Author: Holly

Stand out in the crowd

It’s boring being normal, I haven’t ever wanted to fit in… OK at school I did, didn’t we all though.

I don’t want to be a sheep and follow whatever trend is in fashion this spring /summer. Having exactly the same outfit on as someone else around your neck of the woods doesn’t scream individuality. I mean if you want to then that’s up to you, but me personally I like to be totally unique.

Here below you can see I’m not your average norm.

I cut my hair off and donated it to the little princess trust and its going to take forever to grow and colour won’t stay in at the mo cos of my health so I got these 3 wigs on amazon.

I don’t even mind that people will probably be able to tell its not my hair.

It’s all about being your own person and that’s what I’m doing 😊

Please don’t be afraid to go outside your comfort zone.

You may surprise yourself.

My Anxiety Tips

If you aren’t a regular reader here you won’t know my anxiety history. I’ll leave my story of how it started here incase you want to have a nosey.

Let’s just say I’ve had it for going on 2 decades and I’ve picked up some helpful coping strategies.

❤️ When you feel an anxiety attack coming on, try and get out into the fresh air and sit down if possible. I get hot and lightheaded in an attack so fresh air and somewhere to perch my bum is much needed.

❤️ The main thing is to concentrate on your breathing to try bring it back to normal. So breath in for 4, hold for 7 and let out for 8. I thought oh my goodness I can’t breath in for that long. But it really does work.

♥️ I have always found music to be the perfect distraction when I’m anxious. In particular I like soft music like acoustic or love songs. Songs that have great lyrics you can focus on. I also love listening to a crackling fire on the relaxing sounds app. Alternatively if you want loud music to try drown out the anxious thoughts that helps too in my opinion.

♥️ You’ve all heard of the grounding tip of things you can see etc using all your senses. Well I’ve come up with this one.

In your bag have something that has a scent that makes you happy like your fave perfume or cologne. I do love lavender too so some essential oils are really handy too.

Have your happy photos on your phone in a folder easily accessible so you can look at them to bring your emotions back to not being stressed out.

Your phone will come for the next two senses which is listen – so it could be the music I mentioned, or some affirmations that you can pre record to remind yourself that everything is going to be ok.

Your mouth without a doubt will be dry in an anxiety attack so popping your favourite sweet in will definitely calm you down, tried and tested by me.

Last sense is touch. There are so many stress relievers out there on ebay/ wish / amazon. Having that at hand in your bag will come in so handy if that’s all you can manage to get during your attack.

♥️ Reach out and ask for help or just message/call someone you trust and say help me take my mind off things, distract me, make me laugh. Pretty sure you have one person you can turn to.

I really could go on and on and on but I think I’ll leave it there.

I’m always here for any of you if you feel the need to chat.

Hope this has been of some help.

Til next time

The Plan

I want to accomplish a goal this year, something that won’t just make me happy but will help others too.

So if you didn’t know i wrote a book a few years ago,my real life story called BULLIED FOR BEING ME (click to get a copy its £1.62 at the mo for the paper back). It gets the word out of how mean bullies can be and how back then i coped. It was pretty tough to write it as i had to relive it in my head but it is so rewarding when you have something in paperback to be proud of.

If i was to write another book i am tore between doing a self help book or poetry book as both would make me ecstatically happy to do.

I also would love to be an agony aunt, i would love to have a page online or on the blog to dedicate to helping with problems of any topic, nothing is ever too embarrassing for me to delve into but i have no idea how to go about that one. If you do please click on my twitter or Instagram below and inbox me your ideas.

MY TWITTER
MY INSTAGRAM

I have so much to give to others because that’s just the type of person i am. So lets hope i can achieve my goal.

Reinventing Yourself

When I say reinvent yourself I don’t mean make yourself into someone else / someone who will be totally unrecognisable to your friends & family.

I mean changing a few things in life to make it better for you and make you happier in the process.

❤️ Give your style a overhaul if you feel like your in a slump. I know that I need to do that as my wardrobe is a mish mash of all sorts.

❤️ If your hair colour has been the same or the length of your hair is getting you down give it a bit of life and treat yourself. It’s amazing how a hair app can alter you completely. I’m growing my hair but once I’m healed from surgery I’m definitely going to treat myself to a colour.

❤️ Re-evaluate the people you have in your life that don’t make you feel good about yourself they need to go. Fill your life with inspiring people who make you feel happy everytime you see them. I have only the people who appreciate me and bring a smile to my face daily.

❤️ Changing the hobbies you have, if you had any at all to ones you’ll enjoy going to and not find them a chore. Whether it’s arts and crafts or something sporty you’ll find enjoyment in something and that’ll become your passion in life. I love writing poetry and when I’m feeling brave I sketch even though I’m not that good I find sketching therapeutic.

See just having a few changes in life can alter how you spend your days.

I hope you’ve found it helpful.

Til next time

MARCH FAVOURITES

As March has been a bit of a right off for me I thought I’d just wrack my brains for some things that have bought a smile to my face.

FOOD

Noisette potatoes… Had them in the hospital bit of nostalgia from my childhood. Like little balls of potato in batter. Delish.

SONG

Jim Reeves – I love you because. My poorly great aunt ( who’s had a stroke) said put Jim reeves on and when I played this she mouthed all the words. Bless her heart. The lyrics are beautiful 😍

LISTEN HERE

APP OF THE MONTH

Pottery lite – it’s therapeutic, you throw a pot then decorate it then sell it at a pretend auction. It’s rather addictive and is good if you want to fill in some empty time.

QUOTE

Purely because of what I’ve endured these past weeks.

Let me know down below something in your March that’s made you happy.

ROLL ON APRIL 🙈

My Surgery

Most of my posts have been written in advance as I didn’t know how I was going to be feeling after my surgery. I usually write and publish my blog posts the same day but I had to think ahead.

So I thought I’d just write a short question and answer about my surgery and how I’m feeling

  1. What surgery did I have: I had my bladder removed it took 9 hours as they wanted to save my bowel and uterus as they were stuck together with adhesions.
  2. Did you have to have anything done to prep you for it: I had to drink these vile drinks for 2 days then alter my eating to softish food. It was a bit of a struggle but I did it.
  3. How long is recovery expected to be: some people are still recovering years later but I’ve been told I can’t lift anything heavier than a kettle for 6 months or more. My niece will just have to come cuddle up on the other side as she’s getting a lump at nearly 3 so I’m not up for doing myself damage.
  4. Are the staff nice: Overall they are all really nice and helpful and reassure me when I’m a bit scared
  5. What’s the hospital food like:to be honest because my appetite has gone a bit I’ve not ate very much at all. The food I have had is edible just not a variety that I see on the menu they bring round.
  6. What are you doing to pass the time: for the first couple of days / nearly a week I felt pretty rotten and been dosed up with painkillers. When I have been ok I’ve watched the TV they have in my room then the occasional Netflix film or YouTube video.
  7. Do you have to adapt to anything differently: yes plenty. I now have a bag stuck to my body that needs to be very well looked after and of course the stoma itself. It’ll all come with practise.
  8. A positive message for others facing surgery: keep a positive head, a strong mind will get you through anything.

Deep meaningful quotes that give you all the feels

OK. So here are some meaningful quotes that I know you will be able to relate on some level.

Looking at someone past their looks and seeing what they are really all about.

Know that number 1 is you and don’t put someone else’s importance before your own.

You want to conquer something but you need the courage to do it. Spread them wings, get flying.

Finding the right people in life that will make you smile, lift you up and watch you improve in life.

You need to leave the past behind to be able to move forward. I know you’ve heard this one before probably from many people. It’s because it’s so true.

It’s not plain sailing for anyone. You need to know that everybody has bumps in their path of life. Struggles are everywhere, it’s how you handle them.

And that’s your life lesson for today 😂

Til next time