Woman Emerging #1

So, if you read my blog last week you are aware of a new project I set for myself,and if you aren't, take a quick glance at my last blog for the overall gist. But, in a nutshell, I decided for the next year, every week, once a week, I will write a blog containing one encouraging truth about women. 

my first truth of the year begins with women and their state of being...

Truth Number One: You Are Empowered

what do I mean when I say this? Well, the word empower means 'to give someone the authority or power to do something/make someone stronger and more confident, especially in controlling their life and claiming their rights'. So, when I say, you are an empowered woman, I mean exactly that. You are a woman of confidence, strength and authority. This isn't a truth that just applies to the most successful woman, or the woman who bosses. No, I mean, it was in your very nature and design that you were made confident, with strength and authority. 

When God made woman from man, He made us second class citizens, who would struggle in a society of oppressionand misery, right? Incorrect. God looked at man and saw that man alone was not enough, he knew that man could not work the earth without an equal partner, someone who would walk with him in harmony and great relationship. He saw that man needed someone who he could relate to and share life with. "Then the Lord God said, 'It is not good for man to be alone, I will make a helper who is just right for him'" (Genesis 2:18).

My point to you isn't that you read this and think that you were made to be an enslaved servant, but that you recognise in your very nature, you were made to be a person, who would sustain men. Meaning, if men are empowered, then so are women. This isn't a statement I write to make you feel 'good' or 'warm' about yourself. I say this because it's true. And the more of you that know this, the more we can do to impact a society and a culture where this isn't the understanding of women. 

Take a look at the Lioness, abundance and power is hers. These females amongst their pride tend to do the mass of the hunting. They work in groups (together, side by side with fellow Lioness) and use intelligent hunting tactics to catch prey which they would not be able to catch alone. The energy and determination upheld in the Lioness ensures that she will be a great provider, capable of going out into the world, effectively meeting the confrontations of every day life and yet, she is still competent in bringing home the bonus for herself and her loved ones. There is no need for her to worry about whether or not she will prosper, SHE IS THE LIONESS. There is no questioning her vigor. It's probably fair to say there is no animal that makes a male content to be a male than a lion. He may be the King of the jungle, but there is no doubt about who is his Queen. She roars and she has the attention of an entire pride. Authoritative and fierce when necessary, yet gentle with a mothering heart, Empowered.

That is just a small fraction of who can be, and who you are in your very nature and truth. But, I want you to understand that, although something is the truth, when it's not something we are used to hearing or in fact, something we have never believed for ourselves. This truth becomes more of an aspiration than a reality, and that is okay, it just means that we have to work on believing it. How? Well, first and foremost you can start confessing it over yourself, 'I AM EMPOWERED' , who knows that what you confess over your life is often what you become? Therefore, if you confess the positive truth you are, the positive truth you will become. Then once you have grasped it for yourself, confess it over each other and too each other. Build each other up. Just think of how effective and productive we as women could be if we all believed we were empowered and empowered each other. 

'If ever there comes a time when the women of the world come together purely and simply for the benefit of mankind, it will be a force such as the world has never known' - Matthew Arnold

A New Project

So, it's a new year and I reviewed my blog and realised, I didn't really do much blogging last year, which upset me because I love to write, and I love you to share with you guys what's on my heart and my passions.

Nonetheless, I have thought of 'A New Project', also challenge for myself this year. I am not sure how many of you have noticed but in today's society, Women aren't exactly the most encouraging towards or about one another, and this to me isn't right. Women face enough oppression and doubt worldwide from the male population, without having to feel the same worthlessness from fellow women. And I'd like to just add these feelings of worthlessness aren't the truth about who women are and who women are called to be. It's only right that in a world where women are constantly fighting for equality in some shape or form, that they start with how they treat each other. 

Ladies! It doesn't help to label each other, it's not healthy and like I said before, it's not true either. Constant negativity and bitchiness towards one another is corrupting the image of 'A Woman' and it's deteriorating all the truths about us. We aren't 'bitches' nor are we 'ugly' or 'basic' or 'side chicks'. or whatever other slander is written over the internet. Don't entertain these lies for the sake of 'likes' or more 'popularity'. It breaks my heart when I scroll through internet timeline's and see a bundle of despicable comments on another girls photo, or wall claiming how 'ugly' and 'fat' she is, or even to the extent where females have decided that it's okay to completely rip apart a fellow female because she has a different fashion sense. It's not okay, nor will it ever will be. 

I no longer want to live in a world where I might be afraid to dress a certain way, or think a certain way, out of fear that another girl is going to put me down. and I will admit, in the past, I had been like that, constantly feeling like a 'lower status' girl, because I was never pretty enough, or fashionable enough and I didn't act in certain ways, and it was girls that made me feel that way, not guys! and it wasn't accidental, these girls went out of there way, to  make me feel of low worth. But that is no longer my issue, I know my self worth, I know my identity, and I am confident in the women that I am called to be. And I believe it has to start here. I want other women to know this worth, to recognise that they aren't what the world says but what the truth says. and it's incredible.

So, back to this project of mine. I am making it my goal, that once a week, every week, I will write one truth on my blog about women, and who we really are. and not what we say we are. This will be challenging for me too, because I have to know wand believe them myself. and even if one person can believe those truth's then I have done what I intended to do.
But what I will say is, If you are a female, and you are reading this, try encouraging your fellow women, it doesn't hurt you to think positively about one another, no woman is more superior than the next, regardless of your believed 'status'. Love one another, support each other, build each other up.

"When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness" Proverbs 31:26

media or mankind

so, my first blog post officially as an adult! I am not entirely sure that makes a difference to my style of writing or my approach but it sure does make me feel slightly more sophisticated if I am to admit it.

My blog today is going to be something that has crossed my mind numerous times and I felt like I wanted to address the problem and share it with you all. So, my title is 'media or mankind' This is because I am trying to figure out whether or not it's the media that makes people 'ugly' or is it mankind! My reasoning for this question is, the media is often, not always, but often seen in a negative light. It is used to advocate hate, promote irrational perfection and criticise people and things often out of ignorance. It is used as a weapon, a scapegoat, a 'justification' for some of the irrational thoughts and beliefs that people hold. It is used to 'explain' 'abnormal' behaviour and constantly criticised by other forms of media. Does this then make the media 'evil' or 'savage'? Well no, I don't think so, the media can still be used for endless positives such as bringing people together worldwide in support of one aid, encouraging strangers to live life to the full and campaign for justice! It is used to promote hope, life, friendship! It is used to express matter and culture, which is beautiful right? 

So, where is the issue? Well, I personally think that the issue lies with mankind. The people behind those vicious stories, photos, articles! The mind behind the headline that felt it was acceptable to express their 'despise' of someone from another culture or background, or felt it was okay to write an article stating that 'rape isn't really a crime because women always want sex' or other ridiculous things you have and will come across. That's the issue, the people who have made a conscious decision to use their gift of writing, publishing, photography etc in a way that makes people want to question humanity. And yes it is a gift because not everyone has the ability to sway an entire population into believing that '________' is acceptable. 

I know this isn't the case with all media, but the general consensus is that particular types of media are at the heart of many problems that societies face today. And I am not entirely sure that there is a solution. I would love to say that everyone has positive things to share with the world, but that wouldn't be the truth. I guess the point of me writing this blog was to share my view and hopefully you will share yours with me too. And really, next time you encounter media that evokes any thought or feeling, whether that be good or bad, take a moment to acknowledge the mind behind it! 

The media isn't bad, nor will it ever be! It's people that poison it, don't tarnish with the same brush. 

The mind is a beautiful source when it belongs to a beautiful person 

make time...

Okay,
so I haven't written a blog recently purely because I haven't had the time hence, my title reflects the contents of this blog! 

As a full-time sixth form student, it's hard to balance time between pleasure and how much time you spend on school work, but it's important you get that balance right otherwise things can go terribly wrong. For example, if you are someone who pushes aside school work to spend all your 'free' time socialising and enjoying yourself, the work just starts to build up and up and then you get to a point where you start to feel like everything is on top of you and you start to stress, right? But then, look at it the other way, if you spend ALL of your time, revising, planning, working, and make no time for you to actually enjoy yourself now and again, you start to feel like rubbish and surprise surprise, you're stressed and under pressure again because you feel like there is no time for you to take a break. 

Well, I have been on both ends of those spectrum's and it is NOT fun! So, I am not telling you to all just stop working hard and use the fact that you're 'under too much stress' to go out far more than you should but, I will say! make time for yourself, because it is just as important, It's all well people telling you that this is the most important year of your life where decisions need to be made and you need to be focused, which, okay, is true! But that doesn't mean you have to give up having fun and making time for important things and important people in your life because you're too caught up in studying. 

Take time to just relax, go out with your friends! or if you're like me, take time to just relax and read a book, or write if that is something you like to do! It's not fair that every time you take a break from work, you feel guilty because whilst you're attempting to enjoy yourself, all you can think about is the ridiculous amount or work/revision/essays you have piled at home just waiting to be done. So, with that being said, learn to prioritise! what is really really important that needs to be done on a particular day, and what can wait! This way, you're less likely to worry about what needs to be done! Also, if you're an extremely busy person like me, don't be afraid to step back from some of your commitments, people understand that A-levels are no walk in the park, they will understand when you can't make something, or alternatively don't commit to anything you know you cannot give you full focus too. 

But, I don't want this to just be about students and A-levels, if you're anyone who is constantly busy, or you just never have time for yourself or the people you love, then MAKE TIME, nothing on earth is promised forever, you don't want to miss out on an opportunity because you were too 'busy', really, you're only ever as busy as you make yourself, unless, of course, your work restricts you, nonetheless, the point I am trying to make is MAKE TIME for yourself and those important people around you because time is precious! 

"Lost time is never found again"" You may delay, but time will not"
Benjamin Franklin

Making Memories

'Make memories' it sounds stupid right? But it's something that I have thought about for a long time recently so I am going to write about it regardless. I think it's important that we make memories in life because as time passes, you forget those times when you really enjoyed yourself whatever you were doing. 

Also, as we grow older, we lose people along the way for many different reasons. Some people may pass away, others you just lose contact with, others you just don't have much in common with anymore, but at one point in your life, they could have meant the world to you, a friend, a partner, a brother, sister, relative! Anyone could just slip away and before you know it, all you have to hold onto is memories you had with that individual. 

Our days are numbered, we all live fairly comfortable with the idea that we all grow old and die, because, well that's life! But how many of you have actually considered that you could take your last breathe today or tomorrow? How many of you have actually considered that you may not grow old but in fact die before you've had the chance to. I don't mean to say this in a negative or depressing way. I say it because I lost someone recently at such a young age and it was so unexpected, but she lived everyday like her last and made so many memories. Obviously, none that she could take with her, but many she left with me and so many others.

I guess I am saying this because one day, your life could completely change for the better or worse but no matter what season your life goes through, you will always have positive memories to look back on, and there are just so many ways you can do this...

1. Take photos of some of your happiest moments 

Cherish every single happy moment you get, don't take that for granted! Snap Away, then look back on those times and remember exactly how you were feeling and how those people made you feel.

2. Make A Scrapbook or Keep a Journal 

This way you can record and keep any funny or exciting memories you have had or experienced and when you look back you might even be able to laugh or cry remembering that exact date and the silly things you did 

3. Write Letters to Each Other, even if you're in the same town!!!

This sounds crazy right? why would you write letters to someone you see all the time? Well this way, all of your memories are kept personal and they're special to you, it's not like a text or an email, which once released, is forever in that databases and ANYONE can get hold of. A letter is more personal, this way, you can keep a box of all the letters who have ever received 
and you can keep them with you for as long as you would like to refer to them.

4. Make a memory box

This is a good way to cherish small keepsakes and souvenirs that you may have collected over the years that have some personal value to you. You can put things like perished festival bands in there, so when you're older, you can look back in your memory box and find the deteriorated 'Lattitude' wristband and remember that great summer you had! You could even put badges and other small things in there.


I challenge you to try at least one of these things for the remainder of the year and maybe, just before the beginning of 2015, look back at these things and see how those memories make you feel! Good Luck. 

Valentine's Day advice from my 8 year old niece

So guys, today we are going with something different! As it's Valentines Day, I wanted to write something on the subject, but I struggled to find my inspiration, so my 8 year old niece has decided that today, she will share her knowledgeable advice with you! 

Advice...

1. When you meet a person you like, don't be embarrassed...

See the thing is, If you're embarrassed, they will think that you're weird!  and when you get to know him/her it's important that you don't try to kill them. Another thing is, when you're embarrassed, you feel uncomfortable, and they don't get to see the real you.
  IT'S IMPORTANT THAT PEOPLE ALWAYS GET TO SEE THE REAL YOU!

2. Never, Ever, EVER throw plates, or knives or nothing

If you're already in a relationship, it's important that when you argue or fight, you don't throw things at each other. What if you really like them? and you get in a fight and you throw something, you might hurt them, then they'll get upset, and you will be upset.
DON'T THROW THINGS!

3. Don't say mean things

It's not very nice to say mean things to the people you love. When you say mean things, people may actually start to cry! It's not nice to see the people you love cry, especially if it was you who made them cry.
ALWAYS SAY NICE THINGS!

4. Do nice things for each other, Go on dates, Complement each other

This is why we have Valentines Day! because it's a day where we can have fun, and buy lots of gifts, and tell your loved one how beautiful they are, and how much you love them! and why do people buy each other gifts? because it's a way to show that they love each other! and people go on special dates to nice restaurants, like the Boat House, or the Thai restaurant, or Pizza Hut! maybe even McDonald's.
SO GO ON DATES!

5. GET MARRIED!

 It's the most important one of them all. This is a way to show that you REALLY, REALLY, REALLY love each other.
AND THEN YOU CAN HAVE CHILDREN!

So there you have it guys, Valentines Day advice straight from the mouth of my 8 year old niece. She has wise wise words! Take Note.

Enjoy your evening, Happy Valentines Day! 

Beauty?

'You're Beautiful'?
How many times have you heard that utterance? or how many times did you believe it rather?

Why is it in today's society, people struggle with being able to believe they're beautiful?, To me, everyone can be beautiful, and I don't mean appearance wise. I am not saying that if you have long amazing hair and the face to match that you're beautiful. I mean genuine people, who are nice and have kind hearts. Those who are beautiful from the INSIDE-OUT 

There is nothing wrong with believing that you'r beautiful, in fact, if that is something you can grasp hold of in life, then you're sure to feel better about yourself! Too many times there have been incidents when someone has attempted to take their life, or they have suffered severe emotional and psychological damage because they're under the impression that beauty is something based on the way you look. It can be, but that's not true beauty. True beauty is being a person who shows love, someone who treats people with the utter most respect and care, someone who no matter what, does not speak cruel words to or about someone. That's true beauty. 

Too many times have I had young girls and boys, both who I know personally or have worked with, come up to me and express how they don't feel 'beautiful' because their physical appearance isn't attractive to some people. Yet, little do they know, every single one of those boys and girls have beautiful personalities.  I say these things because everyone, at some point in their life, will struggle to believe that they're beautiful. and I was one of these people.

The belief that appearance is the most important thing in any relationship, has been far too comfortably adopted by society! Phrases like 'you can't f**k a personality' sweep social media sites on a day-to-day basis, and I can accept that people who write this think they're being either 'funny' or this is genuinely their personal view, but it's quite sad to think that people are judging someone solely based on how 'attractive' they appear. I've known people to be too scared to talk to their friends about someone they have met or like, in case they're friends would be so shallow enough as to say 'Why do you like them, they're ugly?' - If you're naive and ignorant enough to think this way, or say this. It's you who is 'ugly'

You can spend so much time stressing over your physical appearance such as weight, how your hair looks today? your features etc. That you forgot, the real and ONLY reason people are loved, liked, adored etc, is because they're a BEAUTIFUL PERSON. They're someone you know you can trust, depend on, have a laugh with, and not feel like you're worthless. This is what beautiful people really are, and I don't dispute the fact that 'beauty' can be a physical trait, but that's not it should be solely. 


The sooner people realise this, the better

Remember, physical beauty deteriorates

I am so beautiful, sometimes people weep when they see me. And it has nothing to do with what I look like really, it is just that I gave myself the power to say that I am beautiful, and if I could do that, maybe there is hope for them too. And the great divide between the beautiful and the ugly will cease to be. Because we are all what we choose. Margaret Cho