Time Flies, But You Are The Pilot.

Only recently has the meaning of 'time flies' really become apparent in my life, my father may still kiss me on the forehead as if I were a little girl but the reality is that this year is going to be a huge jump on the path to adulthood. Moments flitter past me as if they were tiny flecks of dust in the rays of sunlight swimming lazily, through a windowpane. It isn't long until I will venture out into this world so I will definitely begin making a scrapbook this year to look back on, for now- I would like to share some of my favourite memories from 2014 with you.

 Alice & Marla: These two little cherubs are my twin cousins and they not only returned from their birthplace of Australia at the start of this year, but also 'celebrated' their very first birthday. I have watched them grow from fuzzy, milky little creatures into true characters and that makes me both incredibly happy and incredibly sad. The idea of them growing up and exploring this wonderful, yet dangerous world of ours is daunting but I can't wait to have real conversations with my favourite ladies.

 An unexpected adventure: This summer I arranged to go on the summer programme NCS, which meant travelling away from home and spending three weeks with total strangers whilst challenging ourselves on hikes and organising a social action project. I never went to scouts or did anything action-related, at least not without my family, whilst growing up, so the entire experience was totally surreal to me. Anxiety and frustration aside, it was one of the best things I have ever done. The three weeks left me feeling confident in myself, proud of my team and grateful for meeting some wonderful people. Cheesey moment.

Grateful: I did not spend nearly as much time as I would have liked with my friends this year, they make me extremely happy and the events which did occur- will remain with me forever. This photo was taken of us all on a spontaneous trip to Sandwich, where we trekked through land marshes and golf courses trying to find the beach, which upon arrival was freezing cold! We shared homemade goodies and other picnic food, skimmed stones, huddled from the wind in a tiny tent and felt totally disconnected from reality- a beautiful day spent with beautiful people.

Home: My brother returned from his year away in Australia early in 2014 and if there had to be a single person who I had to choose to spend my last ever day on Earth with, this is your guy. He is the voice which encourages me to speak the truth, my own personal Christopher robin, a best friend, a father figure and so much more. I know I will have many adventures and journeys this year and no doubt he will be right by my side. 

Realisation: This planet offers endless explorations, potential photographs, words and love to be found. I travelled to Spain with my family and best friend at around Easter time and although riddled with tonsillitis in the searing heat, the trip opened my eyes to the possibilities we face during our short stay on Earth. There are so many powerful scenes to be captured and things to experience, it is overwhelming but so inspiring to feel both utterly insignificant and yet in control of something so powerful as your own destiny. I can't wait to see where this world will take me next. 

First times: My other half and I endured our first full-on festival this summer, in Reading. It was stressful, muddy and the intense atmosphere fuelled many an argument, and yet it made us grow as individuals in such a short space of time. We adapted our sleeping schedules, endured the dirt and grime and made the most of the experience. We travelled home soaking wet, exhausted and sniffling but happy knowing that we had seen some of our favourite bands perform. Each and every day I learn more about the person I call mine and I adore celebrating these cherished moments we have spent together. More cheese, not sorry. 

Quiet Reflection

One of my new year 'resolutions' (I prefer to call them commitments) is to be more patient, to listen more, to stop interrupting and have a little faith that the earth will continue spinning for long enough for me to get my voice heard. This is something which I find bothersome in others and therefore tend to want to avoid doing myself at all costs.

It is difficult, to be filled to the brim with ideas and thoughts which although prove themselves useful, often burst out as unfiltered nonsense or phrased in such a way that it is interpreted as pompous or belittling- both of which are most definitely not what I intend for my words to come across as. 

'Be the flower that gives its fragrance to even the hand that crushes it.'- Imam Ali

The quote you will see above is one which I try to keep with me at all times. It reminds me that not everyone has had the advantages I have, or experienced events which although may not be the happiest of memories, they do have a large impact on the way I approach life each morning. It is for this reason that upon discussing the act of speech, it is worth mentioning the importance of how we react to the response we are given.

Being mocked for both my achievements and my flaws is something which fuels me to teach, motivate and bring a little more positivity into lives. Lives which may have lacked such guidance, to the point of which they believe it is appropriate to put others down to make themselves feel a little stronger. Such people deserve just as much love as the rest of us, so I am eager to continue sharing my thoughts and advice in 2015- I just need a little guidance in terms of how to go about doing so without rushing out of nervousness or speaking at the wrong moments. 

I apologise for sounding so alike Nick Carraway in this little soliloquy, but I hope that this will reach at least one person, and give them a different perspective or, at best, something to read on the way to work. 

Do let me know if you have any views on these types of posts, or even what your little commitments are for the upcoming year.

 ♥