The Little Things In Life That Keep Me Happy
I was planning on doing this as the last outfit post from our trip to St. Ives, however when I was looking at these photos and editing them, there’s such a calm and nostalgic familiarity about these photos that just makes me smile and instantly feel at ease. It was then that I realised how important the simple things in life are to me and how much I value them more than I value any materialistic things without meaning. Standing here on the beach in these photos transports me straight back to that calm, warm summers evening where Adam and I were watching the sunset over St. Ives and how much of a magical moment it was. I know that you should always be in the moment wherever you are and not caught up with a photo shoot, however I think it’s so nice to be able to have photos which instantly take you back there whenever you look at them. Like it’s holding the key to unlock that permanent memory and emotion in you once again. A photo can keep a memory alive as they fade over time.
With all of that in mind, and since the outfit here is basically a H&M T-shirt with my Citizens of Humanity shorts (which I live in, they’re the best shorts… ever!), it made sense for me to turn this into a blog post about the things that I appreciate in life. Giving a moment to stop and think instead, feeling inspired by the photographs and learning to de-stress. It comes from a place of being asked today (Monday, the time of writing this) to attend the BBC Breakfast show tomorrow (Tuesday) to do a discussion on fashion blogging. It was something I had to decline due to my health and confidence (as well as the very short notice), despite it being viewed by 7 million people every day, but it didn’t worry me that I couldn’t attend it.
A few years ago I am pretty sure I would have been gutted and racking my brain in any possible way to figure out how to get to the BBC studios that same night, ready for the show in the morning on live TV, but now, these things no longer matter to me. I am content and happy doing what I am doing and the mad panic rush of living fast paced and constantly having anxiety about the next thing I needed to attend or do just isn’t what moves me. I pretty much find myself declining any party invite, any press day invite etc and this is happening on a daily basis. These types of things just don’t seem to fulfill me anymore as I’m trying more to enrich my life with the things that matter, the things that are important, and the things that inspire me and keep me happy. I don’t turn down everything, just the things which don’t connect with me.
I’ve made a little list below of the 10 simple things in life that inspire me:
- Watching the rain from my window or outside if I’m in rain clothes
- Splashing in puddles like a child
- Sitting on the grass or rocks on a warm summers day
- Staring into the sky at night to watch the stars and imagine
- Standing at the edge of the shore in St. Ives with Adam, looking out onto the horizon
- Lying on the bed on a Sunday evening with Adam, watching a movie on our list
- The cuddles and love from an animal
- Being able to sincerely compliment someone and feel proud for them
- Getting lost in a great book or a song that takes me into another world
- Sharing deep and meaningful conversations with someone close to me or a new friend
There’s plenty more on my list, and they are in no particular order, but it’s always the things that cost nothing and feed my emotional side, or make me intrigued, that really get me and fulfill me. I’m not saying I don’t like being a fashion blogger anymore, because I still very much love clothes and writing to you all here in my blog posts – it’s like spending time with my friends in this big community – but I am avoiding more of the fake side of everything. The falseness and the things that mean absolutely nothing because I’m just being used, or walked upon. I definitely value the friendships and relationships made through working together and I’ve excluded liaising with anyone who’s in it for their own personal gain and has zero interest in me as a person or what my blog is about. I want my collaborations to be even more from the heart with passion and realness behind them, like they usually are, and I will never stray from that.
I’ve turned down so many offers, even ones with great money behind them, purely because they aren’t fitting, and while I might need the money, I definitely care about truth, respect, and loyalty much more than I do about money. I might be in the wrong industry thinking that way from what I hear and see from others, but I have passion for what I do and that’s enough to keep me going. The simple things in life have much more value for your sanity and keeping a balance between a job that’s 24/7 on the go all the time and trying to stay sane can be very difficult. I definitely feel for people who have breakdowns in the media. A famous lifestyle isn’t one that I could lead myself. I just know I would be so unhappy as my body isn’t made for speed. I would love to know what little things in life inspire you and keep you grounded from the whirlwind of life?
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Love this casual look and thoughtful post! I agree that life is about being grateful and not always running the rat race at a fast pace. Nature always inspires me and grounds me.
http://www.kathrineeldridge.com
Author
So pleased you liked it, Kathrine! Really glad!
This was such a wonderful and inspiring post, Lorna! I can feel the happiness and calmness in these photos as well. And I know what you mean about having photos that can transport you back to that place and time. I really enjoyed your list as well. Thank you for taking the time to write this.
Author
Thank you, Lindsey! I really appreciate that. So happy you read it and liked it!
Hi Lorna, it has been a while since I’ve commented but I still have visited regularly. Love this post, you are so right about your priorities and doing things for your own well being and balance. I’m finding balance through music, yoga and dance as always. There is something about doing whatever it is we do in the moment and being present in it. It is how we all should enjoy life.
On another note, those shorts are killer, I’ll have to keep my eyes peeled for that style as finding denim shorts that not only fit but look flattering are the ultimate challenge… Great post, chat soon. Xox
Author
Thank you! I think I did link to them in my post. They’re so worth it! They’re long enough to cover you up, but not so long that they’re unflattering. LOVE them!
You are leading a very balanced life full of happiness and enjoying nature. That’s really a right way of living.
Your photos are also so calm and beautiful! You look so gorgeous!
Have a nice time!
Author
Thank you!
Glad to see that you are doing things that make you happy in life. I agree that friends and family are two main things that fulfill my happiness.
Isn’t That Charming.
Author
Glad you are happy too!
You are so right, Lorna, the BBC show, wow, who wouldn’t want that, BUT if your health didn’t allow it, that’s also OK – I mean, health comes first, for sure. And the little things in life count more, since they are big things then. I love the sea (loved the pictures!) and I love cuddling a pet, and you are so right – complimenting someone and being proud for them… much more important! It shows how sweet you are! I loved the shorts, you look amazing and I loved the post! Hope you have a very lovely day!
DenisesPlanet.com
Author
Thanks, Denise! I actually didn’t want the BBC Breakfast show, it’s not me, so not just my health not allowing it but not something I would be interested in really. Glad you liked the post!
I love your list of simple things! Jumping in puddles is the best 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂
Hi Lorna, thank you for sharing such beautiful and personal post. It is always great to know how other people balance their busy lives.
XO
Miri
http://currentlywearing.com
Author
You’re welcome! Glad you liked it!
What a cute casual outfit, denim shorts and a white tee is such a go-to classic I love! Your list sounds much like mine 🙂 I love being in and around nature, it soothes me and puts my mind at ease. Thanks for sharing, babe, and I hope you’re having a great week so far!
XO,
Jalisa
http://www.thestylecontour.com
Author
Thank you 🙂 Really glad you liked it!
This is very inspiring! <3
The Fancy Cats
Author
Thank you!
I totally understand and get where you’re coming from. When I think about the things that make me happy, it’s not the materialistic things but the fun of family, being together with people you love and nothing really compares to that. Glad for this post you made, it has a humbling vibe to it.
Author
Oh thank you, so glad you liked it!
I love this. I’ve enjoying just sitting in my back yard reading or writing. Feeling one with nature. There are other things i need to work on like managing my time and relaxing. I like the relax look.
http://www.comfycozyup.com
Author
Thank you! It’s good to know you love things like this too!
Such a moving and inspiring post, I was wondering how you turned down such a popular show but as I kept reading I understood where you came from. I can relate something like that especially that my life is so fast paced because of my kids and full time job. So taking it slow and savouring each moment is a breath of fresh air. Lovely post and I like your denim shorts too!!!
http://www.busyandfab.com
Author
Thank you! So glad you understand!
Such an inspiring post and I love your simple outfit! I totally agree, a lot of times it’s the small things in life that bring us the greatest joy. Material goods might bring temporary satisfaction, but then I always find myself wanting more and it becomes an endless cycle, not to mention terrible for my wallet.
Jenny | Geeky Posh
Author
I know exactly how you feel! I’ve been through that so much the past however many years!
Wow girl, how you manage to look so beautiful so sexy in the most simplest of outfits!! You are actually very very gorgeous sweetheart…! Love your photos in that tee n shorts..! And Love that list, I also love cuddling with animals..unconditional love kinda attracts me..!! This is a great post hun…keep writing and keep inspiring babe…Kisses,Neha
The Instyle Journal
Author
Thank you, Neha! So pleased you liked it and that’s a lovely compliment!
I love these types of lists. They’re so inspiring! I write my own every month on my blog and even writing it makes me grateful and happy.
Author
So happy you liked it!
It’s true. Sometimes you have to slow things down to a speed where you can actually see what they’re doing to you.
As always, you look wonderful on the beach,
Author
Thank you!
great post
Mrs NoOne
Author
Thank you!
No wonder that these beautiful pictures make you feel in that way, dear Lorna! Perfect! And I agree absolutely to what you write here – the simple things in life make me happy, too 🙂
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
Author
I’m glad you like them 🙂
Such a thought provoking read and I identify with a lot of it. Thank you for sharing doll xx
http://www.thatnewdress.com
Author
Glad you liked it!
nice post thanks….
Author
Glad you like it!
Reading that little list of yours made me so happy! There are so many little things in life to appreciate 🙂
http://www.laveinechronicles.com/
Author
Really glad you liked it 🙂
Your integrity and genuineness have always both shone through so brightly in all of your blog articles. These are some of the things which make your writings such a refreshing pleasure to read – they always come from the heart and mind with no hidden agendas. 🙂
I can totally understand you turning down all of these offers – there’s no point in doing any that don’t feel right to you or right for you. I really admire how well you can judge where that line is.
Your list of things which inspire you is delightful. 🙂 Mine include cooking and baking my own food, chatting online with my friends, a brisk walk in the countryside with my iPod, watching old TV shows from the 1980s and 90s before going to sleep at night, taking photos, waking up on a non-working day and knowing there’s no rush for anything. 🙂
These are such a nice set of photos, by the way, great relaxed look. 🙂
Author
Hi Steven! Thank you so much 🙂 Really happy you loved this post and that you always see genuine articles from me, so you connect with it more, that means a lot to me! Your list is lovely too, old shows are so nostalgic, I love them too! Some of the best ones are the old ones 😀 Walks (for not too long) and music are definitely important too!
Yeah, I’ve almost finished watching the entire boxed set of ‘Allo ‘Allo… just one more episode to go. It takes me back to the Friday evening of my childhood when my grandparents used to visit… I can hear my late grandma’s laugh in my mind as I watch it… I remember which bits she found hilarious… It’s quite a nostalgia trip. 🙂
It’s a terrific post. 😀 Sorry I’m so often a bit later in reading your posts at the moment. Things are a bit busy at the moment… but I always get here eventually when I can give your articles the time, thought and attention that they deserve. 🙂
Author
Oh that’s lovely! Really nice to have those memories 🙂 There’s so many good ones from back then! And no problem at all, I know you always make your way here when you get free time! It’s nice to read your thoughtful comments!
Yes, before ‘Allo ‘Allo (84 episodes) I watched Hi-De-Hi (57 episodes) and next up is The Golden Girls… which will take forever as I believe there are 180 of those. 😀 But all these shows have nostalgia value in different ways.
Thanks Lorna, glad that you know that. 🙂 I’d not want you to ever think I’d stopped reading.
Author
The Golden Girls isn’t something I have ever watched! Can you believe that? Lol. I’m sure that will be fun though getting through all of those! And of course, I definitely know, don’t worry!
Wow! Mind you, you weren’t born when it started and you’d only be about 4 when it ended. 😉 Great show though, probably my favourite US sitcom of that era.
Author
That’s probably true, but then I think that’s true for a lot of the older stuff. I love the Carry On’s and those are well before my time, ha ha 🙂
I’ll admit to quite liking those too… 😀 Carry On Screaming is my favourite of them… so silly. 🙂
Author
Lol, Camping is my ultimate favourite!
Lovely post. You are beautiful. Kisses 🙂
Author
Thank you 🙂
Lovely post Lorna, life can be so simple and we have to enjoy the little things too.
I can really enjoy making a bit of music and let time pass away or enjoying good telly and making an event of it for myself.
Author
I love music! So pleased you liked the post!
That’s a beautiful sunset! Love those photos and thank you for sharing those points too xx
Author
Glad you liked it!