Taking On A New Mindset

I recently did a vlog in which I spoke about the sudden moment of realisation that I had last week. 

That vlog is here: Ranting In A Field

But after blabbing on for five minutes I've decided to reinforce what I meant and try and make what I was saying a little more cohesive. 

This post isn't going to be about anxiety and Emetophobia but they are two key parts of my life that have been holding me back for many years. There are things I wouldn't do and places I wouldn't go because of these things. 

It is only recently that I have managed to take control and change myself for the better.

I spent last week at my school helping out some of the teachers with the activity they were running for lower school. 

This activity involved running around the school and using the clues that they found to come up with a creative explanation of which teachers were aliens and why. 

Now...considering what I've been doing for the last few years, exams and revision, having an activity like that presented to you would have been bliss, right? 

Over the course of the week I watched several teams of people pass through this activity. With mixed attitudes obviously. Some loved it and some treated it as though it was the biggest chore in the world. 

That was when I realised just how little lower school appreciate how easy their lives within school are. It was also when I realised just how little I appreciated how easy my life was when I was in lower school. 

I spent my Year 7, 8, 9 days worrying about friends and homework. Both of which felt like such a huge deal. To me it was the end of the world if I didn't pass my end of term Combined Science paper and get a Level 5a when my friends were getting 7c. (I don't even think those gradings are a thing anymore). 

Little did I know that from then on, it was going to get harder. A lot harder and probably never easier ever again. 

Now my life is consumed by exams, revision, applications, work experience, UCAS, universities, as well as trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle and a successful social life. 

Don't get me wrong, my life as I know it is by no means 'difficult'. But, what I'm saying, is that compared to what I'd been worrying about for the first three years of high school, I have far more justification for my stresses now. 

This led me on to thinking about how much I regret not making the most of every care free day. I wish I could go back to my 4 year old self and say, enjoy yourself, everyday. 

SO..

This is this new thing I'm trying. 

I've come to the conclusion that different stresses and responsibilities are going to appear over the next few years and I'll be wishing I could relive the care free 17 year old days. 

I don't want to think back on these next few years wishing I'd made the most of it.

I want to live everyday to the full. 

I want to do as much as I can, while I have the time and money to do so. 

I want to travel while I have no commitments.

I want to see friends while I have no restrictions. 

I want to make memories that I'll never forget and be glad that I've made the most of everyday. 

So yeah, this is what I've been thinking about over the last few days. 

I hope this has motivated you to take on the same mindset and make the most of everyday before it's too late! 

'til next time,

Hannah xo

Summer 2015 Day Trips Vol 4: Sea Life Centre

To celebrate the birthday of my fella, we took a trip to the Sea Life Centre in Birmingham.

As well as the aim of the day being- 'Lets go and have a laugh and do voices for the fish' I also wanted to visit Sea Life as I hadn't been since I was very little.

As attractions like these are mainly aimed at young children we went with open minds and were pleasantly surprised.

The displays were amazing and the animals that they have there are honestly stunning.

We started our day with a stroll around the Bullring shopping centre.

Then we grabbed ourselves a quick Pizza Express. I've always loved the food here and I always manage to persuade them to make me a half and half pizza when I just can't choose! (Also the ice cream is fab).

We then began our walk to actually find the Sea Life Centre. Despite having Google Maps, we found out that they are useless if you can't read a map. Luckily I had some idea. After asking around and taking a few wrong turns we made it. The walk wasn't actually too far...we just messed it up. ALL FUN EHY!

I booked our tickets online, and as well as a crazy discount, entry was so easy. I'd highly recommend booking online, then all you have to do is show the bar code and wullah!

The first thing you see when you walk in is this amazing display. The most ADORABLE penguins ever.
I honestly could've watched them all day. There are lots of different windows around
this enclosure too so you can watch them from different angles. 

My happy chappy!
After the penguins you enter this room. As well as having crazy rainforest decor
the room is full of different tanks full of an amazing array of creatures. 

NEMO

This fella had it in for me, I could just tell. 

These totally perplexed me. You wouldn't wanna have claustrophobia if you were
one of them! 

WATCH OUT FOR THE SHARKS!
This tank was by far my favourite. After walking around the rest of the building you are then invited to take the lift down to the ground floor. This is the first thing you see when you leave the lift. We stood for ages watching the sharks and other huge fish swim by. There's something magical about the peacefulness. 

At this point you enter a tunnel. You are surrounded by water and
the giant rays, turtles and sharks all swim around you! We spent
a really long time in here too...oops! 

This guy was awesome. We stood waiting for him to swim back around the vast
tank so that we could get some photos! It really puts into perspective the size of
these incredible animals. 

Shelfie! 

SO- That was our day! 

We spent a few hours wandering around. When you get to the end you can just walk back through and start all over again! 

Although I do find it weird that all of these animals are being stored in a warehouse in the middle of Birmingham and aren't free, I do think that attractions like this are really valuable to allow people to experience this where they otherwise couldn't. 

All in all, we had a really lovely, funny and affordable day out! 

Where should I visit next? 

til next time

Hannah xo

P.S. The photos aren't great quality this time, due to unpredictable lighting and everything being a bit...blue! 

P.P.S. I have a new video up on YouTube! 

Here's a link:The Sister Tag

Please check it out & give it a like! 

Thank you, bye xoxo

Starting YouTube

I've wanted to start YouTube for AGES now but I haven't motivated myself enough to make time for it. 

*cue disappointed frowns* 

BUT:

Now that I have finished school for the summer, and considering my work experience placement allows me some free time in the afternoons, I have decided to try and properly start YouTube. 

I don't know how this is going to go, but I'm going to give it my best shot! 

I've got a YouTube channel that I have uploaded to before which is a joint channel with my best buddy! 

But I want to start uploading to mine. 

So with this in mind, I'm going to need some video ideas! 

Let me know if you have any!? 

This week I have uploaded a video that I made with my brother. I honestly think it is hilarious and would love for you to check it out! 

He makes me smile so much and spending time with him like this makes me realise just how amazing he is and just how quickly he's growing up! 

Finn's Dinosaur Adventure