Why You're Not A Failure

When I was a child / teenager I never really remember feeling the pressures of society. Sure, there where the normal 'school pressures' like getting good results and just generally the usual pressures you feel as a teenager to look and act a certain way. Although, I never remember these things bothering me too much. However, I feel like as soon as I hit my 20's I all of a sudden felt this huge weight on my shoulders. School and college where over so what happens now? I felt like I suddenly had to find out who I was, where I was going and how I wasn't going to be a 'failure'.

As the years have gone on and i'm now approaching 23 I have realised that you can never really be a failure and I will tell you why.

There are no time limits in life and you don't have to do anything by a certain age. You can take all the time you want to get the career you want, to have children, to move out, to get married and most of all you're probably never going to fully know who you are because as humans we are always evolving (which I truly believe is such a beautiful thing). Also, you definantly don't have to do any of these things if it doesn't make you happy.

Don't get me wrong, I am in no way saying that you don't need to work towards your dream career because I do believe that if you want something bad enough that it should always be at the front of your mind and you should always be working towards the life you deserve. However, just don't put yourself down and dislike yourself because you aren't there yet. Just keep working hard and I guarantee you will get where you want to be.

The beauty of life is that you are never stuck (even though it can sometimes feel like you are!) you are always making choices that can lead you away from the life you want or towards the life you want. And if you find that you're away from the life you want.. love yourself enough to change that and believe in yourself.

Life is too short to live it wondering what would of happened had you done what your soul wanted.

Love and peace,

Katie Ellen. xx

How To Handle Stress

I realise that stress can be such a huge part of our lives at some point and if i'm completely honest this idea was sparked because recently I've been feeling super stressed for a number of reasons that aren't really that important!

Now, don't get me wrong if this is an on going thing or it is really effecting your everyday life you may want to speak to your GP. These things definantly can't change whatever it is that's bothering you but they are just some helpful tips to release stress instead of keeping it all inside & I'm hoping that it can truly help some of you.

So, lets get started.

1. Exercise

I know that when you're feeling down, stressed & over whelmed the last thing you probably feel like doing is exercising but if you give it a try you may find it really helpful. Exercise has been known to have a huge positive effect on mental illness' along with improving sleep and releasing endorphins which are chemicals within the brain that give you a 'feel good' feeling that can really lift your spirits. Not to mention that exercising keeps your brain occupied and will stop you from thinking about whatever is causing you stress. WIN!

2. Meditation

I tend to talk about meditation a lot when it comes to improving mental health & stress. This is because it truly does help. Meditating allows you to be in the moment and have a couple of minutes (or hours!) to yourself where you can gather your thoughts and get in touch with your true emotions. It also brings clarity to a lot of situations and can bring you peace & calmness when everything around you seems hectic and over whelming.

3. Talk

I'm really lucky to be surrounded by people who are always willing to listen when I need advice or just a good old rant! Not only does talking to someone allow you to release your thoughts but it also allows the person you're talking to to provide advice and support. Sometimes we can be so deep in our own thoughts that getting another persons advice can be great so we can look at situations from other perspectives. 

However, if you're reading this and worrying that you don't have anyone to turn to the best advice I can give is to write all your thoughts down. I done this a few weeks ago when I was feeling over whelmed and I can't explain how much of a relief it was just to get the thoughts out of my head! 

4. Breathe

I know this sounds ridiculous but sometimes when a person or situation is causing us stress it is so easy to build up so many emotions that you can actually feel the ball of anxiety in your chest / stomach, etc. Breathing deeply can really allow us to release all the tension we feel inside from stress and help us to relax our muscles and reduce that ball of anxiety you may be feeling.

5. Make Yourself Happy

I know that 9/10 people reading this will be feeling stress caused by other people. Remember that ultimately you are in control of what you allow to bother you. You are in no way obliged to stay around anyone or anything that is bringing you down. 

Make sure you take time to do all the things that bring you happiness and take control of your own emotions and don't allow others to be the reason you aren't living life to the fullest. It'll be the best thing you've ever done - trust me!

Wishing you all the love, happiness and peace.

Katie Ellen. xx