ACHIEVE MORE IN THE NEW YEAR!

Throughout the year, I kept a record of how I was doing both personally and professionally. This has given me a clearer understanding of what I want/need to achieve next year. One of the reasons I get excited about the festive season is because I like to set aside a chunk of time for myself to think back on the year I've had (using my record of notes) and, with that, get ready to do better going forward.

Ask yourself this question:
What can I put in place right now to help me start the new year in the best possible way?

REFLECTION

Phone on silent and placed in another room, centre yourself in a quiet and clutter-free space. Then, with your day to day diary, (if you keep one. If not, use a note pad or equivalent), look back on each month and make a note of what your monthly goals were. With those you did not achieve, write down any obstacles and be honest with yourself about how realistic and necessary those goals are to enable you to decide if they should be added to your new year goals list with ideas on what you can/will do differently to succeed.

CONNECTIONS

After you have reflected on your achievements, take some time to think about any relationships that were damaged and if there are positive reasons for repair. You can then think of practical ways to reconcile if you choose to. If the choice is to leave things as they are, make sure you identify a genuine and valuable reason for this so you’re able to move forward without carrying the burden of choosing to cut ties.

If someone (or something) continues to cause you pain and upset, it might be wise to let them go. Likewise, if there are people in your life who are always good to you, whom you’ve realised you don’t make even half the effort with (that they make with/for you), be kinder to them and show them your appreciation. They will not be around forever. Neither will you.

YOUR MANTRA

Something that has helped me to get through the more challenging days this year is having my own motivational phrases (on the walls at home, written down and also memorised) that I can say aloud or quietly to myself to keep me focused, positive and strong both mentally and emotionally. For me, this has worked better than having an inspiring quote saved as the screensaver on my phone so, this will continue to be my go-to motivation tool next year.

Here are some of my fave mantra’s:

1. “I am enough”.

2. “I am fearless”.

3. “I am a force for good”.

4. “I am attracting all the love I dream of”.

ABANDON YOUR COMFORT ZONE

When was the last time you took a spontaneous trip alone or ticked something off of your bucket list without waiting for a friend or loved one to be available to accompany you? One of the best ways to continue learning and developing is to go out into the world alone (obviously as safe as possible). There is everything right with spending time in your own company. You don’t need to venture far or spend a silly amount of money to have a great (solo) time! Independence is vital.

Last month, I took a lunchtime walk in a direction I’d not taken before. I had no idea where I was going and didn’t recognise any of the street names. I just walked and made a note of the route, taking pics along the way which I was sending to a friend for safety. I discovered new street art, lovely greenery, picturesque locations (that would later make for a lovely photo-shoot) and I also met someone who (through a brief chat) reminded me that "life only truly happens when you take a walk beyond familiarity". Real talk! It was an awesome conversation.

INDULGE - you deserve to, right?

For the ultimate relaxation, I love to soak in a very hot bath, filled with my fave products from Lush and a good book! For a sense of peace and to give myself a break from regular surroundings, I like to visit a certain spot in London during the early hours of the morning – a quiet stroll around or meditating in this space is always a winner for my mind. For solo enjoyment, I like to go to the cinema/theatre (again, as early as possible or whenever it's most likely to be quiet) to see anything that will have me laughing and/or feeling positively inspired!

As the saying goes, “do more of what you love” at every given opportunity! Before the Christmas mayhem gets underway and the 1st of January arrives, I pray that you give yourself the gift of open and honest self-reflection, time to unwind and ease any tension, and maybe a solo treat or adventure.

Now, if you haven't already, go line up your goals for the new year!! FOCUS!
Try not to let yourself be distracted. You've got this!

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

CHRISTMAS PREP!

Once again, I have been ready for this season since the end of summer. I really enjoy this time of year and look forward to all the cheese, romance and happiness that comes with it. Preparing in advance allows me to have as much fun with it as possible. Being organised; planning and spreading the cost over 3 – 4 months, often has me in a much better position, financially, for the new year! Nobody wants to be broke in January! 

But, for you, preparation for Christmas might take the excitement out of it. Or, you may enjoy the adrenalin of getting things together in a short; somewhat pressure fuelled, time frame. Either way, here are some ideas and tips to help you prepare for Christmas!

Presents
Setting yourself a budget is a good place to begin. Also, make use of any creative/craft skills you have. Sometimes, the best gifts are the ones that have been made with the most amount of love. If there is no creativity in your bones, you can look to the high street.

TIP: You can recycle gift packaging from presents you've been given throught the year or use colourful tissue paper which is a lot cheaper and ends up the same place as expensive glossy wrapping once the gifts have been opened!

Decorative Fun
I love seeing the OTT houses that are turned into a grotto! They're a bit of an eyesore but, at the same time, they defo get me in more of a festive mood. Personally, I’m not one for doing the most with decorations in my home regardless of the season. I prefer to have a few tiny hanging items that are quick and easy to take down and pack away.

TIP: For a handful of miniature decorative bits and bobs that will not break the bank, check your local charity shops and discount stores or make your own with help from plenty of How To videos online!

New Experiences
Last year, some friends and I dined at The Jones Family Kitchen in Shoreditch and the food was delicious! It had an upstairs bar for drinks only with the restaurant downstairs which also had a bar. I felt that our table was a tad cramped once all the food arrived but, otherwise, it was a really good evening (great atmosphere, pleasant staff, sweet vibe) and plenty of laughter was had! 

This year, as well as having more time for myself, the Autumn/Winter goal was to explore new places and spend quality time with loved ones creating significant memories. 

September was all about my birthday and I did a lot including - the Upside Down House, Rome, Venice, Paris and Popworld! I truly had the most fun and thank everybody who joined me for the celebrations! In October I thoroughly enjoyed a Me, Myself and I week which included meditation, plenty of reading and, of course, my beloved Home Spa Experience. Despite being a challenging month, November served up lots of joy too. There were lovely moments with friends and I discovered/explored a few areas in London (e.g. New Bond Street and Fitzrovia known as 'hidden London') that I'd not been to before (not sure why) and (deep breath) I went on a date!! Get me! HA-HA!

I also plan to have a Salt Cave session as I've been told it is so good for our skin and general well-being! Recently, I was very sick (flu virus and chest infection but, I had to work as my employer did not grant sick pay which meant getting better was to be a struggle. As a result, I remained unwell for SEVEN weeks and it was very unpleasant!). A chesty cough and a blocked nose, together with an on/off headache, has lingered... The Salt Cave will apparently clear my airways, get rid of my dry cough, ease the headache and have me get the best nights sleep I've ever had! 

Have you visited a Salt Cave before? What was your experience? If not, book yourself in if you can! Look for deals on the Groupon app.

TIP (from a member of staff at the Wandsworth branch): Make sure you wear light clothing, no dark colours and take with you a book and a change of clothes if you intend to go out afterwards. The salt can get everywhere including your phone so, place it inside a plastic cover that you can seal while still being able to use the phone or just put it away!

Probably the most interesting new experience I had was my first ever Hen Do (I was booked as the Photographer - see the collage below, LOL) and, er, yeah...., it was definitely a season highlight!! LOL!

You still have time to do something new, explore a place that's on your list, and get together with loved ones (before Christmas day, of course) to share a unique experience that will leave you all with the best memories. Do it!!

Fashion and Styling

Okay, so, if Christmas is not the time when you can afford to completely relax where keeping up with fashion is concerned, I don’t know when is! Try not to take it too seriously. Have a laugh and be a bit tacky with it. Dig out some old, wearable pieces fit for the season and style them with some basic accessories. 

If you’re attending a festive shindig, Amazon, eBay, Primark, Matalan, boutique outlets, high street retail and local fancy-dress shops are usually great for affordable items which you can use again. 

Happy Christmas planning! x

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

BLACK + INTELLIGENCE = PROBLEM

Disclaimer: this is one Black/Brown person's reality and that Brown person is me. This may, or may not be, the experience of other Black/Brown people. The below might not be a true depiction of the experiences had by every Black/Brown individual worldwide, however, it is a true account of MY experiences (from as early as 1997). Some of these situations have been isolated, others have been shared with me, or I have witnessed such oppression of a fellow Black/Brown person. Mostly in a work environment where the majority have been white and the minority Black/Brown. That said, I am aware that some of the statements are applicable to various types of people and I am also greatly aware that not every white person (or those non-Black/Brown) has a deeply ingrained hatred for those who are Black/Brown.

Speak and be ill-judged.

Stay silent and be ill-judged.

Maintain your privacy and be thought of as rude.

Give up your privacy and be thought of as arrogant.

Show passion (or just a flicker of emotion) and be labelled 'aggressive'.

Be physically expressive, with hand gestures etc., when excitedly disclosing something and be labelled 'aggressive'. Breathe or, better still, just exist, and be labelled 'aggressive'.

You are invisible unless, of course, your 'services' are required.

If they stare, know that they are simply fascinated which, of course, is a compliment.
If they catch you staring, know that you might be 'disciplined' because your stare is 'threatening'.

Accept jibes as banter.

Accept passive aggression as affection. 

Accept lies being told about you as the liars very 'valid perception' of you.

Accept most, for no reason that can be justified, will be against you as per their norm.

Accept you'll always be the one in the wrong and this is an 'opportunity' for you to learn.

Accept that, unless you have written confirmation, it wasn't said (only when what was said could work in your favour, of course).

Don't smile (allowing your face to fall as it naturally does) and be thought of as cold.
Force a smile (because nobody's face wears a natural permanent smile) and be thought of as 'intense'.

You will be mocked for your confidence.
You will have your strengths used against you.
You will have your morals and beliefs patronized.
You will be made to feel as though your skills and capabilities are not enough.

Belittled much?

The desire is to have you fear them and love them at the same time; to respect them whilst taking their lack of respect for you with a pinch of "no worries".

Be a performing monkey.

100% well? Perform.
Visibly sick? Perform.

Having a good day? Perform.
Having a stressful day? Perform.

You are their puppet and you will be a performing monkey on-demand.

Anything that looks like they're being caring and considerate is, in fact, a calculated move towards their win and your downfall. Your brilliance is not welcome where they, themselves, are trying to excel. Actually, let's be real, it isn't welcomed at all...

Share an opinion and offend their entire race.

Sit on your opinions and offend your community.

Switch your feelings off and be labelled a 'problem'.
Be your authentic self and be told: "you're too much".
Keep yourself to yourself and be thought of as a 'strange character'.

Where the hell is the win?!?

Neglect work to stand with the gossips (pretending to be about their noise) just so you're not regarded as one who thinks they're 'too nice' to mingle with such people and be called "difficult" by your superiors. Choose to focus on work (because you genuinely want to progress) instead of joining the gossip crew and they will call you "over confident" (as though that's a bad thing when displayed without an ounce of arrogance or ignorance).

You are the Black or Brown Elephant in the room. They invite you in based on tokenism and make it abundantly clear that, not only do they not really want you there, when it suits them, they can and will discard you usually over a fabricated allegation that everybody else will believe because Black/Brown is the colour of guilt.

Assert yourself and be called "a bully".

Don't assert yourself and be called "a bully".
If you are one who is direct and be labelled "a bully".

Be humble but also cautious and be labelled a "bully".

FYI: the word bully means - a person who habitually seeks to harm those they see as vulnerable. 

Read that FYI again!

You are Black/Brown so, by default, you are a hostile person. This is something you cannot dispute whether there is just one, or a few (irrespective of any supporting evidence), who have openly shared that this is their feeling about you (FEELING not proven truth). This is despite them having no problem being in your company time and time again complete with fake smiles, fake conversation, fake laughter, fake warmth, fake everything because their so-called perception of you (and as when they decide to change it) replaces all reality.

You do not have options.
You do not have permission to choose between "yes" and "no".
You do what they want you to do as and when they want you to do it.
You are not entitled to feel, according to that which comes naturally, unless instructed to and, even then, those feelings are on loan!

Expect to be tested daily.

Expect to be disrespected.

Expect to have your character challenged.

Expect to have your personality questioned.

Expect to have the person you are tarnished, stained and ripped to shreds.
Expect to have your buttons pushed in a bid to have you fit the 'angry Black/Brown person' stereotype only to then have your organic reaction to being goaded used against you!

Do not expect to be understood by them. Ever.

...................................................................................................................................................


I don't need you to agree nor disagree. Just try to understand. Being a Black/Brown person is an unnecessary struggle, every day! YES, freedom is real but, so is (modern-day) slavery, racism, racial profiling, persecution, race-related micromanagement (and the rest) in a bid to control and intimidate, etc. Why? I'm sick of it; I am SO sick of being ill targeted simply because I am a CONFIDENT and COMPETENT BROWN SKIN WOMAN! 

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

....................................................................................................................................................


- taken from the very well written book titled Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge - "We've listened to our socially conservative parents and educated ourselves up to our eyeballs. We've kept our gripes to ourselves and changed our appearance, names, accents and dress in order to fit the status quo. We have bitten our tongues, exercised safe judgement and tiptoed around white feelings in an effort to not rock the boat. We've been tolerant up to the point of not even mentioning race, lest we're accused of playing the race card".

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

6 THINGS TO DO BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS!

Okay, so, you may have your final to-do list for this year, however, I thought I'd give you some ideas in case you don't...

1. Extend a shiny olive branch [make peace].

I guarantee there is at least one person whom you're missing and would really like to reconcile with. Chances are the feeling is mutual or, if nothing else, by reaching out to them, the positive is that you can stop second-guessing the situation.

2. Get your home in order [declutter, clean and tidy].

I'm all about having my personal space be one that is comfortable, relaxing, calm and spacious. This means, once every 3 - 6 months I minimalise. Sometimes I blitz my entire home and on the odd occasion I'll focus on one area such as the bookshelf [my fave!] 

3. Sign up to a social club, a workshop related to a hobby, or join a fitness class.

While I, myself, have been done with the gym for a while now, I strongly recommend taking up a regular activity that encourages positive vibes; gives you an opportunity to meet new people and will also support your self-development. This is something that can be done virtually if preferred - do some research.

4. Have an entire day to yourself.

Oh, my actual life! This right here is an absolute must for the good of one's overall well-being!! I cannot stress enough just how important it is to have some time out; to disconnect! If you've been a reader of this blog for some time, you'll be familiar with my fave day of the week where I switch off from everything and everyone to indulge in my Home Spa Experience! Make it a priority to rest and recharge!

5. Go hard for that promotion, pay rise, or new career you've been thinking about.

There is everything right with making it known just how valuable you are to your employer! Have a one-to-one chat that is informal while also being clear about your aspirations, your worth and exactly what you want in the immediate future. Or, if you seek a change, put yourself out there by updating your CV [or portfolio] and walking through the doors of prospective employers/opportunities with confidence. You've got this! Go get that level-up!!

6. Get together with a loved one (s), and set some dates to meet in the New Year too!

I'm defo that person who tends to think ahead and attempts to make future plans with those I care about and want to be in the company of. Sadly, I'm often let down [most are too busy doing whatever they choose to do with their 24 hours each day] but, I don't give up because, life is too short for the one thing we are each guaranteed to regret: saying "no" to somebody when we could have said, "yes", especially once that person is gone. Morbid and deep but true! 

Having successfully ticked my boxes this year, I decided to set some additional goals and I encourage you to do the same, or to come up with new strategies to achieve anything you feel you've missed out on!

Q. What is the barrier to achieving your goals?

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

BEAUTY ESSENTIALS

If you’ve been reading my blog for several years now, you will know that I absolutely love me a hot steamy bath mostly for how amazing it is for my face! So much so that I sometimes share Instagram stories of the before and after, or just the results, and have created my very own Home Spa Experience which you can see here.

I've learned just how vital it is to spend time deeply relaxing, rejuvenating, resting and giving my body [as well as my mind] some time to recover from the daily routine of being on the go as soon as the alarm rings until it's time to hit the sack again, often 6 days a week!

My choice of restorative joy, if you will, whenever I feel in need, is to meditate and to also give myself a full body pamper session before getting an early night and this would be done on a Friday evening [if I’ve no other plans] so I can still make the most of my weekend!

HAIR

When rocking braids, I condition my hair using castor oil, coconut oil, pure olive oil and the African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray. There's a theme there, ha-ha! A small amount of each product is used and once conditioned, I tend to leave the hair wrapped for 20-30 minutes. This process leaves my hair soft, shiny and fresh. I also wash my hair whilst in braids using organic products which, at the time this post was published, I've actually run out of! Eek!

HANDS

My hands can get so dry which annoys me big time, however, I've found that regular care has improved the actual look and feel of them! After cleaning them with hot water and a gentle hand-wash, I apply a scrub, rinse, then do a manicure if needed and, again, moisturise with one of the above-mentioned oils. I then place them inside 'moisturising gloves' until the moisture is completely absorbed. I try not to do anything with my hands for about an hour afterwards.

FACE

As you may know, I give a lot of love and attention to my face. I have followed a very simple cleansing routine from age 16! I wash my face with hot water only [this sometimes follows exfoliation], cleanse using either the Boots Essentials Facial Toner, or Distilled Witch Hazel, I then apply a face mask [one that is gentle, includes antioxidants and smells amazing], after which it’s all about the under eye patches. When the patches have been removed, I then apply quite a generous amount of oil [either coconut, or olive].

BODY

Shower first, of course! Occasional full body scrub [I currently only use those pictured], then rinse and wash, pat myself dry [so that some water remains] and then I work in some Aqueous cream mixed with either olive or coconut oil all over. I clearly love me some oil, LOL! Keeps my skin soft and smooth.

FEET

Although I do not have very nice-looking feet, real talk, they feel like those of a newborn, if I do say so myself! My heels are soft and free from any cracks, there is zero rough skin and they don’t smell. Chuffed to be winning somewhere in my life, LOL! After washing them [I may have had a pedicure beforehand, ideally 1 – 3 days prior], I pat them almost dry and apply a foot mask, I then work the remaining product from the mask into the feet followed by some Aqueous cream mixed with olive oil.

Summary

It’s all about taking a few hours, or an entire day, to unwind, relieve stress and give yourself the space to treat your body from head to toe, literally! It’s super simple, but it takes a dedicated period of uninterrupted time. I absolutely LOVE IT!! The way I feel so amazing after half a day, or a full day, of self-care is beyond all words. I highly recommend it!

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

THIS HAPPENS TO US ALL

Around this time last year I was quietly miserable; hiding behind a self-imposed 'busy' schedule which kept me from confronting what had me feeling so sad because, I just didn't want to deal with yet another change in my circumstances which was having a very negative impact on me.

Essentially, the happy bunny being portrayed on the outside wasn't true of how I felt inside. Far from wanting to bore you with the details of that particular time, I just want you to be reminded that it's okay to have moments of despair, to feel alone, lost, fragile, to lack confidence about your future, etc. But, you have got to remember that you are NOT alone.

Friends, family, your partner, perhaps a trusted colleague, your GP, or health advisor, a community group, or social enterprise, can and will support you. Once you open up honestly about your struggle (s) and start taking the necessary steps to apply change, things will definitely get better. It isn't easy, I know, but, it is possible.

Everything happens for a reason, we know that... Here's the thing though: the reason (s) will only become clear once you overcome the hardship so, reach out, stay hopeful, remain transparent, be fiercely determined to battle through and be comforted by the fact that having such moments are normal. Your imperfections are uniquely wonderful, embrace them, and they'll be some of your best teachers! Happiness is a must. Get yours and do everything you can, within reason, to keep it!!

A song titled Holy by Jamila Woods is one of the most positively encouraging songs I have come across. Each time I listen to it, I feel uplifted and empowered. Check it out here.

You're worthy of greatness. Remember that.

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

MY CLAYTON HOTEL ROMANCE

I was invited to Clayton Hotel in London's Aldgate East which opened in January 2019. This particular part of the city has undergone a striking makeover in recent years which has attracted both new business and a new batch of clientele. Personally, I am really liking the look of Aldgate now, especially since venturing into photography as there are many great locations for taking pictures.

Prior to the introduction, I had not heard of Clayton Hotels and so, I was really keen to learn more and to also see what they have to offer that sets them apart from their competitors.

I walked into Clayton Hotel ready to be impressed and I wasn't disappointed. Greeted by lovely beaming smiles of the reception team, I waited a few minutes before being joined by Andrew Mitchell - the Sales and Marketing Coordinator - who gave me an insightful tour of the modern vintage, chic, homely, feel-good hotel.

It is stunning! With a uniquely calming and warm vibe that just consumes you as you walk inside, the decor [artsy, elegant, stylish, bold, inviting, cheerful, cosy, instagrammable] is gorgeous! The hotel boasts a fitness suite [a real one], bar and restaurant with 24 hour dining, has 212 luxury bedrooms including executive suites with selfie mirrors [yes, you did read that correctly], plus the option to book as a family and have 2 separate rooms albeit entered through one main door. Essentially a mini apartment, or so it feels! It truly is remarkable!! 

The staff are on point with their superb customer service, providing each visitor/guest with a welcoming and attentive greeting which is, sadly, rare these days, so, it makes a huge difference to the overall experience of each customer.

Have a peek!

www.claytonhotelcityoflondon.com | 10 New Drum Street, London E1 7AT.

If while in London you're looking for a beautiful luxury hotel that will provide you with exceptional service and comfort, overlooking the City of London, try Clayton Hotel and embrace all that this 4 star deluxe hotel has to offer you!

Special thanks to Lizzy Rodger - Director of Sales - who organised my visit/tour and gift bag with treats and generous discounts. 

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

MY VALENTINE

Valentine's Day - the celebration of love and affection.

Look, here's the thing: I think the best expression of love is one that isn't declared on the 14th of February! Lol. Seriously though, in the conventional sense, I am still very anti this so-called international 'holiday'; a day set aside for EVERYONE, everywhere in the world to tell, or show somebody, how much they love them by giving them red themed gifts, booking an expensive restaurant, or giving chocolates, planning a 'romantic' weekend away, etc., etc. Ugh!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

If you're about the hoo-ha of what Valentine's Day typically represents, good for you, knock yourself out and enjoy! If not, especially if you are in the Singles Club, then how about a bit of SELF love?

I've learned to love myself entirely [don't go thinking frisky thoughts, let's keep it clean], whereby I fully respect who I am, I appreciate my life experiences to date, am happy with all that I have achieved and am proud of the woman I have become. I'm excited about my prospects and believe that the work I put in will eventually pay off. I feel good within and also like what I see in the mirror [which wasn't always the case]. So, if I was about Valentine's Day [whether happily partnered or not] I'd celebrate self love. Maybe you should do the same. I see no shame in that at all. In fact, I admire those who practise self appreciation. I mean, why not?

For those delightfully coupled [or, who take part in Galantines, or whatever other 'something-tines' there is] and are all about Valentine's Day, but have yet to organise some romance, check out Prezzy Box here for gift ideas!

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

To all my single peeps, go spoil your solo self and don't necessarily wait until the Valentine's weekend to do so! Perhaps have a change of scenery and get involved with an activity. Or, attend an event for singletons [you could end up meeting your life partner]. Should you not want to step outside on the 'day of love', simply chill at home and indulge in some pampering, a hearty meal and a strong cuppa [making sure you avoid all social media, for obvious reasons!] Just spend some time appreciating yourself, you are SO deserving of that! x

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

BEAT THE NEW YEAR BLUES

The first couple of months of a new year can have you feeling a bit "meh" which can be difficult to shake.

You might remember that I have a Gratitude Jar which I go through at the end of each year. I fill it daily with everything I am thankful for, or that makes me happy so, it is never empty. That way, it's a go-to when I need a positivity boost.

I think it is so important to keep around you the things [and people] who are good for you. Doing so is likely to have you feel good more often than not.

From your favourite book, a piece of music that always puts you in a great mood, an aroma that keeps you relaxed, a cherished one who makes you laugh, carrying a sketch book [if that's your thing], to the one place where you can 'breathe', where possible, if you keep them within reach, such things can do absolute wonders for your overall well-being.

You're an imperfect human; you won't be happy every single second of each day, but, you can put certain things in place to help bring you back to a positive state of mind whenever you start to feel down about your circumstances, or certain things going on around you.

I often carry a book to read [one that is inspiring, or motivational]. I also keep with me a notebook and pen so I can write down the opposite of my thoughts when they become a tad gloomy, or I use the note app on my phone. This works really well for me. 

Find what works for you. Have next year be one that you remember for [more of] the right reasons. 

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.

7 STEPS FOR SURVIVING 2019

I'm not going to proclaim, "this will be my year!". Instead, I am just going to get on with it!! That said; I do feel this year will be one of significant change, events, turning points, developments and growth, for everyone, in some way, shape, or form.

I intend to make sure that I actively learn from the mistakes I made last year [there were a few, ahem] and apply the lessons religiously throughout 2019! I'm going to try my best.

1. I will put myself at the top of my list!

2. I will further commit to living my authentic truth.

3. I will continue to put social media at the bottom of my list.

4. Each morning, I will remind myself that I am worthy of greatness.

5. I will not talk, or share, for the sake of doing so. I will express consciously.

6. I will own all that I have been, everything I am, and all that I want to become.

7. I will do something I've not done before that is entirely out of my comfort zone.

Photo taken in London by Duval Akonor

I, mean, while this is in no way a 'certified' Survival Guide, the above is very serious and I am determined to stick with it. Remember, whatever the obstacles, you've got this! Do not give up on yourself!!

Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk

All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.