HOW TO: make the best out of life

       Moving somewhere is a huge deal, whether it's house, town or country.  So much preparation goes into a move as well as a lot of money!

I had to pack my bags and travel from Ireland all the way to Australia. It's probably the biggest and most exciting thing I've ever done in my life. But, it wasn't all plain sailing. You probably think: “Sure, all I have to do is pack my stuff in bags and do a bit of cleaning because mum and dad are doing the rest.”

It sounds that simple but it's not. Most of the time while we were preparing, I was happy; really happy in fact. I had a huge fantasy of what our new house would be like, how I would design my room and all the new things I could get, which is the natural thing anyone would do.

I was really looking forward to it. But then I was told that it may take quite a long time to get everything looking like a home again. This really hit me emotionally and I realised how big the situation actually was. I cried because I was so overwhelmed by everything. (Don't be afraid to cry, just let it all out!) I started thinking that everything was going to go wrong and that by the time the house would be a home, I would have already moved out etc etc.

I'm usually quite a positive person and this was unlike me. I sat down and decided I would make a list of all the positive things about moving, rather that focusing on the negatives. (I love lists!)

Honestly, it helped. Loads. I managed to come up with sixteen positive things about moving. SIXTEEN! If you write down sixteen words on a sheet of paper, it is a lot. And for me, it out did the negatives by a mile;and it made me realise that yes, this move wasn't going to be easy and that I would have to put work into it (even though my parents had loads more!), but I knew that I would get there in the end.

Most things in life will eventually work themselves out. You've just got to except and deal with the things you can't change but make the best out of all the things you can.

I love making lists because I find I accomplish a lot more that way. You don't have to be moving anywhere to make a positive list. You can be in any situation. Just try and stay as positive as possible. Things are a lot easier when you're positive.

One thing that got me through the move (and sometimes life ) was an arrow. You probably think it's weird, but it's symbolic. It means this:

An arrow must be pulled backwards before it can go forwards. If ever you're feeling down in life and feel that nothing's in your favour, just think, you may go shooting into something amazing.

At some point, I want to get it tattooed on my side because 1.I love tattoos and 2. it's a constant reminder to be positive and stuff

I hope that I have helped someone. If not, well, you may need it one day. If I have, I'm glad I've been able to help you :)

You can also apply this to everyday situations. Even if you're just stuck in traffic, there's no milk in the fridge, you didn't do your homework, whatever the case make be: turn your negative thought into a positive one and the world will seem a whole lot better.

xxx