Happiness Is What We Make It. The First One...

Today we have the first post from one of our new contributors, Stephanie Carfrae. Stephanie is a Creative Writing Graduate and you can find her own blog at www.stephcarfrae.blogspot.co.uk

Happiness is what we make it. A hard concept to grasp, but think about it this way: if you make yourself happy with life as it is right now, things can only get better. You don’t need to feel low about things not going your way; if you are happy those things will somehow transpire into existence. If you keep focusing on the things that are making you unhappy you are but welcoming in those emotions so that more of the same come. So while I may not have the best body, I don’t complain about it; I make the best out of the situation I’ve been given. I’m an active believer in YOLO (You Only Live Once). I know a lot of people say it and don’t know the true meaning of it but it is: taking a chance to change a life (your life/their life/whoever’s life) because you will never get this moment back. Remember, every sixty seconds spent with thoughts of hatred/insecurity or anger is a minute of your life that you will never get back. So be happy. And smile. Because there’s a lot to smile about in this crazy mixed-up world.

There should be nothing to regret for you as long as every choice you’ve made is your own. And even if it isn’t/wasn’t: let them live with a guilty conscience and move on. There’s nothing stronger than that. Facing your own demons and removing them from your shoulders (either physically or mentally). There is no such thing as regret because it was what you wanted at some stage in life. And this is a materialistic world, so if there’s an old toy you regret throwing away or something, I’m sure you will be able to get hold of it again.

We are all contingent beings. We rely on people for things. But as creatures of the Earth we are fragile. We all have back story’s for being the way we are. Tomorrow is never promised. So make sure the ones you love know you love them and try to stop getting so caught up in things that can wait. Once a lightbulb goes out, electricity can’t flow through it anymore and this is true of human beings as well. You are a lightbulb, you can shine so bright, but eventually you will start fading and it’s important to love those who love you so they know. Because you never know what’s going on in someone else’s life, so you don’t have the right to judge others.

Stephanie Carfrae, Creative Writing Graduate www.stephcarfrae.blogspot.co.uk

Friday Recipe - Catalan Fish Stew - Rick Stein

Friday Recipe - Catalan Fish Stew - Rick Stein This is an everyday Catalan fish soup that is more like a stew and has several variants. Like so many Catalan dishes, it starts with a sofregit of fried garlic and tomato. A hearty Catalan fish soup; a meal in bowl. Catalan fish stew Ingredients 6 tbsp olive oil 1 large Spanish onion, chopped 2 fennel bulbs, chopped 150g/5oz chorizo, diced 1 red chilli, finely chopped 1 tsp fennel seeds, ground 2 cloves new season garlic, crushed ½tsp sweet paprika powder 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves 1 tsp saffron strands (optional) 3 fresh bay leaves 1 tin plum tomatoes 100ml/3½ fl oz fish stock or water 150ml/5 fl oz white wine 500g/1 lb 2oz mussels, cleaned 650g/1 lb 7 oz firm white fish (bream, pollock, cod, monkfish), filleted, dredged in flour and fried in olive oil 100g/3½ oz toasted almonds, ground To serve 1 lemon, cut into wedges steamed potatoes and spring greens Preparation method

4 Myths about Comforting Friends

I found this useful and interesting post by Maura Kelly on the Marie Claire website! 4 Myths about Comforting Friends In two recent posts, I've talked about the advice grief educator Val Walker gives on how to help friends who are dealing with the end of a relationship , whether from a breakup or the loss of a loved one. Those posts have focused mostly on what to say . Now, let's talk about myths surrounding the art of comforting — and about a few things you should (and shouldn't) do if you want to help. Read more at How To Comfort A Friend - Comforting Words For Friends - Marie Claire Related articles Having a Bad Day - Tips For Dealing With Days When You Just Feel Down Be Successful - Making A Personal Change - Part 1 Admit A Change is Needed Are you stressed-out by your poor work-life balance?

Something Sacred To Start Your Day - Navajo Early Morning Blessing

Something Sacred To Start Your Day - Navajo Early Morning Blessing ly Morning Blessing "Hooghan" from the album Sacred Mountains by Louie Gonnie courtesy Canyon Records (www.canyonrecords.com). Graphics by Rezboyz Designz Translation "The mountains were put there - in holy way, they told us that that will be our spiritual home. In the middle of the home will be a fire burning, there will be a door, there will be a fire poker (Sacred to Dine'), You're thoughts will be good, You will have plans to make, Life will be blessed, There the hope will stay." Singing Translation The home is there, prayer in the home, pray in the home, in the beauty way with the scared pollen pathway, the home is there, the home is there!

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