A-z of what makes me happy

 

Made this from PicsArt Photo Studio: Collage Maker & Pic Editor.

 

 

Inspiration can be found everywhere if you are mindful, willing and open to the idea of it. I recently came across a blogger who is a wife, mom, teacher and a depression suffer.

 

Her blog post titled A-z of what makes me happy captured my attention and I’m someone who can get distracted easily when reading, so the fact my eyes were glued and I thoroughly enjoyed that blog post speaks volumes.

 

I don’t know her name, but if she is reading then I would like to say thank you for doing that blog post. Take a look at her blog post: A-z of what makes me happy

 

See happiness as a brand new car, and all the excitement is there but soon the happiness dies down when the realization the vehicle wouldn’t’ be able to start. The car would be nothing without petrol (gratefulness)

 

Doesn’t matter what terminology you use, the point is happiness and gratefulness go hand in hand. They fit together.

 

This blog post is a very long one, so when you have free time then settle in with your favourite drink and enjoy.

 

My hope is after reading this you will take some time to reflect on what truly makes you happy and that you are grateful for. At the end of the day, that is what truly matters.

 

The people I tag:

 

bwithblue.wordpress.com

 

elviraedison.com

 

itsmecolin.wordpress.com

 

undestinedpieces.wordpress.com

 

supernerdydadreviews.wordpress.com

 

24ftcage.wordpress.com

 

sophiaaaxo.com

 

foreverbookblog.wordpress.com

 

daniellalynette.wordpress.com

 

teaaddictsanonymous.wordpress.com

 

Any bloggers reading this post that I haven’t tagged, then I would like to still encourage you to do this tag. Or if you aren’t a blogger, then in your free time grab a piece of paper and in alphabetical order list what you are happy and grateful for.

 

I left out 3 alphabets (U, X and Z) but otherwise, I completed it.

 

All thoughts on this blog post are of my own, not sponsored.

 

A= Avocado.

 

When I first saw an avocado my initial reaction was I wouldn’t eat this. After dipping my toes into trying something new I discovered how good it really was!

 

Never judge a book by its cover, and certainly don’t judge food without trying it first. I could eat avocado literally every single day, but unfortunately, most of the time when I go to the shop the avocados aren’t ripe yet.

 

Before I used to turn my nose up to it, now I can’t seem to find a ripe one to eat. The irony.

 

Avocado on Low GI Dumpy Seeded SASKO Bread

 

B= Biscuits.

 

I’m a big dunking fan when it comes to biscuits. In rice milk (Used to be regular milk, but can’t anymore due to pimples) Read my blog post here: Pimples! Why are you getting it?   There used to be this stigma that dunking biscuits in your hot beverage are only for mature or elderly people when in reality that’s not true. Anyone should experience this delicious moment!

 

C= Coffee.

 

Inside a mug, is this magical secret potion that unleashes my inner creativity and beast mode. For some reason, I can’t seem to write a blog post without having a cup of coffee. Words are able to flow easily, being focused is never questioned and suddenly life at that moment is easy to tackle.

 

Cappuccino

 

D=Dog

Over the course of my life, I have had hamsters, budgies, a tortoise, and dogs, but the animals that are near and dear to my heart are dogs. Especially my dog, Jock. (Nickname, Jocky) I am grateful and blessed to have witnessed life come into this world the moment my dog was born.

 

Watching Jocky’s mom (my previous dog Lassie) give birth on the continental pillows at my home would leave anyone feeling squeamish, especially a young child. Through the years, my dog and I have had our ups and downs but one thing is certain I would do anything to make sure he is safe, cared for and loved. Having a dog isn’t just a pet, they become part of the family whether you admit it or not.

 

E= Earrings.

A great way to dress up a casual look and being someone whose ears stick out, then having earrings are a fun way to deflect the attention away from my ears and onto the unique jewelry.

 

Earring collection

 

Ice cube tray are another way to store your earrings

 

 

F= Friends.

As you grow up you realize who your true friends are. Not every friend that comes into your life would be there forever, and that can be a hard lesson to not only learn but accept. Quality over quantity is the biggest lesson I have learned when it comes to friends.

 

With the help of my internet friends they did a blog post on my blog called Motivation

 

G= God.

I have never been a religious person, when I was younger I used to go to church only on Christmas and sometimes on Sundays with my parents. Back then, I used to think of it as a chore. Going to a Christian school when I got older helped me get a bit more familiar with bible verses and songs, however, I still didn’t take it as seriously.

 

I’m not sure how it happened, maybe it was build up over the years and suddenly it came crashing down. Back in 2015, I had fallen deep down at the bottom of a deep and dark pit that I couldn’t claw myself out from no matter how hard I tried. I was trapped down there and couldn’t get out.

 

One day I came across this Podcaster named Cieloscent and her podcast called Cieloscent Rosary

The podcast was all about connecting with God through pray and the importance praying can do to your overall well-being. I had no idea going into listening to her podcast that’s what it was all about.

 

Listening to the podcast let me have a paradigm shift in my life, I realized the importance of connecting with God through praying. That helped me greatly get through those extremely dark times which seemed I would never get out.

 

Everyone has a different religion, different beliefs, different cultures but believing in a higher power than yourself can help you. Try it for yourself.

 

H= Hair.

 

It said that your hair is the only crown you never take off. There was a time I let my hair go, stopped worrying and stopped caring. I washed it, put it in a bun and that was that. When I used to flip my hair it used to touch the ground, that’s how long it was. It was unruly, knotty and a complete mess. When I got a haircut this year I felt embarrassed and ashamed for the hairdresser who had to wash and cut my hair.

 

Fast forward, I have started to take better care of my hair which made me really appreciate it more. A good hair day is a happy day.

 

My hair

 

 

I= Ice lollies.

 

Ice creams and ice lollies are the epitome of summer, but the best out of these would be homemade ice lollies. I was used to basic homemade ice lollies until I saw some bloggers and YouTubers come up with fresh and creative ideas.

 

J= Jar.

Happiness can be found in a jar! Brightening up your day by putting flowers in a jar, food in a jar, gifts in a jar and many more ideas. Who knew that a jar could be this fun!

 

K=Kicking the ball.

 

Back in June 28th, 2016, I released my first blog post: Take the exercise challenge 

 

In that post, I had a picture of Reese Witherspoon who played the character Elle Woods from the movie Legally Blonde with a quote that says Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t.

 

Kicking a ball, being active is an exercise for happiness.

 

L= Love.

 

L is for the way you look at me. O is for the only one I see. V is very very extraordinary. E is even more than anyone that you adore. Originally sang by Nat King Cole this song has been covered over the years by Frank Sinatra and most recently Michael Bublé.

 

For many years I have always wanted a small tattoo on my wrist that says, Love. It hasn’t happened for the sake of being petrified of needles. Human beings have the tendency to be hard on themselves, I am aware of firsthand experience. The reason the word is significant to me is a daily reminder to have self-love.

 

 

The word Love written with a colour marker

 

M=Money.

 

Money has said to be the root of all evil. I agree, only to a certain extent. Only if you let it be. Money is a piece of paper and there is a great importance to it, but the money itself isn’t evil.

 

People have 2 choices. Having respect for money, or worshiping it to the point of being destroyed by greed. A person has the power to do great things with money. Buy a home for their family, travel and develop a deeper understanding and appreciation of the world. Changing the lives of people who are struggling.

 

Money can’t buy true happiness, but when you work hard to earn that money then comes the reward and the gratefulness for it.

 

N= Nephew.

 

Hey, dork! A voice calls from across the room trying to get my attention. Most people would be in complete shock and not respond back, but that little voice is my 7 year old nephew’s and that one line puts a smile on my face.

 

In the early hours of the morning on Monday 23rd November 2009, a little baby boy was born. I have never been the type to connect with babies, for the most part, I did my best to avoid them, but suddenly I found myself at a hospital with my family watching on as my sister held her newborn.

 

If you ever shook a cool drink bottle too much, then you will see all the fizz building up. I was that soda fizzing up. All the emotions come overflowing whether I tried to help it or not, it was too late. I was now an aunt.

 

Heart racing, palms all sweaty and the room felt smaller than it actually was when one of my family members put my nephew into my arms. The whole time I was worried if I would drop him or if I was holding him incorrectly. Having a very expressive face made it even more clear to my family around me how awkward and nervous I was.

 

Now at the age of 7, my nephew runs away when I try to pick him up every chance I get even though he is way too big and heavy to be picked up! I guess I try to make it up to him and myself in a way because I did secretly feel a sense of guilt for not holding him as much when a baby for fear that I would drop him.

 

I was scared that time which can be normal especially since I was young. I think anyone would be cautious, but I let fear stop me from enjoying bonding moments that I wouldn’t get back and I do regret that.

 

There might be a big age difference between him and me, but that doesn’t stop us from having a similar sense of humor. The amounts of times my nephew and I have laughed so much at our inside jokes has us both laugh uncontrollably that our stomachs begin to hurt. Making another human being laugh is the best thing ever!

 

Especially since that person is someone who brings pure joy into your life without him even knowing it. Looking back and reflecting, whenever I’m with my nephew I find myself transforming into many different characters personalities. All animated characters.

 

Road runner from The Looney Tunes who is known for super speed which I used when chasing my nephew, running over and under things and running as fast as my legs can go that he doesn’t catch me. Donkey from the movie Shrek who is chatty, funny, sensitive and sometimes can be a bit annoying.

 

The lastly, Master Splinter. A character from Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles that used to be human, but got transformed into a rat. He not only teaches them but he has a soft spot for them. Wanting only the best for them.

 

My creative nephew did this

 

 

O= October.

 

I am biased when it comes to this month because I was born in October. (Team Libra) Birthdays have always been a celebration, and as the years go on I reflect on the year that went by my last birthday and everything I have done in my life/want to do in my life.

The party should never be over when you get older. Not always a literal party, I mean celebrate your life in any way you wish.

 

Birthstone Angel

 

 

P= Parents.

If I had the ability to travel back into time when I was younger and tell my teenage self my source of joy would be from my parents I would have laughed in her face. I wasn’t an out of control teenager, I just wouldn’t want to be caught seen with my parents back then.

 

Now I couldn’t be bothered in the least. Instead, I walk like the proud daughter and try to bring cheer around them when I can tell they need it. Cherish the moments you have with your parents and cut them some slack sometimes because they are only human too.

 

Family statue at Kirstenbosch garden

 

 

Q=Quiz.

Funny how you want to get away from something when you are younger, but embrace it when you are older. BuzzFeed Quiz always has unique, fun and interesting quizzes.

 

R=Roses.

 

On Valentine’s Day before liking pictures, swiping and poking existed (well now the function is called Hello on Facebook) school life included writing a handwritten note and quickly making sure to throw it to the other person before the teacher saw. It wrote ”Do you want to be my Valentine?” With boxes that you had to tick yes or no. I never received one, but I knew what it looked like from my then friend who was popular amongst the boys.

Being the awkward, nervous and terribly shy girl I was I used to wish I could get roses or even an artificial rose that was given to some of the females at the school. A rose represents innocence, serenity, and beauty. (There are actual meanings behind the different colour roses, but for the most part, those 3 words are what roses are for me)

 

Rose leggings

 

S= Sister.

Having an older sister growing up never left me feeling alone. She would play with me, help me with my homework and sometimes ended up completing it when I wasn’t paying attention in school. She stood up for me when children used to bully me on my pale skin, bugs bunny teeth as the kids used to call it and when I got braces.

 

It wasn’t always easy growing up in her shadow as she was the beautiful one between the two of us. I was the fumbling, awkward, shy, uncomfortable, nerdy younger sister who tried desperately to fit in.

 

Recently, my sister bought herself a new car and the excitement she had jumped up and down with a beaming smile made me happy for her. Her happiness made me happy and that isn’t something that would have happened easily before.

 

I used to see my sister as competition a lot when I was younger. I never came up to the same league as her in many things, but looking back I realize how stupid that was.

 

A lot of time was wasted over something so petty and to a person who sometimes acts more of a second mom to me than a sister. My sister has always had my back and I know I can always turn to her.

 

May your coffee/tea be filled with these words

 

 

T= Television. (Tv)

 

The show Bates Motel I enjoyed every single moment of it. I know dramatic to say, but when the show ended it felt I was mourning a loss. I have never been that hooked before in a long time that I did with this tv show.

 

Every episode I felt more intrigued but also disturbed at the same time. If you are familiar with the classic movie Psycho then you would enjoy this a 100% more.

 

 

V= Vinci app. I’m not aware if Vinci App came out before Snapchat, but I am 99% sure it did. Vinci App allows you to turn your pictures into a piece of art. The filter I use the most on Vinci App would be Scndlnd. Vinci.camera 

 

 

Vinci app Scndlnd filter

 

 

Vinci app Scndlnd filter

 

 

The picture of myself looking pale like Casper is from Vinci Milk filter

 

 

W= Water.

 

There used to be a time when Capetonians (Cape Town people) would complain about the rain but now is a completely different story. People stand outside gathering to catch a glimpse of it showing possible signs of rain approaching. Smiles would be on everyone’s faces even if some would have to walk in the rain. It is better to have it pouring with rain then have nothing at all.

 

Everywhere you go that is the number one topic, water. With the Western Cape having increasingly low dam levels the possibility of a drought coming is very frightening, bleak and saddening.

 

Capetonians are feeling the pressure when reduced to having a 2-minute shower, lesser or opting to skip a day or 2 to conserve water. What was once an overlooked thing became the most valuable thing ever!

 

The biggest happiness comes from hearing the sounds of any amount of rain that happens.

World Of Birds

 

 

 

Fish Hoek beach

 

 

Y: Yolk of an egg.

 

When experiencing bad breakouts I was willing to do anything at the time and that included putting kitchen cupboard ingredients on my face desperately hoping it would cure it.

 

I had no idea what I was doing, but I was on a mission to sort the problem that was causing me major insecurity and lack of confidence.

 

I went to the fridge, grabbed a carton of eggs, cracked it into a bowl, put the egg shell to the side and stirred the yolk of the egg rapidly. Within a few moments of telling myself to do it already, I put the egg yolk on my face. I wasn’t sure to just put it only on the pimples, so I thought to make it fair and put it all on my face.

 

I noticed my skin beginning to feel tight, I tried to move my face but I felt trapped in it. Trying to stay calm I thought tightening my skin should be a good thing, it would be like having Botox but in a natural way.

 

After rinsing off the egg yolk on my face I was glad I wasn’t trapped inside my own face anymore. I don’t think the egg yolk worked for my breakouts, but since doing the yolk of an egg I have been more experimental in trying other kitchen cupboard products.

 

If you have made it to the end well done! Thank you so very much for taking the time to read my blog post.

 

New and very small bloggers leave a comment! I would love to hear from you.

 

If you do the tag then tweet me your link and I will check it out.

 

Until next time!