In less than half a week I abandoned lazy summer days in the sun for a job that now takes up most of my time. It was what I’d wanted then, but as the weeks keep pushing by I’m starting to treasure little things that perhaps I barely paid any attention to before.

Things like a nap after mom’s amazing cooking, or walking Chimbo (even if he IS 15 and takes forever to walk around a corner); having a ‘me’ night, where I give myself a little at home spa treatment, sitting around the TV with my mom laughing at the sillyness of the world or going out for dinner together and talking about big dreams.

I’ve missed lunch dates with friends and silly photos. Two weeks ago I was convinced to go out and watch Eclipse, and I can’t even remember the last time I’d gone to the movies! (OK I lie — I’m pretty sure the last time was for Avatar).

Talking to Tom every day forever isn’t possible anymore, which is heartbreaking, especially considering we are True Blood junkies and I can’t watch an episode if he isn’t around. I’d feel like I cheated.

Now that I have to stretch every bit of time that I have to myself, I seem to be getting a lot more done. I’ve picked up my love for reading again thanks to the long commute to work — currently reading The Time Traveller’s Wife because this is one book I want to read every word of before I see the movie. I’d just hate myself if I didn’t!

What little things have you learned to treasure?

Picture success. Your dreams coming true, small changes in the world like a clockwork shifting so that things finally fall into place for you. Maybe you’ve won the lottery, or you’ll be offered an amazing opportunity.

Those sweet, sweet moments will inevitably be accompanied by a few bitter souls who feel the need to inform you that it “isn’t that amazing”, or that they’ve “already been there” or “they’re past that stage”, whatever that all means. As always, our favorite jealousy cliché is unfortunately ever present.

It’s something about self esteem — we do whatever it takes to preserve it, and, as it goes, haters will always hate. They’re not hurting your self esteem, they’re trying to help theirs by stepping over you. It becomes tiring because some of these people just keep on pushing it to get some sort of validation, and it takes a lot of patience to dismiss them and to stay classy while you’re at it!

1. It doesn’t matter if they’ve had something similar happen before with bad results because guess what — they’re not you! They may not possess the same psychological tools to confront difficult situations, so no matter how similar the experience, you’ll be going about it differently.
2. Obviously the experience will never be exact because your situation is not the same either! Just because they failed doesn’t mean you will. The fact that anyone would try to connect their failures to you alone is a big warning sign.
3. Be realistic and basically take everyone’s input (both positive and negative) with a grain of salt. Stay grounded.
4. Don’t spend too much time analyzing what everyone says, as that is energy you’ll need to put into your plans and dreams and success.
5. Judge the opportunity/success as it applies to you. If this opportunity or event is what success is for you, who is anyone else to say that it’s not enough? Things in life will only have the value you give them.
6. On a similar note, a small setback will only be as big as you allow it to be. Be wary of whose “advice” you heed.  It’s one thing to give advice and it’s a whole other thing to try to close doors. If any doors need to be closed, make sure you’re the one doing the closing.
7. Keep your focus. After all it’s your life and you’re choosing how to live it every second. If everything you do is based on someone else’s judgement, then isn’t that a bit like living their life?
8. Don’t give out too many details about your projects, what you hope to get from this amazing opportunity etc. This will only invite people to judge and criticize. Everyone seems to feel entitled to comment on everyone’s life nowadays, eh? The more you keep to yourself, the less they’ll be able to discuss.
9. That said, know who you can trust. Make these people your allies, and go to them in times of doubt. As with anything else in life, nobody can pull through entirely on their own. We are social beings and as such we need a good support system sometimes too!
10. Go for it. If it’s what you want, if the curiosity is killing you, if you just want to take a risk, then do it. You can be the judge of whether or not it was the right choice yourself.

So sugardrop, what do you do to stay afloat when everyone seems to be trying to drown you?

P.S — Sorry for my absence! I’ve begun working six days a week so it’s taking a little while to adjust. But I haven’t forgotten you all ;)!

When I was 12, I became obsessed with BonneBell lipgloss and Bath & Bodyworks glitter. They were my life. That’s as far as my makeup ideas went, and I loved it! Throughout middle school and highschool I got more into it, but not as a daily kind of thing. Perhaps it was because I felt a bit stupid wearing makeup and a uniform, and I didn’t think school was that important to get dressed up for anyway. But then I broke free of that and realized that HEY! If done right, makeup can be amazing!

The way I see it, makeup is there to enhance your features, whether it’s a bright or subtle look you’re going for. The only time it can get really, really bad, is when used as a mask (and I mean literally!). I guess the first step is recognizing and accepting that you are already beautiful without it, whether you’re a fair skinned beauty with green eyes and exquisite red locks or you’re darker with deep black eyes and amazing dark curls. There’s something suitable for every skin tone and every eye-color, so go with what you have instead of trying to work against it!

I wear makeup because by playing up my best features, I get an extra kick of confidence in me. I wear it because I think it’s fun to change looks once in a while, always going for something that defines me and that I feel good in. I’m not afraid to wear loud red lips if the occasion is right, but I also have no problem leaving the house ‘fresh faced’ with just a touch of lipgloss! It is by no means a necessary part of my routine, although I’m going through a phase where I just want to try and experiment with new products and colors. I find it incredibly interesting and fun!

What do you think about makeup? Why do you or don’t you wear it?

1. Wake up inspired.
2. Under no circumstances should you put your dreams on the back burner.
3. Know your strengths and play up to them.
4. Know your weaknesses and work on them.
5. E-mail someone to tell them how much they’ve inspired you.
6. Hand make your gifts, and give them to those you love whether it’s their birthday or not.
7. Spread the word about things you love/have helped you so that they may do the same for others.
8. Treasure relationships above all else. Everything would be pointless without those that make up our world!
9. If you’re thinking of doing something, do it NOW.
10. Learn to accept constructive criticism, for easy/pleasant it is not!
11. Say hello/good morning/good afternoon to the store clerk before you ask, to the bus driver as you pay the fare, to your waiter before you order…
12. That said, be kind to waiters! Just because that’s their job doesn’t mean it’s their only aspiration in life. It may not require a 4.0 GPA, but you try running around with trays full of drinks and remembering everyone’s order. I know I’d be a mess!
13. Regard yourself highly but don’t boast. Just don’t do it.
14. If someone is disrespectful, there’s no need to be nasty and start shooting them with every insult you know, but there’s nothing wrong with putting someone in their place. Don’t let anyone trample on you, but be classy about it!
15. Let everyone you love know it, every day, any way you want.
16. Think less “I want [object]” and more “I want to do [activity/goal/project]“.
17. Own your mind.
18. Allow yourself to be unreasonable every once in a while.
19. Always be curious.
20. ‘Be the best version of yourself you can be’.

What do you lovelies do to be so amazing?

In the first chapter, Jonathan Brings up a defining issue that may very well be the beginning to this mess we’ve got ourselves into. And that problem lies in the fact that we don’t own our minds; they are always “brooding about something” and tossing thoughts around. Thoughts rich in conflicting messages about who we should be and who we can be (according to societies, fellow human beings and our own selves). Funny enough it has had me thinking all day.

My thoughts are an ‘original’ mix of everything I’ve ever heard, everyone I’ve ever met and everything I’ve ever seen. They didn’t just spring to life in my head, of course. But what about my fears and self-doubt? That’s also got to be a mix of external influences, as well as all that internal brooding. What if I could control that? What if I could choose when to listen to myself? As Jonathan puts it, we walk away or zone out when someone says something we don’t want to hear, so why can’t we do that with our selves? Chapter 1 ends with a neat little exercise to take this first step, and I can’t wait to try it!

So sugardrop, what do you think “owning your mind” means? Do you sometimes pay too much attention to what your mind has to say, even if you don’t like it?

Reading Corner
This is my favorite and the one I’m going for right now: a little refuge in my living room for reading! A comfy one seater, some cushions and a small table to hold my preferred drink while I read all the books in the world. I’m setting up right by the window so the light is behind me, and right next to a built-in bookshelf so that I have any story I please at hand! Perfect for cozying up in winter and just laying about with light reading in the summer.

Benefits: Having a designated place for reading makes it ideal for doing just that — reading. You are tucked away in a little corner, not worried about the mess in your room or the TV shouting at you. It can be your own mini library, free of charge. Yes please!

Vanity Corner
If you are a girly girl, and especially if you have to share a bathroom with a sibling, you’ll know the importance of having a little vanity in the peace and quiet of your room. A small table with makeup storage and a mirror will do. Keep everything at hand and get dolled up without worrying about how long you’re hogging up the bathroom. It may seem silly, but having a space where you can focus on looking good can be incredibly motivating, as vain as that may sound. I’ll confess a little something sugardrop: every morning before a big exam, I put more effort into my makeup. It’s one thing to feel good, but to know you look good as well just makes you want to take over the world! Have your iPod speakers (or a boombox if you’re a 90′s baby and still love those loud little things!) and do your makeup/dress up to your favorite music. Have a little party of your own before actually going out!
Put a positive affirmation or quote up near your mirror to remember how lovely you are. Say it out if necessary!

Tip: If your room is small/tiny, get a full length mirror and set it against a corner. Place all your makeup storage next to it, and just sit on the floor while you get ready! I’ve done it before and it is quite comfy I must say.

Creating Corner
Some of you may be fortunate enough to have a completely different room for creating and making your crafts. Some of us aren’t, and as with everything you need to make the most of what you have! So you know how it goes now: pick a corner anywhere in the house where you can be tucked away in the quietness of your own existence! I will never tire of the closet turned office/craft space idea! That is, if you have a closet to spare ;) Pick storage that can stack upwards so that you take up minimal space, maybe somewhere near a window for natural light. Think of the mess you might make or what tools you’ll be using. The important thing is to claim a little bit of the home for your creating needs, and have your partner/siblings/parents respect it!

Entertaining Corner
Again if you live on your own, chances are you’ll use your living room space to have your guests over. Even if that’s the case, why not designate a cozy little nook of your home for entertaining and enjoying a glass of wine or two with a friend? Choose a two seater swing on your porch, on your backyard or terrace. Also perfect for snuggling up to your s.o of course! For those of us working with limited space, this one is a tough one. But one can always dream!

• For inspiration, take a look at my favorite interior design sites!

What corners have you designated in your home or room?

• Slipping into bed after a shower. Clean you + clean bedsheets = amazingness.
• Having your pet come over and lick your leg/arm as a greeting.
• Watching a football match as the scoring team fans roar in unison!
• Suddenly remembering a random fact you forgot your brain had stored.
• Getting post.
• Being aware of how close summer actually is!
• Falling asleep outside on the grass.
• Finding a long lost item in your pocket.
• Winning a bid on eBay ;p
• Good conversations with good friends.
• Lemonade (or lemon soda) for 30+ degree weather! Time to pull out dresses and skirts and stuff all those sweaters and boots into old suitcases. Finally!
• Finding little things you’d like to try your hand at; who knows, it may become your life one day!

What do you think are the best feelings?

It is no secret that Monday is my least favorite day of the week, and today it is especially strange as that time of the year has come again for me. The time where I am one day away from turning a year older, closer to supposed adulthood and the tiniest bit further from youth (which I don’t like). The time where I sit and ponder about what my life has been to date, the many people that have walked by and those who remain, past fashion choices that now make me cringe…

The best is looking at old photographs — the change is monumental, as you would expect. But it seems less so when you remember things in your mind, as you see yourself in the mirror every day so change seems absent. Then I begin to think of all the times I  wished I had this and that, wished I could be here or there, wished I looked like so and so…

In my Letter to My Body article I write a bit about the things I was not too happy about before, but now have come to solidly accept; all of it (me). My unruly hair (otherwise known as baby hair), strange thoughts, bad singing, drunken mistakes, and the list could go on…haven’t stopped me from meeting the most amazing human beings, loving them and being loved in return.

So why not turn the tables around, darlings? Instead of getting into the self-destructive habit of comparing, just think about how amazing you truly are. There’s nothing wrong with believing that; if your favorite people in the world can believe that about you, why can’t you? Wear your best clothes, sing (badly) if it’ll make you happy, sit alone in the park if you so wish, smile at yourself in the mirror before going out, enjoy every last ounce of ‘you’ — whether or not it’s the current mainstream way to go is a problem to those who only know to follow the norm, not to you!

I celebrate myself, and sing myself. — Walt Whitman

Head over to Loving Yourself More, read it, print it out, let it sink in. The first step to being amazing, is recognizing that you are amazing yourself.

So happy Monday sugardrop, let your hair down and have an amazing week!

Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts — Sign hanging in Albert Einstein’s office at Princeton.

Even after all this time,
the sun never says to the earth,
“You owe me.”
Look what happens with a love like that.
It lights the whole sky.

— Hafiz

I found this beautiful quote scribbled in one of my notebooks. Go on, add it to your own collection. Starting tomorrow it will be up on my wall.