Gratitude

Image via Google Images

The latest issue of Peppermint Magazine sat hidden on my shelf, behind photographs and books, waiting to reach its full potential when I finally found time to read its every page of wisdom. I felt uninspired, drifting through the ebb and flow of daily life, without stopping and looking at what surrounded me. Winter was so quickly disappearing and I felt so overwhelmed by its hurried ways that I forgot to sit, to absorb and to reflect. 

I have always wanted more. For me to feel happy and successful, I bought more. And more. The measure of my happiness relied on the material excess I surrounded myself with. The feeling of exhilaration and happiness I associated with having bought something new, was beginning to diminish more quickly the more I indulged in spending. It is a vicious cycle one enters when they measure their self worth on their indulgent purchases. And more is never enough. 
I am not alone in this lifestyle. Western society encourages it. In many instances, it demands it. Keeping up with the latest trends, styles and gadgets. A competition. A ruthless game that the more you play, the harder it becomes. 

As if by some wayward miracle, Peppermint Magazine's Winter 2012 issue fell behind my bulging closet and after its rescue, I realised I had not even taken the time to sit and read its pages. That's when I discovered Tess Curran's beautiful, enriching article about gratitude and it made me sit and ask questions about my lifestyle that I have never felt needed to be answered. 

As a first year university student, my disposable income is not as it use to be. But I ignored this. I still participated in the ruthless chase for the latest and the greatest until suddenly I was forced off the material field and kicked into the world of responsibility.  

Gratitude. It's a word I often forgot to acknowledge. Graciousness. Gratefulness. Kindness, generosity and the beauty of giving and receiving. The words of Tess Curran's article swirled in my head and made me realise so much of what I had forgotten and what I had always been taught in my childhood was to be grateful.    

I am grateful of so much. To be given the incredible opportunity to pursue a career I have only dreamt of, to live in such a beautiful place and to be loved by so many wonderful people. My list grows longer daily.  The more grateful I become, the less I feel the need to take part in the race for material success. Being grateful has asked me to sit on the sidelines of indulgence and become aware of the competitive environment I live in. 

And I realise now, that you can't play the material game by yourself and really there's no need to if you reflect on all the wonderful things you are grateful for. 
'You think you have to want more than you need. Until you have it all you won't be free.' Society- Eddie Vedder

Jump Into The Fog

Sophie Kyron

To wear beautiful, timeless pieces of jewellery has always been a great pleasure of mine.  Jewellery that is attention grabbing, not seeking, which illustrates the art of elegance in its most finest details. Sophie Kyron Jewellery is the perfect example of this, intimately designed statement pieces with a glamorous modern twist. I currently have three whimisical pieces and look forward to expanding my collection.

InTheNightGarden

As a young child, living with the opportunities of freedom, the world which surrounded her was simple. Her obstacles were minimal, would it rain tomorrow, would she finally grow tall enough to reach her brother's hiding spot in the tallest pine? The days were long in a time of the 90's, the sun shone heavily as she and the kids next door played within their Caveat St boundaries. Swimming among the river reeds, hiding within fallen pine needles and riding bikes throughout the quiet neighbourhood; as if channelling the adventures of Jem, Scout and Dill. As the sun set silently on each day of her youth, the darkness came alive with the music of Mr Young, Dylan and Fleetwood Mac as their lyrics escaped the spinning vinyl. The beautiful outdoor setting, her father had carved from timber, stood still as the dinner guests spoke about the happenings of the mysterious outside world whilst the children ran wildly throughout the extensive backyard. Senses were evoked by the excitement within the balmy evening, by the sounds of laughter from children and adults alike as the lights in nearby plum trees flickered with the presence of flying ants. A memory within her childhood that can only be awakened in retrospect.

When you have only two pennies left in the world,
buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.
Chinese Proverb

LovelyLauren

photographs sourced from hills freak

I have never had a celebrity I admire. I'm not even a fan of the term 'celebrity'. To me, the term represents a level of stereotypical society where all individualism is lost and deep conformity is gained. Until however, I was introduced to Lauren Conrad as a senior in high school and viewed her transformation into a Hollywood glamour girl in the years that followed. My admiralty for Lauren has developed over the years as I have been repeatedly encompassed by her style and grace as she has grown into a role model for many. If I'm feeling uninspired, I look to Lauren, not only in her dress sense but in her humility as well.

InAGardenOfMyOwn