everything, she remained herself.

She’s still the girl who learned to write songs at 8. Still the artist who taught herself instruments from YouTube videos. Still the actress who earned her role through talent. Still the mother who loves her son. Still the woman who chose grace over bitterness.

The circumstances changed. She didn’t.

That’s the key. You have to hold onto your core self even when everything around you is chaos.

Don’t Forget Who You Want to Be

But it’s not just about remembering who you are. It’s about remembering who you want to be.

Halle wanted to be a successful actress. She became one. She wanted to be a solo artist. She became one. She wanted to be a good mother. She’s fighting every day to be one.

When you’re in the middle of a storm, it’s hard to think about the future. Survival mode takes over. You just try to get through the day.

But Halle kept her eyes on who she wanted to become. She shot a movie in Italy. She continued her career. She didn’t let the worst season of her life become her entire story.

That’s forward motion. That’s refusing to be defined by a moment, however painful.

The Lessons We Can Take

Halle Bailey’s journey teaches us several things:

First, resilience is built, not born. She learned it early through music. She practiced it through acting. She embodied it through motherhood and heartbreak.

Second, you don’t have to respond to every attack. Silence can be more powerful than retaliation. Grace can be more impactful than anger.

Third, honesty about struggle helps others. Halle’s openness about post-partum depression gives permission for other women to speak their truth.

Fourth, your worth isn’t determined by public opinion. People will love you. People will hate you. Your job is to keep being who you are regardless.

And fifth, you can keep moving forward even when it feels impossible. Especially when it feels impossible.

Still Standing at 25

Halle Bailey is 25 years old. She’s already been through more than many people experience in a lifetime.

And she’s still here. Still creating. Still evolving. Still choosing herself even when it’s hard.

Her story isn’t over. This is just the beginning of what she’ll accomplish. Because resilience doesn’t just help you survive. It positions you to thrive.

The curveballs will keep coming. For Halle. For all of us. That’s life.

But we get to decide if we let them knock us down permanently or if we get back up. If we let them define us or if we define ourselves.

Halle chose to get back up. Every single time.

And if she can do it while the world is watching, while dealing with racism, heartbreak, abuse allegations, custody battles, mental health struggles, and relentless online attacks, then we can do it too.

Your Curveball Doesn’t Have to Be Your End

Whatever you’re going through right now, remember Halle’s story. Remember that resilience is possible. That grace is powerful. That forward motion matters more than perfection.

Don’t forget who you are. That person who had dreams before life got complicated. That person who had hope before heartbreak hit. That person who knew they were capable before circumstances made them doubt.

That person is still there. Don’t abandon them.

And don’t forget who you want to be. The version of yourself on the other side of this struggle. The one who made it through. The one who kept going despite everything.

You can get there. Halle is proof. At 25, with everything she’s faced, she’s proof.

Life throws curveballs. But you decide if they knock you out or make you stronger.

Halle Bailey chose stronger. So can you.

To read about Meghan Markle giving us a master class on living your best life, click here.

The post Halle Bailey: How To Be Resilient At All Times first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

The Clipse are nominated for five Grammys and I believe with my chest that they should get at least four. And here’s why…

Over the course of my videos about The Clipse, I’ve witnessed something remarkable. Two brothers from Virginia Beach, VA, in their late 40s and early 50s respectively, have released one of the most powerful hip hop albums of 2025.

Pusha T and Malice didn’t just come back. They came back better.

Their latest album, Let God Sort ‘Em Out, is a masterclass in lyricism. It’s emotionally charged. It’s technically precise. It’s the kind of album that reminds you why you fell in love with hip hop in the first place.

And it deserves multiple Grammy wins. This article is my official vote for that.

“The Birds Don’t Sing” and the Weight of Loss

The album opens with “The Birds Don’t Sing.” From the first bar, you know you’re not listening to filler. You’re not hearing artists going through the motions.

This is a tribute to their parents. Both of them died months apart from each other.

That kind of loss changes you. It ages you. It forces you to confront mortality in ways you never wanted to.

And The Clipse put all of that into their music.

The song isn’t just sad. It’s not just reflective. It’s a raw excavation of grief, gratitude, and everything in between.

When you lose both parents in quick succession, the world tilts. Nothing feels stable anymore. And you can hear that instability in the production, in the delivery, in the pauses between the words.

This is what happens when artists stop trying to prove something and start trying to express something. The difference is everything.

Photo courtesy Pusha T InstagramVirginia Beach’s Finest

Pusha T and Malice have been representing Virginia Beach for decades. They put their city on the map in ways that few artists ever do for their hometowns.

But what’s remarkable about their latest work is how they’ve matured without losing their edge. They haven’t gone soft. They haven’t started making music for people who don’t understand hip hop.

They’ve deepened. That’s different.

The Virginia Beach grit is still there. The street knowledge. The unflinching observations about life, death, and what it takes to survive.

But now it’s filtered through the wisdom that only comes from living. From losing. From rebuilding.

The “Young Man’s Game” Myth

People love to say that hip hop is a young man’s game. That if you’re not popping by 25, you’ve missed your window. That the industry has no room for veterans.

The Clipse obliterated that myth with Let God Sort ‘Em Out.

Yes, Pusha T is in his late 40s. Yes, Malice is in his early 50s. And yes, they created an album that’s as strong—and stronger—than most rap albums released in 2025.

Age didn’t slow them down. Experience sharpened them.

Their flows are more precise now. Their word choices more deliberate. Their concepts more fully realized.

Young rappers have energy. Veterans have mastery. And The Clipse demonstrated that mastery can create art that energy alone never could.

The Vatican Performance: A Full Circle Moment

This year, The Clipse performed at the Vatican. Read that again. The Vatican.

No other hip hop group had ever done that before. This was historic.

For Malice, this was especially significant. He had once stopped rapping because of his faith. He struggled with whether he could be both a believer and an artist in a genre often at odds with religious values.

To return to rapping. To pay tribute to his parents. To do it at arguably the most religious place on earth.

That’s full circle. That’s redemption. That’s the universe saying “yes, you can be all of who you are.”

The symbolism wasn’t lost on anyone paying attention. Here was a man who walked away from his craft for his faith, now welcomed into the heart of that faith while practicing his craft.

Beautiful doesn’t even begin to cover it.

The Inevitable Criticism

Of course, there were detractors. There always are.

Some viewers of my videos claimed the Vatican was “stealing souls” during The Clipse’s performance. They offered no proof. Just vague accusations and conspiracy theories.

Others slammed the Vatican’s history. They brought up allegations about what happened underneath the floors. Things I’m not too familiar with, honestly.

But here’s what I noticed: none of this criticism was actually about The Clipse. It was about people’s feelings about institutions. About religion. About things that have nothing to do with two brothers honoring their parents through music.

The performance happened. It was powerful. It was meaningful. And no amount of sidebar controversy changes that.

The Lyricism That Sets Them Apart

Let’s talk about the bars. Because at the end of the day, that’s what matters in hip hop.

The Clipse brought talent and precision to every track on this album. These aren’t generic verses. These aren’t recycled metaphors or predictable rhyme schemes.

This is sharp, specific, intentional writing.

You can hear the hours they put in. The revisions. The craft.

When you’re young, you can get away with raw talent. Energy carries you. Your youth itself is part of the appeal.

But when you’re a veteran? You have to be undeniable. You have to prove that you still have something to say and the skill to say it better than anyone else.

The Clipse did exactly that.

Every verse is purposeful. Every bar is earned. Every song feels like it had to exist.

Pharrell’s Production Genius

Super producer Pharrell produced Let God Sort ‘Em Out. And we absolutely appreciate his genius.

The production is immaculate. The beats are innovative without being distracting. The soundscapes support the lyrics without overwhelming them.

Pharrell created the perfect canvas for The Clipse to paint on.

But here’s what’s crucial to understand: Pharrell didn’t write those rhymes.

On God.

Yes, production matters. Yes, beats elevate songs. Yes, Pharrell’s contribution is significant.

But those words? That wordplay? Those stories and metaphors and emotional depths?

That’s all Pusha T and Malice.

Don’t get it twisted. This album works because of the synergy. But give credit where credit is due. The Clipse wrote their way into Grammy consideration.

Life-Changing, Motivational, Inspirational

I don’t use those words lightly. But Let God Sort ‘Em Out truly is life-changing.

It’s motivational because it shows what’s possible when you refuse to age out of your passion.

It’s inspirational because it demonstrates that loss can fuel art rather than end it.

And it’s life-changing because it challenges everything we’ve been told about who gets to succeed in music and when.

This album speaks to generations of hip hop lovers. It tells them to dig deep. To keep getting better. To never accept that your best work is behind you.

The Clipse could have coasted on their legacy. They could have done a nostalgia tour and called it a career.

Instead, they created something that stands alongside—and often surpasses—the work of artists half their age.

That’s not just impressive. That’s instructive.

You Don’t Have to Fall Off

This is the core message I want readers to take from my Clipse videos and from this article.

You don’t have to fall off.

People will tell you that you’re too old. That your time has passed. That you should step aside for the next generation.

Ignore them.

What you need to do is hone your craft. Keep being productive. Keep studying. Keep improving.

The Clipse didn’t maintain their level. They elevated it.

They got better lyrics. Sharper concepts. Deeper emotional resonance.

Age wasn’t their enemy. Complacency would have been. But they never got complacent.

The Grammy Case: Five Nominations

Let God Sort ‘Em Out isn’t just up for a Grammy this year. The Clipse received five nominations. Five.

Let that sink in.

Album of the Year. Best Rap Album for Let God Sort ‘Em Out. Best Rap Performance for “Whips and Chains.” Best Rap Song for “The Birds Don’t Sing.” And Best Music Video for “So Be It.”

Five nominations for artists in their late 40s and early 50s. Five nominations in a “young man’s game.”

That’s not luck. That’s mastery being recognized.

And here’s where I stand: I will only be satisfied if they win at least four of the five.

I’m willing to let someone else have Best Music Video. Fine. That category is subjective anyway. Visuals are important, but they’re not what The Clipse do best.

But the other four? Those should be theirs.

Album of the Year should be theirs because Let God Sort ‘Em Out is the most complete, emotionally resonant album of 2025.

Best Rap Album should be theirs because no other rap album this year matched their lyrical precision and thematic depth.

Best Rap Performance for “Whips and Chains” should be theirs because the technical execution is flawless.

And Best Rap Song for “The Birds Don’t Sing” should absolutely be theirs. That song is a tribute to their parents. It’s personal. It’s powerful. It’s the kind of songwriting that transcends genre.

Four out of five. That’s my expectation. Anything less would be the Recording Academy missing the point entirely.

What We Can Learn

The Clipse’s journey with this album teaches us several things:

First, mastery takes time. You can’t rush depth. You can’t fake wisdom.

Second, loss can be transformed into art. Grief doesn’t have to end your creativity. It can fuel it.

Third, faith and artistry can coexist. Malice proved that you don’t have to choose between your beliefs and your craft.

Fourth, age is irrelevant if the work is excellent. The market doesn’t care about your birthday if you’re delivering quality.

And fifth, there’s always room for one more great album. The industry isn’t full. There’s space for anyone willing to do the work.

Keep Getting Better

The Clipse could have given us a decent album. Something fans would appreciate out of loyalty. Something that would get a few plays and then fade.

Instead, they gave us a masterpiece. They gave us their grief, their growth, their absolute best.

And in doing so, they showed every artist watching that the game isn’t over until you decide it is.

Your 20s don’t define your potential. Your 30s don’t limit your creativity. Your 40s and 50s? Those can be your most powerful years if you let them.

But you have to do the work. You have to keep honing your craft. You have to stay productive.

You have to refuse to fall off.

My Vote Is Cast

This article is my official Grammy vote for The Clipse and Let God Sort ‘Em Out.

Not just because they’re veterans who deserve recognition. Not just because the album is technically proficient.

But because it’s life-changing. Because it’s motivational. Because it’s inspirational.

Because it tells generations of hip hop music lovers—and really, anyone pursuing any dream—to dig deep and keep getting better.

The Clipse did that. They dug deep. They got better. They created something that will outlast the moment.

And I love them for that.

Virginia Beach raised them right. Their parents would be proud. And hip hop is better because they refused to let age define their potential.

Let God Sort ‘Em Out isn’t just an album. It’s a testament to what’s possible when talent meets experience, when grief meets purpose, and when artists refuse to believe that their story is over.

The Clipse proved you don’t have to fall off. You just have to keep going.

On God.

The post The Clipse Deserve Album of The Year and Then Some first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

Over the years, I’ve created several videos about Meghan Markle, The Duchess of Sussex. Each time I post one, the same pattern emerges. She announces a new project. The critics come out in full force. They make claims without evidence. They predict failure before anything has even launched.

It’s exhausting to watch. But it’s also instructive.

The Movie Announcement That Set Off a Firestorm

In one of my recent videos, I talked about Meghan’s new movie project. She’s expanding her career. She’s exploring new creative territories. For most people, this would be seen as growth. As ambition. As someone refusing to be boxed in.

But not everyone sees it that way.

Within hours of the announcement, the comments rolled in. People claimed she was going broke. They said she was desperate. They insisted this was a last-ditch effort to stay relevant.

The evidence for these claims? Zero. None. Nothing at all.

Just assumptions. Just negativity dressed up as analysis.

This is what happens when people decide they don’t like you. Facts become optional. Proof becomes unnecessary. The narrative they’ve created in their minds becomes their truth.

The Netflix Success They Won’t Acknowledge

I’ve also covered Meghan’s Netflix show in my videos. The show has done well. It resonated with audiences. It brought in viewers. The platform clearly saw value in it because they renewed it.

That’s success by any reasonable measure.

But the detractors won’t accept it. They claim the show failed. They insist nobody watched it. They manufacture stories about disappointment and underperformance.

Even when presented with the renewal news, they pivot. They say Netflix is just being nice. Or that Meghan has some kind of special deal. Or that the numbers are fake.

The goalposts keep moving because the goal was never about facts. It was about maintaining a negative narrative at all costs.

The Paris Fashion Week “Controversy”

Then there was Paris Fashion Week. I did a video about Meghan attending the shows. She was there to look at fashion. That’s literally what people do at Fashion Week.

She was dressed impeccably. Elegant. Put-together. Exactly what you’d expect at such an event.

And yet, there was a brouhaha about it.

People had a problem with her being there. With what she wore. With how she looked. With the fact that she showed up at all.

What was the actual issue? There wasn’t one. She was simply existing in a space. Looking at clothes. Being fashionable at a fashion event.

But when people have decided they don’t like you, even the most mundane activities become controversial. Even doing exactly what you’re supposed to do in a given setting becomes a problem.

It would be funny if it wasn’t so revealing about how criticism works. When someone wants to find fault, they will. Even when there’s nothing there.

Where Does This Meghan Markle Negativity Come From?

I’ve thought a lot about this pattern. Why do some people invest so much energy into tearing someone down? Why do they refuse to acknowledge success when it’s right in front of them?

The answer is uncomfortable but important. Negative feelings often come from a deep, dark place.

Sometimes it’s jealousy. Watching someone live boldly can be triggering when you feel stuck in your own life.

Sometimes it’s insecurity. Someone else’s success can feel like a reflection of your own perceived failures.

Sometimes it’s just learned behavior. Some people grew up in environments where criticism was the default. Where nothing was ever good enough. Where approval was withheld as a form of control.

And sometimes people are simply unhappy. When you’re miserable, it’s easier to focus on someone else’s perceived flaws than to deal with your own pain.

None of this excuses the behavior. But understanding it helps us not internalize it.

Why I Keep Covering Meghan’s Journey

My interest in documenting Meghan’s story isn’t really about her at all. It’s about the lesson her experience teaches us.

She continues to grow. She continues to build. She continues to live life on her own terms.

And people continue to hate it.

But here’s what matters: she keeps going anyway.

That’s the point. That’s the lesson. That’s what I want my audience to understand.

You don’t need everyone to approve of your choices. You don’t need everyone to celebrate your wins. You don’t need everyone to understand your vision.

You just need to keep moving forward.

The Proof-Free Zone of Criticism

One thing I’ve noticed in the comments on my videos is how rarely critics provide actual evidence. They make sweeping statements with complete confidence. But when you ask for sources? For receipts? For anything concrete?

Silence.

Or worse, they’ll point to other critics as evidence. “Everyone knows she’s failing” becomes the proof. As if repetition makes something true.

This is a crucial thing to recognize in your own life. When people criticize you without evidence, they’re telling you more about themselves than about you.

They’re revealing their biases. Their insecurities. Their need to feel superior by making someone else feel small.

Your job isn’t to convince them otherwise. Your job is to recognize the game and refuse to play it.

Success Looks Different to Different People

Another pattern I’ve observed is how people redefine success to fit their narrative. If Meghan Markle had stayed in the royal family, they would have criticized her for being there. Now that she’s left, they criticize her for leaving.

If she keeps a low profile, she’s irrelevant. If she pursues projects, she’s attention-seeking.

If she talks about her experiences, she’s complaining. If she stays silent, she’s hiding something.

There’s no winning with people who have already decided to dislike you. And that’s actually freeing when you really understand it.

Because it means their opinion has nothing to do with what you actually do. It’s predetermined. It’s fixed. It’s not responsive to reality.

So why waste energy trying to change it?

Living Your Best Life Despite the Noise

This is the real message I want my readers to take away. The noise will always be there. The critics will always find something to say. The goalposts will always move.

Your job is to keep building anyway.

Start that business. Write that book. Make that career change. Pursue that dream. Do the thing that lights you up inside.

Some people will support you. Some people will criticize you. And some people will work overtime to find reasons why you’re failing even when you’re clearly not.

None of that changes what you need to do. Which is to keep going. Keep growing. Keep becoming more of who you’re meant to be.

The Freedom in Not Needing Approval

There’s incredible freedom in accepting that some people will never be happy for you. Once you stop seeking universal approval, you stop letting criticism derail you.

You can acknowledge it. You can even learn from constructive feedback. But you don’t have to carry the weight of baseless negativity.

Meghan keeps moving forward. She keeps creating. She keeps showing up. Not because she’s convinced everyone to like her. But because she’s decided that her path matters more than their opinions.

That’s the energy we all need to cultivate.

When They Go Low, You Go Forward

There’s a quote about going high when others go low. That’s valuable. But I’d add another layer. When they go low, you go forward.

Don’t just rise above it. Move past it entirely. Let them stay stuck in their negativity while you keep building your life.

Every time someone says you can’t, you prove you can. Every time someone predicts your failure, you create another success. Every time someone tries to diminish you, you expand anyway.

This isn’t about spite. It’s about refusing to let other people’s limitations become your own.

The Proof Is in Your Life, Not Their Comments

At the end of the day, your life is the evidence that matters. Not what people say about it. Not how they interpret it. Not how they try to rewrite it to fit their narrative.

Are you growing? Are you learning? Are you becoming more authentically yourself? Are you pursuing what matters to you?

That’s the scoreboard that counts.

Meghan has her Netflix renewal. She has her new projects. She has her family. She has her life. No amount of baseless criticism changes those facts.

And you have your own version of that. Your own wins. Your own growth. Your own path.

Don’t let anyone convince you it’s less valuable than it is.

Keep Going, No Matter What

The critics will keep criticizing. It’s what they do. It’s often all they have.

But you? You have something better. You have your vision. Your goals. Your potential. Your willingness to keep showing up for your own life.

That’s always more powerful than someone else’s negativity.

So take the lesson from Meghan’s story. Take the lesson from anyone who’s ever lived boldly despite the critics.

And then go live your best life anyway.

The proof they demand will never be enough. But the life you build will be everything.

Keep going. Keep growing. Keep refusing to shrink for people who can’t celebrate your expansion.

That’s how you win. Not by silencing the critics. But by making their noise irrelevant through the power of your own forward motion.

The post Meghan Markle: How To Live Your Best Life Despite The Critics first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

In a world that constantly pulls at your energy, confidence, and peace, I created this Affirmations Hub to give you a place that pours back into you. This page is your dedicated space for quick, powerful affirmations that support your healing, your wellness, and your daily mental reset. Whether you need a moment of grounding, a burst of confidence, or a reminder of your worth, this hub brings all of my short-form affirmations together in one place—so you never have to search for motivation when you need it most. I encourage you to bookmark this page and return anytime your spirit needs lifting.

To make it easier for you to find exactly what you need, this hub is divided into sections—self-love, healing, confidence, stress relief, morning resets, and more—so you can instantly tap into the words that match your mood and your moment. New affirmations are added regularly, and if you want weekly affirmations sent directly to your inbox, be sure to join my newsletter. It’s the easiest way to stay connected, stay inspired, and stay aligned with the best version of yourself.

Self-Love

I am worthy of love, joy, and all the blessings life has to offer.

I honor my body, my mind, and my spirit with care and compassion.

I release the need for perfection and embrace my beautiful, authentic self.

I am enough, exactly as I am, in this moment.

I forgive myself and allow myself to grow with grace.

I deserve rest, peace, and the freedom to nurture myself.

My self-worth is not defined by others’ opinions or expectations.

I choose to speak to myself with kindness and encouragement.

Every day, I prioritize my well-being and honor my needs.

Confidence

I trust in my abilities and my unique path.

I have the power to create the life I desire.

My voice is strong, and my thoughts are valuable.

I embrace challenges as opportunities to grow.

I am confident in every choice I make.

I step into each day with courage and clarity.

I believe in myself and my potential.

I am proud of how far I’ve come.

My confidence grows stronger every day.

I radiate self-assurance in every space I enter.

I honor my achievements, big and small.

I am fearless in pursuing my dreams.

I attract opportunities that match my confidence.

Healing

I release what no longer serves my growth.

My past does not define me; I am free.

I give myself permission to heal at my own pace.

I am gentle with myself during moments of pain.

Every breath I take brings peace and restoration.

I let go of resentment and welcome inner peace.

My heart is open to love and forgiveness.

I honor my emotions and allow myself to feel fully.

I am whole, even as I continue to heal.

I am supported and guided as I release old wounds.

I nurture my mind, body, and spirit with kindness.

Healing is my natural state, and I embrace it daily.

Stress Relief

I release tension and invite calm into my body.

I am in control of my thoughts and emotions.

Peace begins with me, in this moment.

I let go of worry and trust the process of life.

I breathe deeply and release all stress with each exhale.

I am grounded, centered, and at ease.

I choose serenity over chaos in every situation.

Calmness flows through me naturally.

I am resilient and capable of handling challenges with grace.

I give myself permission to rest and reset.

I create space for peace and clarity in my life.

I release all that I cannot control and focus on what I can.

Morning Motivation

Today is filled with endless possibilities for growth.

I wake up ready to embrace joy and success.

I am energized, motivated, and focused.

Each morning, I set intentions that align with my highest self.

I approach today with optimism and gratitude.

I am prepared to make today amazing.

I attract positivity and abundance in every moment.

I am ready to overcome challenges and shine.

Today, I am productive, creative, and inspired.

I welcome opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive.

I radiate positivity and uplift those around me.

I am excited to step into the best version of myself today.

Each day is a fresh start, and I embrace it fully.

Finances

SafetyGratitude

You’ve read, watched, and absorbed these affirmations — now imagine having them built into a system that helps you organize your day, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters.

The Digital Planner includes 50 affirmations plus daily planning tools to help you create clarity, confidence, and calm every single day. Don’t just feel inspired — take action and make your best life happen!”

Get Your Digital Planner Now!

The post Affirmations: Your Resource of the Most Powerful Ones on the Planet first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

By Yasmin Shiraz

If you’re anything like me, your mind is constantly juggling a million things — goals, responsibilities, creative ideas, family, business, wellness routines, and the silent pressure to “handle everything.”

And when life gets overwhelming, it’s easy to slip into that loop of:

overthinking → stressing → freezing → falling behind → overthinking again.

It’s a cycle I know too well.
And it’s the reason I created my Digital Planner aka The Self Help Love Digital Planner.

The truth is:
Your brain was never designed to hold everything you’re trying to carry.
But your planner?
It was.

Today, I want to show you exactly how my Digital Planner helps reduce anxiety, overwhelm, and mental clutter — and how it can do the same for you.

1. A Digital Planner Gives Your Thoughts a Safe Place To Land

Most anxiety comes from trying to hold too much information in your head.

When you write your day down, something powerful happens:
Your brain relaxes.

You no longer have to remember:

appointmentstasksgoalsideasremindersemotional intentions

It stops living in your head
and starts living on the page.

Your mind becomes clearer instantly.

2. It Helps You Break Big Problems Into Small Steps

Anxiety grows when things feel too big.
Your planner shrinks them.

Inside the planner, every day has structured sections that allow you to break your life down into manageable pieces.

Big goal? → broken into three small tasks
Stressful project? → simplified into steps
Too much to do? → prioritized by importance

Small steps = less stress.
Less stress = more clarity.

3. It Anchors You When You Feel Emotionally Overwhelmed

Emotional overwhelm makes you feel like you’re spinning.
Your planner gives you anchors.

Daily anchors like:

your top 3 prioritiesyour intentionsaffirmationsgratitude promptsreflection boxes

These shift your emotional state.
Instead of reacting, you begin responding.
Instead of spiraling, you ground yourself.

4. A Digital Planner Creates Gentle Structure — Without Controlling You

What makes my Daily Planner different is that it’s not rigid.
It doesn’t expect perfection.
The digital planner doesn’t pressure you.

It gives you:

flexible daily pagessimple check-insspace for your thoughtsroom for your emotional wellbeing

You’re not forced to follow a strict schedule.
You’re guided to create the day you want.

This reduces stress because your planner works with your life, not against it.

5. It Helps You See Your Progress (Even When You Feel Behind)

When you live in your head, it’s easy to feel like you’re not doing enough.
But when you live on paper, you see the truth:

You’re doing way more than you realize.

Your planner lets you visually track:

what you completedwhat you worked onwhat you gave energy to

This boosts confidence.
It quiets anxiety.
It reminds you that you are moving forward — even on slow days.

6. It Reduces Overthinking by Giving You Clarity

Overthinking happens when you don’t know what to do next.
Your planner eliminates that uncertainty.

Each morning, your planner asks:
“What matters most today?”
And each night, it asks:
“How did today go?”

Clarity replaces confusion.
Direction replaces chaos.
Peace replaces noise.

7. A Digital Planner Becomes Your Daily Self-Care Ritual

Planning isn’t about productivity.
It’s about peace.

Your planner becomes:

your morning grounding timeyour evening reflection momentyour mental wellness ritualyour emotional reset space

The more you use it, the more supported you feel.

And the calmer you become.

If You’re Feeling Scattered, Stressed or Mentally Tired…

Your planner can help you breathe again.

It’s not just a tool.
It’s a system of emotional clarity.
A space to organize your mind.
A daily practice that creates peace.

If you’ve been wanting:

more consistencymore structuremore calmmore confidencemore control of your day

…this planner was made for you.

Ready to Start Your Calm, Clear & Empowered Days?

Click below to get your planner and begin your reset:

[Download the Daily Planner Now — Start Your Mental Wellness Journey]

The post How To Use A Digital Planner To Boost Life Goals first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

People often ask me for my anti-aging secrets and how I look so youthful. It’s my simple daily routine. My routine is a combination of mind, body and soul rituals that give me balance, reduce stress, and increase focus. I wrote down my routine for those who may want to improve their own daily rituals.

Sacred Morning Hours

There’s something sacred about the early morning hours, when the world is still quiet and the day’s demands haven’t yet made themselves known. I begin my day around 6:30am, not with the jarring buzz of an alarm or the glow of a phone screen, but with the gentle practice of putting pen to paper. For twenty-five minutes each morning, I journal, allowing my thoughts to flow freely across the pages. This isn’t just a pleasant way to start the day—it’s essential. These morning pages clear my head and calm the negative thoughts that might otherwise set the tone for everything that follows.

Morning Journaling

I discovered the transformative power of morning journaling through Julia Cameron’s book, “The Artist’s Way.” Cameron advocates for what she calls “morning pages”—three pages of longhand, stream-of-consciousness writing done first thing in the morning. This practice has become the cornerstone of my daily routine, a non-negotiable appointment with myself that allows me to process emotions, work through problems, and set intentions before the day truly begins. It’s in these quiet moments, before I’ve brushed my teeth or gotten dressed, that I find the mental clarity I need to navigate whatever lies ahead.

Skincare Routine

After journaling, I move through my morning preparations with intention. I brush my teeth and get dressed, but before I dive into exercise, I take time for skincare—a ritual that has yielded visible results. I use Korean skin toner pads that have been remarkably effective at clearing up dark marks on my skin while also brightening my complexion. The K-beauty approach to skincare emphasizes gentle, layered products, and these toner pads have become an indispensable part of my routine. Following the toner pads, I apply a daily moisturizer with SPF, protecting my skin from sun damage that can accelerate aging and cause hyperpigmentation.

Natural Hair Ritual

Since I wear my hair natural, my morning routine also includes a specific approach to hair care. I lightly mist my hair with water and apply a light oil to lock in moisture—essential steps for maintaining healthy, hydrated curls. Before working out, I pull my hair into two buns, secured with satin hair ties. This isn’t just about keeping my hair out of my face during exercise; I’ve learned that pulling my hair back while working out actually helps secure the curl pattern. When I take the buns down later, my hair is fuller and the curls are more defined. It’s a small technique that makes a significant difference in how my hair looks and feels.

Meditative Walk

Some mornings, before my main workout, I’ll take a fifteen to twenty-minute walk to meditate. I often listen to affirmations during this walk. On these days, I wear a fifteen-pound weighted vest, which adds resistance and turns a simple walk into a more effective cardiovascular and strength-building exercise. This weighted walking has become one of my favorite ways to ease into the day, combining fresh air, movement, and the extra challenge of the vest to wake up my body and mind.

@visionboardsuccess

Here’s an affirmation for you… and a note from us… In March of this year, the founder of our company became ill. And in resolving her issues, we didn’t have a workflow in place to continue to share our content. However, she is back and on the mend. So we’re back and have missed you. We’ve expanded our vision board books to now include digital planners that have vision boards inside. To check out The Self Help Love digital planner, please visit this ink: https://stan.store/selfhelplovestore/...

♬ New Abundance – Omar Enfedaque

Daily Exercise Routine

Though I’m naturally a morning person, I’ve learned to be flexible with my exercise routine. I make sure to work out for at least thirty minutes every day, whether that’s in the morning or the afternoon. The timing matters less than the consistency. Exercise has become one of the three pillars of my stress-reduction strategy, alongside journaling and maintaining strong connections with family and friends. I was recently told that reaching 15,000 steps per day is an excellent goal if you’re trying to lose weight. While I haven’t hit that number consistently yet, it’s become a target I’m working toward.

Typical Work Day

My work day typically runs from 7:30am to 7:30pm—a full twelve hours that requires sustained energy and focus. This demanding schedule makes my morning rituals even more important. By the time I sit down to work, I’ve already journaled, taken care of my skin and hair, and moved my body. I’ve set myself up for success before most people have finished their first cup of coffee.

Avoiding My Cell Phone

One boundary I’ve set with myself is avoiding my phone for at least an hour after waking up. Looking at social media or text messages first thing in the morning is a real distraction for me. It pulls my attention away from my own thoughts and intentions. By protecting that first hour, I preserve the calm and clarity I’ve cultivated through journaling and my morning routine.

Eating & Hydrating

My approach to eating is equally intentional. I eat two substantial meals per day, supplemented by three snacks. I aim to drink between 64 and 80 ounces of water daily. Rather than obsessively tracking my water intake, I simply fill up my Stanley cup whenever it’s empty. This simple system removes the mental burden of counting ounces while ensuring I stay adequately hydrated.

For brunch, around 11am, I typically eat eggs and broccoli—a protein-rich meal that provides sustained energy without weighing me down. Dinner usually consists of fish paired with salad or a green vegetable. I meal prep strategically, making salmon and crab cakes once a week. I incorporate them into different meals throughout the week by adding them to broccoli or salad. This approach saves time while providing variety and ensuring I’m eating nutrient-dense foods. I also eat two pieces of fruit each day, avoid bread as much as possible, and stay away from gluten entirely.

This way of eating—focused on whole foods, lean proteins, vegetables, and fruit while minimizing processed carbohydrates—has contributed not only to my physical health but also to the condition of my skin. The secret to my youthful appearance isn’t complicated or expensive. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, I use daily moisturizer with SPF, and I don’t eat greasy foods. Simple choices, practiced consistently, yield remarkable results.

After Dinner

After dinner, I like to take a thirty-minute walk. I’ve noticed that on days when I walk at night, I generally sleep better. There’s something about that final bit of movement, the transition from the demands of the day to the quiet of evening, that helps my body and mind prepare for rest.

Connection is another essential element of my daily life. I try to call my friends four to five times a week to keep our connections and bonds strong. I’m not someone who relies on text messages—I’m a pick-up-the-phone-and-call-you type of person. There’s an intimacy and authenticity in hearing someone’s voice, in the pauses and laughter and spontaneous tangents that can’t be replicated through written messages. I also talk to my kids every day or every other day. We’re pretty close, and maintaining that closeness requires consistent, meaningful communication.

As my day winds down around 9pm, I return to journaling, this time focusing on the highlights of the day. This evening practice helps me keep gratitude at the front of my mind, ending each day by acknowledging what went well, what I’m thankful for, and what moments deserve to be remembered. This bookending of my day—beginning and ending with journaling—creates a sense of completeness and reflection that I find deeply satisfying.

I watch very little television or streaming content. Instead, I prefer to unwind with an audiobook or by playing a game on my iPad. These quiet, low-stimulation activities help my mind transition from the alertness required during the day to the relaxation needed for quality sleep.

How my simple daily routine all connects

Looking at my routine from a distance, I can see how each element supports the others. The morning journaling clears space for the day ahead. The skincare and hair care routines are acts of self-respect. Listening to affirmations strengthens mental focus. The exercise and walking reduce stress and improve my physical health. The intentional eating nourishes my body without weighing me down. The phone boundaries protect my mental space. The connections with friends and family feed my soul. And the evening journaling allows me to reflect on and appreciate the day I’ve just lived.

The keys to reducing my stress are simple but powerful: journaling, exercising, and maintaining connections with family and friends. These aren’t revolutionary practices, but they’re transformative when done consistently. They’ve taught me that a good life isn’t built on grand gestures or dramatic changes, but on small, intentional choices made day after day. Each morning when I wake up around 6:30am and reach for my journal instead of my phone, I’m choosing the life I want to live. And each evening when I reflect on my day’s highlights, I’m acknowledging that I’ve lived it well.

The post Achieve More Balance With This Simple Daily Routine first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

More than 20 years ago, I was diagnosed with mild anxiety and depression. Instead of staying on medications, I found ways to create new habits to improve my life. I read, researched, and visited doctors who could suggest anything and everything EXCEPT medication in order to heal my anxiety and depression. This experiment resulted in me learning about 5 key areas where creating new habits will improve your life. And in my case, improving my life meant my anxiety and depression were all but eliminated.

Vitamins & Supplements

One of the first lessons I learned was that there are vitamins and supplements that you can take that will help you feel less anxious and depressed. Some solutions can be as simple as adding a multivitamin to your routine, other solutions might be taking St. John’s Wort or Turmeric. I quickly learned that though vitamins and supplements aren’t regulated by the Federal Trade Commission, there are plenty of health food stores who are familiar with quality brands, and they can recommend great solutions for your health. Not only that, the reviews provided on online sites can be a treasure trove of information when you decide to try vitamins and supplements. One of my first new habits was committing to taking vitamins and supplements that improved my health.

Food

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I had trouble eating pork and beef. For that reason, and still, I do not eat pork or beef. Around twelve years after I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression, I was having trouble clearing my throat. I went to a naturopath doctor and she suggested that I stop eating gluten. I looked at her completely in shock. She said, “Hey, try it for 3 days and let me know if you feel better.” Three days after I stopped eating gluten, the entire problem disappeared. Also, I had some acne that cleared up and some bloating that went away. Like many other people, I ate gluten and thought nothing of it. But, I decided creating new habits which included replacing food that didn’t work with my system, would be better than being on medication. In the US, we don’t really learn that our food could be making us sick. But, I absolutely believe our food can make us sick. We have to be selective about what we consume.

Stress

Though stress is a normal part of life, some of us are simply stressed out. And, we engage in practices and behaviors that increase our stress. The therapists in my life have been crucial in showing me that I have power over how much I allow myself to be stressed. I, now, fully engage in “protect my peace” behaviors on a daily basis. As a “Boundaries Boss,” I do not allow people to cross my fences. I am very protective of my time. I have a variety of tools that I use that help me to reduce my stress–journaling, exercising and meditating to name a few. The new habits I created around boundaries has probably contributed to 80% of the peace in my life.

Sleep

I’m not sure enough of us take sleep seriously. Sure, when we go up to bed, we want to go to sleep. But, how many of us make the sleep ritual itself a priority? How many people stay up too late and/or don’t have a regular routine to maximize their rest? This is a problem that I found can contribute to all sorts of problems in your life. From foggy thinking, to not healing at a normal pace, sleep can be at the center of a lot of issues. This is a habit that I still am working on, but I by no means, blow it off.

Check Ins

Whenever I talk to my community about check-ins, I wonder if they check out. Check ins are this “Yasmin Shiraz” concept where I encourage people to check in with themselves daily. How are you doing? How’s your body doing? What has frustrated you? No, I didn’t ask you about your kids and your husband. I’m asking about you. Check-ins are the most important thing but I think people think it’s “quack talk.” But here’s the theory behind my check ins. How do you know if you’re making progress, if you don’t check in with yourself? How do you know if you’re happy if you don’t check in with yourself? There is this settling attitude where women know how everyone else is doing, except ourselves. This is a problem that leads to other problems.

My Healthy Bundle Will Help You Change Your Life

I created The Healthy Bundle which is a 5 book collection of key research, findings, supplements, foods you shouldn’t eat, tools for managing stress, check-ins, how to sleep better–all the things dealing with those 5 areas.

The books included are:

Don’t Eat This 30: 30 Everyday Foods That Secretly Harm Your Health (and What To Eat Instead)

The Sleep Reset: A 21-Day Guide to Better Rest and Recovery

The Vitamin Playbook: 50 Popular Supplements to Boost Your Mind, Body & Glow

Check-In Self Inventory: A Self Inventory Journal

Find Your Calm: A 21-Day Stress Relief Guide

To purchase the bundle, click here.

The post You Don’t Need A New Life – Just New Habits first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.

I love being outside. Finding new outdoor walking trails is important to me because I get bored easily. I found a new walking trail in Alpharetta, GA and I loved it. I’ll definitely go back. I looked up trails on Google and then looked up cities that I wanted to explore. Here’s how to find new outdoor walking trails for wherever you live.

[image error]How To Find Outdoor Walking TrailsUtilize Online Trail Databases and Mapping Apps. A highly effective way to find local walking paths is by searching dedicated trail websites and mobile applications like AllTrails, TrailLink, or MapMyWalk. These platforms use crowdsourced data and official information to show maps, difficulty ratings, user reviews, and photos for trails near your current location. Simply download an app, enable location services, and search for “walking trails” or “parks” to instantly see available routes, ranging from paved urban paths to rugged nature hikes.Consult Local Government and Park Department Websites. Check the official websites for your city, county, or regional Parks and Recreation departments, as they are the authoritative source for local public lands. They often have comprehensive maps and guides for municipal parks, greenways, and nature preserves, including information on operating hours and facilities like parking or restrooms. These resources can lead you to lesser-known local gems that might not be as heavily advertised as major tourist destinations.Search on Social Media and Community Platforms. Use platforms like Facebook, Meetup, or Instagram to find local walking groups, hiking clubs, or community forums where residents share their favorite routes. Searching hashtags such as “#[YourCity]Walks,” “#LocalTrails,” or “#OptOutside[YourState]” can reveal hidden pathways and walking spots frequently used by locals. These communities often provide real-time updates on trail conditions and suggestions for the best scenic routes.Look for Multi-Use Paths and Former Rail Trails. Many regions have transformed abandoned railway lines into linear parks, known as rail-trails, which offer flat, often paved or well-surfaced routes ideal for walking and jogging. Similarly, search for local “greenways” or “multi-use paths,” which are often paved corridors connecting parks or neighborhoods. These paths are usually easy to access, well-maintained, and provide a safe walking experience away from vehicular traffic in both urban and suburban areas.Ask Local Experts and Businesses for Recommendations. Don’t underestimate the power of word-of-mouth from people knowledgeable about the immediate area. Ask staff at local sporting goods stores, nature centers, or even a public library, as they often have insider knowledge about local walking spots and trail systems. Local running or walking clubs are also excellent resources, as their members have likely explored every safe and interesting outdoor route nearby.Keep Safety First on Outdoor Walking Trails

Wherever you decide to go remember to be safe and go first in the daytime. Maps generally do not tell you if a place is dangerous! When I visited my new trail in Alpharetta, I took photos of where I parked and I also made sure my “Find My” was on so I could find my car when I was done. I do not like getting lost. Here are some tips of how to be safe when going to a new trail for first time.

Prioritize Navigation by Pre-Downloading Your Route and Parking Spot. Before leaving home, look up the trail map online. Use an app to download the route for offline use, as cell service can often be non-existent on the trail. Upon arriving, immediately use your phone’s map or a simple picture to mark the exact location of your parked car. Note any distinct landmarks near the trailhead. This ensures you can always navigate back to your vehicle even without a cellular signal. This is a critical step in preventing disorientation at the end of your walk.Hike During Daylight and Set a Firm Turn-Around Time. Plan your visit to start early enough to complete the entire walk well before dusk. Hiking in low light dramatically increases the risk of tripping or getting lost. As a safety measure, calculate half of the time you have available (or half of the estimated round-trip time) and make that your definitive turn-around point on the trail. Sticking to this schedule guarantees you have adequate daylight to safely return to the trailhead and your car.Use Visual Cues for Constant Situational Awareness. Actively scan the trail and surrounding area for unique or memorable landmarks like a uniquely shaped tree, a distinctive rock formation, or a bridge. Take a quick photo of these features as you pass them. Create a visual “breadcrumb trail” that you can review if you start to feel uncertain of your direction. Additionally, look behind you occasionally to see what the trail markers and landmarks look like from the reverse perspective, which is crucial for successful backtracking.Take Photos

I shouldn’t have to say this, but babe, TAKE PHOTOS! Take photos of landmarks. Get a selfie when you’re on the outdoor walking trails. Take photos so we can see and you are documenting where you are. This is so important for posterity and it’s a good look! Also, if you’re going to a new place, text a friend or family member so they know where you are and send them a photo. Yes, photos are a part of your safety.

I used my 8 lb weighted vest on this walk. Because I didn’t know how challenging this new trail would be, I wanted to use my lightest vest. Remember, when you are going on unfamiliar terrain, to carry water and travel light. I also carried my fanny pack which had mace and dog spray inside. We never know what we’re going to run into.

Let me know if you find a trail that you want to share. See you next time. –Yasmin

The post How to Find New Outdoor Walking Trails first appeared on The Yasmin Shiraz Experience.