Once again, I’m back after yet another long and unexpected hiatus! Life has really been lifing for me over the last few weeks and months. I’ve been going through so many growing pains and feel as though I’m in a season of learning, unlearning and relearning. I have been in and out of not two, but three jobs in the last few months, but we’ll talk more about that at some other point….
Today, however, I want to talk about growth.
In the dictionary, growth is described as the process of developing physically, mentally and/or spiritually. It can also be described as the process of increase in amount, value or importance. While these definitions are true, its important to remember that growth is not linear, it’s multi-dimensional. It does not follow a strait line or process, but instead can spiral through both space and time.
Over the last few weeks, I have had to welcome and accept the fact that growth is not a perfectly linear process as I once may have thought. It’s messy and uncomfortable and often brings ups feelings you weren’t expecting, but by God, is it necessary.
As you go through the various seasons that life throws at you, trust that you WILL grow in your own unique pace. Do not be discouraged when hurdles come your way, and things don’t go as planned. Instead embrace the challenges and grow through what you are going through. Turn any setback, regression and stagnation you face, into opportunities for growth instead of dwelling on them as an indication of a lack of progress.
Remember,
“Without the rain, flowers don’t grow. Without challenges neither do you”
Firstly, I just want to say a massive thank you for all the support shown in my previous blogpost – writing has always been one of my favourite pastimes, so I really appreciate every single interaction shown on what I put out there.
In today’s blog post, I wanted to talk a little bit about gratitude and why it’s important to count your blessings.
In life, it is so easy to fall victim to the fallacy of permanence, most of us don’t stop to recognise our good fortune and blessings until they are gone. When asked, I would usually describe myself, as having a glass half full mindset, however quiet recently I noticed that I was slipping into constant and frequent states of ingratitude. In these moments I would moan and grumble about everything and anything under the sun, and because of this, my overall mindset became rather negative. Luckily, I quickly realised this and decided to intentionally focus a little more on the good in my life.
I once read a quote that said;
” A sincere attitude of gratitude is a beatitude for secured altitudes. Appreciate what you have been given and you will be promoted higher.”
Israelmore Ayivor
Having now, readapted my attitude of gratitude, I have come to see a positive change in my life. I am making it more of a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all areas, no matter how big or small. This in turn has made me feel so much more satisfied with life, because I am no longer seeking for more. I am consciously making the decision to live in the present moment.
So if you haven’t done so in a while, I would personally encourage you to write down some of the things you’re grateful for. This could include simple things such as, food, clothing, family and friends; or even more elaborate things such as life’s challenges, love, laughter and even heartbreaks.
You will be surprised at how full your heart feels as you come to realize how much you have to be thankful for.
Hope you’re all keeping well? As I mentioned in my previous blogpost – I am currently working and living in the beautiful island of Cyprus and have been for over 4 months now.
In comparison to Ireland, life here has been undeniably brighter, hotter and also filled with endless adventure.
In today’s blog post I’ll be sharing what I’ve been getting up to since arriving in May. I will be sharing some of my favourite spots on the island for sight seeing, dining, relaxing and so much more.
Paphos Harbour and Port
The coastline in Paphos was one of the first places I ever explored when I first arrived in Cyprus. I immediately fell in love with the sunset view and sound of the waves here, and to be honest can you blame me…
Just look at some of the photos I’ve taken over the months, isn’t the place just to die for.
The harbour offers a peaceful walk right by the shoreline while also having a myriad of restaurants, shops and bars to choose from. Some of my favourite restaurants that can be found along the harbour are; Mpania, Pingouino and Alea Allday Lifestyle.
Sight Seeing
Since arriving in Cyprus, I have had plenty of opportunities to explore the island beyond the district in which I reside. Below I have listed some of the sights I’ve visited, and loved.
Edro III Shipwreck
The Edro III is a shipwreck located in Pegia, Paphos, down by the Sea Cave Avenue.
This ship has been stranded on the rocks in the sea caves area since the 8th of December 2011 when it was involved in an accident, after it struck a rock and became disabled and finally went ashore, and has been stranded ever since.
This shipwreck is definitely a must see sight in Cyprus, as it is considerded an amazing spot for photo opportunities
Tombs of the Kings
Tombs of the Kings, is one of the most important archeological sites of Cyprus. The monumental tombs that you will find here are actually of high ranking aristocracy and officials, which date back to the Roman and Hellenistic periods.
The entrance fee to visit the archaeological site is €2.50 and is definitely a must see sight for its architecture.
Troodos Mountains
Troodos Mountains is the largest mountain range in Cyprus, offering the perfect escape from the touristic areas of the island. I really enjoyed the view here as it was nothing short of picturesque.
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark
Paphos Aphrodite Waterpark is the biggest water park in Paphos, offering non stop aqua park fun! This water park is designed for all ages and swimming abilities, with features such as water slides, swimming pools, the lazy river and so much more.
Lazying around on the lazy river
Pafos Zoo
Pafos Zoo is the biggest licensed zoo in Cyprus, and is home to a great range of wildlife, such as birds, meerkats, monkeys, elephants, giraffes, fish, cows, and so much more! They are big on the conservation of all the wildlife in their care and this is heavily reflected in their daily bird shows.
Places to Eat and Drink
If you want to know where’s best to eat and drink when in Cyprus, look no further.
Below I’ve attached a slideshow of some of my favourite food and drink places, here in Cyprus . For brunch, my go to places are Pingouino and Omikron, For late lunches, dinners and drinks, my favs are Wagamamas, Suite 48, Porto Bello and Alea Allday Lifestyle. If you need of a treat, Sweet n’ Boujee is your spot – there doughnuts are to die for!
All in all, I think visiting Cyprus should be on everyone’s bucket list. The island really does have so much to offer, and I am so grateful to be able to call it home.
Hope you’re keeping well? Today I’m back with yet another blog post, to showcase all the bits I’ve been loving recently. So let’s get into it!
Skincare
The Ordinary’s Peeling Solution has quickly become one of my favourite skincare products. My skin looks and feels, so good after exfoliating with it. However, if you’re skin is even slightly sensitive (like mine), it might just sting a little when you first use it – but trust me it’s worth it. I now understand why it is always out of stock online!
Another skincare product I loved this month was the Yes To Grapefruit, Bubbling Paper Mask. This product made my skin feel amazing and brought an influx of fun to my skincare routine.
Haircare
Truth being told, when it comes down to haircare – I can be quite lazy. However this month I promised myself that I would try to do better.
If you follow my Instagram, @niiash_a, you know I’ve been loving wigs lately. Maintaining my natural hair is very important while I switch from wig to wig. I’ve been loving the Cantu Argan Oil, Repair Cream to keep my hair well moisturised under the wig caps.
I have also been loving Melt Effect’s, Premium Glue Remover. This product has been SAVING my edges whenever I uninstall my wigs and I love the fact that a little goes such a long way. Did I mention that this product is from a Black Owned Business, in Ireland?!?
What I’ve been listening to
Road trips, worship sessions, dance parties, you name it! There’s a song for every occasion in this months playlist.
What I’ve been watching
Now that lockdown is easing, YouTube content is getting adventurous again – and I just love it! Here are some of my favourite videos from last month – I would also really appreciate if someone could recommend some shows they’ve been loving on Netflix cause clearly I am wasting my subscription.
I hope you have enjoyed yet another blog filled with my monthly favourites. Please let me know if you purchase/watch/listen to anything I have mentioned.
How are you all keeping? I just want to start today’s blogpost, by saying a massive thank you to each and everyone of you, for all the support in my previous post. I am so happy to be back writing, and I look forward to creating much more exciting content, during these summer months.
However, in the mean time, I write today’s blogpost with a very heavy heart.
I’m sure by now you have all heard about the death of George Floyd. The black man who was murdered in Minneapolis on the 25th of May, 2020. Floyd was knelt on, and pinned to the ground by law enforcement, to the point that he was no longer able to breathe. This case is one of many, that captures the ever present reality of police brutality and racism in modern society. It seems like lately, these cases are becoming a lot more frequent, and as a black person this causes me a lot of grief.
In the last few days, I have found myself questioning whether my life, and the lives of those that look like me, matter at all, in today’s society. It has been 155 years since the end of the American Civil War, yet race still divides us not only in the United States, but also across the globe. More often than not, we are still faced with prejudices, inequalities, injustices, and racial discrimination, despite the good fight, activists such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Malcom X, fought in the past.
So why does it seem like very little has changed? Why does it feel like we are regressing rather than progressing? What happened to treating everyone with dignity, respect and equality?
Where is the love for one another?
I for one, would love to know the answers to these questions – but for now, it’s important that we stand as one, to remind ourselves, and others, that;
#BLACKLIVESMATTER,
we matter,
you matter,
and I matter.
Despite the message that may be flooding your timeline at present, please remember that you are of value. The colour of your skin is not a threat – it is not a weapon that that needs to be contained, restrained, oppressed and destroyed.
Firstly I want to thank you for clicking onto my first ever blog post. This is a dream that I envisioned many years ago, but because of fear I never actually made it a reality, but today I have decided to let go of my fears.
My name is Nyasha, hence why I have decided to name this blog ‘Nyasha’s Nook’. The word ‘nook’ is used to describe “…a corner for recess, especially one offering seclusion or security”, this is exactly what I want my blog to deliver to my readers.
From a young age, the act of writing provided me with an escape from the hustle and bustle of life and I would like nothing more than for my blog to be a place that my readers can read to unwind. In saying that I hope for my blog to consist of lifestyle, beauty, fashion, food, travel and adventure, and everything else in between.
I am excited to see what this new journey has to offer. To all of who have read to this point, thank you. Hopefully you will come along with me on this journey.
Nyasha's Nook 