Hello June. Six months into the year… seriously where has the time gone? I sometimes get really weird about the concept of time. How much time we have on this planet and why are we here?
Do we have a purpose to do greater things? Or do we want a simplifier and happier life without what society expects from us? What is happiness after all? Do we ever find it?
Rewind 6 months ago, I set some goals that I would like to reflect on. Also, this is just a little chat. An insight of what has been going on.
Some of you may have noticed I have slowed down a lot this year. Well, in some aspects of my life. I’m trying to embrace a ‘slower’ way of living to feel happier. It was one of my 2023 goals after all.
I feel like society has taught us to be over-achiever’s, work really darn hard, be materialistic and always want the next best things. For me, I want to experience more places, feel connected with reality and relationships. That’s what I value more than anything.
Yes, I do feel like a bit of hypocrite as I’m very connected on social media too.
Anyway, I think what has really enlightened me these past few weeks is listening to and watching a few things to gain a different perspective on life. Things I kind of already knew, but needed reminding.
The following things have really helped me: The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck on Netflix, Stutz on Netflix, The Myth of Normal book, Re-watching Down to Earth with Zac Efron on Netflix and my Five Minute Gratitude Journal.
Strangely enough even Apple’s very recent Apple event was quite eye-opening to see what they have been working on for the future and the next updates. I love the announcements of the new updates for IOS 17. ‘Journal’ on your iPhone. As well as the rather cool update of monitoring your mental health daily.
I rely on the ‘Health’ and ‘Fitness’ apps maybe far more than I realise.
And, well the big announcement of the VR headset I won’t comment on the product itself, but I will say the idea behind it is very interesting, nothing new, but just not for me… I think the whole VR world is incredible but it can lead to a very distorted reality and something I chose not to get sucked in to. Great for gamers and such, but it’s a very niche market.
Anyway, back to my goals I set six months ago…
Focus on being ‘happy‘. I personally feel that it should be ok to feel any emotion. It’s what makes you human.
I have really been working on being happy these past six months. I can’t sit here and say I’ve nailed happiness, because… I haven’t. Some days I wake up absolutely distraught and terrified of what may or may not lie ahead for me. However, I think a trick of feeling ‘happier’ and more ‘fulfilled’ is to be grateful.
Grateful of small things, grateful of big things. Grateful of your life. Grateful for your existence on this floating planet. Because the reality is, you don’t know what’s going to happen tomorrow.
I’ve had similar experiences to the author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck, one that really resonates with me is loosing people that always radiate positivity. Someone that may come across as one of the most incredibly happy humans, but deep down they are suffering in silence and can’t bare to carry on anymore. Or because of unfortunate ‘health’ reasons, they don’t have a long life expediency.
I think when you go through not one but two or more of these experiences, it does makes you re-evaluate everything. Especially when these happen in your early twenties.
I also wanted to address toxic ‘positivity’. Mainly referring to those ‘mean’ bullies that you’ve come across in your life, and they post all these quotes about positivity and be kind statements and they are the ones behind people who have attempted death and harm on themselves. Do these people have any remorse? Probably not. Because they don’t have an inch of ‘selflessness’ in them.
I do believe people can change though.
Moving swiftly on…
I guess I just didn’t expect some things to happen this year that I needed to address the problem/s face on and focus on my health and what truly matters to me. I am really fortunate and grateful that I can have this “break” at this time of my life. Honestly though, I’ve been through hell and back over the years, however I feel like my early thirties is where I’m just get started. There are lots of exciting things happening over the next few months which I’m sure I will talk about in due course.
Love love loved reading this Zoey! I was so shocked when June rolled around, especially because I spent the best part of April and May in a really low place. What I’ve come to a temporary conclusion on is that those greater things are simple and happy things. I’ve stepped back from social media to a degree that feels comfy for me and I feel worlds better for it.
Wishing you all the best for your goals and for your health journey my love! x
Author
Thank you so much Michelle! I’m so delighted you left a comment because I haven’t been on your blog in a while and I forgot how much I enjoy reading your posts so will have a little look later on :). I’m really sorry to hear you’ve had a tough few months. I hope things get easier for you. You’re right, the simple things are what makes us happy.
I’ve also stepped back from social media and I also feel better for doing so. I’ve really been using my time wisely these past few months. But it’s really really hard and I’m still working on the right balance with social media because I love sharing and documenting things. xx
I agree with “toxic positivity” – I know so many people who devour self help books and spout quotes but don’t actually behave or act in a kind or positive way. It’s like a case of all the gear and no idea.
I’m glad that you’re taking your time and being patient with yourself and giving yourself permission to have down days as well as working on your happiness xx
Author
Yeah very true. I just don’t understand why some people are writing/posting about all these quotes and such when they are truly horrible human beings lol. Probably to look good? Such BS.
Thank you lovely. I hope you’re well xx
So funny I was watching a video this morning on this topic and these two guys were discussing this topic and they were super analyzing things and talking about the brain and wanting to feel that they “exist” and I was like: Oh Lord so first world. How about the absence of suffering that would be a good place to start–insert eye roll. But yes slowing down, not keeping up the Joneses and admitting it is ok to feel down, or heaven forbid even angry. My beef with toxic positivity is the denial of things being wrong and having to be positive all the time and the whole law of attraction manifestation nonsense. Let’s admit the world is a very dark place…
But kudos to you for slowing down and taking a break from social media and focusing on life. I have been feeling a bit burnt out myself.
Allie of
http://www.allienyc.com
Author
I mean… yes the world is a dark place at times, but there are also good times as well… there is a bit of a balance in where you focus. I could sit here and talk about the wars in the world, and all the things conflicted on some human beings including myself from a very early age. But when you do experience any kind of “suffering”, sometimes you can have a different outlook on things.
Anyway, I try to avoid watching the news most of the time because it is depressing. I look at things like ‘the happy newspaper’.
Sorry to hear you’ve been feeling burnt out. It’s not a nice feeling. Been there a couple of times and sometimes you need a few weeks or even months to fully rest. x
I really loved reading this sweetie!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Author
Thanks x
You have hit the nail on the head by saying, the trick to happiness is to be grateful. It really does lift my spirits when I feel gratitude for the things in my life. Just a simple mantra, I am joy, I am abundance can make me smile when I am feeling low. Life can be dark at times, but there is also so much light too. I believe life is too fast-paced, and like you say society has made us overachievers and to be busy is a good thing, which it is not, there is no medal for being busy! Good luck with the rest of your goals for this year xx
Janet
http://www.rediscoveringmystyle.com
Author
100%! I’m having one of those days… where I just want to be in bed and forgot about everything and anything. I get like that when I’ve had a few bevvy’s the night before. But, I just did my five minute gratitude journal and feel tons better.
Yeah, life really goes by in a flash. I sometimes look back on all the years I’ve been here ‘living’ and I’m like why did I do that?! Why did I work 10000 miles per hour?! What for? lol. Thanks lovely. I’m really in a bit of a mind-muddle today… I’m hoping I feel better tomorrow. Hope you’re ok. xx
Love what you said about being grateful Zoey! I think I need to slow down and start doing that! xx
Danielle’s Beauty Blog
Author
Thanks lovely. Yes deffo, it’s important to realise when you need to slow down. Life is toooo fast-paced. xx
Social media is a place where toxic positivity is celebrated. Being grateful is a must.
https://www.melodyjacob.com/2023/06/two-piece-black-maxi-dress-with-outer-cape.html
Author
Absolutely! Hope you’re well xx
Toxic positivity is one of the most destructive things nowadays because no matter how you try you just can’t be happy, optimistic and positive all the time because life doesn’t always work that way. Suppressing unpleasant emotions leads to more dissatisfaction and deepening of sorrow and anger, and trying to be unconditionally positive in everything is a bit like putting a band-aid on a gunshot wound in my opinion. By acknowledging the bad we learn to be more grateful for the good, and gratefulness does help in creating a more fulfilled life. <3
http://www.couture-case.com/
Author
100% this! Hope you’re ok lovely. xx