Lessons I learnt in 2021

Hi lovelies,

Happy New Month! I guess it’s far too late for me to wish you all a Happy New Year, seeing as we’re now well into the month of February. However, I hope 2022 has been good to each of you thus far, and I wish you all nothing but happiness, success and good health throughout the year.

I know it’s been quite a while since I’ve posted anything on here, but today I wanted to share some of the life lessons I learnt over the last year. 2021 was a whirlwind of a year for me. It was filled with so many highs and just as many lows. It was definitely a year that pushed me out of my comfort zones, changed my mindset, and also caused me to consider the fact that not everything is always as it seems.

When I look back on the previous year, here are 3 major life lessons that I learnt.

1. Trust your gut

I’m sure we’ve all heard the old saying “trust your gut”. It refers to listening to your intuition. By doing so, this enables us to avoid unhealthy situations and relationships.

Over the last year, I was lucky enough to work overseas – and as wonderful as the opportunity was – in one way or another, it continously reminded me of the importance of staying true to oneself.

More often than not, I was forced to refocus on my gut feelings, and although this would sometimes feel similar to physical feelings associated with anxiety, in due time I would always feel a sense of safety, peace and even happiness, once I had followed my gut.

“Sometimes we create our own heartbreaks through ignoring our intuition”

2. Do not overly depend on any one person

Now before I delve into this point, I want to start by saying that I am a firm believer in the proverb that states that ‘no man is an island’, meaning that none of us are truly self sufficient. We desire human connections for comfort and community.

However, that doesn’t mean we should overly depend on any one person, whether that be your partner, best friend, cousin, mother, father and/or sibling.

The reality is, that we came into this world alone, and we’ll leave it alone. So, whilst we continue to rely on community in order to thrive in each of our individual lives, let’s learn to also stand alone. Become comfortable in your own company – there is honestly nothing more empowering than learning to enjoy ones solitude. By doing so you will quickly grow to learn that your happiness, self worth and state of contentment is not determined by others.

“Never search for happiness in others, it will make you feel alone. Search for it within yourself, you will feel happy even when you’re left alone”

3. Admitting you need help is okay

“One of the biggest defects in life is the inability to ask for help”

Everyone of us require help, and support every once in a while – and this is perfectly fine. As mentioned previously, ‘no man is an island’, therefore we cannot and shouldn’t expect ourselves to carry troubles all on our own.

Unfortunately, many of us still struggle to ask for help, even when we desperately need it. As a result we leave ourselves open to feelings of depression which may also result in the deterioration of our careers and relationships. Some of us have the belief that to be considered a ‘strong individual’ you must be able to face all your challenges on your own. However, this is very far from the truth.

By asking for help when we need it, we save ourselves from a lot of unnecessary emotional burden.

Remember, “a problem shared is a problem halved”

In the words of Barack Obama,

“… Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. I do that every day. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a sign of strength. It shows you have the courage to admit when you don’t know something, and then allows you to learn something new.”

2009

I could continue to list out many other lessons I learnt over the course of 2021, but I thought I would keep this blog short and sweet. I hope that this blog post resonated with at least one of you, and reinforced something that you needed to hear.

With that being said, I hope 2022 is filled with nothing but growth for each every single one of us.

Reflect, refresh and refocus as often, and as much as you need to.

Love, Nyasha x

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Life in Cyprus

Hi lovelies,

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.

Love, Nyasha x