Michele Connolly | Style • Simplicity • Self-Care

How to Be Thin in a World of Chocolate has just been published! It contains my 57 secrets for enjoying chocolate, wine, cheese, pizza AND fitting into cute outfits. If you'd like to support me, I'd be so grateful if you'd buy a copy for yourself or a chocoholic pal. Find it on Amazon. Thank you. 🩷🤍🖤

The diet mentality: this is your ONLY chance to have what you want, then you'll be good. 
But the truth: you don't have to eat everything now. There'll always be more waffles, chocolate, pizza.
When you truly believe this, you stop feeling desperate and start making choices that actually feel good.

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Group fitness classes used to be my personal nightmare for this reason. The dreaded "partner up" or "give your neighbor a high five!" - ugh!! I mastered the art of strategic water bottle moments to escape. Not sure I fooled anyone though! What forced social interaction makes you cringe the most?

I used to think my clutter sensitivity was a flaw. Now I see it as self-awareness. I know how my environment affects my mood and energy. Some people thrive with stuff around them. I know my "enough" point - honoring it keeps me feeling light and vibrant. Do you know your personal clutter threshold?

Being intentional about relaxation—not just collapsing into whatever's on TV—makes it so much more restorative. A curated watchlist, stack of books I'm excited about, spaces that feel good transforms "vegging out" into something that actually recharges me. How do you make downtime more intentional?

When I stopped apologizing for being an introvert, people stopped suggesting I should change. It's like magic—once I got comfortable with who I am, others took their cues from my confidence. We telegraph our self-judgment in ways we don't realize. Do you now embrace things you used to apologize for?

I spent years being the "nice girl"—saying yes, making small talk I hated—all to be liked. Switching to kindness (which sometimes means setting boundaries) gave me MORE energy for people and things that matter. The difference? Kindness comes from the heart while niceness comes from people-pleasing.

Learning introversion isn't a preference but how my brain is wired was validating. That's why certain environments drained me while others energized. Understanding the science helped me stop fighting myself. I'm charmingly neurotic! Has personality psychology helped you understand yourself better?

Understanding my need for solitude wasn't fear-based, but simply about my stimulation threshold, helped me stop pathologizing my personality. (I have plenty of OTHER ways in which I can do that! 😬)

Do you think society tends to confuse introversion with social anxiety?

My evening ritual: kitchen counters wiped, living room tidy, cushions karate-chopped (just me? 🤔), a few minutes planning tomorrow. These steps tell my brain the day is complete and it's safe to rest. I sleep better knowing I won't wake to yesterday's chaos. What evening habits help you sleep well?

I tried projects that weren't "me" because they seemed impressive or popular. When I switched to pursuits aligned with my values (creativity, learning, genuine connection), everything clicked. The satisfaction is deeper and more lasting. What makes you lose track of time because you love it so much?

I held onto a gorgeous designer blazer for YEARS because it was "too nice" to get rid of. DESPITE NEVER WEARING IT. Finally admitting it wasn't my style was so freeing. Now everything in my closet gets worn and enjoyed rather than admired from afar. What lovely item are you keeping but never using?

Need a stylish shot of inspiration? My under-one-hour guides - HOW TO BE ELEGANT and CHIC MINIMALISM - are now on Apple Books. Perfect for lunchtime resets, commute inspiration, or wind-down reading.

➡️ https://books.apple.com/us/author/michele-connolly/id1287942151

The minimalism that resonates with me isn't about deprivation—it's about making space for MORE of what brings pleasure. Clearing mental and physical clutter lets me fully enjoy my favorite books, quiet mornings, and beautiful spaces without distraction. What would you love to make more space for?

Michele Connolly's review of This Will Be Funny Later I loved 'Roseanne' so I was curious about Roseanne's daughter's account of life before, during, and after the massive success of the show. Many chapters describe Jenny's experiences in teen institutions. More fascinating for me were the insights into Roseanne's creative mind, unremitting confidence in her own vision, relentless ambition, and unconventional parenting.

I loved 'Roseanne' so I was curious about Roseanne's daughter's account of life before, during, and after the massive success of the show. Many chapters describe Jenny's experiences in teen institutions. More fascinating for me were the insights ...

This is why TV shows and books feel like such good company sometimes—all the human connection but without any demands! I can be "with" people but also completely in my own space. Anyone else have this seemingly contradictory craving when they're peopled out?

I discovered I'd been postponing joy for some mythical "later". It never came! Now I actively incorporate simple pleasures (a chocolate eclair, reading poetry, cryptic crosswords, calligraphy) into regular life rather than waiting for "someday."

What simple pleasure could you make time for today?

Tired of saying yes when you mean no? My new free guide THE ELEGANT NO gives you 7 polished scripts for declining with grace (+ a cheat sheet for your phone). Get your free copy when you subscribe to The Chic Minimalist https://micheleconnolly.substack.com/about

#boundaries #elegantliving #selfcare

It’s fun, isn’t it, Sophie! I do the crossword every morning and the cryptic on Saturdays. 🧠🩷

I've found the secret to more pleasure is weaving joy into existing routines, not adding to-dos. For me it means enjoying the crossword with my coffee instead of separate "me time". Such tiny integrations mean happiness occurs naturally. What small joy could you absorb into something you already do?

This tiny shift completely eliminated my need for big cleaning sessions. Now putting things away IS using them—part of the same action, not a separate chore for "later." My space stays naturally tidy with almost no effort. I'm curious—are you naturally tidy or is it something you have to work at?

As I spend so much time at home, my at-home clothes are just as nice as my public ones—just more comfortable. My 'home capsule closet'. This tiny shift makes my everyday life feel more luxurious. Why shouldn't our sanctuaries get our best things? Do you have separate "home" and "out" wardrobes?

The ultimate guide to creating your most refined, authentic, and elegant life

No 1 New Release Interior Decorating
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Instant download:
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#achicyear #frenchstyle #minimalstyle #lessbutbetter #mindfulliving

Rushing makes me feel frazzled, clumsy, and anything but elegant. I've learned to give myself an extra 15 minutes for everything - the difference in how I feel is remarkable. There's something inherently graceful about moving through life unhurried. What makes you feel most rushed during your day?

I didn't realize how much mental bandwidth my stuff took up til I let it go. The constant low-grade anxiety of unfinished projects, things needing fixing, TOO MUCH everywhere was like a background hum I'd gotten used to. The silence when it stopped... beautiful. 😊 What's your biggest clutter stress?

This simple pause has saved me thousands on impulse purchases I didn't need. The items I truly love survive the waiting period, while momentary crushes fade fast. I've trained myself to enjoy the anticipation rather than the instant gratification.

What's your best trick for avoiding impulse buys?

Finding my personal balance took years of trial and error (and uncomfortable evenings when I'd pushed myself too far). For me, it's one event a week, with recovery time built in. I've stopped feeling bad about this being "too little" by others' standards. Have you figured out your social sweet spot?

I've whittled my closet down to mostly black, navy, and white - with pops of color (pink! 🩷). Everything matches, I feel put-together, and dressing takes little time - and is fun! The mental freedom of a streamlined wardrobe is as valuable as the physical space.

What colors dominate your wardrobe?

Saying yes to four social events in one week - it seemed TOTALLY fine. But once the week arrived, I would be in full PANIC mode trying to figure out how to survive. Or cancel - of course I had to cancel. 😕

Anyone else have an extroverted future self who makes unrealistic commitments?