The World is Your Oyster

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others."

- Marianne Williamson. My best friend, Rachel, sent this to me on a special day x

I have a wonderful support circle; and a select number of people in my life who I know truly believe in me. Not just on the surface, but deep inside. They encourage me to follow my dreams, to make choices in my life they feel I truly want deep down inside my heart and soul. They feel and see my dreams, because the confidence that I don't see in myself, they do. They don't force me, to try and walk in that direction, or make me feel bad for not making the choices to take those leaps, or those "right" choices, instead, they believe that I will make the necessary steps when I am ready. They walk with me when I am not ready, and support me through and through, because they know that when the time is right, when I am ready to see me for my worth, I will start to fly. I am indescribably grateful for these wonderful people, because in all honesty, through all my highs, and all my lows, they have never left my side. And that is why, I share my dreams with them, and give them all my love. They know who they are, because they are walking this journey with me. i love you guys x

Love

At times of adversity, when you think you're fine, what is it about hearing a Mother's voice that makes you just break down? All of a sudden, you can actually hear you're inner voice saying "You're not OK.... but that's OK". Like, no matter what, your heart can break, but it doesn't add up to the fact that you still have your Mum to carry you through the tough times. You could be in silence, but she knows you're hurting. Her love for you doesn't even require you to talk about the pain. She's just there for you; through a hug, through kind words, kind gestures, or, a phone call just to say "Hello".

I love her.

I wish she knew just how much.

P.S To my loved ones who have lost their Mum's - I'm sorry if you've ever seen me treat my Mum in ways she doesn't deserve. I cannot imagine a world without her, and to you all, I have the utmost admiration for your strengths.

Home Sweet Home

4 weekends ago, I moved into my own place. I'm still getting used to the quietness I'm greeted by every morning; not hearing my parents have a laugh (or a bicker) on a Sunday morning, not being called down for breakfast, not being shouted at because my alarm is going on for like forever. But everyday, it feels more and more like home: My home =).  If there's one thing I've learnt over the past few years - it's not possible to love anyone else if you're not able to put yourself first, and learn to love you. So this year, the focus is on Me. That way, my loved ones can have the best version of me.

xRachelJoy

My Gable-end Roof.

I’d been sitting on the thought for ages, and when I say ‘ages’, I literally mean years. Something always got in the way or gave me the opportunity to make an excuse for an excuse to not go ahead with what I really wanted. Or maybe, I just wasn’t ready to fly the nest yet.

Anyway, I woke up one morning, and decided “2013 is the year. I’m going to do it!”. That day I dreamt of moving into a home with the architectural style of the Renaissance. Tall building, geometrically symmetric, large windows, gable-end roof… crow-stepped gable! Basically, like a Dutch looking building. I’ve never really been a “City” girl, though I love cities, so I also wanted it to be located near a park of some sort with a river nearby where I could hear ducks and birds singing (lol that sounds so fluffly). I found a picture, printed it off and just propped it by my bed that night…. Four weeks later, I’ve now moved into a studio apartment, and I am in love with it. I’ve not completely settled in yet, but I love it!

I spent 7 days looking for my new home. Those 7 days, I’d wake up every morning, and go to sleep every night visualising and feeling the reality of being in my new home. On the 7th day, I viewed the studio. On the 10th, I put down a deposit, and then on the third week, I moved in. It wasn’t until I actually put down the deposit that I realised the similarities the building of the studio had to the picture of the building I had printed off. Tall symmetric building, gable-end roof (not crow stepped but I can live with that J..), large window that let’s light in perfectly! I’d pictured my dream into a reality. And! The first morning I woke up in my new humble abode.. I could hear ducks….and birds singing! Exactly what I wanted. Turns out the town I have moved to is located on a river. How fun! Now, all I need is a white bicycle with a basket, and a local bakery I can ride to every morning. lol (if you know me well, that, you know I won’t be doing!).

2013: SMART

Old or new, we choose to wear the shoes we walk in. Whether we choose to make the most of them and get comfortable in them no matter how many "wears" that might be, or, put them away in our shoe closet simply because we can't stomach the blisters on our feet after just a couple of wears - it's up to us; our choice. (Yes, this post is long. If you can't be bothered to read it, skip to the last paragraph, or don't. Or if you do, maybe read the next one then skip to it lol please don't).

Like many other challenges, I find that New Year's Resolutions are just like that. We have great intentions when we get acquainted with the ideas and goals we want to set, but very often, we give up and put those goals away, somewhere in our inner closets. With myself, I feel that's why I gave up with setting 'resolutions' because in my opinion (not now of course - that would make this post pointless) they became excuses to giving up. Don't get me wrong, I did set myself goals most years, but they were more general ones. Ones that didn't really need to be assessed.

This year, as a 'carry-forward' from an eventful 2012, I am bursting to make sure I expand my personal horizons, no matter how big or little they might be - I am at a point where I am motivated to finally stop procrastinating (I'm pretty sure I've said that before, but this time I really mean it! Promise. I will prove it in time lol. Ironic) and start doing the things I love to do. 

I'm sure some genius in this Universe has scientifically proven (not just stated) that Happiness makes us the Better versions of Ourselves, and in return we are better not only for ourselves but for everyone we love, and BOOM! the world is a better place (even if only in my vicinity which isn't large because I'm 5 foot nothing... or am I?.. *did you hear my tone of voice?*). THAT'S WHAT I WANT. To be the best version of ME that I can be for everyone I love and care for. A person cannot do that unless they have found happiness within them (haha, I make myself sound like I'm so not happy. I am! I promise!). 

In Short - It's time to look after myself, and do the things I love to do. For some reason, I've always held back. (Everything I said before this - is relevant! I could go on, but I don't want to bore you. 'You' -- assuming someone is actually reading this)

I'm serious about this =D. With the help of Sis, together we will make sure our goals and achievements are worked towards and are SMART. We have set our "resolutions" and have applied them to being 'SMART'. How cute is this -- we're going to assess accordingly with 'Time' and assess more specifically on a Quarterly basis - boardroom type meetings, except in cute coffee shops like Ozone in Shoreditch (CUTE! For those of you who think we're sad... I put my hand in your face. Lol)

Most bloggers, I've seen, list their goals and resolutions. I'm not going to do that (not just yet anyway). I read somewhere, with regards to what we want "Keep it private. You do not need to share this with others; manifesting works best when you keep it private". I guess it refers to external noise, such as negativity and lack of faith in what you want - I totally get this. But no worries, throughout the year, my achievements will be shared with you. In more ways than one. I will keep this blog updated. The resolutions might not be shared entirely, but the outcomes will be. :)

This year, I wear the same shoes I wore last year, except this time, I am and will always find comfort in them, and further more we will be walking more paths than ever (If Sis gets her way with me, that would also be literally speaking. She asked that 'We' do more exercise this year. In dismay I told her to suck it. Lol.)

Good Luck to Me, Sis and Everyone in this whole wide Universe who have set personal goals. 2013 is magical. I'm psychic and know this.

x'Hyper at 1am on a School night' Racheljoy-ful

2012

2012 was an eventful year. A year that brought me happiness in many ways unimaginable. Friends stayed, friends left, friends came into my life. One thing that stuck with me - the truth of those who will always be in my life and who will always be in my heart. I am eternally grateful for the family and friends I have been blessed with, and if one thing is for certain - I am truly blessed.

I say goodbye to 2012 with a warm heart and a smile on my face, and I welcome 2013 with open arms. It's going to be an amazing year and I can't wait to share it with my loved ones.

And to end the year - nothing better than to have laughs with my girls.



xBlessed with Joy

Escapism

For my birthday this year, I treated myself to "Escapism". Dramatic, I know, but it really was. It went beyond the depths of my imagination and into my reality =). Fun! I had an amazing time to say the very least, with wonderful company and happy adventures. Shan't share with words! Snapshots are much better =). Enjoy!!







For more, click here =)
xRachelism