Therapy Of The Fruity Kind

I didn't realise it at the time, but an afternoon, with my chum, fruit picking (and eating) was exactly what I needed. It's quite humbling, you're in this vast space, surrounded by hundreds of plants that do nothing but sunbathe and grow. Then some little bugger picks them and takes them home. Smoothies, jam, cake decorations... Or three kilos of snacks. I suppose there are worse things to make you feel sick.

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To Be Grateful For:

// Mornings that are bright enough for a little Yoga session outside.

// Porridge with lashings of cinnamon.

// People that make it easy for you not to worry.

// How easy it is to travel nowadays.

// Good views.

// Having all your senses in tact (even if common sense isn't one of them).

// Books books books.

// Fits of laughter followed by desperate gasps for oxygen.

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Negative vs. Positive

 Energy is contagious; positive and negative alike.

We all know it's pretty easy to get stuck in a bit of a negative rut. Be it through our own thinking or circumstances thrust upon us.

Let's not forget we can't help but absorb the comments we hear about the choices we make on daily basis - that can be tough, we're all human and we're all trying to get by. 

A few years ago, I wouldn't have been able to see the positives that come with the negatives. Now I'm older, I've learnt there's a balance with everything.

•  I missed a lot of school & left early with few qualifications vs. I'm working somewhere I love and saving to travel. 

Earlier this year when I made the decision to leave school I faced a bit of criticism, you can imagine the kind; "What will you do?" "What about uni?" "You're not going to be able to get in to writing or any higher jobs." Now, don't get me wrong, I understand these things were said with the best of intentions but it's not as though I hadn't considered these ideas - I took them in to consideration and ultimately still knew this was the right thing for me.

I'm lucky enough to be working somewhere that continues to help me grow and educates me on a daily basis - that's something I wouldn't trade. And the fact it's aiding me in saving to travel is a bonus.

• My great Nana passed away vs. Someone gained a new, loved home.

It may have taken a over a year to sort the house out after 'Foo' passed away (at the ripe age of 100) but now it's done a new family have the opportunity to plant their roots. They're in a well loved home and are now closer than they've ever be to their own family.

• My brother lives over 5,000+ miles away vs. He's doing what he loves.

It can be pretty tough being so far away from someone you grew up with. The plus side is that I know he's doing what he loves and is gaining life experiences beyond measure. In a world where the internet and technology is ever growing it's a big relief things like Skype and online chats are around, that kind of thing wouldn't have been possible 15-20 years ago.

We learn some of our biggest lessons through our struggles and there's little that can replace those individual experiences. It's the perspective we adopt that alters what we learn.

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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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