alicetalksaboutlife

[alicetalksaboutlife]

When Boys are Mean

Hey guys, sorry it's been a little while. Today's post is about what to do when boys suck. Because boys suck. Boys are mean. It's a fact of life. One minute they're great and so into you, and the next they're just not, and you can't even be friends. Anywho, we've all been through times when we've been broken up with or had our hearts broken, and it's not always the easiest thing to deal with. So, what do you do when boys are being shitty? Well, there are a number of things. Firstly, recognise that you are a strong, badass woman who does not need a man to complete her. That is bull shit. You are your own person, and you should NEVER let a boy determine your self confidence. Secondly, recognise that you're not a horrible person. Whether you did something that upset them or you just feel that you're not good enough and that everything is your fault, recognise that a breakup is always mutual. It's never entirely one person's fault (unless someone cheated, which is not cool), so stop blaming yourself and thinking you're not good enough. Keep your chin up, buttercup. Thirdly, get your girlfriends together. Whether it's a night out at a club or a night in watching movies, it's always great to surround yourself with the ones who love you the most - your girls. Never underestimate a good rant and some ice cream. Fourthly, write a letter. You don't have to send it, but it's a good way to release all of your pent up emotions and say what you never could. Let this letter be just a flow of anything that comes to your mind, and think of it as a way to get a weight off your shoulders. Finally, practice self love. You should always be practicing self love, but it's especially important when you're at your worst times. Self love is basically a time to pamper yourself and tell your body and mind how much you love and appreciate them. The content of the self love is up to you - whether it's a day at the spa, running yourself a bath, making a cup of tea, or anything in between. The important thing is to let yourself enjoy something you love. So yes, boys suck, but we as women can get over them because most of them don't matter. Let yourself be loved by yourself and the ones who care most about you. Don't let some insignificant guy dictate the way you feel. - Al xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

The Manchester Bombing

How can people be so hateful? Honestly?? I do not understand what possesses someone to attack a concert where the average age is less than 20. 19 people are dead and at least 50 are injured. I know one of those 50 - she is the daughter-in-law of one of not only my parents best friends but also the people I consider to be my third grandparents. I cannot begin to fathom how they feel with one of their family members in the hospital with shrapnel wounds, but I can tell you how I feel. I feel scared, hopeless, and most of all, I feel angry. 

I am scared about the state of the world. I do not understand why people have to hurt other people to feel good about themselves. How does hurting others help anything? How is humanity supposed to progress if we still have humans who are willing to destroy other humans? We are all the same. Why is this so hard to understand? Everyone wants the same things: to survive, to belong, to be respected, and to create a legacy. Yes, we all have our differences, but in the grand scheme of things, these differences are insignificant when you look at humanity as a whole. I am scared to travel, and I love to travel. I am scared of the future, yet the future is all that lays ahead of me. I am scared of the worst because the worst keeps getting closer. 

I feel hopeless. I’ve only been alive for seventeen years, but in this short lifespan, I have watched so much oppression and destruction. Yes, I understand I have not lived through a World War, however, I do live in the age of terrorism. Terrorism is a disgusting act. There is no justifiable reason to perform these treacherous acts. End of story. I feel hopeless because I feel like there is nothing that I can do to stop where the world is going. From 9/11 to now, everything keeps going badly, getting a little better, then getting worse again. Humanity is heading in a downward spiral, and I don’t know how easy it will be to turn it around. I hope things can get better, but I honestly don’t know. 

But most of all, I am angry. I am angry that people think it is ok to hurt each other. To hurt children. I am angry that it has become a daily occurrence to hurt one another. But most of all, I am angry about how common place it has all become. There are terror attacks almost monthly, and this is unacceptable. I do not want my children to grow up in the same world that I grow up in now. I don’t want my children to grow up afraid, and although I may feel hopeless, I am willing to do whatever it takes to change this twisted world we live in. 

I have cried at least three times while writing this. I am so overwhelmed with emotions, but I know that feeling upset will do nothing. I need to channel this energy for good and for change. To all of those affected by the Manchester Bombing, you are deep in my thoughts, and I hope that there will be justice. To the selfish bastard who decided to attack the innocent concert-goers, I hope you know that although your act was hurtful and terrifying, we will all band together against you. To everyone in the world, “always remember you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, smarter than you think, and loved more than you know” - Christopher Robin. Together, we can take a stand and fight these atrocities. Together we can be the change.

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

London Calling: 48 Hours in My Favourite City

My favourite city in the country that feels like home to me is beckoning. London is calling. Yes, I know that’s a cheesy song, but it’s the truth. There’s something about London - it’s familiar yet there is always adventure around every corner. From Covent Garden to Shoreditch and Camden to Chelsea, London is vibrant, adventurous, and full of rich history. It’s the kind of place you will never get bored of. It’s the kind of place that I want to be in right now.

For me, London is more than just a city - it’s a place where I can be free, do whatever I want, and just live my life to the fullest. Yes, I know rent and the cost of living are absolutely extortionate, but the people and feeling of the city make up for it. If you’ve been to London, you get what I’m talking about, but if you’ve never been, I’ve put together a game plan for spending forty-eight hours in London. Here are my must-see sights and must-do experiences for a short trip to London: 

First, start off your day with an open bus tour. Bus tours are the best way to get around and see all of the tourist sights in London. My personal recommendation is to start on the blue line and hit the London Eye, and yes, going up the London Eye is worth the wait. Then, continue along the line and see Big Ben, which is actually the name of the bell, not the building itself, on your way to Buckingham Palace for the famous Changing of the Guards. 

For lunch, hit one of the many markets along the Thames that has artisanal food from local vendors. There’s something for everyone - curry, burgers, crepes, and tons more (so in other words, everything you could ever ask for). 

Next, you might find yourself getting a bit sluggish after eating a ton of delicious food, so stop by Trafalgar Square to see the National Gallery, one of the biggest and most iconic museums in London. The Gallery is the perfect place to explore when you need a pick me up but also want escape the heat (or in London’s case, probably the rain).

After the Gallery, head on down to Covent Garden; this is my favourite neighborhood in London! The atmosphere is great, there are amazing shows every night, and it’s a quirky place to be. My advice would be to wander around Covent Garden for a little while, making sure to stop by Floral Street to try to find the ears hidden on the buildings, Neal’s Yard, which is consistently named one of the most photogenic streets in London, and, of course, the Seven Dials. Grab a quick bite to eat at one of the stellar restaurants in the area, such as Jamie’s Italian Kitchen or Sticks ‘n’ Sushi before heading to a show to finish off your night. Whether you’re up for comedy, a musical, or a murder-mystery, there is something for everyone. My personal favourites are Matilda: The Musical at the Cambridge Theatre and, if you are a wizard and can manage to get tickets to a show that is sold out until fall 2018, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. A show is a great way to close off your first day in London. 

To start off your second day in London, the Tower of London is the place to be. This old fortress is a museum of armor and jewels as well as being a great spot to take pictures of the rest of London. It’s a must-stop for any tourist. After this, if you’re a big theatre or history buff, you can take a quick boat ride across the Thames to the South Bank and visit the Globe Theatre. Here you can see Shakespeare’s magnificent theatre in all its glory and learn the fascinating history behind it all. 

For lunch, the best chain in London has to be Pizza Express. The pizza there is great (and there are so many options including a pizza with a salad in the middle), but the must-order food is the dough-balls. The dough-balls are everything you could ever dream of; they’re warm and served with garlic butter that just melts in your mouth. 

At this point, if you’re anything like me, you might be looking for some retail therapy, so take the  tube to the Oxford Circus stop for Oxford Street for the high street shops such as the famous TopShop, and Regent Street for the designer shops. On Oxford Street, if you have time for some pampering, head to Lush, and on the bottom floor, you’ll find the Lush Spa! This spa is no ordinary spa - the lovely people at Lush let you pick the products that will be used in your treatment, and it is truly a one of a kind experience - it was the best facial I’ve ever had! Plus, the spa treatment will get you set up for the night out ahead of you. 

For dinner, head back to Covent Garden to the ME by Melia hotel where you will find STK, one of the best steak restaurants in London, or Cucina Asellina, the wonderful tapas bar there. Then, if you’re over twenty-one, it’s time to experience the best rooftop bar in London (side note: yes, I know the drinking age in the UK is eighteen, but this bar/club is exclusive to over twenty-ones). The Radio Rooftop Bar is on top of the ME and has spectacular views of the London Eye, Trafalgar Square, London Bridge, and the Gherkin. It’s a great place for a photo op and serves excellent cocktails (or so I’ve heard) and an even better place to soak up the spirit and atmosphere of London in your few remaining hours in the city. 

So there you have it, if I could spend 48 hours in London in any way (and if I were a few years older), this is what I would do. I can’t wait until I can finally visit the city I love so much again.

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

The First Last

So here we are again. The end of another school year. But this year is different. This year is junior year, which means that next year, senior year, is a year of lasts: the last first day of school, the last dance competition, the last Prom. The list goes on and on. As the end of this year has crept up on me, I can’t help but wonder how quickly yet silently everything changes. Think about it. You wake up everyday thinking you look no different than the day before, yet in a year or two, you look like a totally different person. It’s honestly incredible.

So senior year will be a year of lasts, but a few days ago, I realised that the lasts start sooner than I thought, as I have my "first last" this Saturday. I have been a competitive dancer for almost 12 years, and this Saturday is my last senior company audition. It's crazy to think that in just over a year something that has been such a huge part of me for the majority of my life will be over. I've made so many friends and have the best memories, and I just cannot see my future without BBDC in it. So to BBDC, thank you for everything - I can't wait to have a great senior year with my second family.  

They (parents, teachers, random authors) tell you that you'll be out of high school before you feel settled, but I never realised how right they were. I can still remember my freshman classes, and as I look back in hindsight, I now notice just how much I've changed. I have different interests, different friends, and I know what I want to do with my life. It's amazing how from day to day I notice no changes, yet the current me is light years away from freshman me. So to the high school haters, I know it sucks sometimes (hell, a lot of the time), but try to make memories and enjoy yourself. You'll regret not making the most of high school while you still can. 

 - Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

INFJ

So, I recently took the Myers Briggs personality test and have found that my personality is classified as INFJ. For those of you who don’t know, the Myers Briggs test is a “multiple choice” type test that is meant to assess the major parts of your personality. Apparently, I am an INFJ, which means I am an introvert, I am intuitive, I prefer feeling over thinking, and I prefer judging over perceiving. So what does this all mean? And is it relevant? Let’s find out:

Introvert: I 100% agree that I am more introverted than I am extroverted. If anyone who actually knows me reads this, which I doubt anyone does lol, then you might think that I’m super extroverted, and I totally see why you could see that. I do generally have a lot of energy, I’m trying to improve my confidence, and I have no problems speaking in front of a class, asking questions, or just talking to people in general. However, I actually find being in large groups quite draining and uncomfortable and would much rather lounge around at home or spend some quality time chilling outside with myself.

Intuitive: So intuition is using your gut more than actual sensation, and I can’t say I agree fully with this one. Although I do make decisions by my gut a lot, I like to take information from the outside world too. I feel like I actually use more outside information than I do information that arouses from my brain. I wonder if now I will start to see myself following my gut more in my everyday life.

Feeling: This is another one I agree with. I definitely am an emotional person (I cry at literally EVERYTHING I watch that has some sort of heartfelt moment), and I often let my feelings get in the way of my thoughts. For example, I may know that my friends secretly hating me is irrational, but if I feel one sense of foam (fear of missing out) and see them without me once, I will automatically assume the worst. Although this is not one of my best traits, it is something I am learning to deal with. 

Judging: Finally, we get to judging. While yes, this does look like I am a judgmental person, that is not what this is referring to at all. It means that i like to make judgements about things as opposed to just trusting my perceptions. I like to think things through and weigh my opinions, organize, and stick to a plan. This relates to me almost exactly. I am a very organized person and like to be in control as opposed to going with the flow.

So there we have it: my whole personality broken down into four parts. Only time will tell if it’s accurate.

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Counting Down the Days

It’s May. There are 24 days until summer. 576 hours. 34,560 minutes. But who’s counting? Certainly not me. I mean, why would anyone want summer? How could anyone possibly want more than six hours of sleep each night? Why on earth would someone want to spend more time with their friends and less time learning “vital” information that has very little real-world significance? Counting down until summer? Psh not me. This school year has been a ride from start to finish. I started the year in the dark. I had just lost a lot of my friends and was starting fresh... well as fresh as you can when you have been attending the same school since Pre-K. I was lost, but I’ve somehow managed to find myself in the midst of the chaos of new information, stress, anxiety, and new and old relationships.

In every teen movie, directors show the character finding him/herself after something really big and important goes wrong and then, after the character changes their attitude, the fiasco magically fixes itself. That could not be further from the truth.  I’ve taken many more losses than I ever have before, and I’ve had to make so many more impactful decisions, but it ultimately helped shape me into who I am. I’ve failed people, and I’ve failed myself, but through this, I’ve learnt to be a better person.

And on top of all of the non-school related anxieties, there are, of course, school related problems. For one thing, I can’t remember the last time I’ve gotten more than 9 hours of sleep in one night. The amount of work I’ve gotten this year is ridiculous, and throughout the year I’ve constantly been studying for tests; I’m talking one test, quiz, assessment, or whatever you call it in at least one class every day. The grind never stops. The last few weeks, I’ve been prepping for AP Exams, and that has just added to the amount of stress put on me. It’s way too much, and I hope that in the next few years teachers start to realize that more assessments do not bring better results. In fact, the opposite is true. So, in reflection, have I enjoyed this school year? Well, for the most part, yes. I like my teachers, my classes are really interesting, and I’ve made and become closer with some great friends. On the other hand however, the workload has been absurd and there were some rough patches. Overall, I would say it’s been a solid year, but am I counting down the days to summer? Hell yes!

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

A Brain Dump

Do you ever feel so overwhelmed by all of the different thoughts swirling around your head that you can’t get anything done? That feeling when you know you must be productive but can’t seem to find where to start; your brain is filled with everything from simple life tasks to huge decisions and philosophical questions all jumping around on your frontal lobe as if it were a trampoline. 

If you haven’t felt this way before, props to you, but just a warning, it may happen in the future, and the best way to deal with this overwhelmed feeling is through brain dumping. 

Brain dumping is obviously not literally dumping out your brain. It is simply getting all of those thoughts swirling around your mind onto paper. From there, you can create a manageable list, schedule when you are going to do these activities, and get on with your life. It may seem simple enough, but by getting these thoughts down on paper, you are enabling your brain to stop thinking about them and start concentrating. 

Not quite sure how to write everything out? Don’t worry, brain dumps can have many forms. Personally, I just make a big long list of everything on my mind. Then, sometimes, I’ll make another list that puts the most vital at the top and the least vital at the bottom. Here are some examples (my own included) of brain dumping:

So, as you can see, there are a ton of different ways to structure your brain dumps, but if you’re still stuck, there are always printable that can help you out along the way! Here are some of my favorites:

https://www.printabletodolist.com/preview/Brain_Dump

http://idiehdesign.com/brain-dump-printable/ 

https://www.pinterest.pt/pin/158400111874642423/

https://www.pinterest.com/pin/72550243976131129/

So there you go. I tend to consider myself a fairly organized person, but even organized people have a lot on their mind sometimes. It’s time to reclaim your productivity and actually get stuff done. Good luck!

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Wanderlust

I’ve been feeling a little down recently, and I’ve found that the main root of the problem is that I feel confined to the societal norms of this little town I live in. I feel as though I am losing my individuality and becoming one of the puppets in the show that is used solely for entertaining others. 

When I feel this way - and trust me, it has happened before, and it will happen again - I tend to find that the best way to cut the strings and separate myself from the puppeteer is to travel somewhere.

I have been traveling since (before I was) born. My mum became pregnant with me in Sri Lanka, however she had me in England. I got my first passport at just 3 months old, and my first ever flight was an 11-hour ride home. For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to see the world and find what it has to offer me. This urge to discover the world and the desire to experience its wonders is known as wanderlust. Wanderlust is all about traveling to find one’s self, and right now, I feel as if I need to do some serious soul searching. When traveling, you are not tied down to a specific group, nor do you have the pressure to conform your whole being and ideals to fit into the society. As a traveler, you get to experience new cultures, ideals, and traditions, and, when you return back to the norm, you feel refreshed and buzzed by your new way of thinking. The whole experience is truly refreshing. Sadly, however, I cannot travel right now, so I just have to keep on top of myself and think of the places my future holds. I hope my future is full of fresh places and not just this town. 

I do not want to be one of those people who was born, raised, and dies in the same place. There is so much more to see in the world than this cookie-cutter town. There is so much food to try. There are so many more festivals to attend. There are so many more wonders to view. There are so many more things to experience. In the grand scheme of the world, this town is little more than a speck, and I do not want my life to be influenced solely by a speck. I need to get away, find out who I truly am, without the influence of this upper-middle class, predominantly white, suburban neighborhood. I need to travel. I need to fulfill my wanderlust. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Birthdays

A birthday.  A celebration. Although birthdays are universal, no two people celebrate them the same way. I think this is beautiful. Birthdays are different because they are a symbol of the person that is being celebrated. They can be morphed from a small get together to a blow-out party. They can be extravagant, or they can be low-key. Normally, they are a time of happiness for who is being celebrated, however that is not the case everywhere. As my birthday is approaching, I thought I would reflect upon how other people are celebrating their birthdays. This post is inspired by the video “Most Shocking Second a Day.”

The video begins with a young girl blowing out her birthday cake candles. As the video progresses, the audience starts to get a glimpse of what the video is truly about: what it would be like if the bombing that occurs in Syria was occurring in the Western World, specifically, in London. The final sentence “just because it isn’t happening here, doesn’t mean it isn’t happening” really speaks to me. Firstly, it reminds me that although my life may be in no real danger, the lives of many others are. A human being is a human being, period. No matter what race, gender, sexuality. A life is a life, and each life should be treated equally with dignity. Secondly, it shows me that I need to take action, and for me, taking action means supporting refugee immigration. I cannot fathom how a country that has an abundance of resources is not willing to share said resources with others, yet for the United States, one of the richest countries in the world, this is a reality. These refugees have nothing, and I believe that it is the job of those more privileged to help them get back into a place where their life is filled with hope and happiness. So, the next time you’re celebrating your birthday, remember that maybe you don’t need that extra gift. Be thankful for what you have because for many unfortunate souls across the world, there may be no celebration.

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

International Women’s Day

“Here’s to strong women. May we know them. May we be them. May we raise them.” - unknown 

Today is a great day. Today is a day of celebration and hope. Today, is International Women’s Day. Throughout the day, I have been constantly reminded of how great the human race can be: from over 2.5 million posts on Instagram to the kindness and solidarity shown in my school. International Women’s Day, though always important, has taken on a new meaning this year. With Donald Trump, a major sexist, in the White House, it is more important than ever for everyone to stand together and support women. 

Since the beginning of organized societies, women have been seen as inferior to men. Women have had to fight for every injustice to be “corrected,” however there is still so much to be done. Some say that when they were given the right to vote, women became equal with men; I, on the other hand, know that today, although there are laws against discrimination, women still do not receive equal rights, respect, and consideration as men. 

Hell, a woman still makes less than a dollar for every dollar that a man makes. In addition to this, women are stripped of their rights everyday, specifically, the right to their own bodies. Today, a huge issue in society is rape as, according to RAINN, only 6 out of every 1000 rapists ever spend time in jail. Not only is rape immoral, but it can have some serious consequences including psychological damage, physical abuse, and unwanted pregnancies. For people who are raped, or just for anyone who needs some sort of health care, Planned Parenthood, a great organization that supports women’s health and occasionally provides abortions, is there to help. However, current President of the United States Donald Trump has decided to attack Planned Parenthood and threatened to defund the program. I understand that people have different opinions on abortions, but shutting down an organization that does so much more than perform abortions is ridiculous. 

As well as denying women their rights, society has tried to make feminism seem like a crazy, unfair movement. So, I have one piece of advice: do not be afraid to be labelled as a feminist. A feminist is simply someone who believes in equality of the sexes. In my opinion, everybody should be a feminist. Does the word “feminist” has a negative connotation? Yes, but it is up to us to change the stigma surrounding feminism. 

So, my lovely ladies, let today be a reminder that there is always hope for our society, that there are people fighting for our rights. And also, do not let today stop; let today serve as an inspiration to keep you fighting for our equality all year ‘round. Treat everyday as if it were March 8th. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

To My Daughter

To My Daughter:

1) It’s ok to not be perfect. Perfection does not exist, however if you’re anything like me, you will want to defy odds and try to be perfect at any and everything. This will lead you nowhere. The only way you can be close to this idea of perfect is to accept yourself, try your best, and, overall, be kind.

2) No one notices you as much as you think they do. This is both good and bad. It’s great in a sense that no one is really judging you or noticing what you wear or how you look because they’re too wrapped up in being self-conscious of themselves. So don’t stress about a few pimples or your frizzy hair - chances are, no one has even noticed. No one noticing you as much as you think also teaches a hard lesson, though. You learn that what you are doing to stand out or impress people sometimes don’t make a difference. If this happens, keep trucking, and eventually you will be noticed. Sometimes it just takes time.

3) Embrace your flaws - they are what make you who you are.  What you may see as imperfections, such as a little scar from when you fell rollerblading or how there is always one piece of hair that won’t lose it’s little curl, others see as beautiful. Every “flaw” in you is just another thing that makes your unique, so be confident and stand tall. 

4) You are not a number. No matter what society tells you, what grades tell you, what that stupid scale tells you, a number does not define who you are. A person is so much more. A person is their smile that makes their eyes all squinty; a person is how they always hold the door open for whomever is behind them; a person is made up of all of their traits: caring, ambitious, loyal, strong, confident, intelligent, funny, and so many more. 

5) Never let anyone’s opinions of you change your own opinions of yourself. I know you care what other’s think of you, but so many people’s opinions are irrelevant. If someone makes a negative comment about you, it’s more a tell of their character than it is of yours. You should never have to change yourself because someone tells you you should, and you should never lose your confidence in who you are. You need to love you for you, and the important people in your life will love you just as you are. 

6) Even if you are angry with someone or no longer friends with them, keep their secrets. They once trusted you, and even though you may not be close anymore, that trust still applies. A secret always has a reason for being unshared with most: the person is either embarrassed or ashamed of it. There is no point in bringing more sadness too the world than there already is, so keep that secret locked up.

7) Put yourself first. If I come downstairs at one o’clock in the morning and find you still up doing work, barely able to keep your eyes open, I will turn to you and say, “baby girl, 4 hours of sleep isn’t enough. No grade is worth it - just go to bed.” I know you may fight me, but trust me, your mental, emotional, and physical health is so much more important than anything else on this planet. Never put schoolwork or other people ahead of your own needs.

8) Sometimes it’s good to have a cry, and when that time comes, we will go get some Ben and Jerry’s Half-Baked ice cream (because, again, if you’re anything like me, you will have a major sweet tooth), and sit on the couch and cry. You can cry about anything and everything: stress, boys, school, friends, or you can cry because everything has built up inside you for so long that you just have to let it go. Crying helps get it out. Then, after the cry, we will watch your favourite movie, bake some cakes, read, listen to music, go on a walk, or whatever you need to feel better. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Health

Health. When someone says health, everyone’s first thought is either about physical activity or eating cleanly, however, rarely are mental and emotional health thought of. In my opinion, mental and emotional health are more important than physical health because physical health has a bit of leeway, however mental and emotional health always need to be strong. I am a big believer in keeping all aspects of your health robust, so today, I am going to be giving some tips about the often ignored healths: mental and emotional.

1. Meditate - I know I have mentioned this before, but meditating is one of the best ways to keep your mental and emotional health strong. For those who do not know what meditation is, it is a few minutes of set chill time in which you reflect on your day and clear your mind. Meditation allows your mind to relax and sets it free of all of the weights that have been holding it down.

2. Journal - Journalling, like meditating, is a great way to express your thoughts and feelings. Keeping the emotions and ideas in your brain clutters up your brain, weakening its performance. By writing down thoughts and emotions, you free up important space in your mind for new information. Additionally, writing down your daily events and feelings helps to keep a record of how you are feeling, which can be looked back at throughout the year.

3. Sleep - I am very guilty of not sleeping enough, however sleep is one of the best ways to alleviate your mental and emotional stresses. While you sleep, your brain stores information and resets itself for the new day. If you do not sleep enough, like me, you will have a harder time memorizing and learning new information as well as storing your new memories. Additionally, not getting enough sleep leads to weight gain, inability to focus, and increased grouchiness.

4. Be Confident - Everyone has flaws. Everyone must accept their flaws - It’s that simple. If you do not learn how to accept your flaws, you will always be self-conscious, and being self-conscious is a huge mental and emotional stress. Only by gaining confidence in yourself will you be able to fight the negative impact of these flaws. One way to do this is to look at yourself every morning in the mirror and tell yourself three things that are or look great about you. I know this seems dumb, but this exercise is self-love, and it will improve your mood.

5. Get Outside -  Never underestimate the power of the sun and fresh air. Going outside is a great way to soak up all of the great things nature has to offer, including vitamins. Additionally, outside is a great place to lose yourself and meditate (combining two hehe). Recently, I visited a local park and jut walked around and talked with my friend. It was spectacular. The sun shining on me, I felt free of all of the negative things holding me down.

6. Tidy - It’s true what they say: “messy room equals messy mind.” In order to be productive, you need to have a clean space; if your space is not clean, you will be easily distracted, less driven, and less likely to focus. Sometimes, however, just being tidy is not enough. I recommend reading up on the Konmari method of decluttering and/or thirty day minimalism challenges (muchelleb on YouTube has a great one), and just know you do not have to be a minimalist to clean out your closet, box of old toys, or random school assignments. By going through what you own and organizing all of your stuff how you want to, your mind will be able to be more structured as it is not worrying about what is going on with your physical things.

I hope these tips helped, and remember, always put your own health before all else.

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Things That Shaped Me

I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting lately, and with reflection comes questioning existence. For me, one of these questions about existence is “What makes me me?”. I’ve pondered this for about a week now, and I have come up with some things that have shaped me. Although people and experiences have shaped me the most, I was curious about the physical objects in my life that made a big impact; by identifying the objects that helped to mold me, I am now able to control my own happiness more as I will know what is important versus what is not. Below I have listed some things that have made me who I am today. 

1. Tap Shoes - I have danced my whole life, but it was only when I discovered tap that I was able to really stand out and find myself as a dancer. I love being able to create my own music as well as add to other pieces, and I love being able to entertain others through my skill. Although it may annoy others when I tap under my desk all day, tap is a passion of mine, and my tap shoes are the connection between me and the rhythm. 

2. Ed Sheeran, Two Door Cinema Club, and The Wombats - These three artists are my all-time favourite music creators. All three of them produce very different music, yet they all speak to a certain part of my life. Ed Sheeran’s music has always helped me stay calm in times of anxiety and sadness, so I feel I am a stronger person because I am now able to control my anxieties better: all I have to do is turn on some Ed. Additionally Two Door Cinema Club’s albums and The Wombat’s songs are all fun and energetic. These songs always help put me in a fun, excited mood. Music has a huge impact on everyone, but these three artists have had the greatest impact on me. 

3. Angus, Thongs, and Perfect Snogging - Not only is this movie the most cringe-worthy movie of all time, it is also one of the best. The film follows Georgia Nicholson, a teenage girl who, whilst  trying to make sense of the world, somehow manages to create bigger and bigger problems for herself. When I first discovered this movie, I was a preteen and going through some friendship troubles and anxieties. This film helped show me that I wasn’t alone in what I was going through and actually gave me some great advice about what not to do. Additionally, I learnt all about giving advice and dealing with the anxieties that come with growing up: school, friends, family, and, of course, boys.

4. A Series of Unfortunate Events and When We Were Very Young - These books helped shape me because they were the first books I ever loved. Reading is such a big part of my life, and I have the above books to thank for that. The first series, A Series of Unfortunate Events, taught me to never give up. I saw myself in Violet, the inventor, and her persistence and drive were great qualities that I soon began to reflect. When We Were Very Young holds a special place in my heart because it’s a poetry book, which I love, and it connects me to my late grandfather. My grandpa was a kind, intelligent man, and reading was something we both loved, so it brings me closer to him.

5. Travel - Although I said I wouldn’t talk about experiences, I have to add travel as an idea. My mother was an avid traveler, so genetically speaking, I was bound to love traveling. Travel has shaped me into the person I am today because it has brought me into new cultures and ways of life. Because of travel, I have been exposed to many different cultures and ways of life which have helped me becoming more accepting of everyone and appreciative of what I have.

So, there you have it; I am who I am because of the aforementioned things. Doing this reflection was very interesting for me because it helped put my life in perspective by showing me what I really love and value. It was interesting to see how some things have such an impact on my life while others mean nothing. Now, I know to focus on the things that are meaningful, and I recommend everyone tries this exercise because it will help them focus on the important things in life too. If you’re feeling lost, it’s a great way to find yourself again. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Music

I’ve always been passionate about music - for me, it’s an essential part of life. Recently, however, I have found that I have not been able to devote as much time to listening to music and discovering new artists and songs as I would like to. With Resolutions being my new focus, I have decided to take advantage of Spotify Premium and delve into the music world. So far, I have found a few songs that I am absolutely loving listening to at the moment, so I decided I would share them with you all and explain why I enjoy them. 

“Pretty Hurts” by Beyoncé

https://open.spotify.com/track/7lUA4P03AhwAw40JHkdyGr

“Pretty Hurts” is not a new song (it came out on Beyoncé’s self-titled album in 2014), however I just recently discovered it. Firstly, I must acknowledge that Beyoncé has the voice of an angel. Not only has she got an amazing voice, but Queen Bey is also a prominent figure in the feminism movement, and I, a young feminist, appreciate that she incorporated some of women’s struggles into her album. The song discusses how she was always told that her beauty is more important than her mind and personality. She then goes on to explain the harsh reality women face with making their outward appearance perfect, when it should not matter whatsoever. In the chorus, she sings “perfection is the disease of a nation”  and “tryna fix something, but you can't fix what you can't see - it's the soul that needs the surgery.” These words empower women by telling them that perfection does not exist and that it’s what’s inside a person that matters the most. Additionally, the song is all around super catchy. 10/10 would recommend as a car jam. 

“Find Me” by Sigma ft. Birdy

https://open.spotify.com/track/6xB7E0HOWznwiO0v56mqwD

Sigma is known as being more of an EDM (electronic dance music) band, however this collaboration combines EDM and the soft, soprano voice and lyricism of Birdy, creating a unique blend. As a lyrical dancer, I have been listening to Birdy for years, and I’ve never heard her branch out of straight lyrical style to this, but I thoroughly enjoy it. The song starts slow and soft and builds, adding drums, and finally at the chorus, the EDM  backtrack comes in. In this way, I feel that the song is unique and different to most of what is currently being released. Additionally, the lyrics tell a story, which the song reflects: it starts wth her upset over a rough spot in a relationship then building herself back up from it, with the music matching the somber parts and the uplifting parts of the song. 

“Tilted” by Christine and the Queens

https://open.spotify.com/track/0mQnLhHH5WwRc5gtnzLtK6 

Christine has a beautiful voice - not too strong, yet commanding.  She delivers the lyrics with power, however the twist with this song is that it’s actually half in French, Christine’s native language. Although this may put some people off, I enjoy that part of the song, a part that is spoken, shows Christine’s true language. As well as being in two languages, Christine shows her intelligence through her use of allusions. For example, in the first line, Christine says “I will die before Methuselah.” Here, she is referencing Methuselah, the man who, in the Hebrew Bible, is said to have lived the longest. I love that this song is actually intelligent. Most of today’s popular songs are repetitive and have very little significance, which, don’t get me wrong, I definitely enjoy, however I just find that a song is special when it stands out from the norm: in this case, Christine’s intelligence and use of poetic words make it stand out from the rest.

I hope you all listen to these songs if you haven’t already. Thanks for joining me on the first part of this never-ending musical quest. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Progress

Hey guys, so today I thought I would take some time to check back in on myself. Like I said in my last post, I have had a hectic few weeks to say the least, but now I am back and kicking. The last few weeks have tested my emotional, mental, and physical strength, so I thought it was time to do some reflection and assess my progress towards my goals.

Firstly, I am trying to put my health before other things more and more. The last few nights, I have stopped myself from working past midnight instead of pursuing my work until I fall asleep, which is my norm. Although this may seem like I am giving up and not working my hardest, it is necessary because this is the only way I can get enough sleep... by setting a bed time. Additionally, having a set bed time helps me with procrastination because I know I have to get stuff done before midnight, so I have less time to put off doing my work. As well as working on my sleep schedule, I have began eating healthily again. Eating healthy gives me more energy and helps me get through the day!

Next, I have been reading more. Right now, I am reading about Bridget Jones in the novels by Helen Fielding. I loved the movies, so reading the books is a real treat for me. Additionally, I find reading to be  a great way to wind down after a long day. 

As well as reading, I have been getting into music more! I’ve always loved music, but recently I’ve been branching out to different styles. I’m planning on going to a music festival this summer (also relates to my goal of living in the moment and being adventurous!), so I’m also listening to music from the acts going too. 

As for nail biting, I am somewhat successful so far. Although I am still biting my nails, I am not biting them all the way down, and I do not bite them as often. Progress. Progress makes a habit, and a habit makes a life. Therefore, I am pleased with my results so far.

I haven’t had many chances to live in the moment and be adventurous recently, however I have been spending less time on my phone and laptop in general, partly because I’m being more present, and partly because I just don’t have enough time to be checking media all the time. 

In regards to removing negativity from my life, I’m trying my best. I wouldn’t say my life has many negative aspects right now, but I kept this resolution to ensure that if negativity ever entered, I could get rid of it. Right now I am focussing on being a positive person and (hopefully) radiating my positivity onto others.

Finally, we have organizing things and cleaning out my room. Right now, I am far too busy to get all of this stuff done, but I have devised a plan to get it done. Over Spring Break, I will get everything organized (school wise) for AP tests and the end of the year. Then, over the summer, I will be following Muchelleb’s “Thirty Days to Simplify Your Mind” Challenge, which will take me through physical decluttering followed by mental and emotional decluttering. And FINALLY, after all of the decluttering is done, I will finish decorating my room by getting curtains, a lamp, and putting up my posters and scratch-off map. 

I am so ecstatic that I am actually following through with my resolutions this year, and I’ve got this blog to thank for that. Here’s to hoping I can stay on top of it all!

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Kindness

Good morning everyone! My last few weeks have been absolutely crazy, overwhelming, and sometimes just plain upsetting. In this rough time, however, I am reminded of just how great members of the human species can be.

So, like I said, I personally have been having a rough couple of weeks, and on top of this, Donald Trump was inaugurated. I have confided in a few people what has been going on, and they have been nothing but supportive. 

One particular kindness, however, has really impacted me. Two days ago, I received a small box with a note on top from one of my friends. She had written that she knew I was going through a rough time and wanted to show her unconditional love and support. Inside the box were some of my favorite things: bath bombs, candy, tea, gum. I was taken completely off guard when I received this thoughtful gift, and I cannot explain how much it means to me. Firstly, just a note is so thoughtful as it shows someone has been thinking about you, but this person went absolutely above and beyond. The gift was personal and aimed to help me relax and unwind, which is exactly what I need right now. I’m not going to lie... I cried when I received this gift, but this is exactly what gift giving is about. Gift giving is about wanting to cheer someone up and recognize them and their strengths. It is essentially about making someone else happy, which is exactly what this gift did.

Receiving the gift box inspired me to bring happiness to others just like this girl brought to me. Thus, I have decided to add being thoughtful to my New Years Resolutions. I no longer want to be cruising through life; I want to be noticing things about people and helping cheer them up when their down. I want to show people I care, whether that’s through a simple “thinking-about-you text,” gift box (like I was given), or clearing my schedule to hang out with a friend in need.

To my thoughtful friend: thank you so much for your beautiful gift. It was honestly the highlight of my week. I want you to know that you are so special, and I appreciate everything you have helped me through in the past week or so. 

- Alice xx

[alicetalksaboutlife]

Organising Your Life and Your Mind

Hey guys, so today I wanted to talk to you all about some ways I'm staying organised this year. First off, I know a lot of you are thinking I'm spelling organised wrong. I'm not; I'm using the British way of spelling organised. Ok, now that that's out of the way, let's go. So, the first things I organised were my school binders and folders. My system is to keep everything I need for the current unit in class in a folder, which I take to and from school everyday, and keep everything else in a binder that stays at home. This way, I always have what I need without my backpack crushing my back. Next, I organised my room a little bit, but I still have a long way to go to get it to how I want it to be. Another thing I've been working on organising is my mind. Organising your mind is anything you want it to be, which is what makes it beautiful. Personally, I try to declutter my anxieties by logically thinking through them. I rationalise my way through anxieties about college, saying that no matter what, I'll end up at a school I'll love. I rationalise my way though anxieties about dance, saying that I won't get injured this year because I'm working super hard and am very cognisant of it. I rationalise about negative people, saying that once I get through high school, I'll be able to stay in touch with people I truly care about. In general, I make sense of what is going on in my head. Additionally, I try to work out how to not make myself overwhelmed. For example, I've been studying all weekend for a test in my APUSH class. I still have so much to do, but I'm scheduling out time in my head and slowly turning my sense of being overwhelmed into motivation to push me forward. Now, I'm not saying this is easy. In fact, It's super hard, but going through the process, although painful at times, is necessary to living a happier fuller life. I hope you have all had a great week, and if you need some sign to get organised, hopefully this can be it. - Alice xx