Nessie Here Turns One - 25/01/15

Hey there!

It's a very special moment for my blog today - that's right, my little space of the Internet has officially turned a year old! I can't believe how I've managed to grow my blog in such a short space of time. Ever since I was a young girl, I'd always had a passion for writing - in-fact, I was always top of the class in English. However, I was forever filling notebooks with uncompleted novels and failed every year with my diaries. I find blogging such a therapeutic method of sharing my thoughts and I'm glad you've appreciated my madness at times!

As I've powered through this year, I feel I've picked up a whole range of writing techniques and have learnt so much about myself. Looking back through some of my first ever blog posts, I can't help but cringe at how naive I sounded, but let's face it, we all do it - if we didn't start somewhere, we never would. I consider this to be a big part of my life now and it's a hobby I really enjoy. I'm hoping to further my skills with photography and hope to get creative this year!

To all of my readers - whether you're a friend of mine on Bloglovin', following my social media accounts or generally passing by, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by. I really do appreciate each and every comment that I receive and try to make an effort to respond. It warms my heart knowing that someone will hopefully benefit and care about the content on my blog. It's simply incredible how uploading life stories and unique content can connect a whole range of people together and during 2014 I was lucky enough to meet some wonderful girls! 

Bye for now! Xxx

10 Things That Made Me Happy This Week!

Hey there!

I'll be honest, this year hasn't had the best of starts - things have been a bit rocky where relationships are concerned and everything else has just been one huge rollercoaster of emotions, but I'm getting there! I'm determined that this year will welcome a massive change in my life and bring out the better side of me. Already I've had so much support from a whole range of people and have caught up with my old friends again. However, despite the fact that this week hasn't run as smoothly as I'd hoped, it's taught me an awful lot and made me realise what I often take for granted!

1. Making someone smile by sharing a funny story.

2. Catching up with some of my blogging friends online.

3. Late night chats on the phone with my boyfriend.

4. Receiving useful advice from my supportive friends and family.

5. Lighting my favourite Yankee candle after a long day at work.

6. Finishing my first book of 2015.

7. Feeling motivated to push myself this year to achieve my goals.

8. Relaxing with my most loved films on Netflix.

9. Clearing my mind with some classic tunes and a bubble bath.

10. Devouring the last of my Christmas chocolate treats on a bad day,

Bye for now! Xxx

World Mental Health Day - 10/10/14

Hey there!

For any of you busy bodies, who are too busy with your nose trapped in a book, studying hard for school or just generally being proactive, you may not be aware that today is World Mental Health Day! A special day with the objective to inform individuals of major health issues, help them to understand their peers and learn how to deal with certain situations. This event is celebrated on the 10th October, focusing on a different aspect of mental health each year. 

Mental health is something I've always been interested in and extremely passionate about. It's a subject I find difficult to talk about, as I have previously dealt with it on a personal level and occasionally have to deal with relapses. I've always been known as the trustworthy one in my group at school and am often approached with private issues concerning my friends. I've never been one to judge and have been told on many occasions that I give useful advice. Therefore, I am reasonably knowledgeable on all things mental health and am confident in offering support to others in need.

However, despite the amount of information made available to people about this topic, I do feel it's something that needs to be drawn attention to more often. Many people nowadays, have been exposed to the general types of mental health such as depression and bipolar, whether it be through lectures at school, flyers posted around town or having to help support their peers through a difficult time. However, they are often completely oblivious to those issues, which aren't as advertised such as panic attacks. As an anxiety sufferer, it makes me mad at how ignorant some people are when it involves less-spoken about problems. Just because there isn't always enough information on specific aspects of mental health, doesn't mean they don't exist!

I am aware that it's difficult for an individual with no experiences of mental health to sympathise and understand their friends when going through a difficult stage. However, that's no excuse to treat others with disrespect. I've witnessed a situation where others have disregarded their friend and excluded them from events, due to their constant bouts of depression. It pained me to see this, but I couldn't interfere with the situation, so instead tried to support the victim where possible. This also made me realise that there clearly isn't enough information about. With more people becoming aware of mental health and their side effects, situations like this can be avoided!

If you ever feel threatened yourself or feel that one of your friends is in danger, I would definitely recommend visiting Childline. Counsellors are extremely supportive and are always available and willing to offer any support to those in need, at any hour of the day.  

http://www.childline.org.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

The moral of this post is to just remember that what you say to others can have harmful effects, so think before you speak and learn how to respect your friend's feelings. If you know anyone who is suffering, don't make it obvious to surrounding others. Perhaps offer a smile or a gentle hug to brighten their day - small things can make a huge difference!

Bye for now! Xxx