Hi there!! It has been 2 years since I last posted, and I haven't looked at my blog for ages. It has made me quite emotional reading it all back and looking at the pictures of the kids. God, I miss them so much when I look at pictures, they are so adorable.
A lot of time has passed since I was on my adventure in South Africa. I am now in my third year of university studying Applied Social Sciences BA (Hons) at RGU in Aberdeen. Well, actually I am on Erasmus just now in Utrecht, the Netherlands!!! I feel so grateful that I have been given this opportunity to study abroad for a semester. I feel like it's been a really helpful time for me to reflect on my life so far and has been helping me to improve myself... maybe the different surroundings and different people have been good too. I have been re-reading some spiritual books my dad inspired me to read before he passed away, and I feel it has made me so much happier. I need to keep reminding myself to read them whenever I feel down. They never fail to bring me out of anxious or depressive periods. One book in particular is called 'The Only Thing that Matters' by a man called Neale Donald Walsch. His thoughts on life are what have inspired and helped me to achieve what I have. In all honesty, I think I would be leading a very different life right now if I had not picked up his books. So, thank you Neale! You are an inspiration to me.
First year of university was, I'm not going to lie, pretty tough. In the winter I felt very sad because I had SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) I think. However, it wasn't all bad, I had this great flatmate who always made me laugh until I cried and was there for me when I was feeling down. I know he doesn't know it, but he really helped make first year a lot more bearable. I thought I'd made a bad decision to go to Aberdeen but looking back on it now, it was worth it because I have made some lovely friends and I do thoroughly enjoy the course! Looking back on the tough times make you really appreciate the life you have.
At the beginning of second year I went to counselling for a few weeks to help with my anxiety and depression. Just the knowledge that what I was going through was normal and that my feelings were what lots of people felt helped me SO much in becoming happier. Even just admitting now that I wasn't a happy person for a period in my life helps me because I am admitting it, and that in itself is a healer. Never delay in helping yourself get better, that's what I have learnt. You need to look after and love yourself.
Just before the beginning of second year in August 2015 I started practicing transcendental meditation. This was one of the best decisions I have made in my life, so far! I do it 20 minutes in the morning and 20 minutes at night. It has made a profound impact on my life. I have really felt the benefits of it in the last few months especially. I feel more focused, organised, healthy, happier, less grumpy and more understanding and compassionate. Thank you Luisa for recommending it to me, you are the best!
My mum and sister are coming to visit me this weekend and I am SO excited! I really hope they like Utrecht, but I'm sure they will, it's a gorgeous wee city. Since being here I have visited Rotterdam, Antwerp, Amsterdam, and an island called Schiermonnikoog. (Finally managed to correctly pronounce that as well...). It has been awesome to have the opportunity to travel around Europe. I would definitely recommend a visit to Antwerp if anyone was thinking about going to Belgium, it is beautiful to say the least.
I am currently applying to do a course in Glasgow called Community Learning and Development. My friend mentioned the course to me a few weeks ago, and I've been looking for a way to get out of Aberdeen for my last year so I thought I'd look into it. It looks right up my street so I'm applying as soon as I can. If successful, it will be nice to try out a different city and to 'help change the word'! as the course description says.. haha. I really feel like I want to help make a difference in people's lives, and to inspire people to help better themselves. Helping to make positive social change in society is definitely a start to saving the world! as I mentioned in one of my previous posts, I learned a thing or two about a state of mind called 'Ubuntu'. It means to live with not just yourself in mind, but everyone else as well, as we are all connected to each other. Sister Abigail who I spent a lot of time in South Africa with has really inspired me to just live for the people. Love, help, support, and fight for people. After all, helping others is helping yourself. I want to open up my mind, and fully open up my heart.
I hope to return to Africa one day, it really is a special place. <3
