Do We Put Pressure On Ourselves As Bloggers? | Just Add Ginger

Over the past few weeks, I actively chose to take a break from blogging and YouTube. There were so many things going on in other areas of my life that I just needed to focus on myself for a little bit and everything that I needed to do. In my head, I was ready for the break. I needed the space to digest all the things that were going on. Trying to fit everything in just seemed practically impossible, and physically, I just wouldn't have had the time I needed to make space for blogging. 

But I don't think I realised how guilty I would feel. I felt like I had abandoned my blog, and left it behind as I carried on my merry way. I felt like a fraud. I felt like a failure. 

But should I really have felt that way? I think for all of us (correct me if I'm wrong) there is some sense of obligation. I know for me, if I've been on a roll for a while in terms of the number of posts I upload, and then this number decreases, I am overcome with a sense of guilt. If I upload an Instagram picture that just doesn't quite fit in with my theme, it is instantly taken down. 

But why? 

Why does it really matter? Will people really mind? And why should I even care? Surely being a blogger is about sharing things we love, that we are passionate about. But that shouldn't get in the way of life. Especially if we do not do it full-time. Maybe if I was a full-time blogger type, this sense of pressure would be justified. But I'm not. So what am I trying to prove? 

It can be so easy to get caught up in the explosion that has been the blogosphere over the past few years. To place yourself up against those who are more popular/more successful/more "out there", when really, who we are as bloggers should stem from who we are as people. Rich posts that are well-constructed and true to our own style is what should be important. Not conforming to archetypes, in any sense of the word. If we are proud of the content we put out there, I think it shows, and if we publish a post just for the sake of hitting a self-imposed 'three posts a week' rule, well, I think that's pretty obvious too! 

It's time to go back to why we all started blogging in the first place. In the grand scheme of things, taking a break doesn't matter. Not being present at every single Twitter chat doesn't matter. Upping the saturation and applying all the filters on an Instagram post doesn't matter. What does matter is that our passion, our love, and our spirit is still there. Because, when it comes down to it, for it is that which sets us apart.

Do you feel under pressure as a blogger?

Pebbles Of Possibility | Just Add Ginger

After having a complete life evaluation last year, and deciding that I was finally confident enough within myself to make the giant leap from working in childcare to embracing a more creative path, I landed an opportunity that I could have only dreamt of. After leaving university, I had taken it upon myself to ensure that I continued to build and nurture my creativity, to not ever stop letting my fingers tap away at those keys. To always be writing. Whether it be a list, a blog post, an article, a recipe...I didn't want to stop. And last year, I finally started to realise my dream. 

So you can imagine when, at the beginning of the year, and upon finding myself back at square one, what a shock it was to the system. To say I was heartbroken was an understatement. I was devastated. After building my confidence up for so long, I found it almost completely dashed. I wasn't really sure what to do at first. But, never one to be defeated by fate, I picked myself up dusted myself off, and jumped right back on that creative horse. 

If you follow me on any of my social media platforms, you will know that one of the main things I define myself as is positive. I understand that being positive doesn't take all of life's problems away, but I am a firm believer that by adopting a positive and uplifting outlook, we can embrace anything that comes our way a little easier. Hell, I just need to look how far I've come with a glass half full attitude - how much I've learnt, how much I've grown....if positivity hadn't played such a big part in my life so far, I can't even imagine the person I would have been! 

Which is why, instead of tripping and stumbling over this pebble in my road, I have picked it up, put it in my pocket, and carried on walking. I've taken the time I have had given to me as a golden opportunity, wrapped my arms around it, and made sure that I don't let it go to waste. I know in my heart where I want my life to lead me, and just because one door closed, it doesn't mean several haven't opened. And I feel that in a short space of time, I have really come in to myself more, and it truly feels wonderful. I have become what essentially equates to an almost full-time content creator for the time being. My little blog baby has become an even bigger part of my life than I ever imagined, and I have been so fortunate as to have been given some amazing opportunities along the way. 

And it's not just writing. I've made it my mission to learn as much as I can. Things that I've always wanted to know. Sure, I am no expert, but I am so much more aware of some of the tools I have at my disposal. I've learnt more about Google Analytics, Windows Movie Maker, and Google Trends in the past few months than I ever have before. I have become more of a presence in online engagement, taking part in Twitter chats (The Girl Gang chat is my personal favourite) and really worked to get my blog, and my brand, to a place where I am proud of it. To a place that I feel really illustrates where I am right now. 

Sure, there can be shitty days, but I never let them get me down for long. It is not at all in my nature to wallow in misery and let the world pass me by whilst I weep. Oh no. Life is too short to mope and wait for someone else to pick up the pieces. 

Life can deal us a bad hand sometimes. It's bound to happen at one point or another. But we always have a choice. We can get caught trying to walk over that rock in our way or take it as a pebble of opportunity, one we don't neglect, but use as a chance to make this stumbling block our inspiration to spur us on and make a difference, whether it's in our lives, the lives of others, or making plans for the future. We create our own paths in life. They won't always be smoothly tarmacked, but they will give us one hell of an adventure along the way. 

So walk on with your head held high, and plenty of room in those pockets. There are going to be so many pebbles along the way that try and trip you up. You've just got to decide what to do with them.

Why Is Your Arm Like That? | Just Add Ginger

Writing a post like this is something that I have toyed around with pretty much from the start of my life as a blogger, but I have always been really unsure how to go about it. Right from the get-go - and particularly when I started YouTube - questions have been asked: 

Why Is Your Arm Like That? Why don't you show your left arm in videos? 

It's not something that's shocked me. Pretty much all of my life I've had the same questions. It is human nature to be curious, and I really don't mind talking about things. Being candid and extremely open about things is one of my quirks, so when it comes to addressing these questions, I'm not afraid to divulge, but looking back, I don't think I've ever done it on any of my creative or social platforms. And it's for the pure and simple reason that I don't want to be defined by something that I have never had any control over. 

It would probably help if I went into detail wouldn't it? Well, in a nutshell, when I was born, there were difficulties, resulting in me succumbing to the affects of hemi-paresis. I don't know all the ins and outs, but basically it means that I have limited movements in my left arm, and my left leg is slightly shorter than the other, and I walk a little bit differently as a consequence. Movement in my foot is slighted affected too, and, I don't know whether this is related or not, but that foot has no arch. 

I've never known life any differently, and have made it my mission to ensure that I can claim as much independence as possible. My One Handed Ways series on my channel is an extension of that mission. Society can be so quick to pigeon-hole us all because of our capabilities, strengths, weaknesses, background, race, gender or sexuality, when really we are all just as amazing creatures as each other, and have the ability to achieve anything we dream of. And I want more than anything to reach out and help and inspire those who may have life experiences similar to mine, and show that where there is a will, there always is a way. Having a disability has never ever stopped me from doing anything. With practice, I have learnt to drive, cook, paint my nails, tie my shoelaces, do trickier household chores, style my hair...you name it. If there's something that needs doing, you can bet your bottom dollar I'm going to go out there, give it a shot, and find a way to do it in my own fabulous way. 

Sure, it can be difficult sometimes. Occasionally it can be really frustrating when I have to ask for help with something, or I catch people staring. It can be a real knock to my confidence. But that's what happens when you want to tear down those barriers, scribble over those labels, get out there, and bat away all those things that society would have you believe are impossible for you to do. But for one thing I can't quite do yet, there are a million others I can, and I am fiercely proud of everything I have taught myself over the years, and I have no intentions of stopping learning any time soon. My disability does not define me. I know that within me there is a power to do anything I put my mind to. 

My disability is my drive. I empower myself through making sure I start every day with a positive mind, and the belief that I can get out there and kick ass in everything I do. And it's a message I want to spread. Nothing should ever hold you back in the dreams that you want to chase and the places you want to go. No goal is too big, and every pebble in your path you stumble on is only going to make you stronger. In my mind, there are no such words as 'Can't' 'Never' or 'No.' I refuse to sit back and let the world go by without making my mark in it. People have stared at me all my life, and this is my chance to give them something to bloody stare at. 

Growing up, I used to be so self-conscious of my disability because I felt it made me stand out, but now, I strut around with a smile on my face and am proud of who I am. I've overcome stumbling blocks, climbed heights, and travelled along this road all my life, and every hurdle along the way has made me stronger, stand taller and laugh louder, spurring me on to face demons, battle dragons, and show everyone that there is just no stopping me. 

It doesn't matter who you are or where you come from. With a fire in your belly, and a hunger in your heart, anything is possible. Don't let anybody tell you otherwise. You are capable of more than you know. You are unstoppable. Never let anything hold you back.

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

Be True. Be You. Bee Happy* | Just Add Ginger

As the years have gone by, where I once would pile on the jewellery left right and centre, unafraid to break out the bling and sparkle from sunrise to sunset, I have found myself really toning it down. In place of more colourful jewellery pieces, I am now drawn more towards classic pieces that go with everything, and will never go out of style. 

I have been a fan of the handmade jewellery from Teardrop Designs for a while now. Delicate, dainty, and so pretty, each piece carries a message, and evokes a feeling or emotion. As one who always tried to look on the sunnier side of things, walk with a spring in my step, and generally practise positivity, the "Bee Happy" necklace from instantly sang to me. 

Sitting on a silver chain, the bee charm is just beautiful. Not overbearing. or too large it rests just under my collarbone, and is the perfect piece to finish off any outfit, and the perfect pick for day or night time looks. The whimsy of the bee charm and the understated chic of the silver charm balance each other out beautiful, creating the most perfect quirky necklace that still feels elegant and grown up. Layer it with a longer pendant or let it stand in the limelight on its own, this pretty little piece is timeless, and carries with it a message that really resonates with me.

 It stands as a reminder to me the important place positivity has in my life, and how the best way to tap in to that happiness is to embrace who I am, and to not be ashamed to pursue the things that bring me joy. It may sound cheesy guys (I know it does,) but having that association with a piece of jewellery is something that is really powerful. 

It is so important to support up and coming brands, and Teardrop really deserves praise. With a selection of necklaces and bracelets that are just so beautiful and understated, each carrying an uplifting message, they have really crated something rather special, and something that feels incredibly personal. Each piece is "made with love and care" and Teardrop are kindly extending that love to JAG readers by offering you guys 20% off when ordering online with the code TEARDROP16. 

At a price that in no way breaks the bank, and with a range of jewellery that is pretty as it is positive, please go and check them out! And remember: 

Be True. Be You. Be Happy.

*This post is in collaboration with Teardrop Designs, who very kindly sent me the "Bee Happy" necklace to review. All my reviews are 100% honest, and are true to my thoughts, tastes, and feelings.

How To Stay Positive | Just Add Ginger

I guess you could call me a "glass half full" kind of person. I try to live my life giving out and reflecting as much positivity as possible. Sure, I have been through some really shitty moments in my life, but it never really takes me long to bounce back. I always try to greet the world with a smile on my face, and happiness in my heart. Life is just too short for me to dwell on the things that make me glum. 

And sometimes it isn't easy, I know. We all go through those "Why Me?" or "Bloody Hell" moments in life where all we want to do is curl up in a ball and wait for the storm to pass. But I'm just too impatient for that. I'm the one to get out there, and go all Gene Kelly and start throwing some shapes in that rain. It's just the way I am. 

But for when times get really tough, and we do just want to hide away from the world here are the things I do to help me stay positive. 

Get Up. Get Dressed. Get Going. 

It's so easy to stay in those pjs all day, but by getting up, getting dressed, and getting things done, it usually kick-starts my motivation, and I'm really productive. The initial crawling out of bed moment may be tough, but once your body has woken up a little bit, and you get yourself distracted by doing chores, heading to work, or doing something you love, it won't be long until there is a smile on your face. The busier we are, the less time we have to think about the things that are getting us down, and will help us gain some perspective. 

With A Little Help From My Friends 

Sometimes it's good to seek out your friends for advice, but other times it's even better to get together and let your hair down. Meet up for a glass of wine, go to the movies, window-shop....but surround yourself with love. Just being around people you care about will instantly perk you up, and remind you of the fantastic support network you have out there. 

Step Out In The Sunshine 

When we are outside, with the sun shining down on us, our happiness levels instantly increase without us even having to think about it. Sure, moping around the house, watching everything and anything on Netflix and eating your weight in chocolate might be fun at first, but trust me, sooner or later you'll get bored, and that space of yours that seemed so comforting will build up with negative vibes, and you'll get really unhappy. So instead, put on your shoes, and get out in to the world. Walk the dog, go to the shops, take a stroll in the park. Do whatever you like, but get outside and soak up those warming sunny rays. 

Tap, Tap, Tap

I was born to write. There's nothing more therapeutic to me than hearing the tapping of my fingers as they strike the keys on my keyboard and I just let all my thoughts pour out of me. I never much plan for things I'm going to write, but let my mind do the talking. My fingers are just the vessel of my creativity. I'm a firm believer in the cathartic nature of writing. You don't have to be a Brontë sister or own a blog. If there's nothing else you feel inspired to write, simply write out exactly how you are feeling in hat moment. Embrace your emotions and let them flow over you as you put pen to paper. Then, after you're finished, screw the paper up, delete the document, take a deep breath and exhale, leaving all those thoughts behind you.

Life can be really tough sometimes, but always remember you have the strength inside you to carry on, put your positive pants on, and overcome anything. You are amazing. Don't forget that!

#AtoZChallenge / How To Keep Positive & Be Happy

Sometimes. However hard we try, it can be really difficult to stay in a positive frame of mind. And it can suck. I am one of those people. I try to see the good in everyone. I try to see the cup half full. I try to drink tequila when life gives me lemons. But sometimes, it can all get a bit too much. 

So. For anybody out there who may be going through such a time, where light amidst the darkness is sparse and fading, here are some thoughts on how I try to stay positive, keep a healthy frame of mind, and regain some perspective. 

Embrace Your Emotions 

Never be afraid to express yourself. If you want to cry, cry. If you want to laugh, laugh. If you need to sit in silence and just hold someone you love, do it. It is really healthy to be in tune with your emotions and to express them. (As long as they are not emotions that through the expressing could hurt you more or those around you.) I know that when I cry, it's a huge catharsis afterwards. I am able to purge myself of any negativity. Sometimes I don't even know why I'm crying. But I let myself cry. Because bottling it up could be 10 times worse than keeping it inside. 

If you don't feel like you can express yourself in front of others, try keeping a journal of thought, writing your feelings on a piece of paper, or take yourself off to a place where you feel completely at ease. I have two places where I can be completely free...the bathroom or outside. When I am in either place, any remnants of fear or embarrassment melt away and I can just be.

It's Your life. Live It For YOU. 

Our time here on Earth is precious. So why go around living for anyone but yourself? Maybe you're the kind of person who likes to please others and make them happy. But if you are not happy with your life, how can you expect others around you to be happy? I can totally relate to this When I don't think people around me are happy, I'm not happy. But I am a firm believer that we all feed off each other's emotions more than we are aware off, so this unhappiness turns in to a viscous cycle. 

If you want to save up, leave your job and go travelling, make it happen. If you want to get a tattoo, do a bungee jump, or cut off all your hair, do it. We really shouldn't care what others think of us, as hard as it sounds. Mrs X or Mr Y wouldn't like it if we went up to them and started dictating what they should be doing and how their lives should be lived. People may think they know better, but our lives are completely unique. What is the right path for one of us may be the completely wrong path for the other. We can take advice and embrace other's opinions, but at the end of the day, we will find our own way, travel our own journey and carve our own destiny. And we WILL and CAN do that completely on our own. 

Forgive & Forget. 

This can be something that is really difficult to do. People can hurt us. People can lie, cheat, steal,  betray, and all of this can be really hard to forgive. But in order to move on with our own lives we have two options. To wallow in sadness, subconsciously dwelling on what has happened that has crushed us, and never moving on from the same place. Reliving events over and over again and living life in retrospect and regret.  Or we can choose to move forward. The power of forgiveness, either of ourselves or others, is incredibly strong. It sets us free. We don't have to engage with the subject of our sorrow ever again, but we can choose to forgive actions taken and words spoken and bury the hatchet once and for all. The choice is entirely ours, but once a decision has been made about the path that you want to take, you can unburden your mind and move on feeling lighter, stronger, and empowered. 

Treat Others As You Would Wish To Be Treated 

Treat others with the kindness, respect and grace that you would wish to receive. Embrace the differences of others and admire how beautifully unique we all are. We are not going to all share the same opinions, beliefs or talents, and we may not all agree with each other, but that does not mean that we should use these differences to hurt one another. Treat others with kindness and understanding. and you might just change a mood, ignite a spark, and just make someone's day. We all revel in joy and happiness, so try to spread some every single day. It could just be a look, a smile, or a gesture, but it could carry meaning that you never even realised. 

And if you are reading this, and still feel down, here's a song that never fails to bring a smile to my face: 

Be Proud To Stand Out | Just Add Ginger

How many of you look back on your childhood with fond memories? If you could go back and live that time again to change the person you become, would you?

When I was a child, life seemed so simple. I was surrounded by people who loved me and cared about me, and took me for exactly the person I was. No conditions, no clauses, no limits on our friendships. They just were completely and 100% honest friendships. Sweet. Innocent. They filled my childhood with joy. 

Then I grew up. 

And growing up wasn't easy in the slightest. As I made my way through secondary school it became abundantly clear that if there was even just 1% of you that stood out from "the norm," then certain people would use that and point it out to you all the time, like you weren't aware of it yourself. And there were some very unaccepting people that I knew in secondary school. Now, as a grown woman, I wouldn't hesitate to give them a piece of my mind. But back then, as a desperately unconfident teenager, most of the time I wanted the ground to open up and swallow me. 

Fir those of you who don't know me that well, or may have clicked on to my blog for the first time, I was born with a condition called "hemi-paresis," which affects the left side of my body. Basically it means that my left arm and leg are a lot stiffer than the right, and I have limited movements sometimes, particularly in my left hand. It's a condition that I entered and will leave this Earth with. It is something that I cannot change, and would not ever want to.

Sometimes, it can be so easy to shy away from sowing our true colours, or embracing the person that we are. We become afraid of what others might think, and scared to show the world the person we are deep down. But let me tell you something. You may be afraid of what others might think of you, but remember... Those people who might make you feel like that are probably just as terrified on the inside to show their true colours too. 

I used to get gawked at in secondary school for my disability. I used to hear the secret snickers, and sense the stares. And I bet today that if I were to see those people in school, they wouldn't remember doing it, and if they did, would be so ashamed if I told them. At the time I was so hurt by the actions of those people, but it has spurred me on now I'm older and it has helped make me so strong today. I don't let anybody bring me down, If there is any message or help I can give to others who may need it, I'm going to get it out there and show that where there is a will, there is always a way.

All of us are different and special in our own way, And you might not always see yourself as special, but there will be something that makes you unique. You may be academic, creative, musical, or fiercely independent. You may have wonderfully-coloured hair, freckles, wear glasses, have your own style.....all of these things help to make you you, and we all need to take a little time to celebrate how amazing we are.

Don't spend your time trying to fit in with other people. Find friends who have a similar style or personality to yours who accept you for who you are and who you don't need to "wear a mask" around. Once you find friends who make you feel comfortable in your own skin you'll look back and wonder why the hell you bothered with others who put you down. It may take a while, but try looking in to extra activities that sing to your interests. That's a good way to seek out like-minded people, and will help start to build your confidence and belief in yourself.

We need to take all of the things about us that make us unique and embrace them. We are not all created with the same mould. We were born to stand out from each other and we should be proud that we do. If we were all exactly the same the world would be a very boring place. Each of us being here and being who we are makes the world so beautiful, exciting and interesting! Why should we want to fit into the same category of human being? Being unique ROCKS!

Life isn't always a smooth road, and you will find people out there who you don't bond with. And that's okay. Not everybody will get along with each other. It's the nature of life. But you can be cordial to each other, and be happy that your paths crossed and now you are off on your own journey. It doesn't mean that you should stop being who you are. We are all individuals swimming in the bog pool of life together. We cross paths, meet each other, some of us will become friends, some of us won't, but without us being unique, special and different, that pool just wouldn't be the same.

Please don't ever be afraid to be exactly who you are. There is only ever going to be one you out there, so head out on to your path through life, and shine. Bumps, snags and hiccups may happen along the way, but you will get through them, and when you come out the other side, you'll be more powerful than ever!

With positivity, love & hope,

ZipSlide Adventure | Just Add Ginger

(Thank you to Boyfriend for filming this for me)

I don't know how many of my followers/subscribers know this, but I suffered difficulties at birth which resulted in left side hemi-paresis. It has never got in the way of anything in my life, and I never really see myself as anything different. In short, I have been very fortunate. Fortunate to be surrounded by such amazing people who love me, fortunate that having had this happen has never really stopped me from doing the same things as everybody else. 

Earlier this year, I knew it was my time to give back to those who may need a bit more support in achieving their own goals. Whereas I am very lucky. I know that there are others out there who need a little bit more help on their own journeys. 

On Sunday I took a trip to the Imperial War Museum in Manchester to participate in a ZipSlide across the Salford Quays to raise money for The Stroke Association. It was an amazing experience (even though I was terrified,) and a great way to show my support for a charity that is close to my heart. 

I am so grateful to everybody who sponsored me for this event, sent me a good luck message, and who came to watch me. I was really overwhelmed by all the support I received, and this made jumping out of a very tall building that little bit easier. 

Me mid-ZipSlide

We are all different in some way. It's what makes us special. I didn't always see myself as a unique person, but as I've gotten older I've come to really appreciate and love me for me. No matter what you go through in life, it's always so important to be thankful for the good times, and respect the tough times. Without them, we cannot grow and learn those important life lessons that make us stronger people. 

Sunday was my chance to celebrate how unique we all are, and help show my appreciation and respect for a charity that does so much for those less fortunate than me. 

For more information about The Stroke Association, visit: 

http://www.stroke.org.uk/

Blogtember 2013: No Turning Back!

"Describe a distinct moment when your life took a turn." 

In May last year, I took the holiday of a lifetime and went on a Trek America tour to parts of Canada and America (The Canadian Pioneer.) I had booked the holiday on the back of a really hard time in my life. Knowing that I needed to do something major to give me some perspective, I booked a holiday as epic and as far away as I could manage!

 It was honestly the best thing I could have ever done! 

Being out there gave me so much clarity and time to think about my life; where I wanted it to go and how I needed it to change. I grew stronger as a person and came back refreshed and ready to take on the world. 

I met some lovely people, did some crazy things, and laughed so hard that my stomach ached! We toasted marshmallows, drank wine, played stupid games, and survived a night in the wilderness with a pesky raccoon sneaking around. 

It was definitely the best decision I ever made to go on that holiday, and I don't think I'd be where I am today if I hadn't have gone. I am in such a good, positive and happy place just over a year on, and so much has changed, that it's hard to imagine I was ever the same person I was before I went away! 

Turning An Attitude Corner | Just Add Ginger

Sometimes, particularly in Winter, it's hard to feel peppy and enthusiastic all the time. The weather is bad, we are feeling the pinch after Christmas and New Year, and things just seem a bit bleak. 

I know I was feeling that way. Around Christmas time, I was feeling really down in the dumps. I was feeling under the weather, and just overall felt a bit defeated and, well, jaded! It was not a good feeling. I didn't like it, and I knew that there was something wrong. 

Then, when NYE came, I decided to throw all of my negativity out the window (along with some VERY old clothes), and focus on the good stuff! 

Sometimes, I get so wrapped up in counting all the lemons that life throws me that I forget to throw them back and say "f*ck you!!" There is no way I want this post to be a "WOE IS ME" post. NO WAY! But I still want to be candid. 

Life can be rubbish sometimes! 

But it's important to look on the positive side and be thankful for what you do have, finding ways to make you claim back that warm fuzzy feeling inside when you feel all is right with the world. Grabbing life by the balls and saying "Right, you. Now we can work together, or you can be against me, but either way, I'm going to come out a winner!" 

So, because I feel like my attitude has turned a corner, I just wanted to share tips that I've found useful. I always try to remember these things, and if ever I'm feeling down, doing something on this list nearly always cheers me up.

Learn to love: I'm not talking about running out into the wilderness and hunting down Heathcliff. I'm talking about loving yourself. Finding something that you can't get enough of. If it helps, write a list of things you are good at. Use this as a go-to for pointers. Me- I love the fact that I've achieved so much. I never let anything get in my way of doing something...although one-handed shoelace tying I'm still working on! 

Make time: Don't get so caught up in life that you forget about the people who love you. I consider myself very lucky to have the people in my life that I do. I always see my friends as an extension of my family, and I know that I don't always make enough time for them in my life. Friends are there to listen to you and support you. Don't forget you can turn to them if you need them. And make time for them. Do something fun together, and just laugh. Laugh lots. Laugh until your stomach hurts and you can't laugh any more. Guaranteed that after that life will have regained its rosy tone!

Do It: Try something new. It could be a new hobby, or travelling to somewhere different...Plan to do something that scares you. You don't have to make extravagant plans. Even if it's just walking a different way to work, cooking a new recipe, writing a story, calling somebody you've been meaning to in ages but never got round to it...Just in the planning stages something can get you giddy and excited. This year, I'm going to visit more of my friends. I'm thinking of going to my first festival. I want to do a skydive and a zip-line for charity. I've booked a ticket to go to my first classical concert. Just thinking about all these plans makes me feel happy! 

Pamper Yourself: Take some time out of every day for you to do something you love. An hour lying on the sofa watching your favourite TV show, listening to your favourite music, meeting up for coffee with somebody... Don't forget to treat yourself to something that makes you feel good. It may be hard to do, but the main person who's going to help you feel better is you. For me, it's bubble baths...lighting some candles, putting on my favourite relaxing music, and indulging in a hot chocolate or glass of wine in the bath. It's not much, but it makes me feel so much better. 

Flowers is another thing. I LOVE flowers. Roses are my absolute favourite, but if I bought myself roses all the time I'd look a bit weird. Bright flowers are the main thing. Bringing colour into your life I think can really help brighten your spirits. It doesn't even have to be flowers. Try wearing bright colours. I know I went through a stage in my life of wearing really dark clothes, all the time, and it really didn't help where I was at the time. Now, my wardrobe is a sea of rainbows, and wearing those clothes really makes me feel better. Even if it's just adding a pop with a scarf, earrings, or bag. Colour = Happy!! 

I hope I haven't blah-ed on too much in this post. I just really wanted to share my feelings and ideas on turning yourself around out of the January blues! 

Life, after all, is what you make it.