Life. How Should We Live It?

As you can probably tell, my lack of posting has been as a result of a serious motivational problem that I have been feeling for the last couple of months. I've been up to various things, one of which packing up my first year of University (physically and metaphorically) which has taken SO much of my time. Now, I am back and settled in Bristol again; it really does feel good to be home. However, over this short period of time that I have been here, spending days at home on my own, really gives your brain the good opportunity to think like you've never thought before!

Personally, I have no idea how I am right now in terms of living. Yes, sure, my heart is beating pretty hard out of my chest, and my breathing is of a consistent rate. But am I really, living? Being a young twenty year old girl, a somewhat shining pearl in this big oyster of a world, it can be quite daunting thinking about life choices and how successfully I am doing right now, for me. I have numerous amounts of aspirations in life, dreams that I want to make a reality. It is my mission to be who and what I want to be, and live my life exactly how I think I should live it. Sometimes though, it can be hard to find the get up and go, as well as the right route, in order to achieve these things.

We are presented with a perfect world left right and centre; celebrities posting videos on endless amounts of social media of their practically perfect lifestyle. But that being precisely the point...Nobody is perfect in this world; we only see what those people want us to see. Why do I sit and scroll on my phone, admiring an unrealistic, picturesque perspective of the world, watching people live their life when I should be living my own? The majority of the time, these people don't make me feel good about myself. They just make me feel like a considerably dim pearl in our oyster of a world, without the pretty clothes and makeup and beautiful holidays and settings around me.

Are these people really, REAL people? They come from completely different backgrounds, lifestyles, families, and riches beyond the mind's imagination. Sure, its exciting to watch their experiences because it opens up our eyes to a completely different world out there. But don't forget who YOU are, and how incredible your life and experiences are right now. Most importantly, how incredible it could be in years to come if you work hard and put in the effort to be a bright shiny pearl. Do you want to be there in the future, gazing out the window contemplating the things you could have done, thinking "what if?". Look at yourself now, and be the person you want to be. You might not even know who that is yet, and that isn't a bad thing at all! There is no right or wrong in this world, the only person who can make a decision for yourself is YOU. Never let anyone prevent you from being the best you can be. If you have crazy, exciting, wild dreams for your future,  I SAY YOU GO FOR IT!! There is nothing, or no one, stopping you. Don't be afraid to take risks, be bold and be all you can be in this world.

The things I want to do are hard to reach, and I have been told so by countless amounts of people. But who are they to say what I can and can't achieve? Even if your goals are somewhat unrealistic, they are YOUR goals and the only person stopping you from reaching them is you. We have all had our knock backs in life, be it big or small, but it's what we do after these knock backs that really make the difference. It doesn't matter how quickly we get back up...It's the fact that we DO.

 But most of all? Believe in yourself. "Promise me you'll always remember: You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and more loved than you'll ever know."
(A.A Milne)

 And I really do stand by that!

Soph x

My First Time At Wimbledon!

This year I was lucky enough to attend one of the most famous sporting events, Wimbledon! Tennis I have always loved; I'm probably not the best at playing tennis (I mean, I could give you a run for your money on table tennis) but watching it is one of the most adrenaline pumping, competitive and tense sports you could watch on television. So for me, watching it in real life in front of me was one of the most exciting things I could ever do.

My sister and I travelled to London nice and early amidst all the train and tube strikes, and arrived at the venue. It was bustling with all kinds of people, we could feel the buzzing atmosphere as soon as we set foot inside. Here are the pictures from the day!

 

We were even lucky enough to watch Andy Murray training/warming up! I screen shot this from a video so the quality isn't great, sorry!

I had an unforgettable day! Thank you to my sister for accompanying me and well done to all the players!


Soph x

A Trip To Spain!

Ey up! Me again, don't get too excited!!

I recently went to Spain for five days or so, and thought I would write what I got up to. Starting off with a tip; do not go to a neighbours cocktail evening a few hours before you have to go to the airport and bearing in mind you haven't yet packed. Yes I did do that, and no I would not recommend it unless like me you are already disorganised and far too laid back. Whoops!!

I went with my cousins and dear friends of mine. Here we have my cousins Kim (my giggling partner in crime), Franco the most wonderful cook and hugger, and friends Jack our newly designated and very skilled driver (you can pay me later for saying that....I'm joking!! he really was very good. #betterdriver) and my wonderfully talented twin Sophii.

We flew into Valencia airport, I wore my flowy trousers from Boohoo and a white woolly jumper, which again I would not recommend because it is actually pretty hot in Spain! The airport was really big and easy to get out of.. Remember 'Salida' means exit. Always follow SALIDA. Once we arrived at the Villa I was absolutely gob smacked. The view was breath taking and I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to spend the next few days there. The area surrounding the villa was called Benitachell and was a quiet place in the mountains. The mountain view opposite was called 'Mongo' because it looks like an elephants trunk. See?

Clever right? We ate an English breakfast everyday at a place called Scallops in Javea (Yes I am currently on a detox), and believe it or not it cost a few euros, a small total of around £1.70 in English money.

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  The beach was absolutely beautiful in Javea, I have never seen such crystal clear waters. I dipped my feet in and it wasn't even that cold! We enjoyed a nice drink at the Parador Hotel along the beach front, it was pure bliss.
  
  
  
   
  
  
  
  
    Every night the wondrous cooks Franco and Jack cooked us lovely meals, so I thought I would show some sort of appreciation with lots of pictures of our evening meals etc. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  SKILLS.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Another place we went to was called Moraira (I call it Mariah like Mariah Carey..) and again this was another gorgeous place. Calm, peaceful, friendly people and it was nice to have a breeze when the weather was so hot. 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Of course we had to go shopping because Spanish shops are so beautiful and who doesn't love a bit of shopping? We went into a place called La Marina in Ondara. It was one of the biggest shopping mall's I think I have ever been in. I bought some bracelets for my Sister, Sophii and I as well as some sweets for the family and some minion toys for my little brother Freddie. It was nice to go on the day that the weather wasn't that great, as we did get a random spout of rain on one of the days. Here is Jack in a random kart they had in the middle of the mall!
  
  
  
  Sophii and I at the cafe at La Marina. 
  
  
  A collection of random pictures throughout the holiday...
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  The weather and views were admirable, and to take full advantage Jack drove us up to the top of the Cumbre de Sol (much to Kim's dismay!!) where you look over the whole of the nearby area. If like Kim you hate heights, not a recommendation for you! It is safe though, I promise. The sun had gone down and the sky had the most beautiful range of colours. It is something I will never forget!
  
  
  
  
  On the last night I had my first ever tapas in Javea in a place called 'La Trastienda'. I am now a huge fan of Tapas, it was sooooo yummy! The waitress (who looked like Jessica Alba) made me a Mojito cocktail too, so all in all it was a wonderful evening.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  We flew back the next day form Alicante airport and I think I may have cried a bit! I just didn't want to leave!! We shared some lovely nights on the balcony looking over the spectacular views, Sophii playing her guitar and us all singing. It brings a smile to my face just thinking about how happy it made me out there, and how much I will never forget the memories made for the rest of my life. Thank you to the wonderful Negus family for letting me tag along, and to my gorgeous family Kim and Frank for looking after me. I love you all dearly!
  
  So, if you are jetting off soon I hope you have a great time. I'm jealous!! Remember to wear suncream people, and especially remember to top it up after you come out of the pool unlike I did, resulting in a bright red and patchy pink complexion and at least a bottle of aloe vera. *facepalm*.
  
  
  
  Bon Voyage!
  
  Soph x

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