You didn't go through that for nothing

Hi darlings,
It has been a while so I just thought it was time to check in.
I have spent my last few months working and playing. My goal this year was to chill the f**k out and we just about reached it. Things are a little heavy at the minute with a heavy workload and a hectic lifestyle but I am doing ok and I hope you are to.

The key to pulling myself together these last few months has been keeping myself busy. When I don't spend my days working I keep them as full as possible from morning to evening. Whilst this all sounds great over the past few weeks it has impacted my health slightly forcing me to take a day or two of cancelled plans and relax.

I am so lucky to be surrounded by the greatest support system when the going gets tough. Those closest to me have helped me through some of the hardest times and reminded me exactly what I am capable of.

My last post was about my goals for this coming year and now is the first time I have really looked back and found the time to check in ... not to mention the first opportunity I have given myself some 'me' time to write. I am unconsciously slowly working my way through my list (although I am still working on the nap less and eating healthier part).

Here is your reminder that it is crucial that you check in with your own mental health and ask yourself, 'am I doing ok?'. When the answer isn't as it should be that's when its time to take action. Everyone knows I am incredibly private person (also one of my goals), but I am gradually finding it easier and easier to talk about how I am doing.

Sometimes life gets you down, but you come back stronger than ever. People might talk about this but very few believe it. Find the things that make you happy and eliminate the energy that does not.

Here is a reminder that you've got this. Its you who creates the person you want to be.

Remember, you glow different when you are doing better.

 

Wander in the Dominican Republic | beauty and cause

The past few weeks has seen so much devastation brought upon our world. The natural disasters that have entailed hurricanes Harvey and Irma, Jose and Maria alongside the tragedy of earthquake in Mexico has left families without loved ones and without a home. I visited the Dominican Republic, a Caribbean island, a little over a month ago and was faced with such timeless beauty and landscape never sparing a thought that these islands, and many others would soon face tragedy. 

For these people to suffer such heartbreak is unimaginable. I could have continued my blog posts on my trip to the Dominican but this would not have been right. Instead I would like to share with you some of my personal, unedited photos of the Puerto Plata, a place I will remain eternally grateful to have visited.

Please say a prayer,

please spare a thought for so many in need of help at this moment in time.

You can donate to help those in desperate need of help here. No donation is too big or small.

Here are just some of the ways.

United Way - https://www.ccunitedway.org

The American Red Cross- https://go.crowdrise.com/americanredcross

Save the Children- http://savethechildren.org

Global Giving- http://savethechildren.org

UNICEF Mexico- https://www.unicef.org/mexico

UNICEF USA- https://www.unicefusa.org

IMPORTANT: Before you donate check out Vogue's tips and advice from the Federal Trade commission to avoid scammers. 

here 

 

Admiration for Angelina

So we all woke up the shocking news yesterday that Angelina Jolie had undergone a double mastectomy in a bid to reduce her chances of breast cancer. Her mother fought cancer for nearly a decade and Angelina's risk of breast cancer was at 87%, alarmingly high. She also has a risk that stands at 50% for ovarian cancer. Having six children was enough to persuade the actress to undergo surgery in February, a start of many operations but has reduced her risk of getting breast cancer to under 5%.

'Once I knew that this was my reality, I decided to be proactive and to minimise the risk as much I could. I made a decision to have a preventive double mastectomy.'

Not only do I admire her for going through such a tough time but for exposing such personal information to the world, information so sensitive. Brad Pitt, her partner, has expressed how proud he is of the actress and has been there every minute, reassuring her.

'Having witnessed this decision firsthand, I find Angie's choice, as well as so many others like her, absolutely heroic.'

The current cost in the US to be tested for the faulty genes stands at $3000 which Angelina has stated,

'remains an obstacle for many women'.

To go through something like this at the age of 37 would be a shock to anyone but we have to admire Angelina for taking such a preventive measure which required such hard decision making. Other stars such as Sharon Osbourne have previously gone through a similar ordeal. Angelinas surgery is not yet complete as she will also be getting her ovaries removed to reduced her high risk of ovarian cancer. How can you not admire such a brave woman?

I know many people go through this on a day to day basis but we don't always recognise the courage it takes for women to go through something through this journey and we should. Here is my chance to say that I admire you women and the sacrifice you make for your children, friends, partners and most importantly yourself.