Thoughts On Social Media

In this day and age I think it would be reasonable to think nearly everyone has an active account on one or more social media platforms - that's to be expected! A large of junk of communication happens via the internet, be it iMessages, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram...

Instagram is my main social network of choice. I am always fascinated by the way different beings interpret a place, plate of food, person, cup of coffee. It's infinite and I love it!

A lot of my inspiration stems from Instagram and I enjoy documenting important moments and activities in my life. It has allowed me to network with people I wouldn't have otherwise met.

It's great for building your own persona and finding what you like, however, so is the outside world. 

It's interesting because if someone had asked me to write a post about this when I was 14 I probably would have said it's brilliant, I love it, it can do no wrong. I think we all know that's not the truth, it does have its downsides and we've all experienced them.

For me, it's important to be mindful. Meaning I like to be in tune with myself and the ground I'm standing on. Often this means switching off from things like Twitter and Instagram. It's great to be letting everyone know what you're doing and how you're feeling but sometimes it's nice to be anonymous and soak up some serenity.

Of course I will continue to use social media platforms, and I will most definitely remember to be conscious and aware of my own presence in this ever-changing world.

The internet and social media is what you make of it, you can choose to absorb the good and banish the bad (and vice versa). Most of all I think it's vital to remember that as we grow, the internet grows.

This post prompt was taken from Sometimes Sweet's Journal Day Prompt #7

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Them

She came home later than usual that afternoon. The look on her face screamed "I was just a few marks off passing!" He guessed she'd been hiding in the library all afternoon... he was probably right, she had a habit of doing that.

"So what if you didn't pass?!" His voice sounded softer than she expected, she wandered to the bedroom without a word.

He plonked himself at the kitchen table. Frustrated and a little uneasy with her dismissal. Stillness swept the house and after ten minutes he couldn't bare it. A letter. That was the best way to get through to her.

I hope you know I don't care that you didn't pass. You're going to cry about this exam, I know you are - hell, I might too! I'll be yours at two in the morning and two in the afternoon and I'll kiss you until you smile again.

And I'll still bring you cheese on toast every Thursday afternoon. We can watch that shitty film you love, and yes I'll pretend I'm interested despite already knowing the ending.

Let's see if you're still mad after that.

He folded the note, slipped it under the bedroom door and listened attentively for the sound of the floorboards creaking.

Familiar sound heard, he popped two slices of bread in the toaster and raided the fridge for the cheese.

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The Birthday Girl

'If you don't understand how a woman could both love her sister dearly and want to wring her neck at the same time, then you were probably an only child.'

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Expectations vs. Results

Recently, I've come to realise (and it's been mentioned by many) that I function on anxious energy.

So when the time came for me to take my Driving Theory Test, you can only imagine the terror that struck me.

Being of this anxious nature, my expectation was that I wouldn't pass - this worry was then thrust upon many people I care for (I apologise profusely). Predominantly, for me, the fear is what it means to fail.

What does it mean to fail?

I'm still largely unsure, and that's not because I've never failed at anything - believe me, I have - it's more because I'm not sure it means anything.

Take, for example, that 'diet' everyone's been meaning to start and stick to. Let's turn the idea around; that stranger you passed on the street, they don't give a damn what and how much you've eaten today. And neither does that guy who served you coffee.

Perhaps, failing [at that 'diet'] is just fine. So what you ate that cake? The world hasn't ended, and you are still very much alive.

I have learnt that:

• The results often exceed expectations.
• Failing doesn't make you a failure.
• Theory tests aren't so bad.
• You'll get there when the time is right - self hate isn't okay at any size.

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The Importance Of: Why

At first, I didn't really understand. A little later I thought I had the right idea. And now, well now, I'm still working on it.

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Coffee Rituals

Being an avid tea drinker myself (never English Breakfast might I add) I never quite understood the act of 'wake up, get a coffee and go' I'd seen so many people perform.

This was all true up until a few months ago. As I began working at Hoxton North Coffee, Espresso & Brew Bar I didn't fully understand the widely celebrated human habit of a coffee in the morning, or one in the afternoon to keep you going. 

Further in, my curiosity for coffee and individual habits grew and grew. Observing customers' orders and personal rituals allowed me to understand the little fix one can obtain from coffee and a cheeky cake or pastry.

And now, around two or so months in, after attaining some knowledge and making cups of coffee I'm beginning to understand why it is one of the most popular drinks in the world. I've even enjoyed the odd cup myself!

Today, yesterday, the day before (even on the days when I'm not working) I have learnt things I'm proud of and recognise as influential. Not only that, but I also sense how fortunate I am to work in a place that interests me immeasurably whilst allowing me to keep my passion for learning ablaze.

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Healthy 10

10 things that make me feel healthy!

1. Eating well rounded meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner.
2. Exercise - especially Yoga and swimming.
3. Seeing my family and investing in my relationships - there are very few people I'd rather spend my time with and actively participating in the love shared between me and another makes me feel alive.
4. Accepting and seeking help/advice from others - I'm slowly learning that there's no shame in needing a little guidance every now and then. After all, no man is an island.
5. A good chat - knowing when it's time to just sit and talk about the world and where I am brings me great comfort.
6. Brisk walking against the wind - I can feel the wind go by when I run. It feels good. It feels fast.
7. Knowing I've made others feel good.
8. Recognising that I can't control the universe. I am the water, not a rock.
9. Sleeping 9 hours every night without interruption - Zzzz...
10. Being mindful - it keeps me grounded and alive.

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Comfort

It's reassuring to know that when things are a little rough driving for around half an hour can take you somewhere beautiful.

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Mindful Planning

After the chaos of Christmas it was enlightening to sit down and have a couple of hours to plan - mindfully.

Through reading, talking to people and my own research I've found that mindfulness is a key part of how function and live on a day-to-day basis. 

Loosely, it involves being aware, and of course mindful, of what you are doing and how you are doing it. Without sounding to cliché, mindfulness encompasses living now, and firmly in the present. What has already happened is done and with the lessons learnt in mind it is time to live. 

After taking the time to read about certain Yoga practises and mindfulness I've found they both closely border and complement one another. In a sense that it's easy to forget where you are, what you're doing and how you're really feeling, thus leading Yoga to reengage you and aid you in becoming aware.

So hopefully, in the new year, I will make a concerted effort to stay mindful and keep up with yoga practise. Challenging but realistic goals that will feasibly enrich my health and well being.

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