How To Get Motivated

Since I started this blog I have always been open about my struggle with depression & anxiety. I'm sure anyone who struggles with mental illness too is aware that one of the common signs of depression is losing all motivation to do anything at all.

I am fully aware of how hard it is to get your motivation back once it's gone and although I try my best to live a positive, motivated & happy life I can't pretend that I don't struggle when it comes to motivating myself. 

However, for a few months I have been trying out different things to help motivate myself and I really want to share with you what I found helped me most in case it helps you in any way at all.

Lets get started,

1. Music

Music has been a huge part of my journey when it comes to motivating myself. The first thing I do in the morning is pop in my earphones and play music that I know will make me want to get out of bed and put me in a great mood! When you start the day right it really has a knock on effect for the rest of the day. 

I've also found this REALLY useful when it comes to motivating myself to exercise!

(Image not mine - credit linked)

2. Wake Up Early

Now for this to really work you will need to go to bed early too because if you wake up tired your most likely to fall back asleep during the day rather than getting things done!

I've found that watching the sunrise in the morning really gives me so much inspiration and puts me in a great mood for the rest of the day. Having some time alone allows you to gather your thoughts and plan out your day without distractions. Not to mention that waking up early means you have more time to get whatever you need done without stressing for time!

3.Write A To Do List

I cannot even explain how much this has helped me. I tend to do this on days when i'm not in work so that I keep myself on the go. 

I will even put simple things on there like 'get a shower', 'have breakfast', etc. Because although they are pretty normal everyday things it's so important to praise yourself for even the smallest achievements. Don't ever feel like you're not doing enough, baby steps are EVERYTHING.

4. Motivation Talks

Most days I try to listen to a motivational talk on YouTube. I've really found that after watching them I feel like nothing can stop me. So many times they have helped me get out of a rut when I've found myself feeling unhappy and unmotivated. It's true that anything is possible and you just have to believe in yourself!!

I hope this helps some of you and I will definantly be revisiting this topic when I discover more things along my journey.

Love, peace & happiness to you all,

Katie. xx

Remove Toxic People From Your Life (NOW)

It was only when I began focusing on my spiritual journey that I became aware of how much I allowed other people to affect my emotions. I was always fully aware that I am quite a sensitive person but once I decided to improve my life I realised that for me to truly be happy I had to stop living for other people and start focusing on what was right for me and my mental health.

If you read this and anyone in particular springs to mind I hope these tips can help you to find some clarity.

• You Can Absorb Their Energy

It's important to remember that as humans we are vulnerable to other peoples energies. If you are constantly surrounded by negativity you will most likely feel it and as much as I would love to tell you to walk away from anyone who causes you to feel anything but good I realise fully that, that isn't always possible.

All I want to tell you is that we may only get one chance to experience life and it's so important that you recognise that. You are not obliged to stay around anyone who makes you feel worthless, unhappy or unloved. It may not seem like it right now but you ARE in control of your emotions and you choose whether people effect you or not. 

When I realised that my whole life changed. I look back on how much people used to effect me compared to how they do now and I can't even believe it myself! In fact, I don't think there is much anyone could say that would effect me the way it used to. 

• Love Yourself Enough To Walk Away

Before I started this journey I can truly say I didn't love myself at all. I didn't realise that I stuck around people who made me unhappy because I was so unhappy myself. 

I want to make sure that everyone reading this is aware that you are worthy of love in every form. You never ever need to settle for people who don't value or accept who you are and as long as you love yourself you'll have everything you will ever need. You do NOT need someones love or acceptance to love yourself.

• Ask Yourself Why You Keep Them Around

If you are in a situation where you can walk away from someone who you feel is toxic to you I want you to ask yourself why you are choosing to keep them there. 

If you can't find any good reason to keep someone around then it is time to let them go. I truly believe that some people are in your life so that you can learn what you do and don't want. Stop allowing yourself to be hurt. You never have to feel guilty for putting yourself first and I honestly believe that removing toxic people will open new doors to people who where truly meant to be in your life.

I really hope this helps some of you!

Love & happiness,

Katie. xx

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

Why I Started A Spiritual Journey

I first began delving into spirituality about a year ago. It started when I was going through a pretty rough time with my mental health and also going through some things in my personal life. I had discovered a YouTube channel called 'infinite waters' (AKA Ralph Smart who you can also view by clicking right here) and my whole perspective on life changed; I truly believe that I was meant to discover his channel.

After binge watching his videos I started to wonder how amazing life could be if I really pushed myself to become the best version of myself that I could possibly be. I decided then that I was more than ready for a change. I immediately discovered more channels like Ralph's, ordered books on spirituality and positive thinking and also started meditating every day (which I talk about in my other recent post which you can view here) and since then I've never looked back. 

I won't lie it's been quite difficult because I have / still am learning to break my old way of thinking which can be quite hard when you've been stuck in a rut for 20 odd years! But I can honestly say it's been worth every second and the difficulties are just parts of this amazing journey.

If i'm being honest before I discovered spirituality I felt like I had no purpose in life, I felt useless, worthless, depressed, anxious and at times I just didn't want to be here at all. Now I can truthfully say that I feel the complete opposite now; I know I have a purpose, I'm not useless or worthless and although at times I still do struggle with my anxiety / depression I know that I will always be stronger than they are. Now I wake up every single day so grateful to be living on this beautiful planet with amazing people and I can't believe how lucky I am to experience this life every single day. 

I can't wait to carry on sharing this journey with you all!

Have a beautiful day,

Katie Ellen. x 

3 Ways To Lead A Happier Life

I'm going to give you some tips on what changes I have made to lead a happier life. Bare in mind only a few months ago I was struggling to get out of bed because I was so depressed and now I wake up every day with a huge smile on my face and I actually look forward to every single day. I'm not saying these things will 100% work for you but i'm just going to share what helped me in hopes that it could help you too!

So, lets get started!

1.  Meditate

I will never be able to explain to anyone just how much meditation has changed my life. I use an app called Calm (which will really help you if you're a beginner!) and I couldn't recommend it enough. Due to my anxiety since I was a child I have never been able to get a full and good night sleep; my mind would constantly be thinking and then before I knew it my alarm would be going off! Whereas, now I use this app every night to calm my mind before I go to bed and it works wonders!

If you try anything from this little list please give meditation a go - It's allowed me to completely change my life around and become more positive and stress free!

      2. Distance Yourself From Negativity

If you know there are certain people in your life that cause you negative thoughts and feelings do not be afraid to distance yourself. It's time for you to be selfish and love yourself enough to create nothing but happiness for yourself. If you hate your job - look for a new one. If you don't feel loved in your relationship - leave. You are not obliged to stay anywhere that drains your energy and please believe that you are good enough for something better.

      3. Smile

I've spent so much of my life looking down at the floor I can't even begin to tell you! Before the new year I promised myself that in 2018 I would make it my mission to look around me and smile at strangers more. It's been quite difficult as doing this makes me so anxious but once I done it I couldn't believe how it made me feel. It made me feel good knowing I was a reason that someone smiled today. You really don't know what other people are going through and something as little as a smile could really brighten someone's day! Not to mention you can't see all the beautiful nature that is around you if you're stuck staring at the floor! LOOK UP! :-)

I'm going to leave this there for now but there will definantly be another one of these in the future! I really hope you enjoyed reading this and I hope it inspired you in some way!

Have a beautiful day,

Katie Ellen. x

The Start Of A New Journey

First of all I would just like to say a huge happy new year; I'm wishing everyone happiness, peace, love and luck throughout 2018 - and on wards!

It's been a while since I last wrote a blog post so do excuse me while I shake the dust off!

I made a promise to myself that after taking a pretty big (and much needed) break from blogging I would start again in the new year feeling more focused and positive than ever and I definantly feel like i'm in that head space right now.

There's going to be some pretty big changes to my blog this year. Throughout 2017 I have been working so hard on myself and going through my spiritual journey. I've learnt so much about myself and I finally feel like i'm beginning a true awakening and I would really love to share this experience on my blog as well as sharing some tips I've learnt that could maybe help you too!

Of course I will still be mixing it up and there will still be all a variety of content coming to my blog. I will just be writing about whatever is inspiring me at the time! No limits!

I'm so excited to start a new journey with you and hopefully helping a lot of you along the way!

Hope you have a beautiful day,

Katie Ellen. x

Letting Go Of Control (Stop Overthinking)

Hello loves,

I was watching a video on YouTube from infinite waters (also known as Ralph Smart) the other day about over thinking and this video sparked so much inspiration in me. I feel like I could do a whole blog post on how much Ralph's channel has changed my life but I guess I'll save that for another day! If you would like to view his video please just click riiiiight here.

I'll be honest and say I am definantly guilty of being an extreme over thinker. I think that due to my anxiety I have a constant need to analyse every situation so that I can protect myself from all angles. 

During this video Ralph talked about how we over think because we feel like we can control everything but in reality we cannot control anything at all. This hit me super hard because I felt like it completely made sense to me. There have been so many times when my anxiety and over thinking have gone through the roof because I just didn't understand how I could control situations to stop bad things from happening to me when in reality I was just causing extra stress for myself. 

After watching this video I decided to try to take steps on letting go of that control. Realising that nothing and no one truly belongs to me and that over thinking will destroy my happiness which it already has done so many times. Don't get me wrong I am in no way close to saying I've stopped over thinking. I still struggle with it daily. However, I now have the motivation and inspiration to understand that I deserve to treat myself, my mind and the people around me better.

I hope that this blog post and Ralph's video can inspire you to take steps to a better life too.

Here's to a more peaceful life.

Thank you for reading,

Katie Ellen. xxx