To truly ‘Flourish‘ is to grow and develop.

Personally growth and development are the two things that I feel that I would like to put my all into over the next year. It has taken me many years to be comfortable in myself and stop feeling the need to compare myself to others. I keep a very small friendship group as I find it incredibly hard to trust people and let them in.

To truly grow and develop I believe that it is something that needs to be not only emotional but also physically and mentally. It may seem like two small components in life but to do them both on such an epic (on a personal level!) scale is something that is not only daunting but extremely exciting.

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There are so many parts of my self that I am looking forward to exploring and either improving, eradicating or just enjoying. Like many of you out there I love a good list so it’s time guys – let’s break out a list and see where it goes!

Monthly Attitude

When you think of “monthly attitude” what is the first thing that comes to mind?! Well, let me tell you during my ‘time’ I am far from a dream-boat and closer to true definition of a complete and utter wanker (Urban Dictionary point 2!). Yep, I admit it – when I am on my period I don’t just see red I can be vile.

So, what am I going to do about it? In the effort to stop acting out I am going to look more into myself and spend a little more time alone. I figure that if I spend the time pampering myself and feeling good from within I won’t be such a vile human on the outside. I’ll let you know how I get on – I’m sure it will be on Insta or at least Twitter!

Caring

Contrary to the belief I would have put in you that I can be totally and utterly vile (see above!) for the rest of the month and my life I am actually a very caring person. I care hard and fast and have very little time for those that don’t give a shit. I am fiercely loyal and loving and those that are close to me know what I am like. To the naked eye (general public) I may come across as crass with a general disdain for people with a devil-may-care attitude but that is not farther from the truth.

Two of my closest friends recently alerted me to the fact that I tend to attract people who ‘need help’. Whether that help is emotionally, physically or mentally I seem to be the one that most people lean on.

Now, I don’t want to stop caring but right now I feel incredibly drained so I think for my own good I need to stop putting my all into others and think more about me. Of course I will continue to care for those that are in my life and of course those that I choose to care about but the time has come for me to take a step back and let people get the hell on with whatever they are going to do – even if I can see them on the path to ruin (that sounds a lot more dramatic than the way I mean it!).

Blimey this post is getting VERY introspective isn’t it!

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Nothing But The Truth

Telling someone how it is isn’t something that has to be a nasty experience. With many years experience of not holding back that doesn’t make me a bitch (although I am self-confessed!) it is just easier to tell someone the truth instead of instilling false hope and then losing a potential friendship because a little white lie grows into something that neither of you can handle in the end. My friendships are based on respect and those that are closest to me know that I won’t lie to them about my feelings and thoughts. This is something that I will most definitely not change about myself – if anything I will continue to be this way and encourage others to do so if they so wish.

The truth may hurt but if told from the get go is like a plaster (band-aid for the Americans!) – if ripped off hurts a little but then the pain is gone. Concealing a lie is not only hard work but also hurts a lot more when found out as the distrust will eat away at you.

The list is of course ongoing but for now I think that is more than enough!

What is on your word for the year?

Check out Elizabeth’s awesome post & it may help you choose your word
—>CLICK HERE<—

There is a great downloadable list and plenty of space to help you mull things over. Although I was encouraged by this list mine came to me in a moment of inspiration on the toilet!

How does the song go . . . It Must Be Love, Love, Lurvvvvve!

Do you show your significant other how much you love them every day?
Or do you wait until Valentine’s Day?

Surely there is more to a relationship that showing your love on only one particular day – am I right?

At this current moment in time I am loving myself and I have to tell you there is no better feeling that making myself happy. This year I have devoted to establishing the word ‘Flourish’ in my life and that is something that I fully intend to do. Whethere I flourish alone, with friends or even into a new relationship right about now I have no idea and I am LOVING that particular feeling of the unknown. I have never in my life been less scared and more excited about the unknown prospects of life ahead.

You all know just as well as I do that there are certain pressures out there on woman of a ‘certain age’ (Over 30!) to crack on and settle down, have a family and get themselves off the proverbial shelf. Well do you know what . . . FUCK THAT SHIT! I will settle down with who I please, when I please and procreate if I so wish.

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Now, with that in mind let’s talk a little about ‘Self Love‘ and how you can achieve it EVERY SINGLE DAY with just the smallest change to your daily habits. Over the past month I have not blogged and in the time that I would normally spend worrying about what I should post and how I should take a particular picture to fit in with my ‘theme’ (that doesn’t exist!) I instead took some time to just think about myself (that and I had no fucking idea what to do with myself or this blog!). It was so nice to just light a candle, snuggle up and watch a bit of TV. I have fallen in love with my insta again and even took a trip to Amsterdam!

As a little homage to self love and of course myself the following photos are dedicated to loving yourself (in particular MYSELF!)

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What do you do to show yourself a little/lot of love?!

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This time is forever more going to be a time of year that is that little bit darker for me than the rest. With dad passing things got dark very quickly last year and I was most definitely not looking forward to this Christmas but as the year passed things got that little bit easier.

There have definitely been dark days and happy times in our household.

Then on the 14th December the shade came again. I cannot mention the name of the person but they were incredibly special because they helped a lot of people in ways that some do not even know yet. This person was one that made everyones day a little brighter without even saying a word – a smile, a hand to hold and even just a wink.

This person made you aim for the best and forget about the worst. With all of the insignificant little things in the world that people make a big deal out of perspective was something that this individual could make you pick out with a fine tooth comb. They will be missed most of all by their family but also by the entire medical and nursing team on our unit/theatres.

Darker times seem to be coming thick and fast the older I get but with that in mind I will persevere and hope for the best in 2018. This may or may not be my last post of 2017 but for now it feels like things have been rounded up as I am loving Insta, Twitter but the blog is really taking it out of me. Let’s see shall we!

This BEAUTIFUL picture was found on Flickr – click HERE for the original source.

As much as the festive cheer can play a part in bringing people together it can also be an extremely lonely time for those that have either lost someone, never had anyone or even has that special someone who they are going through a difficult time with. For some Festive Love may be the last thing on their minds.

This post is just a little reminder to all of us that everyone deals with emotions in different ways and one of the most scary thoughts can sometimes be loneliness. Dealing with loneliness can be very hard and sometimes people do not like to admit it. With that in mind I am most definitely going to be a more mindful with regards to those around me at this time of year and even in my work life where my dear patients and relatives are stuck in hospital at what is meant to be one of the most wonderful times of the year.

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If this has struck a chord with you I would love it if you could share it as a message to all out there to just share the love. Copy and paste it if you like. Just link back so I can see how far a little bit of love can go.

Share some Festive Love now!

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After a nice long chat with one of dear friends yesterday we both realised that at this time of year not only is it imperative that we are spending time with the people that we love and cherish but it is also a time where you need to look after YOU. The word stress isn’t something that you would think should be associated with the festive season but you know what it can be one the most stressful times of the year.

Over the years the pressure of getting that perfect gift seems to have skyrocketed where as the pressure to value friendship, love and goodwill has plummeted. This is just wrong. The festive season is one where we should be surrounding ourselves with family, friends and the warmth and love that all of the above bring. The 4 U’s of Christmas are incredibly important when thinking about how to care for yourself and those around you.

Unwind

Time to run yourself a nice hot bath, light some candles and get some fresh pyjamas ready. It is time to turn off your phones, laptops and any other technology and really and truly take a break from life on the outside world. When you switch off not only are you giving your eyes a rest but also your brain.

Unburden

TALK. Taking time out of your life to sit down and have a conversation with a close friend or even someone who is completely unconnected to your life and friendship groups. When you start to talk you will notice that the things you were most unwilling to let loose will just slip out and you will begin to feel much better about the most difficult situations.

This also applies to not taking on responsibility for other peoples problems with life as this can really make you feel down for no reason whatsoever. When you let all of this go you will feel like a weight has been lifted and you may even feel a little renewed.

Understand

Sometimes you need to understand that it really is not the time to be around other people. Everyone has their own issues in life and sometimes they just need a little bit of space. Personally being an only child I know that I enjoy my own company more than I enjoy spending time with most people, luckily for me I have a pretty great group of friends who also understand this.

Understanding also comes from knowing yourself and knowing when to slow down and take some time out for yourself. Understanding when it is time for you to let your body take a break.

Under My Duvet

Just do it!

From one of my friends to me and all of you

‘Make sure “U” take some time out for “U” so “U” can be the best “U” that “U” can be this Christmas. Love yourself today so you can share that love with others around you.