Today Starts My Adventure!

Today starts my adventure... (officially it was 2 months ago but I never posted the blog :) ) and those were the first few words I wrote in my journal for this trip!

This year I was accepted on the Disney International Program and the time had finally come to hop on the plane and make my way to the U.S. to work for Disney for six months. I said a quick goodbye to my mum, otherwise both of us would have ended up in tears, and made my way through the airport.






Before starting work in Disney World I decided to take a quick getaway to Canada. I had only a few days there but I managed to squeeze in an exploration day of the city of Toronto, the North side of Ontario, a little bit of London and finally Niagara Falls!

Exploring Toronto was fun, I love walking around cities and finding hidden treasures. I realised that the reason why I never plan my day all that much when I travel solo is because my days at home are usually packed with many plans and I find this time simply a chance to relax and take each day as it comes!

A local friend of mine also took me on a little Canadian roadtrip to High Falls near Bracebridge, north of Toronto. Here I got to experience the true beauty of the landscape as well as some Tim Hortons!







Before I left for this trip my dad convinced me to visit Niagara Falls and I am forever thankful that he did! It was an amazing view and what perfect timing that one of my friends from home was visiting Canada at the same time and I was able to spend the whole day there with her walking up and down the river enjoying each others company!

Vee

10 Hours in Sydney

The last few months for me have been slightly hectic. I was going into end of university semester when I found out I was accepted to work in Disney for the next 6 months

Vee

How To Campaign Like a Pro!

Use your procrastination social media time for the good of society :)

We are just a few days away before I begin the Live Below the Line Challenge and we have already raised over $300,000! What an incredible number! I am so happy to have had amazing family and friends support over $350 to that total! I really feel this year is going to be bigger and better! It is unbelievable how much of an impact we can have on communities in need especially through the power of people and social media. To all those in need of fundraising and support tips, I've got you covered! 

As many other Australian's participating, we know how blessed we have been to have grown up in such a beautiful country and to have received an education. I am now at university and studying what I really enjoy. I recently had an assignment on this topic of how much new media platforms can enhance non-for-profit campaigns like 'Live Below the Line'. New media has well and truly reached new heights! The Oaktree Organisation, who are running the campaign, are doing amazing things with it and I think you can too! I thought to post a few tips to help those who are wanting to raise more awareness. 

How to Campaign Like a Pro!

Tip 1:

The most important first step is to take some time to read about the cause and have it resonate with YOU. How does it fit with your values? And your passions? In all that you do, do it with heart and soul in order to raise your voice to its loudest. When I jump into new things without some initial thought, I never stick with it nor do I achieve the full potential. Take some time looking at these questions to help find your reason, don't rush and take each question one by one: What are you good at? What has always come naturally to you? Where does your heart go when you daydream? What everyday things do you love and need to do always? What issues are most important to you? What do you love that you would do for free? How do you get there?

Tip 2:

With social media, especially Facebook and Instagram, it is your family and friends who are flicking through their timelines with your posts. They are who support you and want to see YOUR smile on there. So get creative in your posts and include yourself in a photo and show your passion. It will stand out to your loved ones.

Tip 3:

Another helpful little tip is knowing when your family and friends are online. It would probably be around the same time as you! After dinner, around 8 p.m. :) Best time to just chill out from all the study, right? Use that opportunity and post during those peak times. More loved ones will notice and more loved ones will support you and the cause.

Remember, you have so much power in your hands, so much light and love. It is a gift given to you. Believe as we believe in you!

“If not you, then who? If not now, the when?” - Hillel

Thank you everyone so much for all the support, it really is a blessing. 

Vee

Taking Up the $2 Challenge Once More!

Last May I decided to join in the Live Below the Line campaign to raise awareness about extreme poverty and I have decided to once again join in the challenge this year! If you haven't heard of this before it is where thousands of Australians eat on $2 a day, the equivalent of the extreme poverty line, for 5 days to better understand extreme poverty while also making a difference. 

The initial reason behind participating last year was that I saw a few close friends get involved and I thought to try it out myself. I have always loved giving my time to others and this was definitely a great way to do it, I thought!

During the week, however, I learnt beyond that. I realised how much of an impact a campaign like this can make and how important organisations like Oaktree are for the communities living in extreme poverty. I have been very lucky to be born into a family that could afford to send me to a school and attain an education. I can truly say that I would not be where I am today without it. It is very disheartening to think that there are other young people who also have so much potential yet do not have the ability to attain that knowledge and experience. This is why I am participating this May and hope to make an even bigger impact for those who need us!

I hope you will support me in the journey!

Vee

Finding Courage Within Me

“One does not simply learn university life; it is an adventure that one must experience through a little courage.” 

This is exactly what I learnt while settling into my first semester of university! 

I began my journey as a typical first year student, attending all orientation week events, information sessions as well as joining in the fun with the Amazing Race and the official university Harlem Shake! What a great first impression of university, I thought. It was not long lived, however. The official welcome week arrived and I quickly began to lose my confidence. I was no longer surrounded by the comfort of school friends, no longer felt a sense of direction and quickly began falling behind all my study. 

The weeks went by and I was struggling more and more to find myself in this enormous place. As I sat down to begin another week of dreadful lectures, a glimmer of hope sparked within me. I reminded myself of what I learnt during O'week, that university could be the best time of my life! I took a few deep breaths, spat out an awkward hello to the student beside me and my true university experience began! 

And so little by little I began to step out of my comfort zone, meet new people, get involved, and make the most of my time here! I have loved university and although it was challenging at first, all I needed was a little courage.  

Vee

A moment of Mindfulness

Welcome back to my journey of improving the mind, body and soul. Let’s recap; my first week consisted of realising that it was time for change. Second week was about starting to note down and reflect on what I was consuming in order to improve and this week was all about stopping and taking the time to appreciate what I do have.

Too often I forget to be grateful for the little things as well as the big things in my life and a youth retreat I went on this week, was able to remind me of this. There, our days were centred around growing spiritually and this included giving thanks before diving in to our meals each day. The food became so much more fulfilling after giving a simply thanks and I hope I will continue implementing this daily.

Two other ways I found helpful in reminding myself to be more grateful every day were:

1. reflecting when going for walks and,
2. saying a few words of gratitude each morning

The idea of going for a walk does not always appeal to me; I am tired, it's late, I'm not up for it, i don't feel like it. Yet every time I go chuck on some shoes and get outside, I feel a whole lot better! Taking the time to stop and get some fresh air benefits you in so many ways. If it isn't possible to go out because perhaps it is too late in the evening, why not try see if a sibling or a friend would want to join you! If not, simply slide a chair over to your window and enjoy the fresh breeze this way.

When I go on the walks I naturally tend to start relaxing and actually take deep breaths. I get so caught up in my days rushing around form place to place that simple things like a long breath gets away from me. By walking, it gives me that time to simply think and reflect on everything. Next time you go for a walk or sit in front of a window with the breeze, time yourself;

see what is in front of you

hear what surrounds you

feel the moment you are in

Through this I always find myself being able to get back into the present moment instead of trying to figure out what is next on my to-do list.

Usually after that I do feel like reading a paragraph from a self development book or saying a prayer! This really helps to encourage me as well as keep me grounded. Is there something you do to help elevate yourself and become more knowledgeable? This leads me into the second part I mentioned that has helped to improve myself; practicing gratitude in the mornings.

I have started waking up to a few positive words;

Thank you that this morning I have woken up

Thank you that my family is also waking up in the room beside me

Thank you for a good day

What a difference it can make when you wake up to the realisation of how much beauty there is in your life.

I have also recently began a prayer wall. On little pieces of paper I write down what I, my friends and family are looking forward to, as well what we are struggling with. It doesn't matter if you practice religion or have different beliefs, being able to project dreams and hopes as well as doing it for someone else can really encourage you. I really liked a powerful line I heard this week and it was:

Lose yourself in someone else's service

I try this every morning and then get into some morning exercises to wake myself up the right way each day!

I have noticed that little steps here and there like these are really helping! Writing everything down and reflecting also has been one of the best ways for me to keep improving each week.

A few of my meals during the week:

My Blueberry Breakfast Pancakes with a Chocolate Chai Latte

Roasted Chicken with Eggplant, Red Beans and Alfalfa Sprouts

Ricke Crackers with Avocado

Roasted Eggplant with Kale, Fish and Alfalfa Sprouts

Homemade Pumpkin Soup

Till next time,

Vee

It's the Place You Live In

Monday started with another day volunteering at uni. Another day filled with free food. Pizza, salad, garlic bread! 

Tuesday was recovery. I was very motivated to eat healthy :) 

Wednesday was back to a free feed from volunteering at uni. As a low income earning uni student you simply can't just not take advantage of free food even if perhaps its not the healthiest for you :) Moderation is key I say, but sometimes, to be completely honest, that is very difficult for me and I do tend to overeat. I tried to be a bit better than Monday by having tea instead of hot chocolate for morning tea and only eating enough food to feel full without overeating at lunch. Unfortunately, the day still consisted of snacking on many cookies and chips. 

On my way back home I decided to stop at a convenience store to get a snack for the long trip ahead as it was also a very tiring day! When I was looking at what to buy, my friend asked if I was hungry. I said yes as I was really looking forward to scoffing down a muffin! But I thought to myself, after I declared that strong 'yes', I was not hungry at all! This is what reminded me or even perhaps made me realize that I am very much an emotional eater. Its been a full day with a few ups and downs and I just wanted to try satisfy an unnecessary need that I had. Instead of dwelving into this thought a little more, unfortunately I ended up getting a hot chocolate and a slice of banana bread for the road. 

While I was on my way home enjoying the delicious and slightly unhealthy, who am I kidding, quite an unhealthy little snack that I should have perhaps resisted, I looked at the sugar content and was not very content with how much I just consumed. My goal is to get back on track to a healthier lifestyle and what was I thinking indulging so much in one day! On top of this, once I was done, I looked at the empty plastic wrap and paper cup sitting on the seat beside me and was discouraged by my poor choices that day. I've recently read an article about a girl who gave up waste for good and I was so inspired by this and wanted to try it myself, especially seeing how easy it was! There are so many resources accessible; reusable containers, reusable coffee mugs, plenty of Instagram accounts filled with treats that you can bake at home in bulk and much more! 

Check out the girl's story to see how she does it and What Her Life Is Like!

Going on from that, I'm currently re-inspired to start creating more home snacks without the earth damaging packaging. Perhaps some home made healthy banana bread, I'd definitely enjoy that much more than the slice that night. I do love enjoying a treat when I'm heading home late with a coffee or hot chocolate, especially if it doesn't involve the packaging. I need to invest in a coffee mug! One that's colourful and perfect size for my bag

On Thursday morning I enjoyed a mango and protein smoothy for breakfast and then a prawn salad for lunch. After that I had some chocolate wafers and thought that was really not necessary. Its time to really put my life back together, I can't keep going around putting such foods into my body. As the Lorna Jane app reminded me; 

'Make the pledge to take care of your body. It's the place you live!' 

If you don't have the Lorna Jane app, I highly recommend it! :) It sends you little notifications to motivate you every morning! And so this made me find a notebook and start planning.

I ended my Thursday by walking the dog. We had to slightly wait for the rain to pass by but it was a really good time for me to think and reflect. I began to think, wouldn’t it be easier to simply eat less or even skip a meal? But no, I reminded myself, this was not the way. I had to prove to myself that I can do it. As soon as I got back from my walk I made good use of that notebook and become very prepared to ensure I wouldn't start just looking at what's in the fridge and snack on more than I should. Something else that inspired me also was remembering the transformations I had noticed this week of a couple of friends who simply put exercise and portion control in place and are looking great! This is what I need to work on and it does take time, I just need to keep reminding myself of this. 

Friday was an even more positive day! I have recently started to read a bible verse each morning instead of my usual scan of Instagram or Facebook and it has honestly been so much more fulfilling. I downloaded the Bible app that gives me a verse and this morning was Luke 12:29-31:

And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 

And then I found that Matthew 6:25-33 expanded on that thought, if you would also like to have a read. 

During the day I also read an article on how to change people who don't want to change to try help me find ways of improving myself positively. The article wrote about how it is about asking better questions rather than simply stating what you should or shouldn't do:

“What is it that makes you even consider changing?”

“If things worked out exactly the way you want, what would be different?

“What are the pluses and minuses of changing or not changing?”

“If this change were easy, would you want to make it? What makes it hard?”

You can have a read of the article yourself and see if it helps you too! 'How to Change People Who Don't Want to Change'

I thoroughly enjoy reading, it is the way I learn and grow! Until next time,
Vee

Start Again

I want to start writing again to keep myself motivated. In 2015 I want to come closer to achieving my long-term goal of being healthier and happier. This year is going to be better! I feel it!

I have decided to try blog weekly, documenting my days with plenty of photos in hope that it will help me to get back on track after falling behind my goals these last couple of months. 

My desire towards attaining a better lifestyle came about in 2012 where I started taking little steps to a healthier me. They say that is the best way to ensure you will keep to your new habits. It is true; by making gradual changes I grew a greater passion for health and fitness. And as the years went by, I could really see myself improving. My last couple of months, however, have not been near as healthy. I am quickly falling deeper and deeper into the trap of binge eating and laziness. I am struggling to pick my self up once more and simply start again.

Many say this is not easy. You are surrounded by temptations daily where mornings are filled with smells of freshly baked muffins, afternoons are in study and work, and evenings are simply demotivating when you begin to think how long your day will be tomorrow. But no, I say. This is when its time to get rid of those thoughts and write down the words, “I am looking forward to tomorrow”. I live by the saying, ‘everything is only as hard as you think it to be’. All I need now is to push myself and keep that momentum going. 

So lets begin. This Monday was Australia Day and because I remember overeating the day before at a friend’s birthday, I stuck to a jug of lemon water for breakfast to try freshening up a bit and giving myself a cleanse. Since Australia day is famous for BBQ’s, I ended up eating a lot of protein after that. 

Tuesday I had a farewell gathering for a friend in the park where I made a poor choice of keeping a packet of chips right in front of me. It disappeared too quickly!

Wednesday wasn’t much better. I was at home all day and this meant a lot of unhealthy snacking.

I had volunteer training at university the following day and to reward us for our efforts, they gave us free food and lots of it! Pancakes for breakfast, nachos for lunch, and in between, plenty of cookies.

After writing all this down I have realised how poor my days have been! This is definitely making me realise that I need to start making a change.

Friday night I caught up with my amigos for dessert at San Churros. As I ended up having a very late lunch, I didn’t get around to eating dinner before I left and this meant I could fit more chocolate in. Oh no! Don’t get me wrong, it is always great to go out with friends for a treat but I definitely didn’t deserve it this time around especially since I wasn’t even fitting in any exercise during the week.

The weekend was definitely one of the best weekends these holidays! Perhaps not in regards to the food choices but to the fun I had.

Saturday morning began with a healthy breakfast; coconut milk and buckwheat flakes, and then a catch up with friends at a cafe over some lemongrass and ginger tea! Good start. 

Lunch was at a friend’s place where we made some cheese toasties. They're not the healthiest, yes, but I’ve learnt over the years that it is impolite to simply state, “I won’t eat this because I am trying to be healthy”. Be healthy with integrity.

Later that day I went over to another friend's place where we enjoyed some Russian dumplings right before the power went out in the neighbourhood! I feel like the power should go out more often as it was such a refreshing night being surrounded by candlelight, laughter and not to mention cheesy fondue over a camp stove. It was simply the best!

The next day was filled with adventure starting up at 7am. The family took me three hours out of town to a freshly aired field to fly some planes. It was my first time flying in a glider and the views from up there were simply mesmerising! Big breakfast to start the day; toasted sandwich and fruit salad with yoghurt. Almonds, walnuts and lollies, were the snacks for the day and dinner was pizza; two slices only!

And so the motivation begins! Next week it’s time to improve. It’s time to step it up and get back on track. If you’re struggling like me, it's ok, you’ve already made the first step of wanting to make a change. Now let's do this together! A great tip is to start reflecting each week. Shouldn’t a healthy lifestyle be a priority?

Vee