Day 9

Winter, childhood books and university. A higgeldypiggeldy mixmatch of things to appreciate today.

1. Cold, rainy days. These are the best days for snuggling up with a cuppa tea or hot chocolate, and a delicious book to dive into. Or for jumping in puddles with your boots, crinkling the red leaves underfoot. I love the crisp intake of air, the way the cold stings my lungs with icy fire. I love the breath that blooms into the mist draped over the mountains. I love the comfort that winter days have to offer. They bring connotations of fire, and blankets and warm drinks. Childhood fantasies.

2. The books I read as a child. I often find myself suddenly stumbling upon the memory of a childhood book. There's this one, it had all these fairy tales. They were so beautiful. But I can't remember what it was called, all I can remember was that the fairies, mermaids and unicorns danced through its pages with the magical splendour of fantasy. I never want to read that book again though, in case it ruins my faded memories. So, I'll keep it as a treasure. Something that I once held in my hands, and will now forever hold in my heart, glittery cover and all.

3. I'm so privileged to be studying at this university. This prestigious institute which so many people couldn't get into. Yet we spend our time complaining about the work load, about how boring it is, about how much we hate exams; instead of just accepting the fact that we are undeniably the luckiest 5% of this planet. Why do we always think we are so much worse off than we are? Why can we not see how blessed we are and praise the Lord for it? No more complaining about being here. No more negativity. I am the luckiest girl alive, to be studying the course I want to and live the life I want to lead. How many others can say that? Not many. Praise be to God for this blessing, my life is the most beautiful life I could imagine. Time to start appreciating it.

Day 8

Adventures and friends and clean linen. 3 of my favourite things.

1. New friends. I love it when I meet someone, and we have this instant connection. They crack a joke, I crack a joke, we both get the jokes. Honestly, for me a really weird sense of humour is probably the foundation of all my friendships. Without that, there's nothing to connect us. My friends are all so different, there's nothing in common besides our humour. So meeting someone who shares my perspective, who finds old Disney Movies hilarious and sad all at the same time really is a rare feat that I have come to treasure. Here's to new friends, new memories, new adventures.

2. What's better than clean linen? The warm, straight, fresh sheets and fluffy pillow just make the dreams that much more delicious. And the mornings that much more difficult.

3. Spontaneous adventures. My boyfriend, his friends and I decided to spontaneously take a trip outside our town last night. It was the most epic drive, listening to some beautiful music and keeping some great conversation. The city lights flickered in the distance and the moon whispered to us from above. I could feel the magic of the night. It was a spectacular little night.

Day 7

Parents, God and technology. Very different, yet all very appreciated.

1. My parents. I think this is something I need to continually remind myself to be thankful for. The amount they put up with, do for me... It really is unbelievable. I do so little for them in return besides exist. It's a weird concept, actually. They pay me to live, feed me, clothe me, educate me, and all I have to give back is my love and affection. Best job in the world, really. Besides the point though, I realised yesterday how patient they are every time I demand something. Looking around my room, at the things I own, it's all because of their sacrifices that I can enjoy the luxury of my life and a cappuccino now and then (or every day...) Selfless and unconditional, that's probably the best to describe their love.

2. The forgiveness of God. Okay... so I've come to the realisation that the life I was leading, the people I was spending time with and my priorities were all spiraling me further down into a pit of doom (depro, I know). I've been so unhappy recently, disconnected from who I am and what my purpose is. To live without a God really means you live without a purpose or a reason for existence. A life void of any meaning, to be blunt. And I couldn't do it anymore. Today I decided I need to get my life on track. I need to stop investing time into destructive activities and allow God to mold me into a beautiful spirit, allow Him to heal me, lead me, garden my heart and cleanse my soul. I already feel so much better after just making this decision, and am so relieved that my God is a God of love, who forgives and forgets. I am a new creature now, a child of the kingdom of God. And I shall eternally be grateful for his forgiveness and open arms.

3. On a lighter note, let's be grateful for fridges. Since me roommate left yesterday and took her fridge with, I am now sitting with a full carton of milk and no fridge to store it in. We seriously under-appreciate technology and how much easier our lives are because of it. Communication, food, travelling... imagine how difficult it all was not even 200 years ago! But, at least now I have an excuse to have a million cups of tea and finish the milk before it goes green.

Day 6

Well... Today has been a serious day of revelations for me. It hasn't even been a week and already I'm feeling the change in myself just from describing 3 beautiful things each day. Instead of sunsets and food and cups of tea today, however, I'm appreciating lessons I've learned and spiritual things I can cherish. Here goes.

1. Friends you can call at midnight. So, last night I experienced a slight wobbly. I'd made a massive life decision, and 2 months down the line I regretted it. Balling my eyes out in my room with nothing but my tear-stained pillow to comfort me, I called my highschool bestie who I haven't spoken to in months. Mind the fact that it was the middle of the night, but she's the only person who honestly gets me and I needed to speak to her. She was as she had always been: understanding, empathetic and giver of advice. We spoke for over an hour, the tears rolling down my face were now from laughter. I cherish her beyond belief, and all our crazy jokes and dreams. She's truly an angel sent to help me. I love friends you can call at midnight.

2. Being able to exercise. I know a lot of people hate exercise (even me 90% of the time), but today I had this urge to just skip a thousand times or run 10 km. And so I did (the skipping, that is, I can't run 1 km). We actually don't realise how privileged we are to be able to exercise. So many people either don't have the physical capacity, or don't have enough energy to spare on a light jog. That morning-after strain of the muscles is one of the best feelings, and I'm so grateful my body is healthy enough to experience it. So I need to stop complaining about going for a run, and see it as a gift.

3. When it's meant to happen, planned to happen, will happen. Basically, everything happens for a reason. So. How do I explain this... You know when something happens in your life, you see someone in the shops from 10 years ago that just earlier you and your friend happened to talk about? Or you spend the day thinking about roast chicken and it happens to be dinner that night? Those weird coincidences, I find are rather reassuring. It's like a reminder that we're not completely alone in this universe, drifting through space with no purpose and no plan. There's some scheme to our lives, regardless of whether we are in control or a God is, there's method in the madness. It's a comforting thought; my life isn't an accident. Everything that happens fits into the puzzle. So things happening now may seem evasive, unnecessary, painful even. But, in the bigger picture, it has a purpose leading up to something massive we can't comprehend yet. Yeah, I like that thought. I think I'll think about that more often.

Day 5

What a gorgeous day to end the week with. Nutella, chicken and baby lambs. I can't be more grateful.

1. NUTELLA. NUTELLA. NUTELLA. How much better can a sunday night be than spending it with your boyfriend/best friend, watching episodes of Tom and Jerry and eating Nutella out of the jar... it can't get better. It really can't.

2. He cooked for me, for the first time. I usually do the cooking, and making of tea and coffee (his is a watery puddle, but mine is creamy and delicate - obviously) but tonight he made us chicken and veggies in the air fryer - and it was scrumptious! Finally, I've found the meal he will cook for me forever more. Here's to personal chefs!

3. My aunt's sheep gave birth to triplets! I haven't seen them yet, but I can just imagine how adorable they must be. Three little lambs, all soft and warm like a summer's night. I cannot wait to hold them and love them, how awesome is birth? New life? And we say we don't believe in magic.

Day 4

Waking up in his arms, spending the day with him and my bestfriends... what more could I ask for?

1. The sunset. I know I've already gushed about a sunset, but this one was on an entire new level. Fluorescent pink, like electricity flowing through the petals of a rose... just epic. A silent reminder that life is so beautiful, all these little petty issues we stress over... well, they're actually unimportant in the greater scheme of things. A sunset is like the universe's kiss goodnight, sweet and soft and filled with so much hope. Definitely my favourite thing.

2. I caught up with my bestfriend in our best spot. Janice and I haven't been able to see each other much lately, we've both been so busy. But this afternoon, while both our boyfriends were working, we grabbed a vanilla milkshake (right after declaring we were going to be "healthy"), and headed over to the nature reserve. It's so easy between us, she's that one soul I never have to try around. We say whatever we want, or say nothing at all and just stare at the trees that whisper around us. Soul mates, another favourite of mine.

3. I had delicious sushi. Usually sushi and I don't have a great relationship, I always feel sick afterwards. But I love it too much to surrender, even if it hates me. Today, however, we were on a different level and sushi danced on my tongue like a little irish dancer. Finally, perhaps we've reached an understanding.

Day 3

A short day, but a beautiful one at that.

1. A stranger complimented my hair. I usually have a bit of an insecurity about my hair, I worry it's too curly or too frizzy. Often I've been told I resemble Simba, or a gladiator, or Tarzan... uhm? But today, a stranger made my little heart swell with pride for my mane when he confessed how "awesome" it is and how he wish he could grow hair like mine. Well, it's a semi compliment, but I'll take it.

2. There's nothing better than a good night of beer and pizza and music with friends. I went out with my boyfriend's crew tonight, and we had an absolute time. It's so good to meet new people and expand the pond a little, bring in some new fishies. Added bonus: these people are fantastic - so welcoming and plenty of banter. Can never get enough of great company such as that!

3. I had a lovely, lazy morning. Woke up at 10, finished the movie I started last night (it's quite cute actually, Austenland), and made myself some delectable breaky. To be honest, I don't usually have lazy mornings during the week but I think I needed one. It's been so busy with tests and projects... but I did feel a bit sluggish afterwards. Limiting lazy days to once a week... give or take.