5 Things I've Learned From Regularly Working Out

I know, I know, there's so many fitness posts out there and incredibly toned people which make you wonder how abs can even look like that, but this isn't one of those preachy 'let's all go eat kale' posts. Side note- I actually really kinda love kale now when its stir fried with olive oil and salt sorry not sorry.

Before this year, I was always pretty active, but never really committed to consistently exercise, it was more of a oh maybe I'll go to a yoga class this week. Since coming to Oslo and joining a gym which includes classes in my membership, I've been going at least 4 times a week, and now I can't imagine not working out regularly.

I'm never going to be one of those dreamy bikini goddesses (looking at you Emily Ratajkowski you absolute dreamboat)- when I was a child my mum took me to the Doctor to ask why my stomach was so rounded only to find out that's 'just my shape'... Yay for genetics!! But my aesthetic has gone from 'might occasionally eat a salad and walks around but obvs polishes off family size bags of minstrels' to 'could still eat a giant bag of M&Ms in one sitting but has some form of muscle definition'. And tbh I wouldn't have it any other way.

Happiness Toolkit | What Makes Me Get Up Every Day

My yoga instructor is a bit of a babe, if only for the reason that at the start of every class, he talks about things which always get me thinking and contemplating, which then often leads to inspiration for a post. The other day he was discussing the concept that if we can identify what makes us happy, then we can replicate this every day and always be content in life.

Although I love the sentiment, this seems a bit simplistic to me. Life throws curveballs at us, or it may not be possible to recreate exact situations which brought you joy. A hedonistic lifestyle and simply living for pleasure may sound appealing initially, but we all know this is unrealistic and unsustainable. However, this got me thinking about what really makes me happy. Like an inner glow, little knot of anticipation and excitement within me, involuntary smiles and the contentment of my cat stretching out decadently on the sofa, bathing in the soft glow of the sun.

Lying on a beach, book in hand and a pina colada next to me; reaching the top of Machu Picchu in time to see the sunrise over the magnificent peaks; winter walks with my family in the countryside, far away from everything; dinners with friends where you talk about anything and everything; all of these are moments when I'm at my most elated. I realised that specific as these moments are, I could clearly see the things which complete my life.

(Side note: does anyone else find selecting pictures for your post far more difficult than actually writing it?! Like, is this relevant/interesting/aesthetically appealing? Idk, I just know I like this jacket and the fact that I'm smiling so much my eyes disappear, so there's a highly tenuous connection to this post)

Monthly Challenges | February

With all of the New Year's resolutions flying about, I've decided to try giving myself monthly resolutions. Year long goals can seem intimidating and unattainable, but having five smaller goals to achieve in four weeks seems like a fun way to challenge myself and really push myself to make the most out of every month. I want put myself out of my comfort zone as much as I can, and having smaller aims seems like a realistic way to achieve this.

Plus, I love a good list. You may have noticed that from reading this blog and seeing the many list orientated posts...

(Before you think, 'is one of her resolutions really taking selfies?!', no, it's not. I'm just a little bit obsessed with these sunglasses and that seemed a reason as good as any to use this photo)

When Life Gets You Down | A Love Letter To Blogging

I'm sure why, but whenever I'm feeling sad or a bit out of depth, and life keeps throwing curveballs at me, I immediately load up my blog. Writing is instinctively what I do, and I know that after I'm emptied my heart onto a blank screen, I feel so much better. With music on in the background, I cannot think of anything more therapeutic for me. There's something special about putting your unspoken thoughts into words, and truly understanding how you feel and why. It gets things sorted in my brain, and it's become my favourite thing to do.

It's not only writing, but reading other other people's posts, and being inspired by how you are all absolutely killing it with your writing and your pictures which make me want to pick myself up and feel better. Or realising that someone else knows how I feel and seeing their own thoughts, as if we're all part of a big, beautiful network of support, comfort, inspiration and wonder.

Living In The Now | Life's Special Moments

You know those times when at that exact moment, everything is beautiful and peaceful? When you're with people who mean everything to you, and suddenly you catch someone's eye and their smile warms your insides and time goes a little bit slower. Or when you're standing still, the only sounds the whisper of a breeze, and the sunset is so astounding that the sky looks like its burning up in beauty. Or when you're driving somewhere, with the windows down and your favourite song is playing, and you just think, if life was always like this, it would be pretty incredible.

How To Make The Most Of Being On Your Own

I have never been one to binge watch series on netflix, or to relish a duvet day and the prospect of not leaving the house. I'm more of a 'how can I pack the most into today and not have any free time' kinda person, and to be honest, I actually find stopping still and relaxing really difficult. That's not to say I don't have those days where I just want to curl up in bed and not face the world, but normally my days are full of people and socialising, which is the way I like it. 

So moving to Oslo, where I knew nobody, and had a rather sparse timetable of classes, I figured I had to get better at being alone with my thoughts, and having some down time. So for you all you crazy busy people at there who'd rather run around rather than chill, this post is for you!

1. Go for a walk and get some fresh air