A Guest Post By Julia Humphrey.

THINGS I’VE LEARNED AND REALISED DURING 2012….and why 2013 will be so much better!


First of all, I want to thank my sister for giving me the opportunity to write on her blog. Since I don’t have a blog of my own, writing something public is both new and exciting.

2012 has been an emotional roller coaster year for me. I started a new job, I quit the same job, I suffered from panic attacks and a bad heart ache, I moved from one country to another.
I would therefore like to take this chance to write some of the things I’ve learned and realized. 
With the help of self improvement books, I’ve learned to see how happiness is something that comes from within.
Also, I like to take the opportunity to recommend an amazing book called “Find your happy” by Shannon Kaiser. This is a wonderful book for anyone who has worry and doubts about their life. Shannon writes in an easy and inspiring way how you can truly find peace and happiness from within. 

Here we go:

1.    I’ve had the chance to travel to many exciting places around the world. But the most important journey I’ve made this year is the “journey inside”. I spent a month up north Sweden to take time to getting to know myself, learning who I am and what I want to do in life. This has been both challenging and rewarding. So if you haven’t already, take the time to get to know yourself in 2013.

2.    Healing from a broken heart can be extremely painful. Spending time with people who love you and don’t get tired and annoyed listening to the same story over and over can do wonders for the heart. That, and loads of tea, walks in the nature, soothing baths, self help books and positive affirmations. Take care of your hearts lovely people!!

3.    The joy of fresh flowers. I have never cared much for plants or flowers. But after spending time at my sister’s place in Bath, who always have beautiful fresh flowers, made me go home and buy a jasmine plant, which makes my kitchen smell amazing. I also buy pink roses now and then for myself. Waking up to these makes me smile. So more fresh flowers in our homes in 2013!

4.    Meditation! Why haven’t I discovered this before? It’s free, relaxing and helps you stay in the present. Also, there are tons of free tracks to listen to on spotify and youtube for you who wants guided meditation. Enjoy every moment of the next year!

5.    Most of you who reads my sisters blog, have probably noticed how much she likes lipstick. She inspired me to start wearing red lipstick. What I have noticed is that wearing lipstick or nail polish, or even both, adds glamour to everyday life.
Next year I will be trying out different colours to brighten up my days. More glamour in 2013!!

6.    Being kind! When doing my “inner journey” up north, staying at my mothers place, the neighbours would often visit for coffee. At first I found it to be irritating, but then I took the time to sit down and listen to their stories and even baked cookies for their coffee. On Christmas Eve, the neighbour lady came over with a present for me. She had knitted me the most beautiful socks. It touched my heart to know she had taken time to make something for me. Probably because I took the time to listen to her stories.  We never know how we touch other people’s life. More kindness and more smiling in 2013!

7.    Boosting your beautiful self.  Taking care of the outside is important as well.
What would you like to give yourself? A facial? New haircut? Body scrub or a manicure? All these little treatments can make any day a perfect day!
Can’t afford a beauty treatment? Not to worry! A warm foot bath with olive oil, a relaxing bath with candles around or if you live in Scandinavia like me, visit to a public Sauna for cheap, can make you feel just as good! Start the new year with looking and feeling your very best!

Although, I still struggle to keep my new found positive attitude, I do look at the New Year with much excitement. Next year for me will involve amongst other things starting yoga, meeting new people and going to jazz concerts.
What will you be trying out?

I WISH YOU ALL THE VERY BEST 2013!

Much love,
lil’sis Julia