Hello Stranger.. Or perhaps I have been the stranger in this equation. I never thought that after starting this blog, I would have taken more than a month break of not writing - as I just love doing it in my free time ; or more multi tasking as free time has been limited these last few months. However, 2017 has definitely printed it's mark already. If you have been following my blog - you would have read that since the start of this year I had a bit of a rough start - by the time I got to find my feet, I had to go through other several changes recently such as mourning a loss, leaving a whole life/country behind and starting from scratch. With that it entailed me quitting my job and having to say bye to a few people who have become like family these last few months so it wasn't easy to pack up six-years in a nutshell and pretend that life can just go on with no bruises along the way. Let's just say every time I got back up I got knocked the hell down twice over. Nonetheless, I am here now, might have taken me a bit longer to get here but it's important to listen to yourself and go at your own pace in anything that you do. This blog was a small project or diary if you'd like to call it that which I started for myself, and as much as I am writing in an open space - I wanted to keep it personal to myself and write my blog post with pure honesty and for this it's better to have quality rather than quantity - although I do apologise for my absence,  I can assure you that even I have felt it!

Whats the next step? At this point, who knows. Now that I have left my London life behind it's pretty much all about starting a new journey, which can be quite intense and daunting if I had to be completely honest, although at the same time can be quite exciting. I mean how often do we just get to start afresh? Ok granted, this is my home town - but having family here is just an added bonus. Although, finding an apartment is definitely a priority on my list - I need my own place... (I love you mom) I'm sure the feeling is mutual - after living alone it's hard to go back to living under someone else's roof. Although, being in my old room right now brings back such nostalgic memories and makes me feel like a kid all over again which I am not going to complain about but let's be honest; there's a limit of how long I can live like that. I need to snap back into adult life soon, at this point I'm just taking an adult holiday for a short while until I get things sorted and whilst I still have the opportunity to do so. Don't mind if I do.

A main key point and an important asset to have when starting over is organisation.  Here are a few of my tips to starting a new life and what we perhaps should do for an easier transition. Perhaps they may vary for you, or might be similar - at this point you can just take in and see what you might be able to gather from the below and my experiences.  

1) STRUCTURE PLAN YOUR FUTURE

First off, having an idea of which way you want your life to go is super important. Even if it's not precise, write down a few pointers as to what you would like to achieve and which direction more or less you want to take. It's true like myself, we might be at the stage where you have no idea what you are doing or in which route your life is heading towards but with a small vision and plan this can help in not feeling totally stressed and having a small inclination as to what to look forward to and work on - even if in time the plan changes along the way which 80% of it might change.  At least, like this it can help to look at things from a different perspective and evaluate.

2) MEET NEW PEOPLE 

This isn't particularly an easy one no matter how sociable you may be as a person. Meeting new people is very important on what you engage in and perhaps the best way will usually be once you start a new job. In my case, being back home I have several childhood friends which I am looking forward to have the opportunity to rekindle with again. However, I am open to meeting people and building new friendships, taking on a new step.

3) HAVE AN OPEN MIND 

Things will naturally be different, the way of doing things, places to go, certain habits. Especially changing country all together you have to take into consideration the different culture. Learn how to adapt to your surroundings and embrace change for every good and bad you had in your old life, try find the good and bad in your current situation - it's there you might have to dig to figure out what these things are. Accept that things will be different - different is good. You like it, take it in - you don't drop it, move on to something else.

4) TRY NEW THINGS 

Starting fresh, can be strenuous and God knows it is. Speaking first hand from my experience, try to incorporate a positive attitude towards the change despite of the mixed feelings you might be having, try look forward to what's to come. Starting over is the equivalent of doing new things - taking up activities you've always wanted to do or never had the time or courage to do so. Go for it, do new things. In my case I've been wanting to start boxing lessons - Something I've always thought about doing but never got around to doing. Maybe it's time.

5) MAKE A TO - DO - LIST 

Blah blah, here we go another to do list. haha - I have my whole life written in a list almost. The good old to-do-lists we swear by them or at them. I am definitely the former. Having so much on your mind when moving, can be very overwhelming. I had and still have a lot of errands to run following my return, from bank appointments to sorting out a new phone contract , to other important meetings. A to-do-list definitely keeps things at bay, it also helps you rank the importance of what you have to get done and how urgent it might be as well as helps to NOT forget, which without writing down sometimes is very plausible and might cost you something important or charge you a great deal if you forget to cancel certain old subscriptions. I've been there in the past - not going to let it happen to me this time.

6) UNDERGO A NEW LOOK 

Hmm... I'm still considering this one myself.  Sometimes when you're starting over why not go ALL the way and change your look in the process to match your new lifestyle.  I have been one to always play with my style / looks. Before leaving to London I remember cutting my locks from long hair straight into a pixie hairstyle and god knows I loved it but over the years I've alternated back and forth - I'm at the stage where my hair is now mid-length and questioning what is next on the agenda. Perhaps now that I'm tanned and back to a Mediterranean lifestyle I might return to blonde, love the glow it gives me especially in the summer time. Getting in better shape is also a major plan on the list. New life - New you.  

7) LOOK FORWARD 

Accept change. Most times, we start from fresh to leave something behind, perhaps it's a form of escape, sometimes we have no other choice to start from scratch. Whatever the case, at this point it's time to leave the past behind and it's good to just look forward and take on the next chapter. Focus on the present moment and look forward always not backwards. Remember, the decision you took to start fresh was for a reason. 

8) NOTHING IS SET IN STONE

Decisions that we make can always be undone - for the most part. In this scenario, if you decide to leave home or turn your life around in a complete 360 - there is always returning back if worst comes to worst. When I left to London - I always knew I could return home if I wanted to, with this in mind it enabled me to have fun and live in the moment knowing that I am in control of any situation - now that I have made the decision to return home even at this point, it doesn't mean this decision is definite. You never know which direction your life will take you or what opportunity might come along. Either way you can always amend your plans down the line. so Just focus on the experience and not fear of the big leap of faith that you decided to take, because you are in control of your own life and what you chose to do. 

9) BE INDEPENDENT

It's important that taking this step we often find ourselves alone. Trust yourself - and your intuition always do what you think is best for yourself,  just trust that you can do anything you put your mind to do. Try learn how to be with yourself and to please yourself without having to depend on anyone - it will make you stronger and feel more empowered that you can do this, whatever journey you decide to commence. 

10) HAVE FUN 

I have just done six years in London - SIX. what? Where has all that time gone? I still remember the day I embarked on this journey - it feels just under a year ago... I can't believe so much time has passed  - I guess I am starting to feel the absence that I have left at home since being back. It's important to make the most of each day, because  life is passing at a speed for all of us and before you know it we always move on to another chapter in our life with or without our consent. So no matter on the situation you are currently dealing with, be it good or bad it's always good to appreciate the life we living at the moment, as before we know it we always end up missing the good old days and wish to go back in time. Have fun - make new memories that you can always look back on - your future self will thank you for this one. 

Lunch was leftovers from the day before, when I cooked salmon with asparagus; I have to admit having it cold the next day was equally as good - this was a light refreshing take on a salad - lunch was sorted and with the breakfast in the morning i felt complete, carbs where not necessary. 

SNACK:

I only get a 20 minute break and i usually prioritise this to coffee, I know I'm crazy because I sometimes stay 10 minutes waiting in the queue, which leaves me 10 minutes then to sit down and relax, but this really helps me get on with my day. I usually get a regular soya cappucino however, there are times more often than not where I try to spice things up by getting either a caramel or vanilla latte. YUM

I left the best for last, if you had to ask me what one of my favourite dinners is, or what is the best thing about coming home - it's this dish of love my prawn pesto pasta! triple P's is what got me going through my day I couldn't wait to come home and tuck into this bowl of love. I added some fresh cherry tomatoes to the dish and it was golden, I usually eat this whilst watching a film and it can be the highlight of my whole entire day. I have this meal like once a week sometimes not even kidding, these jumbo prawns make my weekly shopping list!

As we are approaching the warmer months, I've been craving some refreshing salads. This feta lemon and quinoa salad seems perfect to enjoy outside whilst the sun is shining. There is just something super refreshing between feta, lemon juice that just adds so much flavour to this dish. This is the perfect midweek meal and carries well in a container to take to work for lunch and to provide you with the right energy yet still watching the waistline.  This can also work as the perfect side dish if it's to bring to a BBQ or just grilling up some normal chicken on the side but in all honesty meat isn't even needed to accompany this dish, you won't feel something missing. Lentils make up for a great meat alternative but you don't just have to be vegetarian to reap of their benefits. You know me  and my cooking standards lately - are very effortless. Lentils are so fast to prepare, are actually quite tasty and have so many beneficial health factors to them, for starters they are low in calories and have a high nutritional value filled with protein, fibre, minerals and vitamins, they are known to lower cholesterol, to be great for promoting heart health and are also considered a great food for weight loss.  I highly recommend switching a meat dish with a lentil substitute at least once a week and you'll notice the difference but surely not in the taste!

I just love adding lentils to my salads, stir fries and most recently with my quinoa - i just feel like they compliment each other quite nicely and it helps keep you fuller longer. Eating healthy doesn't necessarily mean  cutting out on good, tasty food - I hope you enjoy this small quinoa salad below and let me know how you like to incorporate your lentils into your diet!

HOW TO:

Add some music, make yourself a refreshing beverage and enjoy this outside on a bench in the garden like I did. This was a heavenly feeling. It's impressive how the sun can boost your moral in an instant, eating revitalising food such as this quinoa bowl is just an added bonus. If like me most days, you have to eat lunch on the go at work, just try eat this in some fresh air if possible and notice how it will give you an energy boost for the rest of your day either way: BON APPETIT. 

5) Your true friends aren't necessarily the ones you've known the longest. 
Since living away from home, I have come to meet lots of different people, from various nationalities which has broadened my horizon and helped me to gain an understanding that real friendship doesn't necessarily have to be with the ones you've known for years to build that proper bond, or have to see them everyday for that matter - it's how open you feel towards them to let them in and to feel like despite the distance between you, it feels like no time went by at all.

6) Call your family to give news

It takes living miles away from home to realise how important family is. Noticing how fast time goes by is one of the scariest things for me. Call up your parents, grandparents, brother or even your cousin and just tune in from time to time to reciprocate some news! Life gets so manic sometimes, ( worst I feel, when living abroad) and your only means of contact is through telephone - it's important to build different form of memories possible. Pick up the phone!

7) Never give up your dream for anyone
Alternating our dreams for someone, unfortunately, we never know in which way our life is designed and is very likely something we might come to regret later on in life -  put yourself your goals first  like that you can guarantee that you will never regret it.

8) Don't change who you are for someone else, ever

Who will want to be part of your life will make an effort to be in it - unconditionally. 

9) Everything happens for a reason 

Ye, ye super cliche. and this one perhaps is slightly personal but there are quite a number of activities in which you realise has worked out a certain way to allow something else to fall into place.

10) Stress less 

I am the queen of stress and anxiety, I am learning to live in the moment and to let go of the past and not over think of the future. There is no point in stressing on a certain situation, because in reality, it doesn't change a damn thing, just the way you end up handling things. 

11) Starting over is more exciting than you think

Sure its daunting and scary, but a lot of people nowadays don't take the plunge because they get comfortable and stay in situations out of habit -  you will fall flat on your face at first i have no doubt but getting back up and starting afresh; is challenging but opens a new chapter with new possibilities of the unknown. 

12) How to love 

13) Have a voice

Speak up ; you  have something to say? is something bothering you - not up for it? say NO - speak what's on your mind, and be honest, never leave things unsaid.

14) If you want something - go get it yourself. 

It's very rare to find people who want to cater to your own success, you have to fight and reach out for it yourself. If you want it, don't hesitate to ask and to push - in the end, you have more to gain than to lose. 

15) You can't please everyone
Not everyone will agree with what you do or choose - the one thing you can do is focus on pleasing yourself, that's what really counts in the end.

16) Look up from your phone 
We are so technology centred nowadays, we forget to take in our surroundings. We are way to busy trying to capture the moment through our phone lens without truly taking it in mentally - put that phone down, sure it might look good on Instagram but enjoy it for yourself rather than for your followers first.

17) Dream Big
This is the age, where we shape and create our life. Our decisions at this point is what shapes our future and our money income. Don't hesitate to set yourself a few achievements with yourself , career, or with family and friends.

18) Put yourself first
It's not selfish to put yourself and your well being above everyone else. It's all part of self respect which is another on the list - take time, to love yourself because it's only by loving yourself, are you truly opening yourself to be loved and to love in return.

19) Cut out negativity in your life
Unfortunately, this could be linked with a bad habit or with a person if not several, it might not be the easiest of choices, but surrounding yourself with positive people and those who lift you up and inspire you in different ways, can affect your actions, thoughts and life immensely. Don't tolerate being dragged by the wrong crowd. Learn  how to know what is good for your individual self.

20) Be in the moment. 
It's hard to erase memories, and to not think of the past, it's also hard for me to not complain about something possibly NOT even happening that day - sometimes I'll be out and about thinking of the past or future without allowing myself to enjoy the present moment. Something I've been taking in is just focusing on the present moment and this has already been a bonus point in my life.

21) Meditation is key 
I always thought that this was linked with religion and the thought never appealed to me. Now that I have incorporated yoga into my daily routine, and realising that they go hand in hand, I've come to know the power of meditation. Have you taken a deep breathe in today? Do it right now, whilst closing your eyes - trust me.

22) Being alone is OK

Most of us are so scared of being alone that we always want to find and be with someone, or be out with friends but taking time to be with yourself is the best respect you can give to get to know and love yourself better. I can assure you it is far from being lonely - Netflix and pampering session for one? Sure thing!

23) Everything in moderation
We're always being told what is bad for you, what causes illnesses and what not to do which leaves you with a restricted list of things that are 'acceptable' towards our health and not enjoyable for the most part. A little bit of every thing in my opinion is good in this world, if you want that doughnut - go for it. That cigarette to accompany your glass of wine? why not. It's better to allow and enjoy than to restrict and in turn to over do. I believe we should take a little bit of everything in order to  toughen and build our immune system - it all goes down to highlighting and centring on the word: moderation.

24) To live without risk is to risk not living

Most people nowadays, will stick to what is safe, to what is comfortable - but sometimes having life too much under control stops you from living - it's good to do things out of the norm, spontaneously, to take the risk and do things you've never done before; sometimes it's what will allow you to encounter more and open opportunities. In the corrupt world we live in, we could be gone tomorrow so don't hold back - do ; go for it, before it's too late. 

As I sit here being pensive and drinking my cup of coffee, like I do religiously every morning. I ask myself how is it that no matter how often you follow the same regimen, life and the world around you is still changing in the blink of an eye. You wake up one day - and it's not the same world you were living the day before. One minute you are on a path where you have certain things, and put your faith into it and the next you find yourself starting from scratch, on your own, with different people in your life, with a different direction and most scarily not knowing what your next move is. Change is clearly inevitable - I'm starting to realise that it is out of our control and that at the end change is the only constant in this twisted beautiful life of ours.

Loss is a part of life which as much as we dread and try to avoid is something that we all endure at some point (and many points). Daily, someone around us is experiencing it, be it from a lover, a friend, family member or even a loved animal. It makes you realise how precious our time is and the time of others, and that we should make the most of it and not take anything for granted because before we know it it vividly all becomes a memory.

I never quite understood being in the moment and living in the moment up until the last few months. With meditation and yoga it has definitely kept me on my feet and kept my sanity, but it also has helped me to not dwell on the past, think about the future and just enjoy your surrounding at that given time - sure it's easier said than done but applying this to my everyday life has made me realise that it's the only way you can truly take in life, and all the positive around you. I'm sure there'd be a bit of negativity lingering on in the background, but it doesn't matter because you find a way to foresee it. It's okay to be scared, it's okay to be afraid of loss, it's a part of life that we have to take on and somewhat, makes this world so beautiful that we have something worth living for and/or got to experience.


MONDAYS & EVERYDAY'S MOTTO: IF IT'S NOT GOING TO MATTER IN FIVE YEARS TIME DON'T SPEND MORE THAN FIVE MINUTES UPSET ABOUT IT.