Grief and Loss

Hello all,

Last week my little sister's hamster passed away and it's safe to say that it led to quite a few tears. However, it got me thinking...do we take things for granted? To lots of people that don't have pets, it's weird to imagine why someone would cry over an animal. Don't they get attacked in the wild? Aren't there lots of bigger problems in the world? And the answer is 'yes'.

I want to bring awareness to the fact that no matter what, we all have something or someone that we may be taking for granted. With thousands of children dying on a daily basis, many families struggling and lots of people homeless; we should pause a minute and be thankful for what we have got. I think many people - including myself - forget how quickly something can be taken away. Nothing is 100% promised.

Sorry if this seems a bit negative, but let's look at it in a positive light - share the love to all things and people around you.

Take care,

Hana :) x

Cornwall

Hiya readers,

Hope the rest of your summer is going swimmingly (pun intended...you'll see what I mean in a bit!) and that it's been a good one. I recently visited Cornwall, and tend to annually. I feel that sometimes these sorts of areas aren't visited, by foreigners especially. However, there's so much of 'England' that can be discovered in places like Cornwall; castles, pasties and pubs - which will almost always have some veggie options for adults, kids and families that may not eat meat for personal beliefs or religious beliefs (which is the case for us). Although London is the most popular city in England - it isn't the ONLY place! There are so many beautiful places in the UK which have incredible views and are more relaxing. Places like Cornwall and Devon have beautiful beaches as well as gardens, castles and amusement parks. Of course, England being England - the weather will most probably dictate how much enjoyment you actually get :)

When we went for the long weekend that we did, it was pouring down with rain - meaning the flawless views were essentially ruined. Luckily the next day was much clearer and the beach was an option that many families took advantage of.

Below I'll post a few photos I took! Hope you enjoyed this quick read and personal (yet widely agreed) opinion.

Take care,

Hana :) x

My Ramadan Tips

Happy Wednesday :)

I filmed a Ramadan special the other day where I suggested some things to alter in your everyday life in order to hopefully benefit you!

As a reminder, this is a reminder to myself first and foremost.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZU41AZR4mLk

If you don't have the time to watch the 5 minute video, then I'll quickly bullet point some of the points that I mentioned:

• Smile and give more 'Salam'.
• Wear less make-up (therefore, focusing on your inner self).
• Cook for your family.
• Read Quran.
• Teach a sibling, friend, etc., something valuable, i.e. Quran.
• Gift someone something meaningful, such as a prayer mat.

Have a happy Ramadan!

Ramadan Kareem x

May

Happy May Beauties,

So, I have just uploaded a video to YouTube (I'll leave a link below!) and it's about my taking a break from YouTube videos/some social media. I am fully aware that my viewers aren't thousands, however as a sign of respect to those that DO watch my videos when I upload, here is a better explanation.

As my previous posts or videos (and Tumblr blog especially) would suggest, I struggle with a few mental health issues. Things aren't as bad as they were this time last year, however, they're not great either. I started a YouTube channel with the hope that I could help others, as well as simply enjoy a little hobby. But, it might sort have got to a point where I'm not in the best mindset to be uploading videos, without overthinking every statistic and view...whilst constantly comparing my stats to others. I don't believe that the number of views is what's important, but it can mess with your self-esteem...especially when it's low enough haha.

When my brother first suggested YouTube to me, I promised to stick with it and not give up. I don't think taking a break is me giving up, but rather having a little time to really sort things out. May is also my exam month, meaning stress levels are super high... (the struggles of wanting to succeed in life haha! Everyone knows the feeling, but it's just something we have to go through, right?)

The Islamic month of Ramadan is also coming up, and I feel the need to reconnect with my faith and really let the Holy month cleanse me spiritually, emotionally and physically.

If you're still reading this then you get 13 brownie points, because you are one lovely person x

I hope this doesn't come across as too personal, but I felt like it needed a proper blogpost.

Take care,

Hana

:) x

Thank God, It's Friday!

Why hello there,

I hope your April is going well so far and that you're happy about the upcoming weekend.

I thought that today I'd put together a few things you can do over the weekend that people may forget to do!

1. Go on a picnic:

Living in the UK, there are many public parks, that are often underused....unless it's the summer! So why not pop over to your local park with family, friends or even by yourself. The fresh air will do you good!

2. Cycle, walk or jog:

I haven't done this in a while and despite it being Spring the weather isn't the best. BUT providing you're dressed correctly, why not try a bit of light exercise? This could really boost your energy up and help you feel better physically and emotionally.

3. Photography:

If you are into photography, why not go to a nearby quiet area to take photos. It'll undoubtedly make you feel proud once you're back home flicking through the artistic photos you've taken!

4. Anything Else:

If photography isn't your thing, here are several other relaxing things you can do instead...which will lead to the same results in terms of satisfaction (hopefully).

- Arts and Crafts, e.g. card making, drawing, painting.
- Baking.
- Helping someone, e.g. donating a bit of money, time or giving a gift.
- Making someone smile/laugh (FIY, this can be yourself!)
- Cooking for your family or friends.
- Tidying up your room.
- Doing some light revision, such as revision posters which will help you feel relieved. This can be as colourful and creative as you want, so it's much less boring.

I hope this motivated some of you reading.

Have a lovely weekend,

Take Care,

Hana xoxo

'Brave Girl Eating'.

Hiya everyone ♡ Hope your weekend is going well and that you're enjoying summer! Today's post is a book review and here's the book title - Brave Girl Eating.

This book is written by Harriet Brown, where she discusses anorexia nervosa and her experience with it. She talks about her daughters' struggle with the eating disorder and how it influenced the whole family. It's written in a way that makes you feel that you're part of the family and really helps increase knowledge and understanding of the deadly mental illness.

As I've previously said, I deal with anorexia. It has definitely had a huge impact on not only my life, but my family and friends lives too. I am currently in recovery and seriously recommend that anyone with any eating disorder, or any mental illness, to seek help! You are worthy of support and I promise that reaching out for help does NOT make you weak.

I highly recommend that anyone who knows someone with an eating disorder read this book...it explains anorexia (as well as other eating disorders) on a more personal level. It may be quite triggering for ED sufferers themselves to read it, however the writer states that she hasn't included certain details to avoid triggering readers. I have read a fifth of the book and it's helped me view anorexia from the perspective of those close to me. Once again, it might be triggering to some, but I highly recommend it if you think your mindset is healthier or if you want to relate to families/sufferers.

Take care and enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Hana ♡

Little Update

Hiya, hope you're doing well and that your week is going well :)

This post is probably going to seem quite informal, however, I feel it needs to be very me, as it's going to be quite honest.

This past week has been quite emotional and difficult. My eating disorder (I'll make a full blog post all about my eating disorder when I feel ready) really overtook my mind - much more than normal. I've felt extra confused, lost and hopeless lately, however today has been more positive so I decided it was time to post again :)

I'm in my second year of university and won't be finishing the semester as I need to seek treatment as soon as I can, before it's too late. My mum, siblings and I are moving back to England next month so hopefully then I'll be posting much more. I also plan on making a YouTube channel sometime this year, but I'm going to be focusing on my blog.

I really feel like I want to be able to help others dealing with mental illnesses, as well as give support and help to anyone who needs it. I don't know what's going to happen within the next year, but I do know that I'll need to try and focus on recovery. Hopefully, I'll also do things I enjoy and be able to regain my freedom and happiness...and I'd like to use this blog to document that. I won't only upload personal day-to-day posts, as I know that's not what everyone wants to read. However, they definitely will be uploaded - so be prepared :P

I'm not expecting to get lots of views to be honest, but if I can help at least one reader, I'll be pleased :) This is starting to sound a bit like my first post. I just want to get the message across that I deal with some issues, as does everyone, and my blog might occasionally reflect that. I also feel quite excited about moving back to England, however, I know recovery won't be easy. As I'm feeling quite positive at the moment, I want to add a little inspiring quote:

"We all have bad days, but one thing is true; no cloud is so dark that the sun can't shine through."
- Miranda Kerr

Everyone deals with problems of some sort. Don't be quick to judge others on their actions as we don't know what they're coping with. When in the depth of our issues, things seem very difficult and upsetting. However, if we stay hopeful and believe that we can get through it, then that will definitely help! It all sounds cliche' and even hypocritical - but, it's true. We go through stages in our lives - the good ones, and then the not so good ones. Our mistakes, illnesses, memories and choices all contribute to the person we become.

So next time you feel upset, know that:

• It will get better. It might take a while, but it will.
• Worrying about it too much won't help.
• One day it'll be a little contribution to who you are.
• Spending time with people who love you, or even spending time with yourself doing something you love, will help.
• You can contact me anytime and I'll try to help too (where to find me will be posted below).

This post was a little random, but it was also from the heart...and sort of necessary for me to post. Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to read this.
Take care xoxo
Hana



Tumblr: http://ohhsohana.tumblr.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/OhhSoHana
Email: itshanamahmoud13@gmail.com

Find me on Google+ too. I'm also considering making an Instagram too!