"To make an end is to make a beginning."

We go through many endings in our lives. In fact it is easy to name many of them. The end of being a kid. The end of high school. The end of university. The end of your first job.  The end of your favourite TV show. The end of that amazing pair of shoes. The end of your first relationship. The end of a friendship. The end of a life.

Whilst some are more life altering than others, there's no doubt that the end of something will make a beginning.

I've been thinking about the above T.S. Eliot quote alot lately. Over the past few weeks a few endings have come my way. Some were not unexpected, and some have been approaching for several months. How you deal with the ending is, I suppose, telling of the person. Do you sit and mourn for what has passed, or pick yourself up, and continue for what is about to start? I am the latter.

Throughout life, we hope that in times of great decision we will choose what is right. We believe and often hope that we will make the right decision.With these decisions comes the risk that others won't view your choice as one they agree with or one they think is right.

And so, endings come about. They are messy. They are unpredictable. They can challenge you. But in the end, they bring new opportunities and a chance to begin anew.

These recent new beginnings have brought me new friendships, shared common values and a sense of purpose. These beginnings are helping me to reconnect with what I care about, what I believe in and what is right. These beginnings are leading me to push myself professionally, and work with individuals and groups who understand the challenges that lie ahead. They've brought new opportunities, laughter and a chance to be part of something bigger.

It is what we make of these new beginnings that helps us to start again. It might be scary, it might be challenging and it might test us as a person. But start again we must.

It is how we deal with these endings and beginnings that help us to explore our character and define us as individuals. And as T.S, Eliot himself said, “we shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.”

35 Under 35

I don't often post about personal things on the blog, but when super exciting things happen, I just have to shout about them!

Many of you know that last year I started my own business. It has been something that I wanted to do for quite a while, and taking the big step to do it was a milestone in itself. I specialize in content creation, copywriting, social media and bespoke PR and have lots of fun working with clients in both the US and the UK. My clients operate in the lifestyle, retail, technology and B2B sectors, and in the short time I've been working them, I've learned LOADS.

Last week I found out that I had been selected as one of the 35 Under 35 businesswomen/entrepreneurs to watch in my home country of Wales. This is a huge honour, and I feel so privileged to be among the company of many amazing women! It's also really great to share the honour with a few friends!

You can read more about the list here. Thanks to all of you who have already sent many lovely congratulatory messages! 

My Relaxation Tips

I seem to be living in a whirlwind at the moment; my to-do list growing ever longer as each day passes.

It's been a particularly busy week, and on more than one occasion, I have been reminded to ‘just breathe.’

So what do I do when I need to take five minutes?

Switch off all digital devices

Off goes the iPhone, and the iMac is sent to sleep. I admit I am a slave to modern technology, and there can be nothing more fulfilling then leaving my phone at home just to escape!

Open a book

I always have several books on the go. Books currently gracing my nightstand include Michelle Obama: A Life by Peter Slevin, My Organic Life by Nora Pouillon and My Story by Julia Gillard.

Watch my favorite shows

This is truly one of the best ways to escape from the daily grind. I’m hooked on Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries, and can easily watch four episodes in a row! Escaping to a different world (whether it is fact or fiction,) can bring some much-needed clarity.

Get outside

Just to have the fresh air filling my lungs instantly calms me down! I make sure that I get out of the office each day for a walk- it focuses my mind, provides ‘me time,’ and is importantly, good for you! I always feel fighting fit and ready to take on the rest of the day afterwards.

Get musical

Pop in the earbuds and blast your favorite tunes!

Write

I love to write, and getting my ideas out on paper really helps to clear my mind. A little bit each day, whatever the genre, can really help!

Get moving

I love my Wii console (bowling is my favorite!) If I only have ten minutes or so to de-stress, I’ll pop on the sports game and face my digital opponent. The swordplay game is the ultimate tension burner!

Quiet time

If all else fails, I retreat into a quiet moment of reflection. Deep breaths, clearing the mind and just relax. There could be nothing better.

What are your relaxation tips? Share your suggestions in the comments! 

5 ways travel can benefit your life

Travelling to exotic and far-flung places across the world can be one of the most exciting experiences that one can be treated too. The feeling when the plane touches down in a foreign land is one of jubilation, with maybe a few nerves added in for good measure. I’ve been fortunate to travel to many of the world’s countries and often think of how travel has enriched my life.

So how can travel benefit your life?

Travel can broaden your mind

At times it may be hard to see further outside the village, town or city that you currently live in. Taking a step out of your comfort zone and travelling to another country can broaden your mind, opening your life to a wide range of possibilities. The first time I travelled abroad I couldn’t believe how big the world actually was, and from that moment on I had the travel bug.

Travel provides experiences of other cultures

What can be better than to experience how other individuals live their daily lives? When travelling, I love to see and experience how the locals live. It’s always great to visit restaurants off the tourist track, experience local culture and nightlife, and find out more about the history of the area that you have landed in. Whenever I travel, the first night is always dedicated to a gentle, fact-finding walk around the neighborhood.

Travel can improve your resume

Why not investigate a gap year volunteering in another country, or apply for a work placement abroad? I travelled to Washington, DC for an internship in the US House of Representatives, and the experience has made my resume stand out.

Travel encourages you to try new things

Travel offers the opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, and embrace the chance to try new things. Bungee jump, go yachting or cross something off your bucket list- this is where new memories can be made!

Travel helps to clear your mind and press ‘reset’ on your dreams and priorities

I’ve got a definite case of wanderlust, and whenever I travel, the time away helps me to press reset on my dreams and priorities, reassessing the direction I want to take all areas of my life. Time away from a stressful job or busy home life is precious, the change of scenery often providing the mental and physical space to reflect on important decisions. I returned from my recent trip away ready to take on the decisions in my life that I had been putting off, the time across the ocean, providing me with the thinking space that I needed.

How has travel benefitted your life? Share your thoughts with me in the comments! 

Lessons Learned: Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis

Author's Own

I’ve always been endlessly fascinated by Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis. At first, I was in love with her sense of style, but I soon began to see how living by some of her lessons could positively impact my own life.

The importance of trust 

There’s no denying that trust, in whatever aspect of your life, is important. A book I read discussed how she wouldn't give a second chance to an individual who broke her trust. Like Jackie, I have learned from experience on this particular point, and I increasingly find myself placing importance on the role trust plays in all areas of my life.

Never stop learning

Jackie had an incredible interest in reading, and in her later years, she became an Editor at Viking and at Doubleday. I follow her example and read as much as I can. From political books to laid-back novels, I always learn something whatever the literature.

Disconnect

It is so important to take the time to disconnect from the stresses in your life. Turn off the devices, open the window and breathe deeply!

Make time for your health

Both Jackie and President Kennedy suffered from health issues, and their struggles have reinforced the importance of staying in shape and getting yearly check-ups. Work out more, take walks in your local neighborhood, visit your doctor regularly, and eat healthily!

Always say thank you

Jackie was a dedicated letter writer, always writing and mailing her thank you letters the next day. Saying thank you doesn’t cost much, nor is it much of an effort. A small gesture can make all the difference, and more often than not, make the recipient’s day. Hand written notes are always best, so why not invest in some gorgeous cards or personalised notepaper?

Preserve history

Jacqueline Kennedy was committed to preserving America’s history. From her time in the White House, to resident of 1040 Fifth Avenue, Kennedy always took a keen interest in the history of her city. Perhaps you feel passionate about a local project and are looking to volunteer, or you want to raise important funds to save history in your area. Whatever the topic, get involved!

Find your inner strength

This is perhaps one of the most valuable lessons I have learned from the former First Lady. All of us are facing personal struggles, and when at our gloomiest, it is so important to have someone we can look up too in the hope that they will provide us with some light. Jacqueline Kennedy reminds me to stay strong whatever the trouble, to retain my poise, my grace and my sense that things will get better.

Washington DC: My Trip in Photos

If you follow me on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram, you'll know that I've been back in DC! The city is like my second home and it's been great to be back amongst amazing friends, gorgeous architecture and all kinds of fun!

Whilst my trip included lots of meetings and hard work, there was plenty of fun! Here's what I got up to.

Arriving at my friend's house, I was greeted with an amazing Easter basket filled with lovely goodies!

The next day, we went house searching (hello gorgeous properties along Foxhole Road!) This one is my absolute favorite.

Then an afternoon of shopping, including a trip to Neiman Marcus. Officially in love with this amazing dress!

On Saturday, we took a tour of the Capitol. It was fun to experience this sacred building and the area again after my time working here!

In the afternoon, we took a trip to Hillwood Museum and Gardens. If you live in the DC area and haven't visited- you must! I loved the 1940s kitchen - it was like something out of a film set! I also had fun with a regal looking lion.

The next few days were filled with meetings across the city. In the Smithsonian I spotted my pal, Tina Cassidy's great book about Jackie Kennedy!

I also attended the media launch of Nora Pouillon's new memoir, My Organic Life. Nora is the owner of the amazing Restaurant Nora and has cooked for Presidents and royalty! It was a lovely lunch with lovely company!

I also went by the White House for the standard 'House of Cards' moment...

I also explored Old Town Alexandria- I love the architectural details that are visible in the buildings across the city. The gorgeous little lights, brickwork and a piece of Wales in DC!

After DC I headed up to New York. Stay tuned for photos and details from this leg of my trip later this week! 

What is friendship?

via

A few nights ago I re-watched The Women. Based on the hit play written by Clare Boothe Luce and the 1939 movie, this version from 2008 follows Mary Haines (Meg Ryan) as she learns her husband is cheating on her, and the reactions and support from her group of friends. This movie is fun to watch and has a great cast, great clothes plus gorgeous locations across New York and Connecticut.

The group of four friends form the strongest part of the film, and their relationship got me thinking about the friendships in my own life.

I'm closest to my friends with which I have the most in common, whether it be professional interests or the same tastes in culture. You'd like to think that friendships can and will stand the test of time, but in reality, this doesn't happen. As life moves on and new challenges appear, friendships can fizzle out and simply disappear. I think we've all experienced this situation, and how you deal with it and move on will make you stronger.

I have friends that are my own age- ones that I was in high school with or met in university. I also have friends who are a little older than me and these are perhaps my strongest friendships. They're the people that I turn to for advice, a second opinion, and importantly laughter.

For me, a real friendship is with someone who you may not see for months or even years, and you just pick up where you left off. When I catch up with my friends on the other side of the Atlantic it's just like we were hanging out yesterday.

What's evident from The Women is the different types of friendships that the characters formed at the different stages of their lives and careers. The strongest friendship is that between Mary and Sylvie (Annette Bening.) It's not forced, it's fun and even when a big disagreement separates them, they get back in touch with other. Whilst there are some friendships that I don't wish to rekindle, this dynamic has brought me the benefit of hindsight and how you can only learn through experience.

Have you seen The Women? What do you think of the friendships portrayed in the film? Has a movie made you think about the friendships in your life? Let me know in the comments. 

2015: Target Goals

I don't make resolutions anymore. I kept making the same, utterly obvious choices, ultimately caving in and reverting to my bad behaviour a few weeks later. Oops.

Goals is a much better word, and this year, I've decided to share them with you all.

Get in better shape. This year I'm really going all out- bye bye processed items and sugar!

Expand my business. I'm looking forward to working with a great mix of clients on some exciting projects!

A great sort-out. Closet, cupboards, drawers, bookcase... I'm determined to streamline.

Enjoying those big moments. I've got a really important trip coming up in April and I'm going to productively enjoy every minute!

Say yes (and no.) I'll be saying yes to great new opportunities, and no to any drama!

What are your goals for 2015? Let me know in the comments! 

Things I Learned in 2014

So 2014 is nearly at an end- where did the year go?! For me, it's been a year of ups and downs, first and lasts, new and old. I've learned much more about myself then I ever thought, and made some pretty big decisions!

Whilst I'm in reflective mode, here's what I learned in 2014.

Trust your gut. There were times this year when I didn't listen to it...and I should!

It's okay not to finish everything. Thanks to Arianna Huffington and The Third Metric for reinforcing this point.

Mix it up. This year I visited two different cities instead of returning to my usual haunts. It was liberating!

Get those investment pieces. One is on its way to me as I write. The other? A glorious new bed.

Take care of yourself. Get your hair cut regularly, look after your skin and WORK OUT.

Earbuds in every bag. You'll never know when you'll need them.

Some people will let you down. And it's fine- move on to better things (and people!)

Support those that really matter. You'll then find out who your true friends are.

Do what you love. Writing, photography, art, whatever. Do what makes you happy.

Try to stress less and not take everything personally. I'm still working on this one.

What have you learned in 2014? Tell me in the comments or on Twitter.