Being Brave!

25 May 2015

Blog Everyday in May

Being Brave!

To me, being brave is easier said then done. For those who've known me since I was little, being outgoing and loud is just an "act". Trust me, I am so shy, and nervous to explain my thoughts, feelings, and ideas. I'm not sure why I am the way that I am, but somehow I've been able to branch out a bit and be more out there. 

For today's post, I'm going to talk about the few moments in my life where I've felt brave. Brave to do something I wouldn't normally do. It's nerve racking to even think about what I've accomplish, but hey, I really am proud! 

I used to be terrified to speak in front of a class. This included presentations, answers a question in class, speeches... anything that involved me talking in front of a group of people. I somehow was able to get over this when I made the biggest leap of my life and joined the Canadian Air Cadet program back when I was 12 years old. I recently retired from the program when I turned 19, and found the confidence I never had to stand in front of a class to teach, or even talk to groups of people. It was an amazing experience, and something I am thankful for. Because, although I still may be nervous and shy, at least I know there is really nothing worst that can happen from talking in front of a crowd. 

I hated heights... well, certain kinds of heights. Like I can manage the heights of a roller coaster, but looking down from high places is just terrifying. Even if I am looking outside a window, I can't. There's the what if I can just fall over. But, just recently, I somehow over came this fear in the most scariest way possible. I live in Toronto, and we have a skyscraper called the CN Tower. And near the top, there this floor that is literally made by class. When you stand on the glass, you can really see ALL THE WAY DOWN to the floor. It is terrifying, but I've somehow overcame this fear and actually stood on the glass. Even though I stood there for 5 seconds of less, I still did it! 

On a more personal brave achievement, I've fell in love. And falling in love is one of the most terrifying, yet the best experience ever. Give someone all your love, and trusting them with ever secret, or thoughts or ideas with the thought of not being judge is actually scary. Trusting your other half to not hurt you, trusting your other half with your heart... the biggest things I've had to over come. And, I think out of all of my "brave" moments, this is my favourite... Being in love, is the best feeling ever. 

Being brave is very individualistic. We all have our definitions of what it is to be brave, because we are all afraid of different things, or different outcomes. But, from what I've learnt, is that the worst possible that can happen, is really just the worst possible thing. Chances are, our worst fears are not going to happen. And you can't live life being scared. Stepping out of your comfort zone can be life changing - an amazing change. 

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! & click HERE to see my posts for the challenge!

 

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My Quirks Are Normal, Right?

14 May 2015

blog challenge

My Quirks Are Normal, Right?

Today, I'm going to share some of my quirks with you. By definition, a quirk is a behavioural habit YOU do that someone else might not. So, as I list some of the few things I consider normal to me that I know others might not do, please note I really don't know why I do this. It is something I've always done... and yea, I think its normal! 

1. I always put on my right shoe first. I'm actually not sure why, I just noticed this is something I have to do whenever I put on my shoes. I tried putting my left shoe on first once, it felt so weird...
2. I can't leave the house without showering. Even if I need to make a quick stop to the grocery store, or buy one item from Walmart, I shower. 
3. I can't sleep at night if my favourite ring isn't on my dresser. I have this ring that I received as a gift, and I truly adore it. You find me wearing it pretty much on the daily. But, when I come home I usually place it on my dress.. there are days when I realize I don't remember where I placed the ring, and it actually drives me crazy, to the point where I won't sleep, if my ring isn't left on my dresser at night. 
4. I enter rooms with my right foot first. I might think this brings me luck or something, but I've always done this since I was little. No matter what. 
5. I can't focus if the shoes aren't aligned properly. When guests come over, I always find myself fixing the alignment of their shoes. I can't focus when I'm talking to a guest while another guest enters placing his/her shoes in an different arrangement.
6. My cloths have to be hung by length, and by colour. I think this is a habit I've developed since working in retail... My cloths have to be hung in the order of shorts, skirts, t-shirts, sweaters, rompers, short dresses, maxi dresses, pant jumpers with jeans and jackets in the end. AND, they are colour coordinated from lightest to darkest... 
7. I can't start studying when my room is a mess. When it is time to study, or write an important paper, I cannot seem to focus when there is a mess in my room. I will actually spend time cleaning my room. 
8. I can't sleep if the door is open. My bedroom door must be shut... 
9. When I'm at home, or in someone else's house, I always have to wear socks. Even if I came to your house in heels, I have socks in my purse ready to go.
10. I won't ever use public bathroom. Nope, sorry. Don't care if a public bathroom is my only choice. Not only will I not use them, I will not even step in one. 

Please tell me I'm not alone and some of you actually do these to? We can be normal together!

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! & click HERE to see my posts for the challenge!

 

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You Graduated High School, Now What?

13 May 2015

advice

You Graduated High School, Now What?

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I've yet to graduate from university; so, I really do not have much experience to share with recent (or almost) university grads. This post is intended for those graduating university, and like me, were a bit lost in what to do with life.

I'll admit, I was completely lost when I realized I was done with university. Yes, it was an exciting time, because hey, I'm out of high school. But, it was actually really scary. I was one of those students who thought I had an idea of what I wanted to do with my life, but I kept second guessing myself. It also didn't help where I had parents who kept drilling the idea of going to university - and, only university - right after I graduated from high school. For me, my life was pretty much planned for me since I was little and I had no control..

Looking back, I wish I could have done things differently. And, this is what I honestly tell others when they come to me for advice; whether it would be what university they should apply for, or if they should take a break from school, or what career path they should be looking into. It is difficult to go through life not knowing what will happen next, but I think it is great that theres always someone out there to help.

1. Do What You Enjoy.
This advice is based from personal experience. For my whole life, I was told that I wanted to be a doctor. Growing up, and doing all the science-y courses in high school, I realized the medical field was not my thing. And, with not having the grades along with not enjoying myself, I found myself getting discouraged a lot.

My advice to you is that, this is your life, and you need to pick a career path, or pick anything in life that you will enjoy. It will be you in 20 years with this job, not your parents. So, really think about what you would enjoy doing for about 8-9 hours of your day, everyday.

2. Do not rush a decision - Take a break.
This is something I find myself telling some of my younger cousins, or younger friends when I find that they are confused or have absolutely no idea about what's next. Let me tell you something I've never heard... It is okay to take a break from school, if needed. There shouldn't be this whole idea that "you need to go to college/university right after high school", and there is definitely no need "to finish university in 4 years".

These are just myths, and honestly... I personally found it best when I go through school at my own, doable and manageable pace.

Take a break, get an internship in different areas of interest. You might end up in a field you had no idea you enjoyed, then BAM. You know your next move.

3. College/University isn't for everyone.
In fact, a very close personal friend of mine is now realizing she wasted her last three years in university. She realized that university wasn't for her, and now she will be restarting her life in college. I really do wish she would just take a break and figure out what she wants before she feels like she's wasting her time again..

If you weren't someone who enjoyed the learning from books, and memorizing for tests, chances are university might not be for you... Instead, you might be more into trades where there is a lot more hands-on experience as well. But, this is for you to figure out.. you can't have anyone tell you what you want to do with your life.

4. It is okay to not know what you want.
This is something I've learnt a little too late. It is okay to not know what you want to major in school, or what you want as a career. No one is expecting you to have your life together and set for the next 20-30 years of your life. You're only 18 years old. Enjoy your youth, because sooner or later, you'll be a grown-up and realize paying bills is not a fun thing to do.

5. Keep your friends close; but, don't be afraid to make new ones. 
When entering university or college, especially with friends, please don't be afraid and branch out to make your social group bigger! I know it may be harder to make friends when you have your old friends clinging onto your arms, but in those 1 or 2 classes that you don't have with your friends, talk to someone new. It will not hurt make a few friends in the long run - especially with those who will most likely end up doing the same majors as you.

But, at the same time, don't be rude and push away your old friends. It is good to have different social company for different social events. It puts you out there in different crowds, getting to know different people. And, lets face it... we live in a world where it is not always what what you know, but about who you know. 

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! & click HERE to see my posts for the challenge!

 

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My Favourite Blogging Tools

12 May 2015

blog challenge

My Favourite Blogging Tools

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Hi guys! I'll just get straight into today's post instead of creating an introductory paragraph. By the title, and from the main picture for this post, today I will be sharing some of my favourite blogging tools! (these are not present in any particular order).

bloglovin'

I love bloglovin'! When I first started blogging, I usually used the old google blog search in order to find blogs that were more of my taste. Eventually, I found bloglovin' and honestly it made blogging, and finding blogs of similar taste so much easier. I love how I am able organize blog and posts into groups of my liking. 

Although, I've heard great things about Feedly, especially where people prefer feedly over bloglovin'... so, I'm definitely going to give that a try.

canva

This is an online editing website I used for pretty much all of my blog main pictures. It is very simple to use since they've pretty much have a lot of ready made template already available. All you would simply do is select a template, change the background to your liking, and then the text, font, colour, etc. 

unsplash

There are times where I find myself not using my own photos for some of my blog posts. And, due to copyright of a lot of pictures on google, I used to find myself in a rut when finding good quality photos to use. When I stumbled on unsplash, I was amazed at the HDR quality of the photo, with the added bonus of them being free without attribution! So, if your ever in need of a quick and free photo for you blog, unsplash is definitely the way to go!

evernote

I love evernote! It is honestly a huge part of my daily life, and without it, I'm sure my life would just be a hot mess. It is basically a digital notebook, and I just love how pretty I can organize my thoughts, ideas and plans. The best part is that my ideas and thoughts can be synced between my iPhone and other devices I've used. This is definetly a must have if you have yet to download this app!

Do you like some of these tools listed above? Are there any I should try? Let me know in the comments below!

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! & click HERE to see my posts for the challenge!

 

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A Well Needed Introduction! | Blog Everyday in May: Day 1 & 2

03 May 2015

blog challenge

A Well Needed Introduction! | Blog Everyday in May: Day 1 & 2

Well, hello there fellow bloggers! In an attempt to bring out my creative side, I decided it was about time I rejoined a blogging challenge! So, with that being said; today's prompt should be an easy one! But, because I joined the prompt a day late, I'm combining both Day 1 and Day 2 prompts in today's post! Here we go..

Day 1: Introduce Yourself! AND Day 2: 5 Photos that Tell My Story

Let's get the basics out of the way..  My name is Vanessa, but people usually just call me Nessa, or Vee. I am a 20 year old full time student enrolled at the University of Toronto about to begin my journey as a 4th year undergraduate student. I'm currently completely an Honours Bachelor of Science degree double majoring in Psychology and Anthropology. As much as I complain about the school system, I love learning, and therefore, I actually enjoy my classes. 

I think it is safe to say that I am very short, probably the shortest 20 year old in my family. With that being said, I'm 5'1 feet tall, and I used to be average height in comparison to my elementary school friends.. So, I really don't know if it was the lack of milk, or the non-existent short gene in my family that made me "short"; but, like I said, it is safe to call me short. 

I have only one sister, her name is Ashley, and she is 19 years old. People usually get confused about our age difference, because according to the school system, we are separated by 2 years; but looking at our date of birth, we are only 1 year and 4 months apart. We literally grew up receiving questions of us being twins. Eh, we eventually got used to it as our parents would often time confuse us when addressing us. But, lately, we actually haven't been receiving those "I get you guys so confused" remarks. I think it is just easier to remember that Ashley is the taller one.

Yes, I have a man in my life for almost 5 years. I do in fact like to keep that part of my life on the private side. Which is probably why you never see a photo of him and I together posted on my blog, or Facebook, or twitter. I learnt from my past that some people act like they care; but deep down are just wishing/hoping bad and negative energy towards me. So, I rather keep my positivity (a.k.a Jay) away from all of that!

I have the cutest bunny in the world! Her name is Penelope, and she has turned into something more than just a pet for me. She is so cuddly, and furry, and just a bundle of cuteness I cannot get over. You probably already know so much about her because of how much I show her off. She's been in my life for more than a year now... Hopefully, she will stay in my life a little longer!

I think that is pretty much the gist of me. As you can tell, I really cannot go on and on about myself... it actually gets me nervous and I start to feel self-conscious because I don't want to give that vibe that, "its all about me"... because that's really not me. I'm more of a people person; and I think it is the  truth when I say, I usually put others before me- and I really don't mind helping another person out.

Well, that's me!

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I'm linking up with the Blog Everyday in May challenge hosted by Belinda at Found Love Now What. Check out the prompts for the month! (click HERE)! 

 

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