The Lo Down - My Journey to being more Positive

Hey Guys and Dolls,

Being positive, some people find it so easy to be just that while others find it almost impossible. I was the latter three years ago, I was so negative no one could say anything to me without me having a little hissy fit. It was during my bad mental health stage and most of the time I wanted to spend time on my own which of course wasn't the solution either.  I was beyond down and no one could bring me out of my rut at the time.

Fast forward three years and I'm in a much better place right now. I'm happy, I'm doing exactly what I what I want to do in life, I'm going out with a boy that seriously is my everything and things are just going well in general. It wasn't all that easy to get to this stage I'm telling you, it took hard work and determination on my part. Of course I had alot of support aswell from my family, friends and mental health professionals which was definitely needed.

So how did I become so positive you may ask? Mindfulness helped alot, I'm not going to lie it wasn't for me to begin with. I didn't like it at all and I dreaded going to be my classes but once you get into it it's really helpful. It's all about living in the moment which I don't think we do quite enough at all. I feel much more relaxed when I practice Mindfulness if you can't find a class near you, there's always really good books you can get on it aswell. Next I think it is really important to have like minded positive people around you. When I was being really negative I noticed that a good few of my friends didn't want to be around me which was hard I must admit but I totally understand why now. People don't like when you are negative as it does but a downer on everyone elses day which isn't fair in the slightest. Once I started being positive again all those friends came back and we're way happier to see me back to my old self. So I feel it's really good to be around positive people as nothing beats those positive vibes.

I think it's also really important to do regular activites, if I was sitting around the house all day I would just get more and more inside myself. To beat that I decided to make plans for everyday be it go out for a short walk or hang out with my close friends, both these things for me made such a difference to my life. I also found reading a good book helped me alot. If you sit down with a good book I automatically think you feel happier and you have something to talk to your friends about when you seen them. I think Ruby Wax books are really good. She's an amazing mental health advocate and I found her books interesting as well as really informative.

All in all I feel alot more positive over the past few years it definitely took time and effort but I got there in the end and I'm definitely feeling alot happier which is always a plus.

Laura<3

Brand Love: Alex and Ani

The last few months have been pretty hard for me. In June I lost a family member who was really close to my heart. I know alot of people out there find it difficult to remain positive, I can definitely put my two hands up to that. I have such an amazing support around me who have stuck with me through the good and bad times. It's been a struggle at times but now I know there's definitely a light at the end of the tunnel.

My good friend from college, Serena introduced me to the Alex and Ani range in May and I've become a huge fan of their pieces. Serena actually has a blog to you can check it out here. All their pieces are blessed in America when they are made. The brands ethos is to live consciously whilst turning a lifestyle brand into away of life. I'm all for positive energy at the moment and I really like the idea behind this brand. I've already bought quite a few of their bangles as you can see from the picture above. They come packaged in beautiful sleek black boxes which I store them in at night. There's a different meaning behind each symbol which I myself really like the idea of.

The five symbols I have are as follows

Starfish = Vigilance. Intuition. Ability

The star of the sea symbolises guidance, intuition and vigilance. It's said that when you were this you're given guided direction and a sense of potential. I bought this cause I love the sea and swimming, so when I look at this bangle it reminds me of that. Aquarians are known as water carriers so it definitely is appropriate that I love water!!

Birthstone

My birthday is the 15th of February, I know I was a couple of hours short of being a Valentine's Day baby. My favourite colour is purple so it was pretty apt that my birthstone is amethyst, which is a mixture of violet and red. The stone itself represents courage and inner strength, seems just about right.

Everything Happens For a Reason

This is obviously self explanatory in itself. I do believe everything happens for a reason in life but I know aswell that sometimes things happen in life that we can't control even if we'd like to. Sure if you get thrown a hard ball you have to hit it out of the park. There's so many exciting things in store in life and the future is always brighter than what it may seem at times.

Tree of Life

The Tree of Life represents strong roots, consistent growth and fruition. It also acknowledges the strong bond between mankind and mother earth. I really enjoy being out and about, I'm not one for staying in and moping around so I fell in love with this the minute I saw.

Seven Swords = Love.Radiance.Strength

The seven swords represent the seven archangels, when you wear it your meant to find a inner love for yourself.

I have a feeling my obsession with this brand may continue for a while. I've already seen their Disney collection online and I have a couple of pieces I want to get. Pity the postage is extortionate, $60 to Ireland if you were wondering. The bangles differ in price, the ones I bought myself range from €26 to around the €35 mark.

Have you become obsessed with Alex and Ani like me? If so let me know what pieces you've acquired? 

Laura<3