awareness

Travel

Embracing the World: A Journey of Learning, Culture, and Adventure

Traveling, a pursuit that has opened my eyes to the wonders of the world, has been a transformative experience for me. As I’ve explored different corners of the globe, from the picturesque landscapes of Europe to the vibrant cultures of India, I have discovered valuable life lessons and embraced the beauty of diversity. Through my journeys, I’ve learned to respect cultures and religions, become more independent, and appreciate the fascinating wildlife that this planet has to offer. In this blog, I’ll share my travel experiences, the joy of making friends on the road, savoring diverse cuisines, and my insatiable desire to explore the enchanting continent of Africa.

Learning and Cultural Respect

Traveling offers a unique opportunity to learn and grow, fostering a deep understanding of various cultures and traditions. My encounters with different communities and their customs have taught me to appreciate diversity and celebrate the richness it brings to our lives. Whether witnessing the elaborate festivals in India or exploring the historical landmarks of Europe, each experience has contributed to my personal growth. By embracing the differences and commonalities between cultures, I’ve become more open-minded and accepting, fostering a spirit of unity and respect.

Gaining Independence

One of the most empowering aspects of traveling is the opportunity to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace independence. Navigating through unfamiliar territories and finding my way in new cities has given me a sense of self-reliance and adaptability. From figuring out public transportation systems to overcoming language barriers, these challenges have only strengthened my confidence and resourcefulness. Traveling has taught me that I am capable of handling diverse situations with grace and composure.

Connecting Through Food and People

Food is a gateway to a culture’s soul, and sampling various cuisines during my travels has been an exciting adventure in itself. From savoring spicy curries in India to indulging in delectable pastries in Europe, each dish tells a story of its own. Beyond the culinary delights, the most cherished memories are the friendships made along the way. Engaging with locals and fellow travelers has enriched my experiences, offering unique perspectives and creating lifelong bonds that span across continents.

Embracing Flexibility in Travel

Traveling has taught me to be flexible and adaptable in every aspect of my journey. Whether it’s choosing the mode of transportation, adjusting to unforeseen changes in plans, or immersing myself in the local customs, flexibility has been key to making the most of my adventures. Embracing spontaneity and going with the flow has led me to unexpected discoveries and memorable encounters that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

Traveling has been more than just exploring new places for me; it’s been a profound journey of self-discovery, cultural appreciation, and a celebration of our world’s diversity. Through my experiences in the United States, Europe, India, and beyond, I’ve learned to respect and understand different cultures and religions. The love for wildlife has inspired my desire to explore Africa’s enchanting landscapes, while my passion for food and people has allowed me to make connections that transcend borders. As I continue to wander, I eagerly embrace the unknown, seeking the magic that lies within each new destination. So, let us embark on this journey together and uncover the treasures that travel has in store for all of us.

Beauty

Self-Love

Google Definition – A combination of qualities, such as shape, colour, or form; that pleases the aesthetic sense, especially the sight. 

Okay now define beauty from social media and society perspective.  

Skin colour (Light skin is better than dark skin), good hair (have to be neat; you cannot afford to have bad hair day), sharp nose (Thanks to surgeons and filters) toned body (bring them diets in) perfect pink lips (thanks to fillers) and the list goes on. This definition of beauty has only brought pain and negativity in our lives. If you do not agree stop reading 😊. 

We are trying too hard to fill in the gaps that our society and social media want to see us as. This is only damaging our mental health, the early we understand the true meaning of beauty you will live a carefree, happy life. It is nice to dress up, put on makeup, and have toned body but it is also okay to not put on any makeup, wear what you comfortable in and eat whatever you wish by not worrying about the Instagram body/face/fashion (no fats, no stretch marks, no spots and scars on the face, perfectly dressed) Who are we kidding? 

Storytime 

I grew up confident, happy, and had a very self-high-esteem. In every room I walked in I always made sure the attention was on me. I started using social media to post pictures of me and my life, the likes boosted my confidence (very sad right *laughing*). In my mid 20’s everything went crashing down for me; I started suffering from adult acne which was unstoppable at that time. According to social media and society, I was not beautiful anymore. I tried every beauty product I could find on the internet and home remedies that would promise for the acne to vanish. I stopped going out, stopped posting pictures, and even avoided going to work. It carried on for over 6 months which affected my life negatively. I felt ugly, went from high to low self-esteem, and cried myself to bed.  I spent more time researching how to get rid of the acne and scars (In my head I was already a dermatologist without qualification lol).

One day I decided to put a stop to this and posted a picture on social media of me with no makeup. The number of negative comments I received which didn’t help. People I met asked what happened to my face! How could I forget the definition of beauty was a face with no spots. It affected my mental health, I started suffering from anxiety and could only think of negative scenarios. It started affecting my relationships with my family, and friends. This is when I realised I got to seek help. 

I had to accept that I am suffering from my mental health. I also had to understand the true meaning of beauty and the skin issue is just external, and it will fade away. I also had to remind myself social media is not my life. We do not need any validation from others about our beauty. My skin type, my body, my skin tone, my LIFE.

Please bring awareness to young women and men on the true definition of beauty. Beauty starts with self-love. Do not worry about what others think of your looks. Social media’s perfect picture/life is filled with filters also remember people will avoid positing negative content this does not mean their life is perfect and have no ups and downs. We all come in different shades of skin tone, different hair types, body shapes, etc. Embrace what you have and not let someone else define what beauty is. Everyone is beautiful at least in the eyes of your creator. Be kind to everyone, compliment others, help everyone grow higher. ‘You never know what someone is going through. Seek help if you feel low, talk about it, do not suffer alone. Your life matters. 

Our insecurities will only tear us apart and spread negative vibes. Let’s make this world a better place to live in because we all are capable of it ‘We are beautiful’. 

‘Beauty begins the moment to be yourself ‘

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

“I get lost inside my mind.”

Are you someone continuously worrying about a lot of things, also thoughts that you have are imagining all possible negative things that you think might take place? Oh and you already worked out in your mind how to prevent them? Trust me you are not the only one experiencing this.

Everyone experiences worry, fear and anxiety differently and it is important that you reflect on and understand what they mean to you. I am here just to pass on the information on anxiety which I have gathered reading books on anxiety that could help you with your daily life.

Before I write about Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) lets list below the focused 6 disorders

  • Specific Phobia
  • Panic Disorder
  • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

The help and information are out there, Go see your doctor, get yourself books on anxiety, Self guide books,programmes online etc that will help you. Once you recognise and aware of the anxiety type you suffer do your research. Avoid taking anxiety/depression medication (anti-depressant ) If possible. There is no over night fix but there are many techniques to help you.

What is Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD)

GAD is the label used to describe persistent, pervasive feelings of anxiety which give rise to what seems like constant bodily and mental discomfort.

People that suffer from GAD can explain “They never seem to stop worrying, or they can never seem relaxed, something is always troubling them! They constantly feel they are on the edge. Who else can relate to this? it can be physically and emotionally draining. Mind is always focused on worries but the good news is that anxiety disorder is fixable.

GAD is often accompanied by psychological symptoms such as

  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • A sense of dread

Also few examples on physical symptoms of GAD

  • Dizziness
  • Tiredness
  • Fast heart beat
  • Excessive sweating
  • Insomnia
  • Dry mouth
  • Muscle aches and tension
  • Headache

It is generally thought that GAD is underpinned by many women or the misinterpretation of wide range of situation as threatening. If you experienced more energy at times, struggled to focus at work place, at times even felt hopeless that you stopped going out?

You will not need any medication if you learn how to deal with stress by yourself. Options that I can recommend from my research by reading (THANK YOU LIBRARY). Look out for stress awareness training online or ask your GP. Educate and practice mindfulness; enroll yourself in yoga classes, practice breathing techniques also simple relaxation techniques will change your life. When you do have negative thoughts challenge them

Guys worry, fear and anxieties are NORMAL believe me and healthy responses to stress. They are very necessary for survival however they become a problem when they are exaggerated and cycles of distress develop.

Check my post on ‘Anxiety and worry Free’ for detailed information and techniques to help you to get your life on track