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A Moment of  Realisation

Put your hand on a stove for a minute and it feels like an hour, sit with a beautiful girl for an hour and it feels like a minute. This is how Albert Einstein defined relativity. I believe that youth is relativity. You can spend it doing what others expect of you within the boundaries of society, or you could adventure to new towns, new faces, chasing new destinations.

Its all so rebellious, so romantically inspiring and so frighteningly spontaneous. It’s the power of now. The divine realisation that despite what others tell you, you are in control of how to live your life. You decide where you go each day. You decide what to consume and how to react. You decide how to perceive the word. Its a fucking choice. You feel like youre trapped by expectation, pressure, and competition, but its all an ugly fantasy. You have the power to control your reality and the way you percieve the world and it’s situation. The negative pressures of life are an illusion, a dull reminder that we aren't fulfilling our deepest desires. What inspires you? What gives you goose bumps? What leaves you feeling euphoric? Forget everything and chase it, because life is made of moments. Moments that are relative. So chose whether to live slow and confined or fast and free.

[miaadams]

Taking the World by Storm.

A creative dreamers guide to self-expression in the 21st Century. 

As I sat on the bed and watched her get ready, she pulled her hair back into two space buns, applying winged eyeliner so thick I thought she was about to fly away. Next, she paired her high-waisted, camo pants with a black, mesh crop-top. The look was finished by placing a red, French beret on her head and clipping on earrings that had a dangling little person on them. It was like watching an artist paint, or a poet write, except she herself was the masterpiece. “Aren't you worried about what other people are going to think of you?” I asked in skeptical awe. “Nope” she replied instantaneously. “Why not?” I puzzled. She looked at me and said, “because I don't give a fuck.” Fair enough then.

22-year-old event planner and stylist, Storm Nutting is using the art of self-expression to radiate empowerment onto the streets of Melbourne. Self-described and self-defined, Storm uprooted her life on the Gold Coast and moved to the capital of culture to pursue a life filled with disco-balls and glitter. Amongst the street-art, charcoal lattes, and vintage boutiques the young artist is thriving and vibing. Whether it be modeling for Russian magazines, taking abstract photos for her photography blog, or decorating venues with weekly party themes, Storm is continuously engaging in creativity. “Transforming entire venues into a different theme each week is so creatively stimulating and rewarding,” says Storm. “It’s such hard work and can be stressful, but for the overall outcome of creating a different environment and atmosphere each week, it’s so worth it!”

Storming Alleyways in a leather choker, paired with pink bangs and knee-high combat boots, this girl is a force to be reckoned with. “I describe myself as a strong, open-minded individual who is grounded within myself,” says Storm passionately. “I’m creative and comfortable in my own skin, and although I am not perfect, I love myself.” In a society that tells us to blend in, being an individual is a rebellious act and one that requires courage and confidence. “It’s sad that so many people care so much about what other people think of them,” she says. “Although it’s understandable because social media creates a platform for mainstream and it’s hard for people to get away from that. I thrive off negative judgment. No one can change how I feel about myself I love me the way I am. When people react negatively to my fashion, it always gets me wondering why they go out of their way to bring others down. I round it all up to jealousy; they’re only doing it to feel better about themselves, the real problem lies in their self-esteem, it’s unfortunate.”

Often we get caught in the toxic cycle of fear of judgment, waging war within ourselves that fights between what our instincts tell us we want to be, and what society tells us we should be. The social media epidemic has not only changed the way we communicate with each other but the way we communicate with ourselves. Our civilisation provides guidelines, expectations of who we should be and what we should do. For many people, defining ourselves and finding a sense of purpose becomes a challenge of fitting in and being accepted, yet not for this little hurricane. “Why live your life holding back who you are because you’re afraid of what other people may think?” says Storm. “You got this baby! Seriously! There’s no right or wrong, as long as you own it! Confidence is key to everything, find confidence in yourself, and you will genuinely progress to be a better version of yourself.”

The young artist is a modern crusader, a lover of all people and a fighter for a world without judgment or discrimination. Storm’s mentality goes beyond eccentric outfits; it’s a statement that reminds the world that there is no right and wrong when it comes to self-expression. We are all human beings tied together in the journey of life; there is no room for anything but love and acceptance. “I think the idea of self-expression is something that everyone wants to feel comfortable with,” says Storm. “Feeling accepted and being able to express yourself freely is such a precious attribute to any individual. The common issue within society is the fact that people don't believe in themselves, they struggle to make an effort to change. It’s a beautiful thing to accomplish and conquer something within yourself that is so unexpected. There is no harm in trying, right?”

[miaadams]

The Great Barrier Reef is Dying Faster then David Attenborough

As I turned off the godly voice of nature's Grandfather, Sir David Attenborough, I stared blankly at the wall ahead. A solemn tear trickled down my cheek as I wallowed in self-pity, eventually coming to a profound realisation… humans’ suck. While we’re complaining about the Woolworths plastic bag ban, the Great Barrier Reef is turning into an underwater wasteland. Overwhelming increases in carbon dioxide emissions are making our oceans warmer and more acidic (unless you are a Donald Trump enthusiast and in that case, Global Warming is just a hoax). In 2016, a rise in sea temperature and acidity spiked a major bleaching event which destroyed two-thirds of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef.

 High school graduate Megan Sims looks out the window with a solemn expression on her face as she reminisces the Coral Monitoring and Turtle Rehabilitation program she recently participated. “Where we went there was a lot of coral rubble, which means that not only has the coral died but none has come through under that,” she says, her expression turning to anger. “I remember I was writing 50% coral rubble for most of the sights. It's just so upsetting because we were snorkeling in the most pristine part of the reef and it was still horribly damaged.” What Megan witnessed is what Professor Terry Hughes, director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies calls “The worst mass bleaching event in history.” As human beings, we are the only species with the power to destroy the planet and the only ones who can save it. So, here is why we aren’t.

 As a 20-year-old University student, Isabelle Siberling looks at the world with unwavering optimism and hope. Having recently traveled to Canada to take part in an International Entrepreneurial Social Justice Competition named World’s Challenge Challenge. Amongst waffles and maple syrup, Isabelle and her team established a social media education campaign named #icannsavethereef. There Isabelle developed five daily habits that an individual can change to limit their greenhouse gas emissions. The young environmental enthusiast says it is sending a message to Australians that there is a solution that they can reach individually. “They need to become the voice that the reef does not have,” says Isabelle. As true blue Aussies, why aren't we fighting for Nemo?

 1. People are too set in their ways to make a change.

Life has never been more convenient. Need food? UberEats. Want clothes? Order online. Feel like a movie? Netflix and chill. However, as creatures of habit, we have become dangerously complacent and conditioned to our newly found lifestyle of ease and access, creating an epidemic of inertia. A study conducted by the Harvard Business School showed that people mainly resist change for the following reasons; a loss of control, disruption, and excess uncertainty. In the context of changing our lifestyles to support the survival of the reef, it becomes a matter of priority and sacrifice. How far are we willing to go to prevent an environmental catastrophe? Not that far apparently. “As individuals, we need to stand up and begin to make the small changes that send messages to big companies that we want to be more sustainable, we can make a huge impact by changing the smallest things that will hardly inconvenience us,” says Isabelle. As human beings, we are adaptable creatures and can easily make a lasting impact, according to psychiatrist Abigail Brenner. “We move from the passive state of just watching how things unfold to taking some action that enables us to utilise the change to create an outcome of our own choice,” says Dr. Brenner.

 2. Out of sight out of mind

The Great Barrier Reef is the largest living structure on earth stretching for 2,300 kilometers along the Queensland coast. Isabelle sips through her reusable coffee cup as she remembers a childhood full of snorkels, laughter, and chafing. “Reef conservation is a passion of mine as I am originally from the Whitsundays which is alongside the Great Barrier Reef,” she says. “Growing up, I always had the opportunity to go out to the reef, which allowed me to see firsthand the deterioration in the condition of the reef and become passionate about saving it.” It’s not until we put on our scuba Steve costumes and see first hand the state of the reef that we can truly grasp the devastation. Dr. John Charlie Veron became the first Coral Reef Scientist in 1972 and discovered a third of the world’s known species. “I've been diving the same spots on the reef for 40 years, and over time I go back, and I am sickened by some of the changes I see,” He tells David Attenborough passionately. “Sometimes I go back to the same spot, and I can barely recognise it, some species have been wiped out from the shallows already.” Although the reef may seem to many as a far away underwater wonderland, the reproductions of its demise will impact everyone.

 3. Capitalist Greed

Besides a decent kangaroo, the Great Barrier Reef is one of the leading tourist attractions in Australia. The Great Barrier Reef Foundation estimates the value of the reef is at a whopping $56 billion, with a total direct use benefit to domestic tourists at $29 billion, and overall direct use benefit to recreational vision $3 billion. The reality is that the reef is a substantial economic force, attracting two million visitors each year. Marine expert and Professor at James Cook University, Joshua Cinner, says the reef is a huge source of income for the Australian Government. “Market pressures for Australian reef fish now come from overseas; port dredging and shipping across the reef are spurred on by fossil fuel exports to Asia, and a housing crisis in the United States can batter reef tourism half a world away.” For the hundreds of businesses that rely on the reef, there remains a capitalist mentality that ensures the economy takes precedence over the impact on the environment.

 4. Our impact feels Insignificant

Not using one plastic straw isn't going to make a difference, said seven billion people. It’s pretty straightforward, our oceans control the weather, the climate, the air we breathe. Without a healthy ocean, we do not have a healthy planet. As we go about our mundane lives, we remember that 7.2 billion people share this planet and that the significance of our existence is limited to 400 friends on Facebook. While this is extremely depressing, what is worse is the possibility of losing the reef, so buy a reusable bag and get over it. “Often, I find that people neglect the responsibility because they feel overwhelmed by the situation,” says Isabelle. ”When you begin to research into the issues that the reef is facing, it can feel as though there is no way to fix them. This can be disheartening and put people into a short-term headspace where they say that it 'isn't my problem' or 'someone else will find a solution. This is a dangerous way of thinking as individually; we can make a difference by taking steps towards protecting the environment.”

[miaadams]

“I Don’t Have Enough Money To Spend On Brunch”

You know that one friend who can never afford to go clubbing, to breakfast, to the movies, or just to the beach because let's face it, $1.60 for petrol isn’t within the budget of any living soul? Well, I am that friend, and I’m finally ok with that.

In an era of high expectations and social conformity; money, self-image, and material possessions form the pillars of society. Going to the next pop-up, eclectic cafe for a $6 coffee and a $15 avo smash is no longer a luxury, it’s a lifestyle. The bitter truth is that hardly anyone can actually afford it. 

Free ^ 

Not Free ^

Although, I am beyond fortunate in many areas of my life, for a long time I have felt like I was dangling over the poverty line because of my social life. There is a constant pressure to spend money in order to socialise. It’s no ones fault, and it’s everybody’s fault. Although we cringe every time we pay $25 to sit on a milk crate and eat chia pudding, we still do it. We go along with the societal trend, and we keep our mouths shut. Often I have felt extremely caught up in a vicious cycle of wanting to socialise, and simply not being able to afford it. Money is always on my mind, and it is the fundamental reason for my stress and my anxiety. I’ve finally realised that to be financially secure; you have to sacrifice. This doesn’t have to mean cutting yourself off from your relationships; it means compromising.

Listen closely, because I’ve discovered the secret on how to make both your friends and your bank account love you. SAY NO. Can’t afford a $20 cocktail with fairy floss on it? SAY NO. Can’t afford half a tank of petrol to drive to the middle of the Australian bush, to take some pictures with sunflowers? SAY NO. Can’t afford exotic, vegan Acai bowls with ingredients you don’t even know how to pronounce? SAY NO. It seems simple, but my god it’s hard.

Free ^

Not Free, but omg it was so good ^

Suggest something else, something cheaper, something that isn’t going to make you hate yourself for blowing your weekly budget… again. Steal your parent’s food and have an aesthetically pleasing picnic in the park. Make pizza’s and drink wine at home. Have a movie marathon of old classics. Go and get $5 hot chips and sit on the beach watching the sunset. Sit at home and play Fortnite for eight hours straight (It’s sad and anti-social but it’s cost-effective, so who cares).

The moral of the story is this; if you want to get anywhere in life, you have to say no to avo smash.

[miaadams]

The Winning Formula

Ever heard the terms ‘Emote,’ ‘Mats,’ or ‘Heals’? Me neither. However, whether you’re a parent, girlfriend, sibling or just a constructive member of society, chances are you’ve heard the name Fortnite. The simple truth is that we live in a world that makes absolutely no sense to anyone but Dr. Phil. Why have petrol prices reached $1.60? How does Donald Trump still have access to nuclear codes? Why does my child or partner sit and play a video game for eight hours straight? While I can’t tell you how Donald Trump even came to power in the first place, I can answer your prayers and discuss the global phenomenon that is ‘Fortnite: Battle Royale.’

The following content will detail three addictions and one anti-addiction, giving a firsthand insight into why the game has attracted 46 million players worldwide. This particular game has been designed based on a ‘winning formula’, using subtle simulations and challenges to stimulate human emotion that people can form an attachment to. With the introduction of wifi and online community gaming, you can now find grandpa sitting on the couch, sipping on tonic water, tapping away at his controller screaming ‘one-shot.’ No longer does your six-year-old cousin harass you to play hide and seek, because he’s preoccupied playing the prestigious swamp lands of ‘Moisty Mire.’ So what is it that links grandpa and little cousin Jimmy together? Chances are they’re hooked from one of the following;

‘The Overly Competitive’

One thing society values more than money is success. The power of winning plays a fundamental role within the gaming sub-culture, as the feeling of achievement leads to an addictive form of validation. “I’m very competitive. What hooks me is the feeling of accomplishment and adrenaline when I win, sometimes I'm so psyched up about it that I'm shaking and the excitement spurs me to keep playing. I feel validation when I prove to my friends that I'm the best.”

‘The Adrenaline Junkie ‘

“The feeling I get when I get the kill is so satisfactory that it gets my heart racing. I get a rush of adrenaline that keeps me wanting more and more, similar to thrill seekers but this way I don't have to throw myself out of a plane.” Fight or flight is an instinctive human response. The adrenaline released from being in a simulated situation releases the hormone into the blood system which causes the heart to pump blood at a faster rate.

‘The Angry Girlfriend’

Addiction inspires collateral damage. You only have to watch Kirsten Cohen being dragged away to rehab on Season 2 of The OC to realise it’s impact on surrounding loved ones. “I understand that it can be addicting but I don't like being second priority to it. Once, I was picking him up and he made me sit in the car for 20 minutes while he finished the game. He is so distracted by it that it’s hindering the relationship. He spends so much time on the game that it’s cutting him off from real world relationships.”

‘The Escape Artist‘

“Sometimes I use Fortnite as an escape. When I got bad marks for an essay, I just submerged myself into the game to get away from reality and those negative emotions. It’s like reading a really good book, you get lost within the pages. Instead, with video games I control the way the story unravels plus its interactive and visual.” Video games provide a sense of control that people often lack within their life. Those relying on Fortnite as an escape are seeking structure to compensate for the chaos of reality.

[miaadams]

Pursuit of Happiness

Currently there is an epidemic of endless desire sweeping across humanity. As human beings we have been conditioned by consumer culture and mass marketing to continuously want, to feel empty and worthless, like we are nothing without the possession of materialistic objects. *Material Girl by Madonna plays softly in the background* We are no longer defined by what we do, but what we own. However, who are you without your nike sneakers or your mimco wallet?

“Money cant buy you happiness” Well sure it can! Ive felt the hit of adrenaline that comes with pay day. The rush of happiness when you buy the latest iPhone. However, what happens when the adrenaline wares off, the camera quality just isn't good enough anymore, and and the bank account becomes drier than the Sahara desert? It is at this point that we feel like what we have just isn't good enough anymore, so our energy becomes soley focused on pursuing the hit of retail therapy, constantly searching for more. Unconsciously we are becoming traped in the endless cycle of consumerism, spending our lives in the constant search for more. The secret to it all is that less is more. When we find happiness in materialistic objects its short and brief, like a drug we crave it. No longer do we value human interaction, we value human acceptance, being envied by our peers has become the prime aspiration of many lives in todays modern, western society. We are buying into the world of materialism and consumerism, willingly being manipulated by marketing and advertisments, being made to feel as if we aren't good enough without a particular item. Not only do we crave the adrenaline of a purchase, we crave the acceptance and status that the item comes with. Ironically, as we pursue happiness, we become tiresome, anxious and depressed as we realise we cannot fill the void with materials. Physiologist Gail Steketee states;

‘We are too materialist in the everyday sense of the word, and we are not at all materialistic enough in the true sense of the word. We need to be true materialist and actually care about the materiality of the goods we possess, instead we are in a world were the material goods we possess are only important for their symbolic meaning. What they do to position us in the status system.’

Not only do we rely on fashion and purchased items to boost our self confidence and status. We then place minimal value on the items themselves. Neglecting them once they are undesirable, which is a vital reason as to why we live in a society haunted with environmental issues and mass wastage. Don't get me wrong its ok to buy new clothes, and occasionally spoil yourself with the things you love. However, when purchasing items ask yourself, will it add any value to my life? What are my intentions in buying this product? Am I buying it because I love it and it depicts my individuality, or because everyone else has one and I need to feel accepted?

Research shows a majority of western society is living their lives terrified of missing out on keeping up with the latest trend. Wether we are against it or not, we live in a world built upon insecurity, where self-worth is determined by other peoples opinions, and climbing the social ladder is considered an integral aspiration of life. Since adolescence, our society is conditioned and groomed to pursue more money in order to spend more money, we are a population plagued with status anxiety and jealousy. Its time we start loving people and using things, not loving things and using people. If you are interested in consumer culture or materialism their are endless sources of information, some of my favourites include; ‘Minimalism’ a documentary on the important things - available on netflix and ‘spend spend spend’ by BBC.

As human beings we are constantly in the pursuit of happiness, however we are looking in the wrong places. 

[miaadams]

Did you right all of this? If so you are extraordinary and inspirational!

Yes I did! Wow thank you so much, i’m so pleased to hear. You’ve just made my day! 

[miaadams]

We are too materialist in the everyday sense of the word, and we are not at all materialistic enough in the true sense of the word. We need to be true materialist and actually care about the materiality of the goods we possess, instead we are in a world were the material goods we process are only important for their symbolic meaning. What they do to position us in the status system.

Minimalism - A documentary about the important things

[miaadams]

Nostalgia

For those of you who aren't aware, nostalgia is a word which here by means; a wistful desire to return in thought to a former time. Nostalgia is that feeling you get when you hear a song that transports you back to a place or time in your life. It's the longing to be back in a moment when ‘everything was perfect’. To me, nostalgia is both dangerous and beautiful. Dangerous in the fact that we often remember things better than they actually were. We eliminate the negatives of the past and focus on the positives. However, beautiful in the sense that there is so much to be learnt from our history. To be able to see evolution and altering of humankind throughout the decades is awe inspiring. I personally am stuck in this metaphoric trap of nostalgia. I have such a love and admiration for everything that was produced in the 20th century. Records, magazines, literature, fashion, music, films, politics, Louis Armstrong, James Dean, Julia Roberts and Audrey Hepburn.

 Everything was so pure and so valued, so diverse but so simplistic. People felt real emotions, chivalry was alive and people lived a minimalist lifestyle. Human emotion was displayed by facial expressions and body language, rather than emojis and statuses. Adolescents in love would sneak out to see each other, not delete their messages from their phones. Music would contain lyrics filled with love and heartache, not men constantly sexualising women. I mean sure, there were defiantly a lot of flaws within this era. Gay marriage was frowned upon (still is), sexism and discrimination were prominent, it was plagued with war, and there was a lack of technology. However, I would give anything to live in any decade of that century. Some of my all time favourites from the 20th century include; 

Reads 

The Catcher in the Rye (1951) The Great Gatsby (1925) To Kill a Mockingbird (1960)

Movies

Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) The Sound of Music (1965) Pretty Woman (1990) My Best Friends Wedding (1997) The Breakfast Club (1985) Ferris Buellers day off (1986) Mary Poppins (1964) My Girl (1991) Friends (1994 - 2004) Pulp Fiction (1994) Forest Gump (1994) Good Morning Vietnam (1987) Mrs Doubtfire (1993)

Music

La Vie en Rose by Louis Armstrong (1940) Everywhere by Fleetwood mac (1987) Stand by Me by Ben E. King (1962) Brown Eyed Girl by Van Morrison (1967) My Girl by The Temptations (1965) Everyday by Buddy Holly (1958) Tequila by The Champs (1962) Masters of War by Bob Dylan (1963) Whats going on by Marvin Gaye (1971) Buffalo Solider by Bob Marley (1983)

I think it's important as we move further into the future that we value our past. However, there is a fine line between appreciating the past and being stuck in it. You can't be a revolutionary and a traditionalist. Here is to the roaring twenties, the fabulous fifties, the swinging sixties, the disco era and the naughty nineties.

[miaadams]

you're the best !!!!

no you are!!!

[miaadams]

New year, same me.

At first, waking up at 4:21am this morning to watch the sunrise at the beach with my best friend felt like the biggest mistake since Donald Trumps’ election. However, as we sat on the quiet beach, watching the sky tinge with pink and the sun peek over the horizon, I was overcome with a sense of peace and happiness, and a new found realisation.

Today we celebrate the future and the hope that the new year brings. With the beginning of a new year, comes the end of another. It’s so important that we reflect on the year that has just passed, as well as celebrate the one that is ahead of us. Personally, Im not going to sit here and tell you what a blast my 2016 was, because in all honesty, is was hard. Like many other people, I faced endless challenges and hardships. However, I would not take back any of those moments as they have taught me invaluable lessons and have led me to discover things about myself I otherwise never would have. I think that often as a society we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of the celebrations that we forget to take a moment to just stop. To just have a peaceful moment to mentally set out our goals for the year to come. I’m not talking about shitty new year resolutions that are abandoned by the 4th of January – I’m talking about deciding what we want to achieve and where we want to lead ourselves.

If I had a dime for every time I heard the the phrase “New year, New me,” I’d be richer than Kimmy K (but probably still broke because I don’t have the will power to save). To me that whole mindset is the biggest scam, you don’t just suddenly change into a different person just because the clock strikes 12 and the date has changed! Sorry princesses, but this is not cinderella. If you want next year to be better than the last, you go out there and work your ass off until you get what you want. Often the things we want take tremendous amounts of time and effort, which is why we want them. Watching fireworks and praying for a good year isn’t going to make it happen, you must take matters into your own hands, you are in control of your year and your life. 2017 will be what you make it (inspiration by Hannah Montana). All shitty disney channel jokes aside, you must take control of 2017 and chase what you desire otherwise you will become stuck in an endless cycle of passing dates and disappointment. So, in conclusion to my realisation, I would like to say “new year, same me,” because fixing the flaws in your life and getting what you want will take time – your life isn’t going to change with the date. I sincerely hope the year is everything you claim it will be, it’s really up to you.