Woman Power Wednesday: My Momma!

Dolls and Gents, 

How are we all? I hope you all enjoyed my Wednesday Wisdom post last week about gaining your confidence back. Wednesday Wisdom will resume next week as I like schedule the series every two weeks, giving the heavy stuff a breather! In between Wednesday Wisdom I will post a new series Woman Power Wednesday, writing about all the influential women in this world. Who better to start of the series than my beautiful mother Geraldine. Here are a few reasons why this lady is ever so important to me! 

She has beauty inside and out! 
You are looking at the lady who on her wedding day only wore a 'wee bit of blue shadow and her favourite pale lipstick' as she told us, yet she still looks as flawless as ever. Mum has the kindest soul, her personality beams through her smile! Any problem big or small, mum is always the one to reassure everyone and help us in our time of need. Mum is forever putting others before herself, which makes her such a kind and caring person. She is a beautiful person in the inside which shines outside. An all around sound babe of a doll! 

Her ambition: 
Mum works endless day in and day out, the woman never takes a day off. Mum works  so hard for her family and also spends so much effort on her new photography project! With over 1204 followers on instagram, mum captures everyday whether it be rain, sleet or snow, the lovely views Donegal has to offer. She has built a great following and I admire her hard work and determination she has. Mum is one of the many inspirations for this blog! Follow her insta @ https://www.instagram.com/geraledine.shields/
  

Style Queen: 
Mum is the ultimate style queen in our house. Marie, my sister and I are forever sneaking into mum's walk in wardrobe, yes she is the only lady in the house with a walk in wardrobe, and stealing her clothes. Mum knows what's in and what's out, she is definitely my style icon! 

 Her love for her Best Friend: 
My dad and Mum are the complete opposite. Dad is loud and mum is very quiet yet the two have such a strong love for one another and bring out the best in eachother. I love waking up and hearing the two talking and laughing in the morning while having their cups of tea. Their love for one another is really something else! 

 Animal Lover: 
Mum loves her animals more than she loves her children, haha! Jokes aside, mum has such a strong love for animals and this really shows her compassionate side, which I love about her! 

 My Best Friend: 
Despite just being my mother, my mum as cliche as it sounds, really is my best friend. I tell my mum everything from nights out, work, college, relationships, friendships, the woman knows everything about me. I adore going on trips with her to the shops, or going on walks, or simply just sitting in the kitchen talking endlessly with our Herbal teas and rice cakes. I miss mum so much when I go to college and text her non stop! She is amazing, so kind and so caring. 

Mother by blood, best friend by choice! 
Lots of love Momma G
Xxx 

 

Wednesday Wisdom: How to gain back Confidence!

                                                                                                                                          Wisdom Wednesday numero Uno: 



Dolls and Gents welcome back :)  So so so excited to be back in the blogging world, as Ross once said: 

....... But we're back on track !

How to Gain Confidence Back: 

Sometimes in life we tend to lose a sense of who we are, it can be down to various reasons, however, at the time it can feel like we will never return to the person we once were, but believe you can and you will. Here are a few tips to get your confidence back! 

1. Cut out negative thoughts: 

Easier said than done I know, but we are our own worst critics. Without thinking we can constantly put ourselves down with thoughts 'I can't do that', 'I'm too stupid' , 'I hate this body part' and so on. A negative input is a negative output. A simple technique is to write down all negative thoughts and rip the page up, or every negative thought you have to do a sit up! Constantly think good thoughts and you will find yourself in a much more happy and healthy place! 

quotesgram.com

2.Compliment yourself: 

Us Irish folk have such a bad habit not taking compliments but you know what there is no better person to compliment you but yourself. Compliment yourself at the start and the end of every day. At the start of the day, say how you will make today a good day and at the end of the day, say what you did well, what you liked about yourself or a certain skill you gained in that day. Don't rely on others to shape you as a person, you and only you can do that! 

Take risks: 

Being stuck in the same rut all day everyday it can get tiring and boring, leading us to lack confidence and stick to being inside the box rather than outside. It can be something simple like cutting your hair, taking up an afternoon class, going to a festival, a holiday adventure or even a day adventure. These simple things will help you gain your inner strength back as there is nothing worse than hiding away, not showing the world your beautiful self! 

Exercise: 

The simple task of exercising can be a lifesaver to those with self confidence issues. The benefits of exercise is endless! Exercise helps reduce stress and releases happy chemicals 😊 Regarding self confidence, if you are like myself and are EXTREMELY self conscious,exercise is perfect. Regardless of your weight, height,appearance, etc,exercise for me personally gives me great self worth and self love. I do hate going to the gym at the start and tend to shout endlessly at the trainer (Apologies), but feel great afterwards! Exercise improves your confidence and your your physical health- it's a win-win! 

Smiling  and Laughing: 

Smiling and Laughing help release endorphins that reduce stress and produce positive vibes! So stick on your favourite comedy or meet up with a loved one and LOL and smile til your heart's content!  You will be feeling confident in no time! 

Stop Comparing and Be Yourself: 

Young people today are constantly comparing themselves to others and also 'Branding' themselves on social media. It's important to know that everyone in this world is different and unique and that's what makes the world the beautiful place that it is. Stop trying to be others and be yourself. You will feel so much happier not pretending to be someone you're not! Always remember - You are an amazing person! 

Hope this helped anyway possible, my next Wednesday Wisdom will be discussing reducing anxiety and stress! 

See you for Surprise Friday and thank you so much for reading.

Love Always, 

Niamh

x

Treat Yo-self Day!

After a hussle and bussle kinda day, all we want is some TLC time. It is important as I always say to look after yourself, here are a few ways I like to unwind after a hectic day!

Cupán tae 

Every Irish person's solution to any problem no matter how big or small is a nice big cup of tea. Personally I'm not the biggest tea drinker but I do love Herbal Teas. My favourite at the minute is Twinings Garden Mint, it is heaven in a cup. Mint teas are my favourite as they are ideal for helping you relax and sleep well. 

Reading Time: 

Being the little geek that I am, I love spending my free time in a book! I adore Dramas now from studying them on my course. Samuel Beckett is my ultimate favourite writer, although this content may be a little gloomy, his writing skills are something else. Reading for me is perfect to just escape the textbooks and diverge into a new chapter of a new world! 

 Did I mention I like Candles???

You all are probably sick and tired of hearing me say the words candles and fairy lights but I am obsessed with them. Honestly can't praise them enough! Your environment is crucial in order to relax, candles just help set a relaxing and calming environment and leaves you feeling de-stressed in no time. I love my Fig and Wild Pear candle and Salted Caramel scented candles, the smells is just gorgeous. Both candles purchased in Pennys! 

Have a Day Out: 

Put the study timetable away for just one day and have a day out with yourself or a few loved ones. My favourite place on earth is Dunfanaghy. Dad, a few weeks back took Mum and I to the pier and we all sat together listening to the waves whilst tucking into big ice-creams! It was a perfect day and a memory I will hold dearly. Don't waste your days stuck to a desk! 

Meditation and NO technology: 

I have written a blog post titled Myself and Meditation which I will link below for DCU Her Campus. Taking only 10 minutes from your day and just having some well earned You Time, you will feel the benefits. Put aside all technology, us young people tend to be on our phones non stop, it isn't healthy for our minds, the instagram stories can wait!  The one App I love is Relaxation Melodies. Listening to the sounds of waves, birds, winds, really help me relax! The app allows you to pick whatever sounds you like. Within seconds your troubles/stress will have vanished! 

There are many other ways to relax but these are my favourite and most used ways. Remember to always find some time for yourself during the exam season! 

Hope you all are keeping well.

Much Love, 

Niamh.

x

Her Campus Blog Post On Meditation: 

http://www.hercampus.com/school/dcu/myself-and-meditation