Mental Health Awareness Month

Hi everybody! Planning, preparing, writing and publishing blog posts is proving difficult this month as I have exams in the coming weeks, so currently revision and preparing for them are my main priority. However, May is an important month for another reason. May is Mental Health Awareness month. Every year, this goes unnoticed by many, but in my opinion, it should get just as much recognition as awareness months for cancer and other illnesses.

Why is it okay for somebody with a mental disorder to not receive the same standard of care and support as somebody who is diabetic? Fair enough, they require different types of care and treatment, but there is no reason why it should be less accessible for one disease than it is another. It is vitally important that there is a push for the government to increase the budget for treatment of mental illnesses.

Many people automatically assume that a person is "crazy", "psycho" or just simply "overreacting". These are all terms used too loosely when it comes to mental illness. What a lot of people do not realise is that a person's condition does not define who they are, it's just a small part of them. Therefore, there is no reason why anybody else should judge them because of their conditions. A lot of people run in the opposite direction when mental illness rears its ugly head, and that's the sad part. It doesn't have to be that way.

In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 4 people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year, yet why is mental illness still such a taboo topic?

I can tell you why. People are uneducated. In this day and age, people should be learning about mental illness just like they would learn about other diseases. Teachers in schools should be thoroughly taught about the subject of mental health. Managers in workplaces should be provided with information of the importance of mental wellbeing. Pupils and parents in every school should be exposed to lessons covering the crucial facts of conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, anxiety and bipolar disorder. Until this happens, there will be a constant stigma attached to mental illness and those affected by it. 

So, this month, I'm making it my mission to increase the awareness of mental illness, and I'm asking all of you reading to make it yours too! A world where people can relate, empathise and understand is a happier one. Raising awareness and banishing the stigma surrounding mental health conditions can only be achieved by learning and teaching the facts. Take time to educate yourself. Knowledge is power!

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The Movies Tag!

Well, hello thereee! Today has probably been the least productive day of my life. Like ever. So to temporarily stall my boredom, and also do something that qualifies as a partially worthwhile way to spend my time, I decided to do The Movies Tag. While I was on a YouTube video marathon I watched Samantha Maria's version of this tag, and it seemed like a fun idea. I do have a more planned out and better quality blog post coming in the next few days, so please stay tuned. But for now, here's my answers to The Movies Tag!

1- Favorite movie of all time? Saving Mr Banks

2- Favorite scene from that movie? Umm, probably any of the scenes with Ralph in them!
3- Favorite actors /actresses? Hugh Grant is my all time favourite, he's amazing!
4- Most annoying actor/actress? Drew Barrymore.. idk why, I just haven't liked her in any of the films she has starred in.
5- Best director? Tim Burton, all the way. His work is incredible. 
6- Favorite guilty pleasure film? The Back-up Plan 
7- Favorite tear jerker? Bridge to Terabithia
8- Character from a movie that scared you the most? Without a doubt, Peter Pettigrew from the Harry Potter films. So creepy.
9- Movie you love everyone hates? I don't think there actually is one tbh. 
10- Movie you hate everyone loves? It's got to be If I Stay. I heard loads of people raving about how amazing it was, so I decided to watch it. It wasn't that I hated it, it was just a complete let down. It was boring and although obviously sad in some parts, it was kind of a bit one-dimensional.
11- Favorite movie duo? Maybe Danny and Eddie in Just Go With It (aka Adam Sandler and Nick Swardson), they are so funny together. 
12- Favorite animated movie? The Little Mermaid
13- Actor/actress crush? Ansel Elgort 
14- Favorite movie villain? I just came to this realisation the other day, but I'd definitely say it was the Fairy Godmother from Shrek hahaha
15- What movie surprised you the most? I've got two here. The first is Ride Along. I went to see this film with low expectations as it was kind of a comedy/action film, and that's not really my thing. However, I was impressed, and I actually really enjoyed it. Kevin Hart is a comedy genius. The second one is The Shining. I can't stand horror films, so when my English teacher revealed to us that the film we would be studying was The Shining, I died a little bit inside. We watched it all the way through before we started to pull it apart and analyse it, and I was so surprised. It was quite good, and when we got further into the underlying themes, and the method behind Stanley Kubrick's madness, I was intrigued. However, I can pretty much guarantee that I'll never want to watch it again by the time my exam comes around.
16- If you could only keep one movie what would it be? Probably Dirty Dancing because I'd be killing two birds with one stone. It's one of my favourite films, and also my favourite soundtrack. I could never get bored of it. 
17- Movie recommendation and for whom? I'm gonna recommend Saving Mr Banks or About A Boy to anyone who reads this!
18- If you could go back in time and marry actor/actress from back when (now old) who would it be? Patrick Swayze. Bless his soul. 
19- One remake you wish had never been made? Fame. I went to the cinema to see it when it came out and was so disappointed.
20- About to die but could only watch one more movie what would it be? Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone because it's just so happy and lovely (most of it). 
21- Favorite movie genre/favorite movie from that genre? I would probably have to say romantic comedies, you can't go far wrong with them. My favourite typical romcom might actually be Made of Honour
22- What's the first movie you remember watching in theaters? Finding Nemo

I'd like to hear what your favourite films are! Thank you for taking the time to read this post, and I promise a proper one will be up in the next few days. Have a safe weekend! 

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Instagram Moments - April

Hey there! I'm taking a needed break from the hours of English revision I've been doing today to put together this post. I honestly can't wait until my last exam! April is almost over now, and what a month it has been. This month I've found myself being busier, and we had some pretty decent weather too. I've had a fab time with friends, and made lots of nice memories. Anyway, here are my Instagram moments of April.

Old family photo // Cutest mugs // Red lips // Pretty spring blossom // Cute photo with the main people // Party popper moustaches with Shanice // Nature is beautiful // Three generations // Throwback with my little brother // Love my niece, Jess aw // Partyyy // Bowler hat and blonde curls // Happy 17th Birthday Rachel // CJ's 3rd Birthday // R.I.P Diesel, love you little fella // Lazy day // Leo // Me, Rachel and C-Doggg // Sunsets // Sunny days with the bestest // Love Dan and Holly // Easter Sunday walks // Pretty night sky // Adorable Easter cakes

I hope you all had a good month and that next month is full of happiness! 

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Wanderlust.

Wanderlust: a strong desire to travel and explore the world. 

All of a sudden, I've got this crazy urge to visit new places and see the world. I don't want to be stuck in Scotland forever, as nice as some people might think it is. I want to make loads of memories with my amazing friends and make new friends along the way. We could have the adventure of a lifetime. I want to try new things in exotic places. I want to roller skate by Venice Beach. Go snorkeling in Hawaii. Shop until I drop on the streets of Paris. Explore all of the amazing buildings in Italy. See New York from the top of the Empire State Building. Attend Carnivale in Rio de Janeiro. Ski the slopes in Austria. I want to do it all. It's just a shame I'm a sixteen year old that's unemployed and still in full-time education. Hopefully I'll get there one day... and it excites more than I ever thought it could. Here's to the future!

Happy Friday everybody! I hope you had a good week, and have a fab weekend ahead. Stay safe! X

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Valuable Lessons

Hey, what's up! I'm finally back with a blog post that isn't a Mini Happies one. As much as I enjoyed writing them, it feels good to be writing something a bit different today. This week, something happened to me that really made me think. Last Tuesday I was feeling really anxious, and rather than taking ten minutes when I needed it during my first period class, I stayed there until I had totally worked myself up, and I ended having one of the worst panic attacks I'd had in a while.

As horrible as it sounds, I did learn a few important things that day. 

It's totally good to challenge yourself and try not to escape every situation when you start feeling a little anxious, but everybody knows their limits. If you know deep down that the only way to calm yourself down is to get out of the situation and take a timeout, then that's what you gotta do. It's not the end of the world. You're not a bad person. You aren't weak. You're the opposite, you're strong because you are taking control of the situation despite the feelings that you know will follow. It's okay to know your boundaries.

Don't let anyone tell you who or what you are. While I was in the midst of my panic attack, I bumped into one of the year heads at my school. When I feel anxious I start feeling incredibly claustrophobic, and so I usually end up taking my tie off and unbuttoning my collar. Every other teacher I know is okay with this, along as I sort my uniform out when I'm feeling calmer. However, on this day, this teacher stopped me and demanded that I put my tie on. I was trying to explain, but they just wouldn't listen, and when I tried explaining that I suffer from anxiety and I'm prone to these panic attacks, I was told that I was "being silly", "overreacting", "making a big deal out of nothing" and  that I "should just pull myself together and get back to class". I was absolutely furious. This wasn't the first time either and when I feel anxious, those are exactly the thoughts that go through my head. This teacher was just adding fuel to the fire. After I'd gotten over the anger and upset, I came to the realisation that I shouldn't worry about what the minority of people think. I am surrounded by so many more people who know what I have to deal with, and they accept me for it. Don't let the critical few get you down, no matter how much their words hurt. 

When I finally realised that the negative people's words are not what matter, I found it easier to turn my day around. I managed to go back to my fifth period class before lunch, and to my last two classes of the day after lunch. I smiled and laughed, and had a fairly productive afternoon. All it took was a bout of self-confidence. No matter how bad the day is, there's always time to turn it into a good one.

Finally, I learned that a good support system is essential. I can get so annoyed at my friends and family when I'm feeling stressed, and when they try to help, I sometimes lash out and isolate myself from them. However, without the support and kind words of my mum, stepdad, and friends (Clare, Shanice, Rachel, Lisa and Greg in particular on this day), I probably would have found it significantly harder to pick myself up and brush myself off. Don't push away people who care about you/are concerned for you. 

Sorry that this was a bit of a rant, but it's real life! Thank you for reading, and I'll be back soon. Sending positive vibes! X

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Mini Happies - Sunday (Day 7)

So, we're finally through the week which means this is my last "Mini Happies" post. I'd like to take this time to reflect on the week I've had, something I don't usually take the time to do. For many, my week probably seemed a bit average, but I've actually overcome a few big issues this week. For instance; I made a solid start on the revision that had filled me with dread beforehand, I overcame my anxious thoughts and feelings and went out with my friends because I didn't want to miss another good time, I made some new friends (I think so anyway haha) in Callum and Jamie, I realised that I can rely on myself more than I thought, I ate lunch at a restaurant which is something that would've totally freaked me out a few months ago, and most importantly, I became aware of my newly-found excitement for the present and the future. Who would've thought that taking note of some little things that appealed to me each day would change my perspective on things this much?

I really would recommend this mini project to anyone who knows they take things for granted. I know for sure that I'm going to continue doing this everyday,but I will not continue to post them on this blog. If these posts inspired or entertained even just one person, then I've achieved my goal. So, without further ado, here are my last day of "Mini Happies".


1. I found my old Glee boxset, so I watched most of the first season today. It brought back so many memories, and I think it's going to be my latest addiction.

2. I painted my nails today, and they turned out really shiny, neat and smudge-free. I cannot tell you the last time that happened. In fact, I don't think it ever has to be honest.

3. I successfully revised again today. I feel so accomplished!

4. I blow-dried and straightened my hair. It's gotten so long recently, but it never seems that way due to the fact I always let it dry and wear it naturally curly. It also feels so soft and nice. 

5. I had a good FaceTime session with Shanice. We don't really talk much, just keep each other company. She's a good egg, that one. 

6. I start back at school tomorrow, and usually the night before I'm an emotional, anxious mess. However, tonight I'm feeling organised and chilled out. I'm actually looking forward to seeing everyone, and since this will be my last week of school before study leave, I'm going to try and make the most of it and stay positive all week. 


Thank you for taking the time to read these 'Mini Happies'. I'll be back with another post mid-week. Over and out! X 

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Mini Happies - Saturday (Day 6)

It was a lovely, sunny Saturday today, and I have been in the best mood. I hope everybody else had a wonderful day, and without any further rambling, here are my Mini Happies of the day.

1. I spent my morning looking at holiday clothes online. I absolutely HATE traipsing around disorganised and busy shops looking for things to buy, but when it comes to online shopping, I'm hooked. Anyway, I've set my heart on a few things I am going to buy for my holiday to Feurtaventura in July (I'll probably blog about them when the time comes). New clothes make everyone a little bit happy.

2. It was glorious weather again today, so I sat out in the garden with my mum and we had a nice chat about the future, and going to university and stuff. As an anxious person, these types of things tend to freak me out, but as I'm getting better at coping with my anxiety and accepting it, I'm becoming increasingly excited for the future and the adventures that lie ahead. That's quite a Big Happy for me.

3. I shaved my legs and took time to moisturise them today, it was so worth it. Having silky smooth skin is such a good feeling.

4. My mum went food shopping today. If  a full fridge doesn't make you happy then what will to be honest?

5. Me and my brother, Declan, who is twelve, brought the washing in from the line then folded it and sorted it into the correct piles. I know that seems like a weird thing to be happy about, but Declan and I are really similar, so often our personalities clash. As we've gotten older, we don't spend much time together just the two of us, so it was nice to have ten minutes to catch up. 

6. I went to Shanice's with no makeup on, wearing baggy grey joggies and a grey hoodie and my hair scraped up in an unruly ponytail. She didn't bat an eyelid. True friendship goals right there.

7. Shanice and I watched the Jersey Boys movie. It was fab! Those types of films are totally my thing, and the music was right up my alley. It's a real feel-good film, and I would totally recommend it.

I hope you liked my Mini Happies of today, and feel free to comment below some of your own. See ya tomorrow for my final 'Mini Happies' post. I love everyone! (Yes, even you...) 

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