Note: As you know the theme for this week is Holidays, however I have someone guest posting for this theme for me next week as there was a mix up. Nevertheless I hope you enjoy today's post.


Lately I've been feeling really... meh. I can't explain it and I think we all know how that feels, and it can be very frustrating. (Also my reason for missing last week's post, I apologise immensely for that!) A year ago I would've let myself fall deeper and deeper into a solitude state, but fortunately that's no longer me.

It's not easy staying completely happy and positive, correct me if I'm wrong but I don't think anyone is capable of that. Nevertheless, there are little things that you can do to help yourself out. I've started taking on small habits that help me stay positive and give me that bit of happiness and so I thought I would just share them with you and hopefully if you're ever in a negative state or feeling blue, they may help.


1. Turn a negative into a positive

I think this is one of the most important things for me. I turn a negative into a positive first by accepting what's happened, then pushing it out of my mind before dwelling on it and then seeing what could come out of the situation instead. Before, I would dwell on the situation until it consumed me and that was probably one of the worst things I ever did to myself. It's so important to try and find that little bit of positivity to help you keep moving forward.

2. Everything happens for a reason

I truly believe this! I really do think that some things fall out of place so that other things can fall into place and so on, and so I remind myself of this every time something unfortunate happens.

3. Surround yourself with good people

I feel like this is a given. Surrounding yourself with good and positive people will help you stay positive. For too long I surrounded myself with negative, toxic people who constantly brought me down. Thankfully I became friends with a small group of people who are extremely encouraging, supportive, positive and just make me a whole lot happier.

4. Slow things down

This summer has been my busiest yet what with work wanting me to do a lot more hours and trying to fit things in and whatnot. At times it's been hectic and I just didn't know what day it was or when the last time I had a good nights sleep! Then when everything stopped really, really suddenly, that's when I started feeling a bit down and so I realised that when things get hectic, I really need to try my best to find time for myself and slow things down. Going from being on a high for so long to a sudden low can really take it's toll.

5. Acts of kindness

Super important! But also super helpful! Random acts of kindness even if they're small can really boost your own happiness as well as others. I mean, what could be better than making someone's day? Every time something negative happens to me, my first thought is to do something positive by helping someone - again, turning a negative into a positive.

6. Exercise, sleep and eat well.

Exercise has both physical and mental benefits and I've found that it boosts my confidence and always makes me feel so much better. Even when I don't have the motivation to do much - or a full workout - I'll still do small exercise routines before I sleep or when I have spare time.

7. Do something you love

I won't lie, I love writing but blogging just hasn't been at the top of my list recently. I haven't been feeling it like I used to at all but I know that that will change when I get back to my usual self. However I have still been writing in my notebooks and writing my novel, also drawing and just doing things I love because they keep me happy and focused.

8. 3 things list

This isn't something I do now but when I was younger I would always make a list of three things that I'm grateful for, three things that make me happy and three things that were good that day - I would do this everyday for a week or two and then at the end of the time period I would look back on what I had written and it would always be really eye opening seeing all the positive things despite the negatives going on around me. It was something my dad and teacher always told me to do when I'm feeling down and it actually helped. So I definitely would suggest doing this!


There are so many ways we can do to bring positivity and happiness into our lives, and I hope that there's maybe at least one thing you can take away from this post that can help you.

What do you do to stay positive? And what makes you happy?


Thanks for reading,

Until next time, be you and keep smiling,

Last diary entry 

July 28th, 2016.

A year ago I was stuck in this little bubble that everyone described as my comfort zone and I was too afraid to escape it despite how adventurous I wanted to be. A year ago I was struggling with money, struggling with my mind and thoughts, struggling with how I saw myself and the world around me, struggling to get through each day. A year ago I had no idea what I was doing and I was afraid for my future. A year ago I wasn't even sure who I was.

A year later, I'm no longer stuck inside the bubble which was once my comfort zone. A year later and I feel like I'm finding my confidence and my place in the world. A year later I'm no longer struggling as much as I used to. Things get hard but it happens, the difference now is that I'm learning how to handle the things I have to face. A year later, I'm still trying to find myself but I'm finding my feet and I'm finally doing what I want rather than what others want from me. (I think that's always been the most important thing to me, to do what makes me happy. It's just a shame it's taken me so long to do so).

It wasn't until I took a step back and compared the person I am now to the person I was a year ago that I realised how much of a difference time can make. Time and new, clear perspectives. I know I've changed because people keep telling me I have, but I also know that I've changed for the better. I'm still the same person.

My next goal? To be more forgiving. I think that's my weakest point and something I need to work on.

***

I wanted to share this extract from my diary as it was my last entry plus I've been noticing so many changes within myself recently that I felt that this extract was relevant to me right now.

I always like to set myself goals for over a long period of time rather than 'okay, by next month I want to have done this' because that's not as easy as it seems. Sometimes taking small steps to help yourself is really beneficial and I hope I stick to it. Do you have one specific goal that you wish to achieve? Let me know in the comments.

Thanks for reading, and sorry this post was so short!

Until next time, be you and keep smiling.


love, tiffany

1. Improves your writing skills

My writing skills on my blog compared to the book I am currently working on are very different, however having a blog has helped me improve my writing so much. The more I blog, the easier the words flow and the more coherent I become.

2. You meet some really great people within the blogging community

Bloggers are some of the nicest people you will ever meet. It's so lovely meeting new people whether it's online or at blogger events and just knowing you have something in common and that they won't judge you, after all, you couldn't possibly run out of things to talk about. Take all the girls on this blog for example, they're all so wonderful and I'm glad we're all a part of this!

3. Helps you stay imaginative and creative

This is what I love most about blogging. I'm constantly trying to come up with new ideas (as hard as it is) and most of my day consists of me jotting down new ideas for future posts, series and so on. It has also helped me be a lot more creative and imaginative with my art work, too. My mind is just constantly working and cooking up new ideas.

4. It builds your confidence

Believe me when I say this, for I have always been incredibly insecure, shy and just a timid introvert. People would rarely hear a sound from me as I was uncomfortable with voicing my opinions. Now? I have a place where I can talk about anything I want which has helped me realise that I can do it in real life, too, because my opinion matters just as much as everyone else's and I'm not as afraid as I used to be when it comes to making mistakes.

5. It challenges you

Now, if you have never had a blog before you're going to think, 'but, all you do is type up some words and post it?' Well, it's much more than that. Being original in such a widespread community is challenging in itself. Topped with making sure your blog is running correctly, your template and links. Promoting. Photography. Scheduling. Keeping up to date. Building a community and readership. I could go on. But I truly think it's a great thing as I love a good challenge. I love pushing myself to my limits and seeing what I can really do. It's rewarding when you look back at your old posts and see how much you've grown as a person, and writer.

6. You can help other people

Now this is the main reason why I started my blog. Helping people. It doesn't have to be a thousand people, it can be just one and it may only be something small but if you can make any sort of positive impact of ones life, choices, etc. then it's always so worth it!


So, what are you waiting for? Want to inspire others? Start a blog. Got some great advice for others during a hard time or just general things? Start a blog. Want to share your love for Beauty, Traveling, Media, Food, Lifestyle etc? Start a blog. You can do anything with a blog, so why not start today?


Hope my reasons gave  you a little bit more motivation to start your own blog. I promise you it's worth giving it a try!

Thanks for reading,

Until next time, be you and keep smiling.


love, tiffany

Do you ever get really frustrated when a tv show you love just doesn't get the recognition it deserves? I do. It drives me mad. I'm a huge tv show person, I binge watch them constantly and I question why so many go unnoticed? I suppose it's because we all have different tastes and opinions, but today for TV Shows week I thought I'd share a short list of underrated tv shows that you should watch - if you haven't already, of course.


1. Political Animals

(TW Warning) Political Animals is a miniseries which aired in 2012. I've watched it all quite a few times as I love it so much - yes, having Sebastian Stan cast in it gives it extra bonus points but it's genuinely so good and completely underrated. It has brilliant acting, great characters, it's entertaining and talks about important issues. The summary in short? A divorced former First Lady is serving as the Secretary of State who deals with State Department issues all while trying to keep her family together. This is quite a heart wrenching series at times as it touches upon mental health/suicide, what life is like behind closed doors etc and is definitely a must watch.

2. Jessica Jones

(TW Warning) Ah, Marvel's mysterious Jessica Jones. You may not think that this is underrated, I mean it has won awards but I still think it should be more appreciated. Yes, it's that good. It stars Krysten Ritter and David Tennant, two wonderful actors who both play their parts incredibly. This one season series (but has been renewed for a second season, eek!) is about a former superhero who starts her own detective agency called Alias Investigations based in New York City. The series talks about important issues, too, such as PTSD and assault/rape.

3. Once Upon A Time

I struggle to believe that this brilliant tv show isn't appreciated enough... it has some of the best character development, story links, strong characters and what better than a twisted version of every Disney/fairy tale character you can ever imagine. Really, what better? This series really makes you think hard, it's one of those that you just can't miss a second of because the unimaginable will happen in the blink of an eye - but that's what keeps it interesting and I just love how crazy some of the plot links are. I won't go into too much detail as I'd hate to ruin it for anyone who's not yet watched it. But, seriously, watch it. You won't be disappointed.

4. From Dusk Till Dawn

Before you ask, yes it is partly based on the older movies which starred George Clooney, Salma Hayek and so on. However the series is in a lot more depth compared to the movies - with new characters and backstories and the expansion and depth of the Mesoamerican mythology. Also, you don't have to watch the movies before the series, if you don't want to then go straight into the series! It's up to you. I just really recommend this series. It stars some really brilliant actors such as D.J Cotrona, Wilmer Valderrama, Eiza Gonzalez, Madison Davenport, Robert Patrick and (so many more!)... even Demi Lovato stars in a couple of episodes which I was so happy about!

5. Stalker

A team of detectives who investigate stalkers in Los Angeles. Seems like the typical crime show, right? Well, if you think that then you're wrong. Yes this is a crime show, but you can't compare it. This series is so well put together with a group of very strong characters, especially Maggie Q who plays the lead character whom is both strong and fragile and we get to see both sides to her as the series progresses. How would I describe Stalker? Dark, gripping, unpredictable. And you should most definitely watch it.

6. Z Nation

Z Nation takes place three years after the zombie virus has washed over America, where a team of people must transport the only known survivor of the plague from New York to California, where the last functioning viral lab waits for his blood in order to save everyone. I will admit this isn't your normal zombie/post-apocalyptic series, it's more comedic in my opinion but it really is so good. If you're a big zombie fan like myself then you will love this series (just don't compare it to TWD or any other zombie series/movie because that's where you'll go wrong!).

7. Agent Carter

The series is set in 1946, where Peggy Carter is relegated to secretarial duties in the Strategic Scientific Reserve (SSR) all while trying to secretly clear Howard Stark's name after he gets accused of treason. First of all, I am SO mad Agent Carter got cancelled. Why!!?? This was definitely one of the best Marvel series out there. Secondly, let me just say that I absolutely adore Peggy Carter. Peggy is strong, fierce, extremely powerful, someone younger people - especially girls - can look up to, a hero, she battles sexism. She's literally the perfect character all round.

8. Empire

Empire is a tv show full of scheming and scandals, music, family, drama, jail, never-ending love triangles, power, lies. Not only that but it is a tv show that tackles real-world issues, too, such as homophobia, mental health and even drug addiction. You should know that the music involved in the series is incredible and you'll definitely find yourself listening to some of the songs outside of the series, at least I did! I love all the drama involved (I won't spoil anything for you, don't worry). Although I find it frustrating that every time something seems to be going well, another bomb explodes right in the middle of it all! But that's also what keeps it entertaining - and well worth the watch. Have you seen these tv shows? Do you agree that they need more recognition? Also, what are you watching right now? I'm currently half way through season two of Pretty Little Liars. Thanks for reading! Until next time, be you and keep smiling.