It's Okay Not to Be Okay
9 January 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
My school tutor came up with the term 'down day' which was almost like our codeword, translating to me "don't talk to me, this day can't get any worse" and we would use it in lessons so I could tell her how I was feeling without having to reveal everything. Down days are less common now that I'm out of school, I have a job and finally feel comfortable with the direction I seem to be heading in. But sometimes, there are days were I am just not okay. Unfortunately, that's not a good enough reason to take a day off work or sit wrapped in a duvet all day but it's something we all have to learn to accept. The purpose of this post isn't to whine on about my problems but to reassure others that might be feeling the same way. It's okay not to be okay - and it's normal too.
Low moods come and go for everyone, and moments of complete anguish and sorrow shouldn't been seen as the end of the world, despite what the brain wants to believe. I don't always force myself out of a bad mood, it could make it worse; pretending to be happy and false smiles are painful. On down days, it;s always about the gentle pace of realising all is not lost, there's another day ahead. Do something that makes you happy, even if it's as small as going to a café for breakfast or sneaking away for a walk during lunch. If someone asks if you're alright, there's no reason why you can't say no. "I'm just not feeling today" is a perfect reason in my mind, there doesn't always have to be a set in stone excuse with evidence and experience, there's no rulebook that I'm aware of. It's important to remember, at least one person somewhere has experience that feeling, and they could be sat right next to you.
this is how my week goes
8 January 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
A Wool Hat is essential for this season, even if shorts aren't. The 100% wool hat includes a subtle leather band for texture contrast. To finish the look, I included the Dioon Elastic Chelsea Boot available at Office Shoes. The chunky 90's inspired boot includes a platform for extra high and intensity.
The Paris Obsession
6 January 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
|
| Photo Credit |
Paris tends to bring out my inner fashionista, and whenever I'm there I feel 10% more confident than I would right here in the UK. Not only do I love to travel, but being in a city that's full of inspiration at every corner is a dream come true. The city has a glamorous stigma to it that some say will fade away after a few months of overcrowded underground tubes and tourists, but I don't believe it. After spending just a few days there I already feel like I could live in a small apartment close to the city centre.
My aunt moved there when she was 25 after spending a while in London and eventually taking the plunge. After receiving a C in GCSE French, I still have a while to brush up on the language before I move over too. Posters and postcards aren't going to cut it, the fascination and total infatuation is way too strong. Moving to Paris isn't down to the classy craze, it's a genuine dream and hope.
10 Things I Secretly Hate That Everyone Loves
4 January 2015
Eldwick, Bingley, Bingley, West Yorkshire BD16, UK
Inspired by this post, there are a few things that I simply cannot stand but everyone else seems to adore. Hate is quite an extreme word, so here is a list of things I very strongly dislike.
1. Breaking Bad
I have watched at least 5 episodes on Netflix but I do not see the appeal at all. The same goes for House of Cards, The Walking Dead and Orange is the New Black. I don't find them entertaining or enjoyable to watch. This isn't due to the genres of the shows, I'm close to obsessed with NCIS: Los Angeles and Prison Break, shows that create a tense and dramatic atmosphere. But Breaking Bad just didn't make the cut.
2. Coffee
The smell alone makes me nauseous. Starbucks and Costa have become so prominent today, it's all anyone seems to drink. The smell is so sickening I can't bare to be around it - it's a struggle. The prices of coffee today are absolutely ridiculous not to mention all the various forms it comes in, hot and cold. I have tried coffee, and Frappuccinos but unfortunately it wasn't to my liking.
3. Ariana Grande, Taylor Swift, Rita Ora etc
I'm not going to totally bash all of the modern day pop singers as there are some that I like, yet, there are also some that drive me insane. This is mainly because they're unoriginal, lack real understanding of music and create mind-numbing music. Regardless of how catchy a chorus can become, the poor lyrics and missing meanings are not my first choice.
4. Harry Potter
I know this could potentially often a lot of people as there are hard-core fans out there, but I'm not into it. I've read all the books and enjoyed them to an extent, but would never read them again. I admire JKR's writing style but I don't like the films at all. My family have every film on DVD so I'm not just hating from the outside, I really don't see the appeal.
5. Football
As a child I used to be really into football, supporting Manchester United and then Arsenal but I just find the sport very boring now. On the other hand, I absolutely love American Football and I'm totally up-to-date with the NFL. Ask me any question about FIFA or any of the football cups and there wouldn't be a certain answer. Alternatively, you can find me every Monday catching up on the Sunday Night Football in the US.
6. Facebook
Facebook become popular when I was about 13 and completely wiped out Bebo. At that time, no one cared about how many likes one photo could get or how many friends you had. In 2009, Facebook was used for group messages, games like Farmville and including your best friends in the description box underneath your profile picture. Now there's cover photos, and profile pictures with thousands of likes. There's no way 14-year-olds today was 4,000 friends. It seems to be a network that has abandoned the social part.
7. The Kardashians
In 2007, they weren't that bad. But as their empire (and egos) grew, it's almost impossible to escape. Websites like the Daily Mail seem to have a real obsession with this family but I have no idea why. As a group, they don't really offer much to society and get though life showing body parts that nobody wants to see.
8. Thick Winged Eyeliner
A smaller wing is fine and I think looks amazing. However, when there a huge jet black line almost reaching the high of eyebrows, I feel it may have gone too far. Eyeliner looks much more effective if it is a thinner line with a smaller wing, which also makes your eyes look bigger.
9. Batman
Being fair, he does get the best villans, but Marvel has so many better super heros, I just find Batman very dull. The films were difficult to get through and Bruce Wayne's ego doesn't sit well with me. I'm not too keen on Batman's voice or fighting style, despite his very convenient and effective gadgets.
10. Tomatoes
I hate tomatoes, yet I love every product derived from tomatoes. But the fruit itself is not a favourite of mine. The texture, smell and taste don't appeal to me, even disguised in a salad or wrap. Tomato ketchup is like a completely different substance and tomato soup is my go-to meal for the chillier winter days.
Staying Fresh
3 January 2015
Leeds, West Yorkshire, UK
|
| Photo Credit |
New Year’s resolutions have never worked for me. I always
set them, but had trouble sticking to them. The “new year, new me” mind-set
always comes into play on New Year’s Eve, but usually by now I would have
completely abandoned that philosophy and gone back to being non-productive. Dieting
has always been a struggle, I have tried so many different methods but I never
stick to them – bad food is just too good. However, this year seems to be
different. 2015 seems like it’s already going to be an amazing year. On New
Year’s Eve I found out I had been successful in a job interview and finally
gotten a (temporary) full-time job. This may not sound like a dream come true
for most, but it’s experience and it’s a pay check which are all I need to get
started in the real world. The job is in Leeds, which means waking up early to
get the train and having a little more responsibility that’s only necessary for
someone my age. A new job means I’m going to have to ‘suck it up’ and be confident in my job role to prove I have what it takes and get a grate
reference once I’m done.
A new job is the perfect motivation to actually staying on
track this year. But my goal isn’t just a fresh start in 2015, it’s to stay fresh. For example, if I want to do
something, I’m going to do it. I recently bought 5 books over the Christmas
period to freshen up my love for reading and improve my writing skills. Waking
up with a positive outlook rather than my first sarcastic thought of the day is
a start and a professional job should really help me stay focus and become much
better at organising myself.
And finally, blogging. My first real hobby that I threw
myself into. I want to keep writing, and posting as much as possible. Even if
that means being incredibly busy all
the time. Blogging was always a way for me to improve myself and sticking to
that is the best method to staying fresh.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
