(A very late) Welcome to January's Wednesday series! This series is called Top 3..., and each week I will give you a mini review of my top 3 books/films/etc.
To kick off this month, I thought I'd start with something clearly rather important to me: blogs.
I am lucky enough to know the owners of these blogs in person, and I genuinely get excited when any of them upload a new post!
In alphabetical order (to avoid favouritism :P );
My friend Anna's blog, A Fabulous Feminist.
Her posts make me think, they make me laugh, and they inspire me. (Also her poetry is insanely good, you should also check out her poetry/photos instagram; @wildpetals)
My blessed-with-historical-knowledge friend Jemima's blog, Another Ranting Reader.
I see a lot of who I want to be in Jemima (both as a blogger and as a person), especially in her organisational skills, You just have to glance at her blog to see how structured and clear her goals are. I always find it hard to set goals, but I'm taking a leaf out of her metaphorical book and trying to be more organised.
And lastly (but definitely not least-ly), my friend who blogs anonymously at How Can You Believe That?
She posts Christian-related topics, answering age-old questions and debunking arguments against Christianity with reason and grace. I really, really recommend checking out her blog, whether you're an Atheist, Christian, questioning, or of any other religion. (Also I am always here if you have any religion-related questions. I may not be able to answer them all, but drop me a message and I promise I'll try!)
Seventeen year old English girl devoted to art, faith, and life. Read on to discover more about my thoughts, hopes, and creations.
Monday, 9 January 2017
Saturday, 31 December 2016
Reflection
Happy New Year!
Before we welcome 2017, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed, and I recommend that you do too. 2016 has been a rollercoaster, with many lows (Bowie, Rickman, Brexit, Trump, Fisher, etc) but also many highs. Sure, poke fun at how 'terrible' this year has been, but remember all the good things that have happened this year too.
For me, 2016 was a year of growth and change. I explored the inner workings of my mind and soul more than I ever have before, and I learned more about myself than I can possibly fathom (or fit into one post!). I've tried to be more compassionate and spread more joy to the people I love, and to the people I don't love. I'd like to continue to shine more brightly in 2017 as well. One thing I'm also working on currently is honesty. I've always found it difficult to be totally honest with people, as I have a tendency to lie.
Not bad lies, but what one might call 'white lies'. I used to over-exaggerate and spin stories out of nothing, make mountains out of the smallest molehills. This is not a likeable trait. And it's hard for me to admit to people too, because then they start to question everything I've ever told them. I didn't even realise I did it until recently, but I value the truth more than almost any other trait in the people I know. So why on Earth shouldn't I reciprocate said truth? I should. And Im going to. A few people have asked me what my New Year's resolutions are for 2017, and that's one of them.
Another of my personal resolutions is that I want to grow in my faith and become more comfortable talking about it. For reasons unbeknownst to myself, I feel slightly ashamed about talking to my non-believing friends about God or Jesus, and even to my Christian friends I am apprehensive. But, the Bible states in numerous places (too many for me to source them all) that you should speak boldly and fearlessly of Christ, and I will. Or at least, I'm trying to. In fact, this blog has helped massively, as I'm a lot more open about religion on here than I am if you know me in real life. I'd like to change that, and be more honest with the world about my feelings towards faith.
Furthermore, I made a vow to be teetotal earlier this year, and my resolution for 2017 is to stick to this, and not become as tempted by alcohol as I am currently. I'd also like to stick to my guns with being vegan, and make some new friends! In addition to all these, I'd like to achieve all of my Achievable Aspirations series (minus veganuary, I'm already there) as it's always good to take up a new hobby, travel somewhere new, and have more confidence!
What are your New Year's Resolutions? Are they different from last year's?
Regardless, I hope you have (or have had, depending on timezones) a happy, fun, and safe New Year!
Happy 2017 :)
Before we welcome 2017, I'd like to take a moment to reflect on the year that has passed, and I recommend that you do too. 2016 has been a rollercoaster, with many lows (Bowie, Rickman, Brexit, Trump, Fisher, etc) but also many highs. Sure, poke fun at how 'terrible' this year has been, but remember all the good things that have happened this year too.
For me, 2016 was a year of growth and change. I explored the inner workings of my mind and soul more than I ever have before, and I learned more about myself than I can possibly fathom (or fit into one post!). I've tried to be more compassionate and spread more joy to the people I love, and to the people I don't love. I'd like to continue to shine more brightly in 2017 as well. One thing I'm also working on currently is honesty. I've always found it difficult to be totally honest with people, as I have a tendency to lie.
Not bad lies, but what one might call 'white lies'. I used to over-exaggerate and spin stories out of nothing, make mountains out of the smallest molehills. This is not a likeable trait. And it's hard for me to admit to people too, because then they start to question everything I've ever told them. I didn't even realise I did it until recently, but I value the truth more than almost any other trait in the people I know. So why on Earth shouldn't I reciprocate said truth? I should. And Im going to. A few people have asked me what my New Year's resolutions are for 2017, and that's one of them.
Another of my personal resolutions is that I want to grow in my faith and become more comfortable talking about it. For reasons unbeknownst to myself, I feel slightly ashamed about talking to my non-believing friends about God or Jesus, and even to my Christian friends I am apprehensive. But, the Bible states in numerous places (too many for me to source them all) that you should speak boldly and fearlessly of Christ, and I will. Or at least, I'm trying to. In fact, this blog has helped massively, as I'm a lot more open about religion on here than I am if you know me in real life. I'd like to change that, and be more honest with the world about my feelings towards faith.
Furthermore, I made a vow to be teetotal earlier this year, and my resolution for 2017 is to stick to this, and not become as tempted by alcohol as I am currently. I'd also like to stick to my guns with being vegan, and make some new friends! In addition to all these, I'd like to achieve all of my Achievable Aspirations series (minus veganuary, I'm already there) as it's always good to take up a new hobby, travel somewhere new, and have more confidence!
What are your New Year's Resolutions? Are they different from last year's?
Regardless, I hope you have (or have had, depending on timezones) a happy, fun, and safe New Year!
Happy 2017 :)
Contrastingly Human
my head is full of destruction
but my pen creates.
my actions can bring death
but my thoughts give life
to people i wish i'd meet
or be
or never have seen.
i can't stop sadness
but i still feel joy.
i choose to see the dark but the light
pierces my eyes
happily
-c.h.f
but my pen creates.
my actions can bring death
but my thoughts give life
to people i wish i'd meet
or be
or never have seen.
i can't stop sadness
but i still feel joy.
i choose to see the dark but the light
pierces my eyes
happily
-c.h.f
Achievable Aspirations: Veganuary
The final instalment of Achievable Aspirations (taking your total to 4!) is thus:
I challenge you to eat plant-based for a month. If you can't do a month, then try a week! If you can't do a week, try and do meat-free Mondays. Eating less meat is not only good for the planet and (obviously) the animals, it's also incredibly beneficial to your health. If you want to learn a little more about veganism then be sure to check out this post of mine, in which I answer a lot of the common questions about veganism.
If you want to take up the challenge, visit the Veganuary website for more info, or contact me somehow if you have any questions or comments. Happy 2017!
Sunday, 25 December 2016
A Desperate Hue
A toddler stubbornly refusing to go to bed
Is the setting sun a-flaming; into the blue sky orange bled.
Then when again said sun glimpses Earth in early morning,
It's colours start to pierce your eyes to give you a forewarning
Of the magic and glory the day will bring, if only you will try
To be the oranges, yellows, and reds in life's cold, white, and blue sky.
-c.h.f
Is the setting sun a-flaming; into the blue sky orange bled.
Then when again said sun glimpses Earth in early morning,
It's colours start to pierce your eyes to give you a forewarning
Of the magic and glory the day will bring, if only you will try
To be the oranges, yellows, and reds in life's cold, white, and blue sky.
-c.h.f
A Day In The Life
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays everyone!
As today is a very special day, I decided to post what would happen in my life on a very unspecial day. Therefore, here is a run-down of my typical day.
5:20 - Alarm number 1 goes off. I do not get up.
5:40 - Alarm number 2 goes off. I still do not get up. Instead, I fall back to sleep. (oops)
6:40 - My mum runs into my room and shouts at me for not being ready to go. My bus leaves in 23 minutes. I glare out the window at the dark sky. Far too early to be awake. I get up, changed, makeuped, breakfasted, teeth brushed, and bag ready as I rush to do my snapchat streaks before I lose Wi-Fi. I get a lift to the bus station and an accompanying lecture on how I am late, again.
7:04 - I arrive at the bus station. The bus should have been here and gone again by now, although thankfully it is (as always) late.
7:07 - The bus arrives. I get on and sit down (top deck, back row, left corner) and greet my friends as they arrive on the bus. After about 5 minutes, I pick a victim from my friends and sleep. (on them).
8:05 - Arriving at college, I am groggily jarred awake, makeup half gone (sorry to the jacket of whomever I decided to sleep on) and hair astray.
8:10 - COFFEE AND 25p HASH BROWNS (yes I have already had breakfast, don't judge me).
8:45-12:00 - Lessons. Ew. Unless I have a free, in which case the time will be spent sleeping. Also probably more coffee.
12:00 - THE SWEET RELEASE OF LUNCH. AND COLLEGE WEDGES.
12:45-16:00 - See 8:45-12:00.
16:00 - Bus again, new friend to sleep on, sweet sweet sleep.
17:00 - Bus arrives at my bus stop once again. A lovely cold walk in the dark!
17:30 - HOME. HOME. SWEET, SWEET HOME.
17:30-21:00 - Honestly who knows. I don't even know what I do in this time. Sick memes? Wish my life away? Waste time on social media? All of the above I reckon.
21:00 - The late panicky realisation of the sheer volume of homework I have due for tomorrow. I still don't do any of it.
22:30 - I realise I probably should do that homework, after all. I cry. WHY is French grammar so hard?!?!?!?!
00:30- That French homework is FINALLY over, and I resolve that from now on I shall do all other homework I get the day that I get it. I don't, but the thought is always there. I vow to do the other million pieces of homework I have for tomorrow on the bus in the morning. I won't do that either, but oh well. Sorry to all my teachers (and my parents, guess I won't be getting good grades again, goodbye Oxbridge!).
00:31 - The sweet, sweet release of temporary unconsciousness.
AND repeat.
As today is a very special day, I decided to post what would happen in my life on a very unspecial day. Therefore, here is a run-down of my typical day.
5:20 - Alarm number 1 goes off. I do not get up.
5:40 - Alarm number 2 goes off. I still do not get up. Instead, I fall back to sleep. (oops)
6:40 - My mum runs into my room and shouts at me for not being ready to go. My bus leaves in 23 minutes. I glare out the window at the dark sky. Far too early to be awake. I get up, changed, makeuped, breakfasted, teeth brushed, and bag ready as I rush to do my snapchat streaks before I lose Wi-Fi. I get a lift to the bus station and an accompanying lecture on how I am late, again.
7:04 - I arrive at the bus station. The bus should have been here and gone again by now, although thankfully it is (as always) late.
7:07 - The bus arrives. I get on and sit down (top deck, back row, left corner) and greet my friends as they arrive on the bus. After about 5 minutes, I pick a victim from my friends and sleep. (on them).
8:05 - Arriving at college, I am groggily jarred awake, makeup half gone (sorry to the jacket of whomever I decided to sleep on) and hair astray.
8:10 - COFFEE AND 25p HASH BROWNS (yes I have already had breakfast, don't judge me).
8:45-12:00 - Lessons. Ew. Unless I have a free, in which case the time will be spent sleeping. Also probably more coffee.
12:00 - THE SWEET RELEASE OF LUNCH. AND COLLEGE WEDGES.
12:45-16:00 - See 8:45-12:00.
16:00 - Bus again, new friend to sleep on, sweet sweet sleep.
17:00 - Bus arrives at my bus stop once again. A lovely cold walk in the dark!
17:30 - HOME. HOME. SWEET, SWEET HOME.
17:30-21:00 - Honestly who knows. I don't even know what I do in this time. Sick memes? Wish my life away? Waste time on social media? All of the above I reckon.
21:00 - The late panicky realisation of the sheer volume of homework I have due for tomorrow. I still don't do any of it.
22:30 - I realise I probably should do that homework, after all. I cry. WHY is French grammar so hard?!?!?!?!
00:30- That French homework is FINALLY over, and I resolve that from now on I shall do all other homework I get the day that I get it. I don't, but the thought is always there. I vow to do the other million pieces of homework I have for tomorrow on the bus in the morning. I won't do that either, but oh well. Sorry to all my teachers (and my parents, guess I won't be getting good grades again, goodbye Oxbridge!).
00:31 - The sweet, sweet release of temporary unconsciousness.
AND repeat.
Achievable Aspirations: Confidence
For this week's Achievable Aspiration, I challenge you to do something that I find very difficult: be confident!
This doesn't mean you have to be overly loud, or speak to every single person you see, or even do a bit of *gulp* public speaking. It simply means that you are comfortable in your own skin, and feel good about both your strengths and your weaknesses. This is hard, I know. But if you cant be confident; fake it! When you tell the outside world that you're confident by standing tall, putting your shoulders back, and smiling, then you feel confident inside.
When I decided to fake confidence, I started to love myself more, and I actually became confident. By the way, self-love is not synonymous with arrogance. Self-love is healthy; arrogance is not.
Apart from making yourself feel better about the world, confidence helps your relationships with others: it inspires trust, and when you're confident, you are naturally more appealing to strangers. Maybe you could make some friends simply by acting confident just for a day.
This doesn't mean you have to be overly loud, or speak to every single person you see, or even do a bit of *gulp* public speaking. It simply means that you are comfortable in your own skin, and feel good about both your strengths and your weaknesses. This is hard, I know. But if you cant be confident; fake it! When you tell the outside world that you're confident by standing tall, putting your shoulders back, and smiling, then you feel confident inside.
When I decided to fake confidence, I started to love myself more, and I actually became confident. By the way, self-love is not synonymous with arrogance. Self-love is healthy; arrogance is not.
Apart from making yourself feel better about the world, confidence helps your relationships with others: it inspires trust, and when you're confident, you are naturally more appealing to strangers. Maybe you could make some friends simply by acting confident just for a day.
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