Let it go... A reflection on this year!

For me, this year has been mentally challenging as well as being physically exhausting. I don't like to start my blog posts off in a negative light, but I have come to the realisation of a lot of things that have happened to me this year.

However, having said all that, I will continue to smile, be compassionate to the world, and most importantly work hard to achieve my goals in life, because let's face it, if there's one thing that I know about myself... it's that I'm one truly passionate individual who can put my mind to anything, even when I'm not feeling 100% myself.

Anyway, I had one of those 'let it go' moments fairly recently (literally, came home singing 'Let it go' at the top of my lungs) and it was deeply satisfying. And, quite frankly, I've never felt freer (is that even a word) or happier.

"It's time to see what I can do,

To test the limits and break through,

No right, no wrong, no rules for me I'm free!

Let it go, let it go, 

I am one with the wind and sky, 

Let it go, let it go, 

You'll never see me cry!"

Sometimes the simple, yet most beautiful things in life are right in front of you. The crisp golden leaves, the cold fresh air, cups of tea, strangers walking their pets, old couples holding hands, friends laughing so hard at the stupid silly stuff and the warmth of a fireplace. I could go on and on and on, but you'd probably tell me to shut up.

I'm not quite sure what direction I want to take this blog post. But, I guess I was just inspired to write. Writing makes me happy you see. Oh so very happy. I'm so excited to go home from work and explode my thoughts, my passions, my ideas and to share it all with you on my little blog bubble (That's not to say, I don't enjoy or love my job, because I fucking do, pardon my french).

So, if you ever feel like you're a bit stuck, feeling really challenged, or you feel like life really isn't your friend anymore. Let it go. Let it gooooo. Don't hold back anymore. Be yourself, be who you're meant to be. And most importantly breathe and enjoy your life. Live it to the full because you only have one!

Hope everyone is having a fabulous weekend! Psst... you can follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).

27 things I learnt for my 27th birthday

I thought I would do something a little different on my blog today. I'm celebrating 27 years of life and I thought I would share some life changing lessons I learnt along the way.

1) Your health is important. Take care of yourself.

2) Happiness is everything.

3) Work smart and enjoy yourself.

4) You are not responsible for everyone else.

5) Say 'no' more.

6) Don't be afraid to speak your mind. And stand up for what you believe in!

7) When you're planning a wedding, you realise who is truly important.

8) Money isn't everything but it does make the world go round sadly.

9) You've only got one life, live it.

10) Travel as much as you can. Experience different cultures.

11) Exercise is key for your inner strength and ideas. You'd be amazed how many ideas come to me when I'm running.

12) Do what you love.

13) You are the only person who can change and improve yourself.

14) Read more.

15) It's the little things in life. A cup of tea, a smile at a stranger if they look upset, being nice to everyone you meet, and fish and chips. The simple things that bring so much joy. 

16) See family and friends more.

17) It's ok to not be ok.

18) Be nice to everyone you meet, we've all got shit to deal with. And, a friendly smile is something they just might need.

19) Don't be too hard on yourself.

20) If you don't like it, change it.

21) It's ok to be alone and have alone days.

22) Hate and jealously are wasted emotions. Throw any negativity out of your life and focus on the good.

23) Stop comparing yourself to others.

24) "I can't tell you the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody." 

25) Honesty is the key to healthy relationships. And I guess is one of my strengths as a person. What can I say... I'm a Scorpio.

26) Stop putting other people before you, especially if they don't care about you.

27) Try not to worry, it'll work out in the end. It always does.

Ok, so there we have it! 27 life lessons. I hope you found this somewhat useful or interesting to read. If you've got any life lessons you'd like to share, please leave them in the comments below as I love reading your comments :).

Also, Joe made me read this blog post the other day, which I found really interesting and found myself nodding along to every thing he said. It's an article by Mark Manson on '3 Important Life Skills Nobody Ever Taught You' which is what inspired me to write this post in the first place.

As always, you can follow me on Instagram: @zoeyoliviablog or tweet me: @zoeyoliviablog. I'm forever responding and interacting on those platforms :).