What I've learnt living with depression

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Living with depression isn't easy and has been challenging day after day to deal with. Although, sometimes I hate that I have to live with it, without it and my anxiety, I don't think I would be the same person I am today. 

Depression has taught me many things and here are the top things I've learnt living with depression.

What I've learnt living with depression

To have more of an open mind

Being open-minded is one of my favourite qualities about myself. It's important to me to live with no judgment towards others and be accepted in a world that is so controversial. You never know when someone may need your love as there are people around them who don't understand or want to understand what they're going through. Living with depression has helped my mind grow to know how people are and why they're like the way they are, whether that's trauma, inner pain, or other mental health conditions. It has given me a space to recognise the vulnerabilities in others and what they're going through as some signs will be similar to my own personal experiences.

To develop my knowledge of mental illness

Knowledge is power in any sense as you never know who you're able to help. Living with depression has given me the opportunity to learn more about mental illness as a whole and the many that exist, what they entail, and spot the signs. It has opened my mind to be cautious and more aware of others and what they may be going through. It has also given me the want to learn more about depression and the many other mental illnesses so, in turn, I can offer my help, understanding and support in any way I can. 

To spread kindness wherever I go

Kindness is the most important thing in life. It doesn't cost anything to be kind and wherever and whenever you're able to, spread it around like confetti. I think living with an illness that causes me to feel such negative things about myself, has made me want to ensure nobody else feels that way - and that's why I try to be kind as much as I can. You never know what someone is going through and that sprinkle of kindness could make a person's day.

To not judge a book by its cover

The happiest of people are often the saddest, you never know what someone is dealing with behind closed doors. I like to think I present myself as happy go lucky online, like many of us do as we want to show the highlights of our life, not the hardships, however, it doesn't mean everything is perfect - and often or not, people don't realise what is really going on. Knowing that fact has helped me realise that I shouldn't take everyone for face value and dig a little deeper sometimes to help that person. 

To be more empathetic and understanding

This leads me onto being empathetic and understanding. I definitely think by living with mental illness, my empathy for others has vastly grown because I know how hard it is to experience, and can see that hardship in others - and want to support others in any way I can. Plus, I know what those close to me have to deal with and I hate feeling like a burden, that in some ways, I want to be able to give that care and reassurance back. Understanding something is always easier if you've experienced it yourself and I find with what I've gone through gives me personal insight.

How strong I am

Occasionally, when I'm living a normal day and feeling good, I look back at the darker days and the times I've felt so low and admire the strength I have to get through. I don't know how but I managed to and I'm proud of that because I love life, I love what it has to offer and what I'm able to experience, and living with depression can take that joy away from me. My strength is definitely something I've learnt and has grown with the more battles I've been through.

Those bad days will pass

This too shall pass. All bad days will pass. Emotions are temporary and won't last forever. These three things are something I've learnt time and time again living with depression. There are times when I'm so low I never think I'm going to feel normal again, but I have before and I will again. Bad things can't last forever. There's always a little rain before a rainbow after all.

Be more self-aware

Having a mental illness means I've learnt a lot about my own mind and what causes me to feel bad, causes me to feel good, and when a depressive episode comes. I know where I'm at and have become more self-aware in my emotions and how I should deal with them. It has taken time and every day I'm still learning to be more aware of myself, but it's important for me and others around me to understand my own illness so I can inform them of how they can support me and what to look out for.

Know what my triggers are

Being self-aware goes hand in hand to know my triggers. After time and time again of being in and out of depressive episodes, I could see a pattern to what exactly was causing them and it has helped me pinpoint my triggers and know how I can self-soothe to avoid potential triggers once more.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you live with depression?

Thank you for reading <3

The best bars and pubs in Thanet, Kent

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Going for a drink at the pub, whether with the girls, family, or on a date can be a chill time or an evening out, and it's a typically British thing to do. I do love it, especially in the summertime, where I can sit in a beer garden or overlook the beach with the sun glaring on my face.

If you're heading down to Thanet for the weekend, evening, or summer holiday, here are the best bars and pubs in Thanet, Kent.

The best bars and pubs in Thanet, Kent

Broadstairs 

The Counting House

For an evening of class, cocktails, and unique interior, The Counting House is one of my favourite spots for a cocktail evening with the girls. The bar offers a range of brilliant drinks, specialty cocktails, live music, and a sophisticated vibe that you're still able to enjoy a boogie at. The building was originally a bank and the chic design in the bar still has some of the original elements scattered about including safe doors - it gives the edge to a typical bar.

Reign Bar

If you're obsessed with cheeseboards and good wine? This bar needs to be right on your must-visit list. It's definitely a place for a more classy and glamorous evening and I love that slightly posher atmosphere, especially for a special occasion. Reign Bar offers a selection of different cocktails and is only a short walk to the beach. The bar also is open in the mornings for coffee and afternoon teas.

The best bars and pubs in Thanet, Kent

Harpers

For a spot of live music and a chill vibe for an evening, just moments from the beach, Harpers is an all-rounder for everyone. I love it here for a good old catch-up, affordable drinks, and a fab evening with my best pals.

Sea Lounge

The Sea Lounge is right near the beach, alongside many other restaurants and bars, opposite a small park, perfect to grab a beverage to go and enjoy in the summer months, The beauty of this bar is that it doubles up as a restaurant and can suit many different occasions, whether you're looking for a delicious meal or stopping point for a beverage, with all the vibes.

The Pavillion

You can't get more typical British pub vibes than this one, overlooking Viking Bay Beach. The Pavillion is the place to be in the summer especially with a buzzing atmosphere of live music and a beer garden that everybody likes to gather in. The place offers pretty good pub grub as well if you're looking for something cheap and cheerful.

The Charles Dickens

Another British classic which is a fan for the slightly older people is The Charles Dickens pub. They offer the best roasts, a whole range of different food and all types of drinks to enjoy from day to night.

The Albion

The Albion is one of those pubs that I like to visit for many different occasions. They have a slightly nicer pub menu for lunch and dinner but they also offer breakfast too, so it has a complete family feel to it. Its outside terrace is my favourite part of the bar however because, in the summertime, it's a great spot to overlook the beach, enjoy a Pimms and catch the sunshine. Plus, they're known for live music too.

Ramsgate

Mariners Bar 

Located on the harbour, the Mariners Bar encapsulates a classic British night out and is one of the nicer bars to be at in Ramsgate. It's known for offering live bands that change throughout the year and to enjoy a casual beverage with friends.

Coco Latino

Along the arches next to the harbour, Coco Latino is right at the end and a versatile place for everyone. In the day, you can head down there for hot chocolates and cake. Then, in the evening, the place livens up with music, either live with a DJ or some classic tunes and an array of cocktails.

Margate

The Sun Deck

This is the place to be for the ultimate party vibe, especially in the summer. Set along Margate Beach, the outside bar is littered with many tables and electric music to enjoy the ultimate party. They boast all the drinks you can think of and a beach sunset you'll never forget.

Imperial Bar Meze

Set overlooking the beach, this bar is a dreamy spot for either sitting inside or outside. The place offers a range of different picky bits to eat and an endless list selection of drinks including cocktails. I love to sit outside and watch the sunset here or catch a glimpse of the atmosphere at the Margate steps.

Westgate-On-Sea/Birchington-On-Sea

Ginger's

Westgate isn't exactly a busy town, it's probably one of the quietest areas in Thanet, however, Ginger's is worth it to spend your evening. This modern bar has an endless list of the best cocktails and every drink you can think of, plus they offer great cheeseboards too. There's also a karaoke room where you can spend the night singing with friends. 

Minnis Bay Bar and Restaurant

Overlooking the Minnis Bay Beach, this bar is a dreamy family spot but also can double up as an iconic sunset spot in the summer. They have a classic pub food menu and all the vibes you'd expect from a British pub, plus an outdoor dining area, right next to the beach.

I hope you enjoyed this post. Where's your favourite place for a drink?

Thank you for reading <3

The power of rest: why you need to prioritise breaks

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I'm going to whole heartily admit that I'm not good at resting or taking breaks, I find it hard to stop and enjoy the quiet and end up burning myself out. It's not in my nature to take things easy and look after myself, instead, I'm the person who is always doing 1000 things, working on many different projects, and having a full calendar as weirdly, I'm calmer that way. It's more me to be busy.

The power of rest: why you need to prioritise breaks

However, when the furlough kicked in during 2020 at the start of the pandemic, I realised, how important it was to step back and not overwork myself to the point that I wasn't okay and I would make myself unwell. It was then that I learnt, I needed to rest and take breaks more, and from that point, it has been something I've been working on.

Whether you're experiencing burnout, struggling with when the time is right to stop, or need some advice about a work-life balance, here is why you need to prioritise breaks.

It's good for your mental health

Burnout is real and in a world where we all work too many hours and want to be a big success, we often forget when to stop and how to stop. It's something I've struggled with dramatically as I often feel like a failure when I take the time out, need a longer break, or simply want to sleep. However, this is all healthy and normal. It's good for your mental health to be aware of the moment you need to press pause, take a step back, or limit what's on your plate. Your body will tell you in many different ways, whether that's physically by feeling run down, lack of concentration, or even when you're struggling to get to sleep. The indications of burnout will be there before you've even realised you overworked yourself or given yourself too many things to do in your week.

Your mental health needs to be a priority and that means learning the power of rest. Resting doesn't mean you've failed, it's charging you back up to feel a whole you again.

We're not built to work all the time

I feel like this point I need to regularly repeat to myself as I'm one of those people who have a normal marketing job, freelance work, and a separate business so I can sometimes struggle to allocate time to chill and rest, however, it's something I'm learning more every day. We're not built to work all the time. We don't work and then die, that's not what life is all about, and that's why flexible working or the shorter working week has come into play as people can do just as good of a job in shorter times or scattered throughout the week than in regimented hours. It's so, we can have more freedom and take ownership of our life back - rather than simply focusing our life on our career. Humans weren't created for this purpose, it's a world of capitalism that has enforced this workaholic mindset.

You owe it to yourself

You need to be your own number one fan and that means, being your biggest carer too, aiding your physical and mental health. You owe it to yourself to take a break, to have a nap, and to sleep as much as your body needs. You owe to yourself to have a day of nothing, have moments in your week where you can sit with yourself in peace and feel like you. You're so important and you shouldn't overwork yourself to a point where you don't feel like amazing you anymore.

Life is better when you're present in the moment

Life can be hectic, life can be busy but often when we're too busy working or doing things that life throws at us, we often forget to pause, slow down, and appreciate the moments. Taking those breaks will allow you the space and time to do that, whether that means going for a beach walk, sitting with your thoughts for an hour, or breathing in some fresh air. The little things do the world of good for our wellbeing, and by taking those 10 minutes every now and then, you'll be able to fully enjoy that.

It allows you the time to focus on the things that bring you joy

When you actually prioritise break time or the power of rest, you'll start to free up time where you can actually focus on the things that make you happy and make you feel alive. Whether that's chilling with your favourite TV show, getting out and about, being present in the moment with your pals, or delving into a good read. Whatever that thing is which makes your heart soar, managing your time and putting yourself first will give you the opportunity to spend more time doing what's right for you,

You'll be more productive

You can't focus or work when you're running on half empty. Like a phone battery, you need to recharge yourself so you feel 100% again and this comes with resting and practicing the art of getting it just right. By having the time to take a break or resting well, you'll find yourself working better and being more productive in everything you do, rather than dragging yourself through tasks when you're feeling about a 3 on the 1-10 scale.

Life is too short

This goes without saying, but in a pressurised society where were taught how 'normal' it is to stay busy at work and in our social lives, we forget how living the slow-paced way of life and not doing everything all the time, is actually really good for us - and we should practice it more often. Life is too short to keep experiencing burnout when your happiness and health should come first, always.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other reasons do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Why being single is good for your confidence

 Well hello to you my reader chums! Being single is important, a fact which I think many of us need to know or come to terms with. I've written a post on what I learnt about being single and why you should celebrate being single, but today, I want to talk about why living your single life is great for your confidence.

If you're newly single or have been single for a while, here are a few reasons why being single is good for your confidence.

Why being single is good for your confidence

You learn to be alone

Being alone is one of the most underrated things we all should learn to do but also value. Over the past two years, it's a skill I've really worked on but also learnt to love a lot. I love being on my own and spending that quality time with myself, whether that's going on a walk, taking part in my hobbies, or simply watching TV, it has helped me really value my independence. Being single gives you the privilege more to explore this because you're not dependant on someone else filling your time and your space. You have the opportunity for alone time and being with just yourself a lot more. By learning to be alone, you can grow many skills but ultimately your confidence. This is because you will find things about yourself that you love, you'll discover the things that bring you joy and ultimately, you'll discover that you don't need to hang out with someone to have fun - and those things aid confidence.

You don't rely on others for validation

Validation is something we all seek, especially with the cycle of comparing ourselves to others and wanting to feel good enough. When you're single, you don't have a partner to tell you you're beautiful, you're good enough, you're intelligent, funny and all the other compliments, you have to do that for yourself. You have to be your own hype girl and compliment yourself. This constant reel of compliments and affirmations will help you feel more self-confident in who you are and in what you're aiming to do. You don't have anyone to rely on for that kind of validation, but also the validation in terms of your emotions to help you understand how you're feeling. This is why being single will pave the way in helping you be more emotionally intelligent and self-aware which again, are the stepping stones to confidence.

It helps you find your passions

The single life is a chance to focus on you and only you. In a sense, it's freedom because there isn't any need to share your time and space with anyone else. Whatever free time you have is yours, and that means, you'll have a lot more time on your hands to pursue your passions and the things that bring you joy. Finding your passions helps with your journey of self-discovery and being your authentic self, which is a confidence booster in many ways. Being aligned with who you are can help you understand yourself and what you enjoy, and really grows your confidence. Your passions are just the beginning.

You learn to fall in love with yourself

Self-love is my number one priority in life and something I preach about all the time. The thing about self-love is you should never stop practicing it, whether you're single or in a relationship. It's the core of all things because how you feel about yourself is radiated about how you feel about others and your stance on the world. Being single helps you fall in love with yourself because you're not solely putting that huge amount of love on the other person, and can, therefore, aim it towards yourself, your needs, and your passions in life. It really helps you fall in love with yourself in every way and accept the things you're not the biggest fans of about you. Self-love isn't only the key to how you feel about yourself, but it's the key to confidence and being your best self.

You're able to figure out what's good for you and what isn't

Having alone time and being single is a great opportunity to figure out who you are and trial different things in life. It's an opportunity to allow you to figure out the hobbies you love to do, a job that makes you happy, or clothes you like to wear. And, it's also a time to realise the things that don't bring you joy, whether that's people, passions, or things. It's a reflective time and whether you're single for 6 months or years, the more you spend time reflecting and thinking, the easier it'll be to join the self-discovery journey and feel confident in your life.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other reasons do you have?

Thank you for reading <3

Book review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The new year is here and that means, I'm going to try to make more time for reading as it truly is my favourite thing. I started off the year by reading The Midnight Library and it was the best way I could kick start 2022 if I'm honest.

This post contains affiliate links.

If you're looking for a positive reminder or struggling with your mental health, here is my full review of The Midnight Library.

Book review: The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

Plotline

The plot follows Nora whose life has been going from bad to worse lately. On her last night on earth, when the clock strikes midnight, she is transported to the Midnight Library. Once she arrives, she realises that she has the opportunity to undo any regrets and try out all the other lives that she might have lived. As she experiences all the different lives, it raises the ultimate question, what is the best way to live?

Characters and relationships

The protagonist Nora is a character I related to and I think all of us can relate to in some ways when we've been in a dark place and we can't see the light. She represents a human, a human that's experienced highs and lows and thinks the only way out is leaving the earth, a human that is also dealing with depression and suicidal thoughts. Because of all this, it was so relatable, she was so relatable, especially when she was living all her lives. And the more she lived, the more she realised what's important in life and how she actually wants to live.

Mrs. Elm was a character that was technically a part of Nora's imagination but the person in charge of the Midnight Library and one I loved to read with all her wisdom and advice. Each life of Nora's had different characters but the main people that meant the most to her including her parents, brother, and best friends were all there somehow, and it showed how their connections are the most important things, and it's how nurturing and valuing them is what life is all about.

Overall thoughts

Overall, I'm putting this up there with one of the best books I've ever read. It's eye-opening and has that change in perspective that we all need to read to offer us that reminder that everything will be okay. Also, life isn't about what you do or where you are, it's how you feel in that moment and the love for yourself and those around you that'll make it all worthwhile. Seeing Nora's journey of learning this and falling in love with life again really warmed my soul and gave me hope for the harder days in my life or the times I'm lost. We're all living this rollercoaster that is life and it's about how you express gratitude, kindness, and love which will help get you through. 

I would highly recommend this book to everyone. I can see why it's a bestseller because it's a book I wish I read earlier in life, or in the times where I was struggling. It's a book everyone needs to read for a change in perspective, a better outlook on life, and really a novel that could change the world. It opened my eyes and it's a book I'll never forget. We all need a glimmer of hope, kindness, and gratitude to get us through. Life really can be a wonderful thing.

Ending

The ending wrapped the book up nicely, in a way that I closed it feeling motivated, content, and happy not with only the storyline but with my own perspective on life. I think as I've gotten older, I'm getting wiser about what life is all about, but this book really highlights that, offers hope and love, even on the darkest of days.

Love the sound of this book? You can pick up your copy here.

I hope you enjoyed this review. Have you read this book?

Thank you for reading <3

Top 10 tips for first-time travellers

 Well hello to you my reader chums! The world is wide and there is so much to explore, that's what makes travelling exciting for everyone. Travelling can open your heart and mind, whether it's a long-term venture or a short trip, you deserve the opportunity.

Everyone is a travelling newbie at some point and if you're a first-time traveller who is looking for advice or reassurance, here are my top 10 tips for first-time travellers.

Top 10 tips for first-time travellers

Map out your expectations

Travelling is an exciting prospect but it's different for everyone. Some people like to travel to have a break away from normality for a week, some people love to travel to experience a new culture in short stints, whilst others like to travel in long-term, embracing the slow travel way of life. We all have our preferences and this may change as you begin to travel, but it's good to set expectations for your trip. For instance, you're going on holiday for some relaxation or you're heading abroad for a couple of days to experience a new city and see the sights. 

Finding the best deals 

One of the biggest misconceptions about travelling is that it's expensive. Travelling can be done in whatever type of budget you have, whether you're a budget traveller or a luxury holiday kind of person. Either way, a deal is always needed to help you save cash. There are many ways to find deals when planning your travels. Seasonal sales, signing up to travel website's newsletters to be alerted of the deals, booking way in advance or booking last minute, being flexible with your dates, and much more. Find out more about money-saving advice here.

Do your research

Research is the key when it comes to travelling. I always say it's best to be over-prepared than under-prepared. Every destination is different in the world, and that means different laws, a different culture, different language, cuisine, and rituals - and it's important to be aware of that. Before you book or start planning your trip, immerse yourself into the safe side of your destination and what you need to be aware of and look out for. Know the laws so you can be respectful of local's religion and way of life too. 

I'd also recommend researching the area you're staying in, how to get about, emergency numbers, and the top things you want to do so you don't miss out. A quick Google can go a long way when you're planning your travels.

Ensure you have all the documentation in place

Visas, passport, insurance, Covid passes, these are all things to be aware of. When you're researching your destination, find out which documentation you need before you go and for when you arrive at the destination - and organise it so you can travel with ease. For instance, in some countries, after you've stayed over 30 days, you may need a visa to extend your stay further. Or, for countries in the UK like Scotland or Northern Ireland, you won't need a passport to fly there. 

Prepare for the airport in good time

The airport is one of my favourite places to be, I love the bustle of it all and the stories it's filled with; it fills my heart with excitement. But, for newbies to the airport, it can seem a bit daunting and uncertain at first, with the hundreds of people and many signs of where to go. My best advice is to give yourself time, you need to arrive two hours before your flight anyway to check in your luggage, go through security and get something to eat. But if you're new, maybe give yourself another hour so you have the time to find your bearings.

Get travel insurance

Travel insurance is the most important thing you need before you depart for your trip. You never know what may happen when you're away, you could fall ill, need to cancel your trip, or cut your trip short. That's where travel insurance comes in, it puts the protection in place to offer you emergency medical care so you're not caught out with a huge hospital bill and it can also help you out with many other instances.

Packing light is key

The key to packing is to pack light. One of the biggest travelling mistakes is to bring too many things with you, overfilling your suitcase or backpack and paying more at the airport. The best hack is to write a list of things you think you need and then half it. Only bring what's essential because when it comes to toiletries, you can always buy them there, and there's no point overpacking clothes if you know you won't wear them. And, don't forget to use packing cubes to help you organise your luggage. Check out my packing tips for more advice.

Back up plans are important

You can never be overprepared when it comes to safety. Ensure you keep someone notified of where you're going, prepare for the worst by getting travel insurance, download relevant apps, be aware of scams and also have a backup plan in place. What I mean by this is always bring spare cash or enough money in case the unfortunate happens. They always say you should have double the amount of cash available of where you're going - e.g if you're bringing £300 spending money, ensure you have the same amount available in your account so you can replace it if it gets lost.

Learn a few phrases of the destination's language

It's always handy to speak the language of where you're going. It's not only handy to help you speak and communicate with the locals, but it helps if you get stuck in a situation where nobody can speak English. If you familarise yourself with their language, you'll find communicating a lot easier, even if it's just a few common phrases.

Enjoy the new experience 

Travelling is the most incredible thing any of us can do. It opens our eyes to a new place, new experiences, new culture, new people, and new food. We should all have the opportunity to travel and when we do, value and appreciate it. Enjoy every single moment as one day they're the stories you'll be telling.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other tips do you have for newbie travellers?

Thank you for reading <3

Calmigo review and experience | Gifted

 Well hello to you my reader chums! If you've been reading my blog for a while, you'd know I talk about my anxiety a lot, how I deal with it, and my tips and tricks that have worked for me. Living with anxiety isn't easy, after making so much progress, I can sometimes end up doing five steps back instead of forward and it's an awful feeling. However, it's all part of anxiety, and every day, I'm learning new things about my own triggers and how to cope with them.

Calmigo review and experience

With my anxiety, I also have a lot of panic attacks. They used to occur more when I was younger, however, over the last 2 years, I've experienced them more often, and it's something I've been trying to find a way to cope with again. When Calmigo got in touch and offered to send me a device, I was more than excited to find something that could potentially be the method I've been looking for.

AD - This item was gifted but all opinions are my own.

If you're living with anxiety or dealing with panic attacks and looking for a solution to help, here is my full review and experience of Calmigo.

What is Calmigo?

Calmigo is a natural, portable device and drug-free solution, designed for moments of anxiousness, stress, and upset - and is used for both immediate relief and for long-term effectiveness. It looks like an asthma inhaler and is the same sort of size. 

Calmigo review and experience

How do I use Calmigo?

Calmigo is really simple to use once it has all been set up. The device has different elements including the scent attachment you clip on, which can add to the sense of calm, and the vibration switch, which you can either have on or off when using the device. The first thing to do is set up the device by adding in the batteries, clipping on the scent attachment, wiping down the mouthpiece, and switching on the device. Once you've done that, you're ready to use it.

You'll see the battery light flash on when you've switched on the device and then you're set to go. Simply begin by exhaling into the device and it will flash all three lights once you've reached the optimum length of exhalation. I like to keep on the vibration option as it gives me some comfort when breathing in and out of the device. The scent I have is lavender which again, is an extra comfort as that's the one scent that instantly soothes me. The best way I can describe how to use it, is by practicing breathing techniques to calm me down but with guided help. Watch this video to help - it gave me all the advice I needed.

Calmigo review and experience

How have I found using Calmigo?

Initially, I wasn't too sure what to expect of Calmigo and if it would actually do anything, but I've been beyond surprised with the outcome. It's something I wish my eighteen-year-old self could have had when I was having panic in nightclubs, on the tube, or in crowds, as it really has brought me a lot of relief.

I've found in moments when the anxiety is rising in my chest or I feel a panic attack coming on, that reaching for my Calmigo does the world of good. It allows me to focus on my breathing for a few moments and the scent of the lavender on the device adds that sense of calm. As it vibrates as I breathe, it kind of gives me a reminder that it's there which is a weird sense that is reassuring too. It's like a little pal with me cheering me on, especially if I'm alone panicking and there is nobody to calm me down. 

Calmigo is definitely something that has come with practice because at first, I didn't really get the knack for it but once I knew how to use it, I could really reap the benefits of what the device does. And, knowing I can carry it with me wherever I go, helps me have a little reassurance that I've got something to always make me feel better.

Would I recommend Calmigo?

I would 100% recommend Calmigo. I didn't expect to love the device as much as I should as nothing has really been completely effective with my panic attacks and anxiety. However, this little beauty is everything I've been needing in moments of anxiety. It's a little on the pricier end, but it's definitely one of those things that'll be worth the investment as I have the assurance of knowing, I have an actual thing to calm me down now, rather than relying on my friends, mediations or apps. It's a physical device that is there for me.

Use code dellaaaaxx for $30 off your device! You can find more information or buy your device here.

Calmigo review and experience

I hope you enjoyed this post. What other methods help calm you down when you're feeling anxious?

Thank you for reading <3

My goals for 2022

 Well hello to you my reader chums! I cannot believe I'm typing out this post and a new year is here. 2021 seemed to flash by and it's safe to say, it was a year of ups and downs. Starting out in lockdown, to life going back to somewhat normal and achieving many things I didn't think I would, my emotions have certainly been all over the place for good and bad reasons.

With another year, I always love to set myself new goals, new things to focus on so in the next year I can look back and reflect, and see what I've accomplished. I'm a big dreamer and there are many things I want to do in the new year - here are my goals for 2022.

My goals for 2022

Become a published author

I set this goal last year as it's something I've been dreaming about since I was a little girl. I want nothing more than to see my books on the shelves in Waterstones, laid out with my full name printed in bold. I've written 5 novels, two adult fictions, and 3 middle-grade children's books and I can't wait until the day a literary agent says they want to help publish my book - I manifest it every day. Even though on average, it takes authors years to get a publishing deal, I'm going to work at it this year to hopefully make my dream a reality.

Get back to the travel way of life

The pandemic has really stopped all my travel dreams. Before it happened, I was away at least 5 times a year, exploring new cities and countries but that has been limited the past two years and I miss it more than anything. I was lucky enough to go on a few staycations including Brighton and getting away to Italy last year, but in 2022, the plan is to get fully back at it, if the rules allow. I want to go backpacking again for a couple months and plan out trips for the rest of the year. I want to experience the full freedom travelling gives me.

Spend less time on social media

This is a big one for me. I work in social media and I'm always on my phone and if I'm honest, it can be completely draining and mind-numbing, and sometimes I don't know when to stop. But, it's an ultimate goal for me to spend less time on social media and my phone overall, and try to be in the present more, and with my thoughts, rather than scrolling to district my mind.

Care for my skin more

My skin took a bad turn towards the end of this year and if I'm honest, I'm not used to it as I've always been quite lucky to have nice skin. I'm going to aim to get back into a proper skincare routine that really works for me and hopefully get it back to being healthy.

Continue to prioritise my needs

Something this past year taught me was to put myself first and listen to what I needed, rather than putting other people's needs before my own. I've learnt that once I take care of myself, I'm able to help others better and it also boosts my confidence, mental health, and happiness. I want to continue to say no when things don't feel right, prioritise my mental health when my body is telling me to rest, and cancel plans if I need to. Learning to not feel guilty doing this is hard but it has helped me care for myself a lot more.

Go full-time freelance

I've been dreaming of becoming a freelance writer and travelling around the world for years and it's a dream I'm craving more than ever. In the last half of 2021, my freelance writing and social media work has come on leaps and bounds, and I'm incredibly proud of the opportunities I've been given, and the clients I have worked with. I'm really enjoying the freedom of freelance life, growing my skills, and picking up new projects; it thrills me. I hope next year, I'm able to increase my clientele and work towards a position to make it a full-time gig.

Continue saving

I feel very lucky that I've managed to save a lot this year and I want to continue that savings plan to work towards my dream of buying a house/getting on the property ladder and going backpacking again. I would love to be in the position one day where I'm financially free and this is something I'm working towards in every possible way. 

Write another book

Writing books is something I adore with my whole heart and I definitely want to map out a plan and get cracking on another book this year. I have a few ideas and I'm excited to sit down and see where my creative mind takes me. 

Grow my business

My sister and I run our home baking business, Twinnies Bake and we love it. It's a way to show our creative side of baking to the world and share our baked goods with everyone. Due to the pandemic and my sister having a baby, we took a step back in 2020 and this year, however, we've relaunched again and I'm hoping 2022 will be the year that we go big. We offer everything from our famous brownies, celebrations cakes, cupcakes to brownie slabs, stacks, cookies, and more. Plus, our brownie postal service is available all around the UK.

Fall in love with myself again and again

I've been on my self-love journey for a long time now and every day, I'm learning more about myself, who I am, and striving to be my best self. I learn to love bits about myself that I used to hate, I accept the mistakes I've made and flaws I have to ultimately reach the goal of loving who I am, completely. It's a journey, one that has its ups and downs but I'm excited to see what another year of it looks like and see the position I'll be in by the end of 2022.

Live in the present 

Life is a wonderful thing and often I get so caught up capturing it that I forget to live it. I've really tried to focus on being present a lot more this past year and it's a goal I want to improve on over and over again. Things go by so quickly and I want to be more present in every way I can.

Rest more

I'm used to always doing a million things at once, it's normal to me but I know this busy lifestyle isn't good for my mental health and I've really been trying to focus on resting more and taking regular breaks, and over the next year, I want to make it a top priority so I'm actually able to relax.

I hope you enjoyed this post. What are your goals?

Thank you for reading <3