Walls in China.

Aside from the Great Wall , there’s a few walls you gotta either get used to or figure out ways to conquer.

Actually I think, it’s more about appreciating a new “normal” .. You’ve probably heard about them all , but I’ll write about my experience! 
Personal space and queues 

What is personal space? Whatever you think it should be – divide by 8. That’s how it is here. Living in London prepared me for busy undergrounds and queues (I mean.. Maybe I haven’t fully seen the worst of it yet? I thankfully commute to work outside peak hour times!! #blessed ). People love to lean in and take secret selfies with me… I always try dress to impress now, just in case I get featured in someone’s family photo… Again! My friend who’s been living here a while (tall, tattooed, fair skinned male) gets this attention too and has predicted I won’t enjoy this attention for too long. I’m out to prove him wrong though! (Wish me luck!) if you’re having a bad day people getting up in your grill isn’t the best but hey… Imagine a life where people don’t appreciate your looks ! 😂😂😂… Also, a lady met me in tube and followed me for a while to tell me she wanted to paint my portrait (not naked…) so stay tuned for that! (What even is my life?) 
Language barriers 

Well, that might seem obvious. I’m thankful for the local teachers that are helping me navigate my way around. They are my translators!  When I get messages or documents in Chinese I feel so unintelligent . Like looking at all these little markings … I now know what it’s like to be a child again, seeing characters and knowing “this means something, I know it does” . It’s like reading The DaVinci code … When I do recognise characters or understand / guess what people are talking about, I feel so proud! I thank my body language reading skills (not tone reading … You can never really tell if Chinese people are fully angry!). I would like to thank Google translate and the camera feature that means you take a photo and it translates words from mandarin!

 I can tell you one thing- smiles still go a long way here! I mean they are already staring , so smile ! 
Food 

So , this part of the blog is to address  out  all Chinese restaurants in Australia and England (and perhaps beyond)… Can you get some more variety and real Chinese food? Honey chicken doesn’t even exist here (it might come from another chinese province … But shhh) 

Food is great, I love it. My body doesn’t , since I’m gluten and wheat and dairy intolerant. I know I’ll get into a groove and figure it out soon, but they put secret things in recipes here (MSG) and like chicken feet (surprise!) so it’s going to be a long process. Thank God for green tea (Lü Cha! (I think that’s how you spell it)) and the kitchen I share with a pooping Poodle & it’s Chinese family ,  so thankfully  I can sometimes make my own meals – especially smoothies!!! Stay tuned for some blogs on food …obviously. To be honest , most of the places I’ve been I can’t even read or pronounce the names, so, I  can’t even recommend that many restaurants ! 😂
Toilet paper 

If you haven’t laughed at my blog yet, don’t worry you will soon. I’ll have posts dedicated to toilet trips. But, if you’re coming to visit , pack some tissue ! Don’t forget to wipe ( unlike some of my students!) and then don’t flush the paper down the toilet .. A big no-no! You gotta bin it! So you get a real experience of how everyone else’s bowel movements have been.  
Internet 

Ha! Well I know I’ve been on Facebook and Instagram more than I thought I would or could. I have to use a VPN (proxy) for sites like these and Google, FaceTime , google translate and maps because they are blocked by government. Even with my VPN app they take forever to load!(ssshhh) So WeChat is the Chinese equivalent … It runs China. You even pay for bills from this app! If you’ve downloaded it outside of China, it might not notify you (for some reason ) but it’s the best way to contact your Chinese pals! We don’t even really make phone calls or text it’s all about WeChat ! ( I say “we” as if I’m a local … ! ) 

The lack of Google / slow Google is a bit of a bummer because when you’re like “what’s the meaning of this…” “What’s that actress’ name” “what’s that song” it’s no longer a “google it” solution! Well, I mean you can – it’s just slow on the VPN, otherwise you gotta use a Chinese version 😂😂 good luck! I mean, I’ve actually decided that FB is good to tell you guys what I’ve been up to, and Instagram is a great way to publish photos and reflect on them later, but we can live with out them all… Google on the other hand … I’ll have to actually use my brain. And I can’t even use a library as its all in Chinese … 

Water 

You start to realise how much water you consume when you have to buy the bottled stuff. You can’t drink from the taps here (some brave soldiers boil and then drink … Which I have done and I probably have diseases now) so you gotta buy it all! 

Also, if you’re sick, got a broken leg, headache, tired or blind, the solution is: DRINK HOT WATER. Currently got the flu and the lovely Aiyi cleaning lady at my centre keeps yelling at me in Chinese. I found out she’s been telling me to drink hot water. The slogan at work is “drink hot water or die”. It’s actually really soothing and helpful … Who knows maybe traditional Chinese medicine knows a little thing or two. (Let me know if you try it!) 
SMOG

It hasn’t been that bad here .. But even in the summery blue skies here , there is a bit of heaviness in the air. I’ve been warned that “winter is coming” and the smog will only get worse! So I’d better stock up on those surgical looking masks 

Traffic

Humans, animals, cars, busses, bikes, Tuk Tuks … There is always some form of transport or obstacle in your way! There is some road rules , but if you honk your horn you can get away with most things. Red lights don’t really mean THAT much. Pedestrian crossing are a nice suggestion. Also, when i saw a car on the path way, honking to move people out of the way,  I thought to myself “I’ve really seen it all now!” . 

Pea ice creams! 

So far China has taught me to appreciate the little things and things that usually come easy! It’s not necessarily good or better or right or wrong …it’s different. Next time you drink from the tap or flush loo paper .. Think of me he he he xx 🚽

I’m back to the blogging

People keep telling me to blog … I’ve started blogging at so many different times. I use Instagram so much more … But here I’ll record some extra stories for your pleasure. Yes, usually I talk about food or travel. So this is what you’re going to get more of! #yourewelcome

 

If you had told me last year , or even 8 months ago that I’d be living in Beijing I would actually probably believe you. I’m just THAT crazy I have become. However, if you told the twelve year old Eden , I would have freaked out. I did a project on the Great Wall of China. I got 19/20. I asked the teacher why… (Sorry Miss Schofield) and she couldn’t answer so I got 100% instead. (#nailedit I have also become a teacher because of sweet and encouraging people like her! But haven’t had any students question my marks..yet) . It was at this time I realised how big the world was, and how much I didn’t understand. I had travelled a lot even for a twelve year old. China seemed so foreign. So Unknown. The history and beliefs seemed so different to mine. I remember reading a book and browsing on my dial up Internet that people died whilst building the wall! It blew me away. 
Last week I walked a part of the wall. It was quite special. It is massive! Some parts have been renovated, I’m told I have to get outside Beijing if I want to see the old stuff. The team of people I went with made the trip so GREAT too. People from China and around the world gathered to climb it. We bonded over music; my two favourite parts of the Day involved people watching and listening to tunes. Then we sung and danced all over the wall and at the Summer Palace! So , I’m blonde at the moment every time I leave the house people want photos with me. Add singing and dancing into the mix – we were quite the feature! I’m sure we are probably famous on some Chinese version of YouTube … 
We also caught a toboggan / slow roller coaster down. It was funny , the amount of time wasn’t worth the money – but couldn’t resist!! I mean.. Sure I’d like that money now whilst waiting for pay day…but who knows, maybe I’ll never get the chance to go to the wall again! 
The world IS big (or is it?) , and living in all different countries shows me so much about humans and God. Can’t wait to share it with you all! Even though I haven’t really surprised myself living in Beijing … It surprises me how normal it feels! 
I’m a trained history and English secondary teacher … Now I’m teaching Drama to little kids aged 3-12 who don’t even speak my language. The next few months of blog posts will be filled of encounters, life lessons and stories! If you like them, can relate or hate em .. Let me know! 
x E 

Someone’s captured me posing with a stranger! 

Running away from home…

I’m visiting Exeter for a few days … Or maybe more.

 Who knows. 

So, today’s run took me to the Royal Albert Gallery and Museum. I ran around the high street (with some walking as per the C25K app told me) and took in as much as I could whilst jogging past. The funny thing is, not so long ago , I would have been walking and judging the silly people who were wearing  bright and tight running clothing, working up a sweat through the crowds. Like, who even does that? 
Today. That was me. 
I used to think, who excercises when they are on holiday? 
Today. That was me. I loved it. I loved that I didn’t really know where I was going, or for how long. I got distracted by the new sights , so the walk-run combo didn’t feel like forever. 

Now, I’m writing from a cool cafe, I’m even thinking , I’ll probably run-walk back. Not to work off the food…because that’s silly… But because I think I actually want to… And it’s windy and rainy! So it’s a good way to keep warm! 

Hooray! 

Here’s some food snaps of an awesome place in Exeter : The Glorious Art House

It even has gluten free, vegan and organic options. Plus… A local art gallery on the top floor! 

Definitely worth running to! 

   
  100% cacao & coffee mocha   
Moroccan Tagine (gluten free vegan) 

Ps
Snap chat me @swedenmay … I enjoy the filters  and the museum staff also enjoyed my selfie taking … 

   

Xx 

 

Running March

Ok. So if you’ve been following me recently, you would have noticed; 

A) I’m making smoothie bowls and taking pictures of them – SO FUN & YUM! Thanks for the personal messages and tags and likes showing me that you’ve been inspired or you would like a recipe X 

B) I got a car 🚗

C) I’m still technically unemployed 

D) I want to love running. 

So, as a lot of you have given me tips, this month I am running. Every. Day. 

I will love it. I will get fit and stay fit. I’m healthy… (With allergies and intolerances I have no choice! Hooray!) so it’s time to get fit! 
I’m blogging about it so that you can keep me accountable and maybe get inspired 😋. So, please, ask me questions, give me advice, link me to your profiles & send me things to try! I’m going to be as honest, humourous and probably unprofessional as can be. I want to be raw … Because let’s be honest, excercise, for some of us, is actually really hard! Over the next 30 (now 27) days let’s  discuss work out plans, fashion, food and everything running. 

The app I haven chosen to monitor and motivate me  is: C25K (http://c25kfree.com/ ). Here’s why: because it’s free and I am going literally from the couch / kitchen to the running world. It’s nice enough to let me walk into it. The app itself also tells me what to do and when. Just make sure your phone isn’t on silent!  I can listen to any music or podcasts (the latest preaching series from Hope City London about “FOMO (fear of missing out) ” has been great – check it out. 

Running update: Day one and two weren’t that bad!

Day one I felt really heavy and like I couldn’t move my legs any more… I accidentally didn’t use the app and ended up running / walking for an hour. 

Day two, skin is peeling of my lips due to the frosty winds (it’s been like 3 degrees here!) and my foot near the arch is hurting. I’m like a baby. Excercise is killing me… But how else do kids learn to walk? By getting hurt. 

Half an hour run/walk combo , featuring a hill is a way better idea! 

Until next time , when I’ll discuss the tips I’m trying to put into practice and the bloggers who have inspired me this far… 

Run hard or go home. 

Ha! Or run and then go home. 

X Eden  

(Photo is from the C25K app!) 

 

Juicy Details

Here’s what happened in my first month or two after I quit my job as a teacher in London … (It was now almost two months ago!)

Regret, denial, crying, excitement, sadness, missed the kids, missed the colleagues, missed the routine, happy, overwhelmed , anger….So, I was on a roller coaster of emotions. 🎢

The day after my last day of teaching at this particular school (I say it like this, because I don’t know if I’ll teach agin yet)  I started seeing in colour again. It’s hard to believe that one day could make the difference , my sleep app showed me I achieved a score of 92% quality sleep😴 (http://www.sleepcycle.com/). It turns out, the actual process of making a decision to quit, was also weighing me down and keeping me stressed. 
It wasn’t easy! But it was needed! 
Shortly after quitting day; I went to Australia for a week. A week. Yes, all I took was carry on, I felt like a baller! It was a gift that I could go and attend my dear friend’s wedding. I got to spend some time in my home town too, it was so encouraging to catch up with pals, briefly , it wasn’t long enough , but refreshing never the less. It was good to remember where I had come from too. 
I learnt how to knit (thanks YouTube:http://youtu.be/ONVQCK_-rKc). I’m still knitting away at the scarf I started in the middle of Novermber …
I walked in to a souvenir / art shop and got a job. (http://www.webuilt-thiscity.com/)It was an amazing experience , I met these people who were all artists, designers , actors or musicians who worked there. It was a pop up shop and so no one knew how long it was going to stay open. It had cool music and it was on the busiest street in London (well, one of them) and the busiest time of the year. It was so fun and creative, it inspired me. We were screen printing jumpers, sipping coffees, dancing and pretending like we nones about art (well… I was).  It was comforting to know that there was other people chasing their dreams, working at several jobs to fund their dreams and all searching for their next big move. I am not alone. 

If you’re wondering why I didn’t teach straight away, and stay living in London…here’s why: I was on a temporary contract. I couldn’t get paid holidays or sick days.  Over summer , I didn’t get paid for 12 weeks. I was never financially stable, because just when you thought you would be, another holiday would come. It’s not as if I could work in the holidays because (usually about 1-2 weeks off) because I was so exhausted from school!i needs to catch up on marking and sleeping !  As well as this, around  the time I was quitting I was trying to improve my health, I had many food intolerances and outgoing a were rising! I had to get out of London! To save my health and wallet! 

 And now I’m sharing a bunk bed with my twelve year old sister. 

  

I haven’t lived with my mum properly since I was sixteen. So it was a big thing for me to decide to move in! I had always refused. I felt like I was Annie from the film Bridesmaids “I had hit rock bottom”.  Thank God “Castway” isn’t on UK Netflix 😉 … Don’t get me wrong, living with my family is not horrible, it’s just that I am used to being independent (or pretending to be an adult! So many people in my life have suported me financially and emotionally etc so I’m not even sure I have actually been independent properly).  

 I’m a child all over again, with no car, no job and no cares… Well, except that major thought hanging over me “what are you going to do next?”.

The advice I had received before moving to the countryside was:

• get bored so that you will be able to get creative again 

• do something that scares you 

• spend some time writing lists , or visiting old dreams / ideas 

• rest (and we all now know what I thought it meant and now what I know it means!)

So, I’m allowing myself to do all of these things. I don’t want to launch into something massive right now, which is unusual for me, and I’m wondering how long it will last… I’m being honest with you. I haven’t felt like this, or explored this side of life before. Doing nothing.  I don’t really want to do anything . I’m thinking art school, drama school, teaching, nutrition , cafe , book writing, working and travelling, pastoring, tutoring, the list goes on. 

There is too much choice. But, I’m loving cooking and helping the siblings at the moment. 

                             🍹🌻🌻🌻🍹

Last week I did a  juice fast (or a cleanse if you like to call it that). 

It was amazing. Three days and the only things I chewed were a few grapes and any food partical that I hadn’t juiced properly. It brought clarity and peace that I haven’t experienced for a while. 

Do I have a plan for my life?  Nope. Not yet. I am working on getting a car so I can move around this countryside city! Apart from that, I’ve sent some of my writing to magazines companies, researched degrees or jobs, and thought about life a lot. I’m currently going through a list of books, films and podcasts. I’ve got to regain strength mentally. And most importantly , I need to rest in God. Seriously, Christians and non Christians , I don’t mind your beliefs. Reminding yourself of what you are capable of, or the foundations on which you lay your life… Daily… Is important . You might say “meditate” or “think positively”, that’s fine. The reason why it’s so important to say to the mirror “you’re a bad ass mother who takes no crap from no body” (thank you Cool Runnings)  is because affirmations ARE IMPORTANT. You can live your life, fill it up with everything , post on social media that life is brilliant , but if you don’t know who you are, or what you are like , you do feel lost . I know it! My Bible tells me who I am! I’m realising more than ever , I believe it meow for your life than I do for mine! I don’t even know why! During  the juice cleanse I re-learnt the things that the Bible actually says about me. Man, a dude named Jesus died for me. (And a tonne of other stuff , just Check out the other things below). I have purpose , and beauty, and I am forgiven. Maybe these things don’t mean anything to you now. But they do for me. They are starting to set me free again. 
Did I get an answer for what to do next mid juice fast? No, but I started to feel better about even being on the earth. I think that’s a pretty good achievement.
I’m not saying , everyone do a juice cleanse / fast. I AM saying that being deliberate about spending time with God and meditating on “positive vibes maannnnn” or whatever (I use the Bible , because it’s Alive!) is a worthy cause. There’s even some science to prove it. (Google it). 
So there is some insight into where I am  at. I hope it makes sense, and brings some light to the situation. What’s your story!? Share with me! Or ask questions ! Please X 

Eden 
Ps. If you did want to do a juice cleanse here’s how I did it! 

PPS. I have also done a social media fast for a month. It was fantastic, it meant I had time for other hobbies and didn’t have the desire to spend my life scrolling down. I have more thoughts on this though, but I’ll save it for another post … 

Juice Fast motives: 

• to detoxify the polution from foods and other things hanging around inside 

• to refocus my heart and mind , through sacrificing my favourite thing: food, to reconnect with God and on a deeper level (my church in Australia does a fast called “Fresh Air” at the beginning of the year as well, it’s a time to set aside time to surrender last year and dedicate the new year to him too. 

• to remind myself of who I am and what I am. 

• to rediscover the energy you get from food ! 

• to heal from the inside out 

• to prepare my body for no refined sugar and get rid of cravings 

The process:

I followed the time guidelines as per the images below. During different juices in the day I would read scriptures and wrote down prayers or ideas that I had about them. If I wanted to fight them out I would. I let what ever needed to come out … To come out. (You can read that HOWEVER you wish. Ha ha). This also helped with cravings.

 I made sure I took it easy as well. The last time I did a cleanse , I worked full time! 

You will lack energy, but some how gain a dynamic energy! Your bowel movements will change ! You will glow and loose water retention from your body! You will get upset and want to quit! After the hell of the charcoal / salt drink you will probably feel nauseous … Push through 💩😸 it’s doing a great thing in you. 

You don’t have to follow what I did … But I know a few of you asked me how I did it! 

Recipes below are naturopath approved. However, the first cleanse I did , I based around @plenishcleanse (http://www.plenishcleanse.com/)

  
     
 
    
    

   
 🍭

To Do: Rest

What even is rest? It’s something I’m supposed to do , right?

Im a “go getter”. I’m a doer. I don’t know how to sit still. I struggle through silence. I can’t be in the house without music. Spending quality time with God is easily forgotten. I have multiple tabs open. When I’m cooking, I’m cleaning, eating and watching the latest episode of my favourite television show. Rest is a foreign concept , unless it’s on my to do list , like a chore. If you’re not like me, you definitely know someone like me, or at least you’ve heard of the ‘Energizer Bunny’? (If not, Google right now.)

About a year ago, I thought I should learn about rest. My body, mind and spirit were begging me to slow down, chill out and rest. Maybe you know the signs too. You feel exhausted. Even the things you love doing seem to be on the same difficulty and achievable level as climbing Mount Everest. You would rather stay in bed than see people, eat or even watch TV. Your face’s colour is fading to a light grey and the bags under your eyes are not designer. You can’t remember the last time you didn’t cry. You feel completely alone and lost. Shoulders, tense. Heart, aching. Mind, racing. This was how I felt two years ago. 

I want to share with you what not to do in this situation: Move across the world to a city of 12 million people. Leave peachy beaches for the hustle and bustle.
Later Australia, hello london. 
The next genius move I made, was to take on a job that required everything of me. By everything, I mean mentally, physically, emotionally, spiritually and everything-ally. I wasn’t prepared for the job, I wasn’t even “rested” up, as close friends and family suggested I should have been. I felt absolutely drained. I was empty! Now rest was not just a good idea, I NEEDED rest. I needed to look after myself holistically to make it through the next day, if I wanted to do it well, or even to survive.

That job was teaching. That’s when I also started blogging , so if you’ve looked back you will see there has been a massive break between posts. Teaching got me good. It was the hardest, most challenging, fun, rewarding and exhausting jobs/ year of my life. I was the richest and poorest (financially and emotionally) I have ever been. It was 12 hour (sometimes longer) days and weekends. It was sleepless nights, classroom fights , memorable discussions with children , sowing in to their futures; even when they didn’t believe they had one. It was being brave and bold, discovering more of who I am and what I enjoy doing , what pushes my buttons. My heart was full of love for the children. There was tears of anger, joy and frustration. There was an amazing amount of support from family, friends and colleagues. (Without them, who knows where I would be now). I was getting to the end of my straw. I was becoming something I wasn’t, or someone I didn’t even want to be around. I felt like I was watching my life happen and I was just a wisp of air floating by. It was horrible. Before it got as bad as it did, I did actually attempt to “rest”. I tried to look after ME as so many people tell us to do. I had to, if I wanted to be able to face the day, let alone teach. I had to rest.

I added rest to my “to do” lists. I tried all different forms. I made sure I got large dosages of trips to hairdressers, painting nails, reading books, stretching , exercise , smoothies, green teas, deep breathing, swimming, dog patting, adult colouring books, seeing a counsellor, coffee dates, worship sessions, fluffy dressing gowns and socks, watching your favourite TV shows (Friends, New Girl and Parks & Recreation obviously) and even having time away from screens. This is rest, right? I’m looking after me, I’m chilling out, doing the things I like. This is what I thought it was, until even these things weren’t enough. I became worse off than I was before I moved to the big city! I didn’t feel myself anymore. I felt the bubbly, funny, and creative girl had lost her sparkle. I hated it, I even started hating me! 

The Bible verses I had believed in, that were on my heart, became an argument with God rather than an agreement. “God! You said you would fill my vats to overflowing! Why do I feel so empty? You said if I draw near to you, you would draw near to me! Where are you? Why do I feel like this?” (See Proverbs 3:10 and James 4:8). The light at the end of the tunnel seemed to be diminishing. The fire was going out. My strength started fading even more, and I felt so weak. I thought I could learn what rest is. I thought God would teach me. 

Some how, I knew deep down that He was with me and he would help me. I just didn’t know how or when, and that frustrated me. I wanted a way out! I couldn’t stand the way I was thinking! I knew all the right things to pray, think and do. It was the same advice I had been following and giving out for years. But, I felt couldn’t do it. Some people suggested “just pray” or “rest” or even, “start thinking positive thoughts again”. This made me feel even more helpless, they meant well, but I felt so flat. I felt I could not even do those things.  
Finally, when I felt I was at my lowest, I mustered up the courage to pray. I whispered the only prayer I could, “help”.
Very slowly, in His timing and not mine, things in the world started to regain colour. I was lead to make some big changes in my life, like quitting the job I had. I spoke to Godly people whom I trusted, and spent time with God. I felt like God was showing me that my mindset needed to be altered.

I realised I had been doing “rest” wrong. (Yes… I think it’s possible) God knows what rest is. He knew we would need it, it says in Matthew, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”(11:28, NLT) and “Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength…”(40:30-31a NIV). I don’t think the rest I needed was in “doing” more things or even stopping other things. Sure, rest should be relaxing and doing those other tasks rejuvenate and help us to look after our bodies, but I think the rest God speaks of is something else.
It’s actually love. 
Crazy, I know. 

As I read Psalm 23 and Romans 8, I’m reminded of God’s love. Resting in the green pastures, walking by the quiet streams, is more about being in His love, in His presence or creation. Rest is knowing you could do absolutely nothing today and God will still love you. This scares me, overwhelms and comforts me. However, I think this is exactly what His love is meant to be like. It explains in Psalms 103, “As high as the sky is above the earth, so great is his love for those who honor him” (11, GNT). His love is massive and overwhelming and we little humans can sometimes, for a number of reasons find it difficult to fathom. I think, now, that this is what life is, to learn this very sentence; I am loved. 

You are loved. 

This is what God has showed me rest should be like. God teaching us , and showing us how vast his love is. It’s this knowledge that brings me rest, and I want to know it even more. I’m not going to lie, it is really hard to accept this perfect grace and love. We aren’t perfect, and “whilst we were still sinners, Jesus dies for us” (Romans 5:8). This shows me that he’s going to keep loving us too. I constantly battle with the idea that I’m not worthy. It blows my mind, but let it sink in for you too, and you might just start to be able to rest easier. It’s going to be a journey , but that is what life is.
Here is my new ‘to do’ list:
To Do:

#1 Dedicate my whole life to falling more in love with Him and allowing myself to rest in His love.
My prayer for me and for you has been laid out in Ephesians, (thanks Paul) 

“that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge —that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:17-19 NIV).
Stay tuned to see what life looks like post teaching ☀️

Eden X  

    
    
 

Sweet enough

How do you have your tea? Black? White? Sugar? Maybe you’re saying ” TEA?! Cmon! Where’s my coffee! I bleed coffee.” (Ew.) 

I love it when people say, “I like my tea, like I like my man”… I mean, “I don’t need sugar darl, I’m sweet enough…” 

That’s so cute. And .. SO TRUE! 

I once heard that women are the colour and beauty of the world, they make life sweet. (Better shape up!?)

I also heard that kind words are like honey. Nice and sweet. (Better use more of them?)

There’s so many things that make life sweet… But for some reason I get caught up in the things I don’t have. Like a man. Cue violins. 

Happy 2016. Who was your New Years kiss? 

Nope. 

That’s not what we are talking about. Life is sweet enough!! 

I suppose I should start blogging again. 

You know, new year, new me blah blah. I was going to start again any ways, for you and for me. 

So many things have changed since I’ve written the last ones. Like …I’m blonde now (with a hint of pinks, purples and blues from the coloured chalks that my sisters added on NYE)

I’ll update you on that as we go, but for now, Here’s what I’m trying out in 2016: 
•366 days of intentional singleness. 

•366 days of no sugar. 

•365 days (let’s be realistic now..it’s 2.1.16) of small achievable goals, like book lists, documentaries, skills (finish that scarf I started knitting ) , finish watching friends, parks and recreation, travel to _____,______,&______! 

Ps. ITS A LEAP YEAR.

Here’s why, and you can judge, you can comment.

Or not. 
1. First the easy one : small achievable goals. I love fasting And cutting things out of my life. I’m doing a juice & social media cleanse soon (as a part of my Aussie church’s “fresh air fast”.

It makes you focus, and it makes you appreciate the things that you cut out. It gives you a new perspective too! Life can be mundane and boring so it’s good to have a challenge! I also like monthly goals , like “say no-vember ” and “one month of no tv or one month of baths or something . So fun! I could plan them.. But I’d rather go with the flow. 
2. Singleness. Oh but Eden, when did you last even have a boyfriend? 

Thanks for pointing that out. Again.

So, I haven’t had one in a while. Like 5 years. Being single , has had its ups and downs. But I’m never content with it, there’s been times where Ive been rocking it, “like look at me everyone! I’m single and loving it” but often I’ll meet someone , talk to them, fall for them, they don’t always fall for me, or for a number of reasons, I can’t be with them and then there’s the questions , and mind games “does he like me?” “do I like him?” “why didn’t he message back instantly?” “Our wedding will be…” 

I have a big heart, Love attention and love boys (well actually men! But I seem to always fall for boys who don’t know how to be a gentleman). I’m always chasing. It’s just exhausting! 

So what does a year of intentionally being single look like? 

I’m not 100% sure yet, but I think it’s more about thoughts. 

When I meet someone, I’m going to work on not thinking “I could marry him”, im avoiding mind games, dates, dreaming of PrincE charming. 

2015 was a big year, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. (Stay tuned for that post) , I’m really good at making my life about others. So I’m going to be a great girlfriend/wife . (I’m just so humble. )

I’m not that good at looking after me. I’m selfish, and I’m good at talking about me, and making fun of me. However, when it comes to resting, caring, dreaming, goal setting etc. I’m usually horrid. So I want to intentionally spend a couple of hundred days putting things in place to get better at doing those things. This blog is step one, and where I’ll document my new strategies etc. 

Some good ideas I have recently read: 

– Being single for a year is a gift, not a curse.

– You have the rest of forever to be with the one you choose to spend forever with.

– Be committed to you. & God 

– DATE YOU. Do you actually want to? You’re going to be with you for ever … If you can’t stand that , how can you expect anyone else to? 

Instead of searching for “da one” I’m focussing on: 

-Prayer. I wanna see miracles. Life in conversation with God is actually better, now I have had season without that I can confirm! 

-Finding out what I’m truly passionate about. Get dreaming, drawing and researching. I haven’t had a gap year, or saved for anything. Ever. 

-Building on existing relationships (I haven’t been that good at those, I like jumping around the world ) 

-feeling good in my own skin. 

– resting and being refreshed . Relationships (and teaching) and moving house and countries and cities can be exhausting …… 

– “And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” Philippians‬ ‭4:8-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

– “Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.” Ephesians‬ ‭4:23‬ ‭NLT‬‬

– “Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.” Psalms‬ ‭51:10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

3. No sugar. 
Drum roll please … Get ready! This will blow your mind: sugar is killing us. It’s probably causing cancer , and slowing us down. It’s natural! But too much of anything is bad…right? Well.. I’m not going to give you any science right now, you can google that for yourself, but I’ve had seasons in 2015 without processed sugar , and they were awesome! Chocolate (for more reason that one) is my biggest weakness, and you’re probably thinking, “so what? Just eat it”. 

Since December 2014 , I have fallen asleep in multiple public places (basketball games, theatres, busses , trains, and the sofa when friends are over) , often alone and covered in…. 

Not poo. But chocolate. 

(If you go far enough back on my Instagram there is photo evidence of this.) I would eat chocolate and need a nap. Not a light – easily -disturbed nap. But a heavy – coma – like nap, that I couldn’t stop or break out of . 

My blood sugar levels are crazy!! Long story short, my body doesn’t break things down very well, and sugar impacts me a lot more than I thought! (If you really want to know more about the workings of my body, let me know and I’ll try to articulate them) 

I’m already dairy, gluten, yeast and wheat free. So I might as well solidify it and do them all with no sugar for a full year! I did a few months here and there in 2015 and compared to the months with those things , I slept better, my mood, energy skin, hair, teeth, and other bodily functions were so much better!! 

So what do I eat? 

Fresh , un packaged stuff and home made. Veggies and fruit. And pseudo grains (Quinoa , chia, flax, etc. )

I follow @deliciouslyElla, @KBSUGARFREE, @ameliafreer for tips. 

It’s about replacement, for example :

Honey for refined sugar

Date syrup and other fruits are actually so sweet! 

I’ll make my own raw chocolate (& nutella) with cacao ! (If you want recipes, stay tuned! ) I love it! I get to be creative and invent stuff in the kitchen! 

I’ve also introduced certain teas, sulpha and comfrey lead into my diet to suppress cravings. (All natural remedies).

So it seems possible … But I know it will be hard! Sugar is every where and in everything! It has its positives , but I’ve made my mind up! It’s only 364 more days. Besides, when I give it up… I might not ever want it again! 

The thing I hate the most is the social aspect, when I was teaching kids would buy my chocolate , or when you go out for a meal… “hi I’m Eden and yeah, I can’t eat that, that , that or that” but there are ways around it. I’m not the first to do this. So feel free to give me tips! 
So 2016 shall be an adventure, I’ll be searching for things other than a man or the chase of a boyfriend or eating ice cream and chocolates to make life sweeter. 

What are your plans? 

What are you going to do this year? This week or this month? 

What will you go without? Why or why not? 

How do you like your tea? 

Welcome to 2016. There’s no going back now. 

“But God is my helper. The Lord keeps me alive!” Psalms‬ ‭54:4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

   

 

Little parts of my London Life

Look for beauty and you will find.
Explore the world with fun people and fun shall be had.

Here’s the Victorian Albert Museum, Modern Tate, Croydon Street Markets, Commute to work, the view from my house and more London xo

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This Season’s Soundtrack

This Winter’s soundtrack so far (I deleted Christmas tunes today).. I have just discovered some new playlists to follow as well! I’l post them as we go too.

Feel free to link me with your favourite tune!

http://open.spotify.com/user/1245792715/playlist/7xALto7bDwPb9gxfK6ptUM

Stepping Out of the Boat

Ok, to keep you up to speed. The metaphor I’m using is in regards to a bible story. When Jesus asks Peter in Matthew 14:22 ish and he has to step out in faith & trust that God is going to help him do the impossible. He does. No biggie. He walks on the water, just as Jesus had before him.

Of late, I have made a few life changes. I was going to start writing a blog post about stepping out of the boat a few weeks ago as I embarked on a journey to England (via New York, because why not? Like Time Square. Am I right?) to start a new job as a secondary teacher in London. (We will get to that part of the story too). I even took the photo to go with it in Coney Island (which is very quiet , unless you’re exercising, fishing and getting your lines caught up with your neighbour, or listening to loud rap music whilst basking in their country’s flag. Yes, these are things I saw). But then I realised; I didn’t step out of the boat to trust God then.

I stepped out of the boat when I started my four year university degree and internship at church. I was sowing seeds for a dream my heart knew more than my head. When I completing my last practicum and finished Uni in September 2014, I felt like the rug had been pulled from underneath my feet. So how did I get to where I am now? Where have I been and where am I going? Here’s why I’m blogging. Since being on this journey, I have found I’m not alone and others seem to like following my adventure, some to live vicariously through me, others because they want to know where to go next too. So maybe my process and story will entertain, challenge, inspire or even show you what not to do!

these aren’t even the best photos.. I’ll post more soon once i get the hang of this site!