Welcome to the beginning of my writing challenge journey. I hope that this will provide a glimpse into my mind and the small pleasures that keep me going, whilst at the same time allowing me to explore both myself and my writing style. Good luck and enjoy getting lost in the rabbit hole of my mind.
1) Relationships
Let's begin with the obvious. Humans are social creatures and I am definitely no exception. I am not cut out to be alone. Of course, I enjoy my alone time, like anybody else, but after a while I begin to feel empty, drained. My connections with people, whether it be with my family, friends, partner, or a stranger on the train, recharge my batteries, filling them up with life again.
2) Creating
To create something from nothing, brings such a sense of achievement that it's impossible not to feel joyous. Stringing letters together to create words, sentences, intertwining threads and fabric, combining colours and open spaces.. painting images, telling a story wholly subjective to an individual's experience of the creation.
3) All things Ch...
I can't help it. If it's savoury, I add cheese. If it's sweet, I add chocolate. Nobody can change this about me, however hard they may try.
4) My Favourite Colours
Have you ever just seen something and lit up inside because it is so aesthetically pleasing? Well I have. Anything in pastel purple, baby blue, or bright yellow, is bound to make me smile. I've been told that my aura is yellow by those closest to me, not just because of my obsession with mustard coloured jumpers, but because of my smile and joy. I take it as the highest compliment.
5) Animals
Nobody can resist feeling smug when an animal chooses to say hello to them, despite the other people around. The innocence and purity of animals, especially dogs, who just want to offer their unconditional love is something so special that it just needs to be protected. All animals, big, small, scaly, fluffy, shy, excited... deserve our full respect and care. I will never believe otherwise.
6) Helping Others
Despite my obvious preference for animals, there are some people who also deserve our help. Lots, actually. I would like to hold onto my naive belief that the majority of people are good for a little while longer. Joey may have been right, when he told Phoebe that there cannot be such a thing as a selfless good deed, because I have to admit that it does make me very happy when I can make a real difference to someone, however insignificant that difference may be.
7) Fairy Lights
It may make me basic but the twinkling of fairly lights around my room, or reflecting against the surface of the Amsterdam canal, painting the room with colours at Christmas time.. it makes me feel warm inside, as if I've just drunk a steamy mug of my mum's special hot chocolate.
8) The Smell Of Play-doh
I've heard that smells are the sense that is most connected with memories and this certainly is the case with Play-doh, for me. One whiff and I'm right back at my kitchen table, wearing a stained checked apron, moulding the dough as if it were the most precious Neapolitan pizza dough. I don't know if it's meant to, but my mascara smells of Play-doh so please don't be alarmed if you catch me in the bathroom sniffing at it.
9) Knowledge
It may make me a little arrogant but, gosh, do I like to know what I'm talking about. The satisfaction that comes from being able to make a meaningful contribution to a conversation, or prove someone wrong when they underestimate me or make mistaken assumptions.. it's always been one of my guilty pleasures. And I know for a fact that I'm not the only one.
10) Golden Hour
Last but not least, it's time for me to sprinkle the cheese over this post. My favourite time of day: Golden Hour. Do you remember getting home from school and rushing through your homework, just so you could be free to 'call on' your neighbourhood friends? I remember scoffing down my dinner and changing out of my school uniform, to run outside and knock on my friends' doors. It doesn't matter what we were doing; listening to music, skateboarding down the hill, making up dance routines... it was freedom after a day imprisoned at school and buried in work. The glow of the sun, covering the world with a fine film of warm light, signified freedom to me. Freedom to wear what I wanted. Freedom to do what I wanted. Freedom to breathe and relax, bathing in the warmth of the sun and laying on the cool green grass beneath me. Freedom.
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