Be a voice, not an echo ...

Everyone has a voice, everyone has an opinion. And just because some people feel the need to voice their view so strongly, doesn't mean we have to go along with them.

With personal opinions being broadcast so publicly these days, it's easy to become brainwashed. Whether it's politics, health, lifestyle or relationships, everyone has something to say about it. And sometimes it's easier to sit back, listen and suck it up than to stand up and use your voice.

This week I've realised that I regularly go along with what other people say or do just for an easy life. And I've come to the realisation that I need to start using my voice a bit more.

At the end of the day, it doesn't make you a bad person for wanting to live your life your own way. And standing up for what you believe in is sometimes needed.

If everyone else can have their opinions why can't you? Don't live in someone else's shadow. And don't be silenced by someone else's opinion. If you believe in something, say or do it. Step out of the darkness, step out an fight for what you believe in. Say what you believe. Living behind someone else's shadow is no fun.

Also, make the decisions YOU want! No one has the power to tell you how to live your life! Walk through life making your own journey and path. Don't look back regretting not taking those risks. And even if it's not always the right decision, at least it was YOUR decision. Living your life the way you want to and making your own decisions is okay! Never forget that!

Much love, Laura xxxx

Life in the 'slow lane'

With so many ideas for blog posts it's taken me a while to think of what to post this week ...

This week I seem to have found myself comparing most aspects of my life to others. But why? I've found myself scrolling down my social media sites and feeling like I'm living my life in the 'slow lane'. Whether it's seeing friends getting engaged, starting families, buying property or jetting off to exotic destinations, I can't help but think I'm not moving forward in my life.

I think this is natural and the majority of people do it. Even if we don't realise we're doing it, we are. Social media now gives people a platform to portray a happy life or how well they're doing. Which is great! It's good to be proud of success. However what is important to remember is that everyone has individual journeys and "life isn't always greener on the other side", despite what the selfies and Facebook posts say.

This week I've tried to rid myself of comparison and envy and tried to focus my mind on the positives in my life. I need to stop pushing to live my life in the fast lane and enjoy each day as it comes. In this day and age we worry too much about the future and don't live in the moment.

After talking to so many people I've also come to the realisation that there's always the crave for more in life. The words "I want" are said too often (I'm guilty of this). However we rarely step back and appreciate what we do have. Personally I'm going to try to stop being envious of other people and start being thankful. I'm also going to start realising that not everything we see on social media is real. Everyone has their own story and we only see what people want us to see.

So today I am thankful for my family, friends, partner, job and all you beautiful people reading this blog.

Happiness is found when you stop comparing yourself to others. There is always something to be thankful for! And more importantly it's okay to be you ....

Much love, Laura xxxx

One day at a time ...

As my first in depth post, I felt it was appropriate to talk about something very current and relevant in my life today .... Anxiety .... I know many of you will know exactly what I'm talking about too .... I'm sorry.

The most common thing you'll hear is "stop worrying" or "there's no point getting stressed". If only it was that easy eh?

When starting this blog, I knew that this would be my first in-depth post. This is because I know so many of you suffer from anxiety, and it is something I battle with everyday.

For myself, as well as many other people I've come across, anxiety has become part of our identity. The constant fear of an anxiety attack is always lurking. The need to avoid certain situations or triggers. And the paranoia of the visibility of anxiety.

I personally have struggled with letting people in. I seem to have these mighty barriers up and for so long have felt embarrassed to show people how anxious I get. This has led me to start worrying even more in case I have a panic attack in a situation where people don't understand.

Anxiety comes and goes in waves. However right now I feel like this wave is trying to drown me... In the last few weeks I've been completely up and down. Those who are close to me would have seen this. I'll be absolutely fine. Then I'll think about something. Then I'll start panicking. And before you know it, I'm a shaking, tearful mess. I actually can't remember the last time I didn't feel like this and it's had a huge impact on my day to day life. I have removed myself from all places that I think may trigger it and avoid large crowds and unknown situations.

However, enough is enough. I'm sick of living like this. So I've gone right back to the beginning. In my first blog post I touched upon where my anxiety started and this also affected my self esteem. I doubted myself and the person I was. And now I'm going to stop doubting myself and realise the person I am.

There's no shame in anxiety. No shame in talking about it. And no shame in battling it. It's going to be a long journey before I can finally say "I'm better". And anxiety is something that may never go away. It's how you deal with it that's important. Within the next few months I intend to be able to confront every situation I've previously given a wide birth. And be able to deal with any past demons I've been avoiding.

For all of you that suffer from anxiety I really encourage you to make a doctors appointment, see a therapist and start kicking ass!! Together we can beat this!! And remember .... "It's okay" ....

Much love, Laura xxxx