It's a New Dawn, It's a New Day, It's a New Life...

Happy new year all! I hope you all ushered in the new year in style. Now that you've all slept off the hard partying/ recovered from your hangovers, I wonder if you have thought about the things you want for yourself this year. I'm not just talking about the usual resolutions that speak of losing weight or quitting smoking, but I'm getting at the personal goals that will contribute towards your self development.

I guess I feel so strongly that way because I feel I lost myself somewhere in 2012. (You might have guessed with the lack of blog posts!) I spent last year studying my masters, and I guess by immersing myself in my work, I forgot about taking time out to enjoy myself or even pausing to take in, and appreciate the beauty of life - so I hardly went out, I stopped blogging, was ill every six weeks, didn't go on holiday, didn't have much time for church, and I even saw people who had joined my company after I did get promoted and leave me behind. The result: fatigue, negativity, and uncertainty about life. Last week, I sat down with a notepad and pencil  and tried to take stock of special moments/ achievements of the year, and I was saddened when I couldn't think of any.

However, last night at church, I was messing around with my phone. and came across some notes I had typed into to it around 6 weeks ago. It went something like this:

What Have I achieved in 2012 ?

1. Maintained my position as a youth leader at church

2.Kept my job

3. Financially better off

4.  Successfully organised youth weekend at church

5.Kept my car

6. No accidents

7. Managed to stick to the two weeks prayer and fasting at church (which by the way I have never done!)

8. Distinction in my first semester at uni

9. Mum graduated (woop woop!)

There were a few more (but they are kind of personal!) Anyway I don't want to keep you for any longer, but I want to leave you with this: Congratulations to you if you managed to achieve your big dreams in 2012, and more grease to your elbow for 2013! If not, don't worry. I suggest you get a pen and paper, and think hard about every little thing, as insignificant as it might be, that you experienced, or  completed successfully, last year. For all the painful moments, congratulate yourself for getting through it, and think of one thing that moment may have taught you about yourself. You might also want to write down all the things you would like to do in 2013. Keep your list where you can see it everyday, and pray to God about it daily. Trust me, it will motivate you.

For me, one of my aims in 2013 is to concentrate more on J'adorePlusMore. (I will update you on the others in due time) As my readers, you certainly deserve more than sporadic posts every six months. Apart from beautiful style, I also hope to blog more about make up & beauty, mouth watering recipes, funny musings, and inspirational messages that will uplift you and have you loving yourself more.

Let's raise a glass to 2013!

Amusez Vous Bien!

Madeline

xx

Hang Ups.

It seems whether fat or thin, we all have one  problem or another with our bodies. Be it apple shaped, or pear shaped, busty or hour glass, there will always be the unsightly stretch marks we wish would fade away or the flabby arms we'd prefer would stay in place when we waved someone 'goodbye'.


In my early teens , I remember possessing an intense hatred for my body. Why were my boobs growing with such  a quickness? And if only I could snap my fingers and my thighs would be half their size. Being constantly compared with a cousin who was lighter in complexion, and had the soft, loosely curled afro didn't help either. (Yeah, remember those days when the lighter shade of black and the 'non-afro' afro hair were the only pre-requisites to being considered pretty?)


I guess the contemptuous way in which I viewed myself only started to change at around the age of 18. Coincidentally, that was around the time I met my first proper boyfriend. And I can say that as I'm approaching mid 20s, I do still have a few hang-ups (I mean, who doesn't?) but all in all, I'm  happy with myself, and have learn't to appreciate what I have.


So, what got me thinking about this issue? Well, it all stemmed from a conversation I had with a colleague about a week ago. She's a big girl, who seemingly always dragged a truck load of confidence everywhere with her. A talk over lunch however revealed that she wasn't too thrilled with her shape or size. And that any comment made  about her body would leave her wound up tight. Really sister? Even you? 


I guess the lesson to learn here is that even a Beyoncé look alike could think of something if she were asked what she would like to change about herself. It seems perfection can only be achieved in recognising that we will never be perfect.

Have a lovely week ladies and remember to embrace that jiggly belly, and those fat knees!


Amusez Vous Bien.


Madeline


 xx