Beauty is all around us – don’t pass it by.
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Spending the last three days away from the city, shacked up in a lodge house away from work and distractions, I set my intentions to focus on self improvement. Recently I’ve been working on being more mindful, and thankful for the beauty that’s all around us.
It is too easy to become absorbed by the same daily routine, the same route to work, seeing the same things, the same people, and not ever having time to stop and smell the flowers or say Good Morning to a stranger. Last weekend however, waking up by the beautiful lakes in the Cotswolds, I made an effort to clear my head and seek beauty every day. It made me feel thankful, and more positive. Here are a few of my favourite small moments.
Friday
I set my alarm for 6am. Still in London, it’s more still at this time. My work emails haven’t started to ping into my message box yet, so no distractions. I set aside an hour just for myself, starting with just a couple of minutes of meditation, making myself a chamomile and lavender tea, and just sitting outside on the wooden sleepers, watching Dexter play. I take deep breathes and try to clear my mind.
After a two hour drive we arrive at the Lakes. Immediately I’m thankful to have the opportunity to escape the city, my shoes are off and my feet are in the water. The natural lakes are cool, and I focus on the sounds of the reeds in the wind, the sensation of the water on my toes. I feel the sun warming my shoulders, and focus on my senses.
Saturday
A day of trying new things. The day started with yoga inspired by The Yoga Rebel – deep breathes and stretches all to the beat of uplifting songs.
Next, breakfast; plant-based pancakes made with buckwheat and coconut sugar, fruit and topped with yogurt. I chose a new favourite; Light & Free Greek Style Yogurt by Danone, a sugar and fat free addition to a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
Later, I had my first physio session, learning things about my body that took me by surprise, and after being pulled and massaged into place, I felt lighter, more energetic.
Sunday
Notice the small things. Accessories complete my look and I choose a symbol to represent my mindset – a feather. Light and delicate, the feather represents beauty and freedom. In rose gold, I fasten my necklace and slide a ring onto my hand. These small details make an outfit even more beautiful.
Notice what others do for you and be thankful. A stranger opening a door for you, a partner preparing a meal. I am thankful for a passerby taking the time to lead us to a lake with paddling boats, so we can row to the island in the middle, and explore.
It took a weekend away from the city to refresh myself, and allow the surrounding beauty to clear my mind, but my new habits will stay with me in London each day.
What are the small things you do each day to make you happier?
xoxo
This post is in collaboration with Danone
Photography by Charlie Irons
Photographed with Olympus Pen & 45mm Lens
What I’m Wearing
Dress by Keepsake
Feather Jewellery by Pandora
Other Jewellery by Monica Vinader
Bag by Ted Baker
