Day 3: Joy

"Joy to the world"

What is joy?

Well to me it's complete and utter happiness, it's an emotion even stronger than joy and it enlightens you, filling you with singing butterflies causing a huge smile to develop across your face allowing positive vibes to radiate from you to everyone else.

This joy is brought to children and adults alike at this wonderful Christmas season but giving a smile doesn't just have to be for Christmas. We can bring joy to others and ourselves by simply spending time with others and making them laugh. By bringing joy to others we innately bring joy to ourselves.

So today try start the day a joyful one. Do something good for yourself; do something you enjoy; maybe read your favourite book, listen to some music or have a refreshing bath to relax. But don't forget to do something nice for someone else.

Bring joy to the world. Whether its simply giving a genuine smile to someone who feels down, helping with the housework or spending time cheering up a friend by telling them jokes or hosting a sleepover. 
The list is endless.

So what will you do to bring joy to the world? :)

Day 2 :Peace

"Peace on earth"

Are the lyrics of one of my favourite Christmas hymns; Hark the herald angels sing".
Whilst listening to this song I decided to try think about the meaning behind it instead of just singing the lyrics subconsciously in my mind as if it were a nursery rhyme. I want to feel and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Imagine if there was absolute peace on earth. No suffering, no hardships, just ultimate peace. Wouldn't it be absolutely beautiful? Although in one sense it would probably appear rather surreal; imagine no coverage of wars or shootings on tv. Its what we've all grown accustomed to but this shouldn't be so. In an ideal world we should be watching and reading news full of joy, happiness, hope and peace but no unfortunately there is always conflict in some shape or form occurring across the globe. It will take a long time for there to be complete and utter peace across the world, it may never happen but if we work together in unison it is possible.

But on a smaller scale we can create peace in our own homes. There's no point having a peaceful home for one day at Christmas if for the other 364 days we're going to be arguing with our parents, squabbling with our siblings and fighting with our friends. Peace is a state of security and calmness.
So lets try hold back that hurtful comment or mean deed. We can have peace and unity in our community daily if only we go that extra mile to try to make it happen.

I wish us all many years of peace

Hope

A poem I wrote a while ago that conveys the sentiment of hope, based on Day 1 of the 12 days of Christmas writing challenge I've set for myself.  I Hope it inspires you to add a little hope to your life.

Hope is a dove that

 soars high above the sky 

Tickling fluffy clouds

By extending it's wing.

Hope is when after

A storm the 

thunder has ceased

To be no more.

Hope is when the clouds

begin to part and the sun

begins to shine as the 

rainbow arcs overhead.

Hope is pure white

Like fresh bed sheets

Or spotless paper

Hope is life.

Hope is the person 

That can also give a 

Smile, to those who 

are in need of it.

Hope is the person

Who gives that helping

Hand to pick you up

when you're falling.

Hope is the kind word

Whispered in your

Ear when you're

Struggling to cope.

Hope is when you know

You can beat those negative

thoughts encircling your mind

And say "No" to all the bad things

Hope is when you

stand at the mountain 

And say "Yes".

I can do it.

Day 1: Hope

In the beautiful words of Emily Dickinson: "Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul"

Hope is a wonderful thing. Particularly at this time of year it's important to look forward. Not to live entirely in the future but to look forward and think about what you want, to be ambitious and have dreams for ideas you wish to make a reality. It's also vital not to live too much in the future becasue you then become too obsessed with trying to do everything and make the future perfect but in reality no one or nothing can ever be perfect.

Why Hope is featured in day one is not just because it was one of the first topics that popped into my head while planning these posts, no, it was because of it's significant importance in the daily lives of citizens  both young and old, across the globe. We humans thrive on it. It's what makes us more positive and gives us something to look forward to.

For without hope in our lives, the world can seem a pretty dull place. Hope gives life to the world and brings light to the darkest of situations. Everything can seem instantly better when we hope and change our mindset. Hoping for tomorrow, hoping for a better day and hoping for love.

Begin by thinking of all things that have happened so far, Take this year maybe or the past few months. Is there anything you want to change? Instead of looking down upon those mistakes, ashamed of your past. Think of it in a new light. Hope that from these mistakes new good deeds and happier memories will blossom and flower into days of  gold. For with hope in our hearts anything is possible.

My Christmas Wish For you

Merry Christmas!!

I hope you are having a fabulous day and are relaxing in whatever way you enjoy.

I wrote this poem a while ago and thought I'd share it with you.


Christmas Wish

This time of year when

friends and family join

as one when seasons

greetings are wished to

all no matter their past,

background, religion,

race or gender.

It's a special time to

rejoice for the good

things that make our 

life extra special. For our

parents and siblings or

 that friend we'd be 

 lost without. 

When we put each bauble

on the branches of our 

Christmas tree we 

remember our good 

fortunes, not in wealth

or our popularity in society;

neither are of value to us.

But the thought that we

can find peace in ourselves,

happiness and joy in the 

 simplest of things is what 

should be of value to 

each of us at this time of year

and forever more.

And so at this very special

festive season, I have a 

Christmas Wish for each 

of you. That each being on 

earth will find the happiness

they are seeking and have a 

peaceful, merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas!

Good evening everyone,

I'm sitting by the fire curled up with a book listening to Christmas carols and for once I'm feeling relaxed and the spirit of Christmas has really entered my soul. The lights on the Christmas tree are on and it lights up the room beautifully. The thought of spending time with family and friends is a lovely heart warming feeling at this festive time.

I'm going to cherish these moments and try to live in the moment and enjoy this special time.
I hope everyone across the globe has a truly magical Christmas. And for those of you who don't celebrate Christmas I hope you enjoy this festive season and have some good relaxing time.

Merry Christmas!

Siblinghood of the year Bloggers' Award

Hello again,

A good friend of mine nominated me with a couple other bloggers for the Siblinghood of the year Blogger's Award. So please feel to check out his amazing blog at the following link: https://askateenageaspie.wordpress.com/


As part of this nomination I am required to answer ten questions. They are the following:

1. If you could visit any other historical era and location for one day, where would you pick and why?
2. What is your favourite film?
3. What is your favourite inspirational quote?
4. Where was the most amazing place you’ve ever been?
5. What has changed in your writing since you began blogging?
6. What was the worst film you’ve seen recently?
7. What inspired you to start blogging?
8. Do you have a song you listen to when you feel down?
9. Do you think the education system is fine as it is or do you think major changes are needed?
10. What was your favourite movie as a kid?

So without further ado here are my answers:.........

Q1. This is one of the questions that took me a while to answer but I think I have one that I'm pretty happy with! I'd love to go back in  time and visit the Renaissance where it started in Florence. I think it's such a beautiful period in history when so much learning took place and everyone changed their way of thinking and enjoyed revisiting the works of the great Greek and Roman writers to create their own works... I could go on for ages!!

Q2. My favourite film has to be Tuesdays With Morrie. It is one of those films that leaves your mouth hanging open at the end and makes you go around saying "Wow" for days. I read the book first and I can honestly say that I thoroughly enjoyed both of them equally. I would highly recommend this film as its quite relatable and has a wonderful poignant plot that will teach you so much about the world and life itself. :)

Q3. This is a tricky one as I have so many!! Ok, here's one of my particular favourite one's: "You're a blank canvas". I love this quote because it tells the message that we're free to start over again and we can acknowledge the past and move on from it by learning from our mistakes. I also love some other simple but effective quotes like I can do it or it's going to be ok. 

Q4. There's so many!! 
I really think Powerscourt waterfall and gardens are amazing. I also think Curracloe beach in Co. Wexford is the most magical beach I've ever been to! It's equally lovely in the morning, during afternoon for an ice cream or for an evening stroll!

Q5. Since I began blogging I think my writing has become more expressive and emotive. At least I hope it has!! I've been trying to challenge myself to be more imaginative and to pour my feelings onto paper (or online posts!) which I think has improved my writing at least a little!

Q6.  I think Bride Wars has to be one of the worst films I've seen, I couldn't finish watching it, I disliked it so much! I just felt as if not enough happened to keep me entertained!

Q7. I've resolved to be more positive even though it will could take years or even my whole life time to rid myself of negativity and I wanted to document this journey through writing with tips I've discovered to help others and myself live a life that is happier and filled with less anxiety and stress. I also wanted to share my thoughts on issues affecting us and add a sprinkle of fun by posting some of my landscape photography and who knows what else! :)


Q8. Yes I most definitely have a song that I listen to when I feel down. It is "Fight Song" by Rachel Platten. It's a beautifully written song that can help put a smile on my face and is really positive and relatable. Here's a link for it : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo1VInw-SKc


Q9.  No, I don't think the education system is fine. Some changes need to be made indeed. For example too much emphasis is put on exams and it causes a lot of unnecessary anxiety for students. There should  also be more opportunities for students to express their opinion in class and not have to learn large amounts of material and regurgitate it in an exam. School should be full of fun and should be approached with eagerness and excitement not boredom and dismay. Therefore I firmly believe changes should be made in order to satify the needs of each and every individual.

Q10. This is hard again, simply because I have a lot! I always loved Dumbo, a great Disney movie, and I still do!! Winnie the Pooh and more! Pollyanna and the Railway Children too!

Another huge thank you to  my good friend, Tadhg for this nomination and please have a read of his wonderful blog!

Best Wishes! 

Christmas Gifts

As Christmas day is swiftly approaching many of us are panicking about Christmas gifts, where, what and when we are going to purchase them. So before we all rush to the shops to decide what to choose for our last minute presents take a minute to think. How about a beautiful handmade gift?


Baked Treats
Baking of any sort is always fun, even more exciting when you're baking for someone else. There are wonderful recipes in great cookbooks or free online recipes. Cakes or cookies are great to make for friends or family at this festive time of the year. Cookies can be made in a regular circular shape or add a festive touch by making them in the shape of Christmas trees, gingerbread men or snowmen, depending on the type of cookie cutter you have. Another good idea is to add some icing, white, green or red which can be rolled out icing ;usually available at the baking aisle in most supermarkets.
To add a special touch place the finished cookies in  a painted jar and maybe add a sprinkle of glitter!
With cakes perhaps wrap some wrapping paper around a tray and place the cakes neatly on it. Sieve some icing sugar over the cakes for a magical Christmas touch.

Some sweet buns!
Yum!

Handmade Christmas Decorations

Handmade Christmas decorations are a lovely present for a loved one that will be treasured each year and can be placed on the tree for many years. One of my favourite decorations to make is simple and easy and takes very little time to make. They're melted wax crayons in a festive shape, They're a great way to recycle old crayons and are fun to do by yourself, with a group of friends or with the kids!
Simply select some silicon moulds and place them on a clear surface. Then break up the crayons into little pieces by using your hands or placing them in a plastic bag and banging it with a wooden spoon or against the table; as if you were making chocolate biscuit cake!! Then put equal amounts of crayons in each silicone case. Then place them in the oven for about forty minutes to an hour. When ready leave to cool then pop them out of their moulds.  Wrap them up in tissue paper to put a smile on a loved one's face!

Mix a variety of colours

Zoomed in!

A collection!

Or only use a few colours to add a simple stylish pattern!

Have fun making your Christmas gifts this season and remember to have fun and that it's the thought that counts not the price tag!

12 days of Christmas

As Christmas is swiftly approaching and family preparations are well under way, it's sometimes hard to remember the true meaning of Christmas. Shops and trading create beautiful aesthetically pleasing shop windows but unfortunately cause us to become too wrapped up in the buying and giving of gifts rather than just simply thinking of others.

 Personally I believe people's opinions or interpretations of the true meaning of Christmas are all very different and unique. But I also think its important to stop and reflect this Christmas season on the year gone by, to give thanks and praise for the good things in our life. Whatever we're doing, whoever we are and whatever we believe in,  it's good to have a time of reflection in our lives.

For the twelve days after Christmas I'm going to use this opportunity to write twelve posts about different aspects of Christmas and hopefully provide you with some nice pieces of reflection to show that these feelings of happiness can continue after Christmas too. 

Relax

Hillo! :)

I think relaxing is one of the most hardest yet most beneficial things to do. How are you meant to rid your mind of all your thoughts, worries, fears, hopes and dreams? Its something I strive to do each day. Yes its hard, terribly hard to do but its worth it. Even to take five minutes a day to relax, to breathe and to be in the moment.

After coming home from a retreat today I feel refreshed and renewed. Its a wonderful feeling to just sit back and be. Even if like me you find it difficult to actually completely relax; that's okay. Just keep trying. Even sitting still and silent in the one place can create peacefulness.

Its a truly beautiful thing to feel; this sense of inner peace and happiness. Cherish it. Nurture it. Appreciate it. And share it with all those whom you meet. For feeling relaxed and peaceful and open a whole set of doors of opportunity for you.

Try this short exercise:
Breathe in and count 1, 2.
Slowly exhale deeply, 1,2,3.

Keep doing this for a couple of times; maybe 5-6 or whatever feels right to you.

Maybe when you get comfortable with this you could repeat a positive quote or affirmation in your mind, e.g, I am happy, I accept myself for who I am, I can do this, etc. You could say it once when you exhale and once when you inhale or split it up; say one word when you inhale and two words when you exhale.

Good luck!
And happy relaxation!

5 Stress Busters

Hello,

I decided to compile a list of things  that can help to help de stress us.



1. Do something you enjoy

We all have a favourite pastime or something we enjoy doing. When you're stressed or worried about  something, doing something positive that you enjoy can really benefit you by releasing positive energy when doing something you feel passionate about. This can be anything from playing an instrument, writing, reading a book, playing video games, etc

2. Spend time with Family and Friends

Spending time with family or friends is a great way to enjoy yourself and relax. Going for a picnic with your family or meeting a friend to chat and giggle about everything and anything can cheer you up.


3. Deep Breathing or meditation
In stressful situations it can help to breathe deeply to relax. For example 10-20 deep breaths while thinking happy, optimistic, positive thoughts as many times as needed.



4.Talking to someone
A problem shared is a problem halved, it's true. Even beginning to share one's worries, problems or fears with someone, e.g family member or friend can help. When people listen and maybe give advice in a non-judgemental way can ease a burden and lift a weight of one's shoulders.



5. Listening to music
Listening to music can really help generate good, positive vibes. Any music that takes your fancy, for example classical, soothing music or quick, upbeat, lively music. By listening to the beat of instruments and the lyrics, one's mind can absorb the positivity of music and songs to help maintain a positive lifestyle.



6. Exercise
Exercise is another thing that can help relieve stress. Getting out of the house in any way can sometimes help. Swimming, going for a walk, running or cycling. Maybe meet a friend for a coffee and go walking together in a group. The fresh air can really help improve your mentality. 

Ups and downs

No one said it was easy.
Life is hard with it's ups and downs and it's twists and turns. Sometimes things happen that we do not like or challenges us. It changes us and our way of thinking and makes us wonder who we are and what we should do.

Things can get tough and life can be hard as we all know.  Troubles can bring us down and stop us getting where we want. It seems unfair and sets us back. But think outside the box, search for every last ounce of strength that you have to fight this. It might take a while but that doesn't matter. Just don't you quit.

Keep going, although life may be getting you down and you feel like giving up. Don't. You are stronger than you think. It is in difficult situations that we surprise ourselves by rising to the challenge of surviving life to get back to where we were before.

Let all your negativity flow through you and go away. You deserve all the positivity you can muster from your soul. Keep trying your hardest, hang on in there. Things will improve, you've just got to to believe it and believe in yourself; that you and you alone can turn things around. Hope will soon be around the corner, just wait and see.

No one said it was easy. And yes no one said it was this hard. But we've got to accept that life has it's moments; some good and some bad. With a positive mindset, acceptance and self belief you can get through these tough times. You've got to be strong to get through this and you will; because you can.

Positive Affirmations

Hello again,

In my last post I talked about a favourite quote of mine by Walt Disney which can I then went on to say, could be used as a positive affirmation. But I didn't actually specify what a positive affirmation was, how they can be used or how they can benefit us. So I decided that I would base this post on positive affirmations.

Positive affirmations are words or phrases that are repeated to yourself about how you want yourself to feel or be. Positive affirmations help boost our confidence and make us feel happy about ourselves.
Here are some examples:

• I can do it
• I can and I will
• I will manage it
• I am strong

They make us feel good and believe in ourselves, and when we believe in ourselves anything is possible.
Anyway, I hope this has given you an idea of what positive affirmations are. I'll have another post up shortly.

You can do it

Hello again,

Thank you for stopping by.


Today's post is going to be based around another favourite quote of mine:


"If you can dream it, you can do it" - Walt Disney


This quote may have been taken from many, many years ago but I firmly believe that we can apply it to ourselves and our daily lives. Times are tough, as we all know and there's certainly a need for more positivity in the world. I think this quote sums up a valuable message to live by.

When lacking in confidence and self belief its important to have something to motivate us and help us achieve our goals. If you can think of something to do you dream about it, fantasise over it and find your thoughts drifting to it in your spare time. It shows that if you can think of it and with the right motivation you can do it.

This positive affirmation can help us all to achieve our goals and climb the stairs to success to make our dreams reality.

And on that hopefully inspiring note, I'll leave you.
Thanks for reading and have a good day.

Blank Canvas

Hello,

I once heard the phrase "Your life is a blank canvas" and it has stuck in my mind ever since. As simple and plainly put as it is; it's quite true once you think about it.

What do you think about when you hear the words: "Blank canvas"?

For me, personally, I imagine crisp white nothingness. Blank spaces, unused; ready and waiting. I feel hope peace and wonder.

This is exactly what life should be all about. Freedom, hope and whatever other positive things you can think of. You deserve it; every ounce of positivity.

Anyway, to get back to the point in hand, or indeed the quote.  Your life is what you make it, take it or leave it. Your blank canvas is ready and waiting to be painted on. You don't have to know where you're going to start or what you're going to do. Just flow with it. Let your heart shape your life, let your paint brush guide you on a new beginning on your canvas.

Your canvas is what you make it. You can do what you like and leave your mark with it. But as you know, we all make mistakes, but like an artist, start again, work your way through the problem and take yourself on a journey.

Your blank canvas is completely blank, don't be afraid to draw in every corner, then start afresh once more. Own it, live it, love it.

And on that note, I will leave you my friends, till my next post on my blank canvas. So, don't be afraid to start again, and wipe your canvas clean. It's all yours. Enjoy it.