We come in all shapes and sizes.

Fit, Skinny, Overweight, Underweight, Small, Big ...

Is it all the same?

or does it really matter.

I have been wanting to write this blog for quite a while now but hadn't quite formulated what I wanted to say in my mind yet, since I know this can be a touchy subject but I think its time. 

Growing up iv always been the skinny, long legged girl with no tush and its not because I don't eat. I honestly eat like a elephant and anyone who has spent a day with me can confirm that. I love food, I believe it replenishes the body and makes us whole. Plus its absolutely divine. I have a fast metabolism, funny enough because I eat a lot. I try to have three main meals a day, lunch being my biggest and two to three healthy snacks in-between. As this is a daily ritual my body has developed a routine and its proof that eating the right balance of healthy food is the way to go.

There is so much more to eating than Take aways and Fast food and as I grow older I find that the healthier I eat the tastier it is and the better I feel Physically and Mentally. My mom was quite a health conscious person while I was growing up so naturally what she fed us as kids was fresh, bright and full of flavour. She grew almost everything we ate in her own vegetable garden in our back yard. As any mother would, she wanted the best for us in every way, everyday. So I guess to be fair I have her to thank for introducing me to a healthy way of life and its honestly a life style, not a diet. Its about feeding your body with the goodness it deserves. 

I feel great when my body is balanced. To much of anything in life can be bad, we need moderation. Its a system we can apply to any aspect of our life. 

We all have different body types, shapes and structures. Not everyone can be a size 4, its not physically possible and why would we all want to be the same anyway. Variety is so beautiful, it brings excitement and possibility of new undiscovered beauty and possibilities. 

I know that over the past few years the modelling industry is cutting back on the "skinny" way, so to speak. 'Too young and too thin is no longer in' - Vogue Magazine. I feel this is an important move for the fashion industry. They project what young girls of today desire to be. What they see in social media is what they look up to, what they want to look like and dress like. Fashion sells more then clothes, it sells a life style and the icons 'models' become the role models who show case it. It sets the bench mark and over the past years it hasn't projected a healthy image. 

It honestly doesn't look good and its not realistic to want to be that skinny. Being fit and healthy is fresh and exciting. Its an achievable goal and it is a far more realistic way of life. If you are healthy and balanced you will feel it, in all aspects of your life. Your body will grow out of its old habits and it will crave the goodness of life and it all starts with a conscious decision, a small sacrifice and a little hard work in the beginning.

I still go out, eat cake, drink beer and enjoy the naughties of life. That's why they are there, to be enjoyed but not over done and if you do feel like a extra slice of chocolate cake GO FOR IT. but then to compensate for it go for a run later and burn off the excess needed energy you don't need. Its all about balance and when I say balanced I don't mean small salads and plain veggie meals. I mean eat a good portion of all five food groups in a day. Dairy, protein, carbs, grains, fruit, vegetables and yes fat is included. Your body will crave it and in the wrong ways if you don't satisfy it with what it needs. For an example Avocado is a healthy great way to give your body the Fats it needs. I heard that 70% of weight loss is due to eating properly (n don't know how true the percentage is) not the less, think about what your putting in your body. Remember WATER IS SO IMPORTANT. You need at least 8 glasses day. How many do you drink?

Eating healthy is great, good an the right way to start but your body also need build muscles. Especially growing older it needs to be able to support itself and keep moving and without fitness I don't see how it is possible. Find a form of exercise that makes you happy, that puts you into a contempt place. For me its running but for others it could be snorkeling or biking. Excise releases happy endorphins, its amazing what difference it can make it your life. After a week with out going for a run I can feel myself becoming groggy and moody then I know, no matter sun shine or rain I need to put my shoes on and get out the front door. When you feel good about your self its easier to be happy and positive plus being fit is so far more beneficial in the way you look and the way you live your life. Its one of my ways I work towards living a better life, I hope you can take something from it.

Photo Taken by J. S Wren
 Photo of Frida Sand

Find peace with who you are.

One step at a time.

Moving to a new country can be quite a scary thing because there is so much to be done. From sorting out accomadation to phone contracts and bank accounts. It all feels like a one big headache that wont go away. Stay positive or as Dory would say "just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming,swimming, swimming" 

Don't become disheartened. Set yourself realistic daily/weekly goals. Buy a note book and diaries it. Keeping a track of the things you need to get done will help you to feel like your in control. Tick things off as you go, the feeling of self accomplishment will motivate you to keep persevering threw what seems to be heaps of paper work. 

I've lived in the United Kingdom for just over three months now. I can finally say I have my feet securely on the ground and I finally feel settled. It's not as 'gray' as people make it out to be, the sun comes out every few days and when it does you truly appreciate it. Growing up in South Africa you don't appreciate good weather because it's a norm for you. The sun shines daily and it's hot. It's only when you lose something in life that that action itself allows you to truly appreciate its being or existence.

I was excited for the rolling green hills and sparkling rain. I made sure I was fully equipt with all the gear before I arrived. Rain jackets, umbrellas and Welles but to be quite honest if never used the umbrella or rain boots because it's rather fantastic here. Spring has finally come around and there are daisies and tulips popping up everywhere. The flowers are in abundance and it is beautiful. 

Since I was a little girl I dreamed abouth one day coming to England to explore, to see the iconic sights such as The Big Ben and London Eye. Isn't it funny how life works out.

If you had asked me 5 years ago what is your 10 year plan? I never would have told you any of the things that I've actuary accomplished over the last five years. We can try and control the paths in which our life will lead but I must say life seems to have a mind of its own. 

I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents, we're all teachers - if we're willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.

The point is, we can accomplish every challenge, goal or dream if we are willing to work hard to make it a reality. It's all starts from within, mentally preparing your mind to take action and make it happen. It's all about taking one step at a time, putting a smile on your face and if you fall down pick your self up and GET BACK OUT THERE.