The Little Things.

I think many of us have become so accustomed to the hustle & bustle of life, that we forget to take a moment for ourselves; we're so busy within routines, playing puppets to the manic society of today that we don't consider the little things in life, the beauty & tranquility it can bring if we were to put our daily drama on hold for a second.

Having had a bit of spare time on my hands over the last couple of days; I took it upon myself to stop for a moment in order to consider...

What is it that makes me happy?

From a young age I've always been passionate about anything creative & I loved art at school but once the school years drew to a close the reality kicked in & I didn't really make much time for that particular field anymore. 

 As a New Years resolution, I have tried to get back into the things that I love, one of which is painting. Now, I was never overly good at art, don't get me wrong - I've always been more like a toddler with a handful of crayons but it's always been something that I can find myself getting lost in. 
So, over this last week I decided to get stuck in & obviously the first thing that occurred to me that I thought would make sense to paint was indeed, naked ladies...

Going back into education was also something that I think has benefited me. Not only has it helped me mentally & I've been lucky enough to have met the most amazing people, it has helped me redevelop my passion for art, making me want to go back & explore my more creative side and that in itself, has been one of the things that I've found that does make me happy.

Another thing that I have discovered about myself recently is that like most, I live in my own little bubble, running around completing my every day tasks, wondering about what it is that I could possibly stress about next. 
(Those of you that know me, know that stressing is often my forte!) 
For the last few years I have been blessed to live in an area surrounded by beautiful scenery & I'm ashamed to say that I have never really taken much notice of it.. so over my time off I got off my lazy arse & took myself for a little wander. My nana, being the wonderful, wise lady that she is always tells me: 'go outside, get some air in your lungs, the fresh air will do you good!' & as always, she was right.

I managed to get some pretty good snaps out on my little adventure & it made me think about how people often say 'The best things in life are free'.. how right they are - often the things that can bring us that moment of peace & ease are the things that don't cost a fortune, they don't need countless efforts & planning. They're just there; be it a nice walk around a park, a good book, a hobby or even spending time with a loved one. Life doesn't have to be so hectic really; it's just what we all know it to be. If you're like me, you have one of those 'now, what did I even come in here for?!' moments more often then you'd like and as humans we're all used to racing to the finish line trying to reach those ever daunting deadlines; so much so that when we do get the time to stand still for a second, our minds are already filling with what we must accomplish next. How blissful it would be if we just took that time to focus on the things that bring us joy in life, the little things that bring us out of our minds.

It could be anything as minor as picking up a paintbrush or taking yourself out for a walk. It could even be something little like a slice of your favourite cake and a good cuppa... 
 It doesn't have to be miraculous & life changing but, if it brings you a moment of calm then make more time for it. Life is a wonderful thing, but it's short. Give yourself some 'you' time, think about those little things that make you relaxed.

To summarize, ladies & gents;

Find whatever it is that makes you happy & then do more of it.

Entering 2015...Are you ready?

The New Year is upon us & I'm sure many of us feel like we only blinked & then.. boom! 2015..

The few days of pigging out, watching necessary Christmas films & getting fat are drawing to a close pretty quickly & before we know it here we are stumbling into the new year with our motivated minds and long list of resolutions.

Among many of those resolutions that I have made for this year (which most, i probably won't manage to keep) writing a blog is one of them. For the past few years now I have considered starting one but as I have previously mentioned; the idea of writing publicly baffled me, what would I write about? Does it have to be about food? How you do you even use blogger?! (something i'm yet to master).. having said this; an old friend of mine keeps a blog in which I have found inspiring, therefore; I have made it one of my yearly challenges to give this whole blogging malarkey a good bash.. apologies in advance if it doesn't fit the blogging criteria but i'll aim to satisfy where i can!

So where were we? .. 2015 - it's here already, can we believe it?

For many i'm sure, 2015 has already hit us where it hurts. Be it work related, a personal matter or just the cold, dank weather that England so kindly offers us at this time of year. So?... I could make this post as dark and dismal as possible for i'm sure that's what you would all love to read about, but instead I will aim to put a positive spin on things.

Although for some of us, we may have felt the nice sharp gnashers of the year already, I am still holding out hope that this will be the year of great things for all. Looking back over the last few years I can honestly say I never would have thought I would be where I am right now. The year that has past I have learnt a lot of life lessons & discovered a lot about myself. What's the relevance?
Already in 2015, I have faced my own challenges & have watched loved ones go through the hell that is heartbreak; I've watched their faces coil with worry and anticipation of outcomes which has brought me to the conclusion; Why worry?   For the longest time I lost myself within a pattern of nerves & anxiety. This year is the year of change. Not only for myself but for those around me & those of you who may read this. It's a year of possibility.

Regardless of where you were then or where you may be finding yourself right now. This year can be your year. A friend kindly told me not too long ago that every day, in that particular day you are at your most beautiful for as each day passes you're getting older & uglier. Safe to say he isn't too smooth when it comes to compliments..

No matter where we are in life, we will be faced with scenarios that we would much rather close the door on and deal with at a later date; there will be people who break your heart, there will be times where you may be overcome with that feeling of being 'at wits end' but if you can look past that for a moment, 2015 is a year that you can will overcome your worries, you can will achieve your goals & most of all, I hope you all have fun with it.
Life can turn funny on you sometimes, it can throw the most unexpected hurdles at you but, it can also bring you great happiness, laughter & adventures so let it challenge you. Let it make you. Let 2015 be your year.