Adelaide Haynes13 Comments

8 Things I Love About Myself

Yep, you read the title right, this blog post is publicly owning up to the things I love about myself. And before you think, OMG here she goes, just think about the last time you had an open and honest conversation with yourself and thought ‘damn, I really love that about me!’ It’s probably been a while. In fact, some of you may never have actually verbalised the things that you love about yourself.

With Valentine’s Day come and gone, and it seems love is in the air. So I thought I would try this little exercise to show myself some self-love and challenge you to list 3 things you love about yourself!

I love being a redhead

I seriously believe that being a redhead is now a part of my identity. It’s funny because growing up I was teased and ridiculed for being a ranga. But now I freakin love it! I couldn’t imagine having any other hair colour. I love that I’m unique and stand out in a crowd (I don’t exactly love that it means I’m sensitive af to the sun but I guess that’s part of the package). I love that some of my best friends are redheads and seriously we are a force to be reckoned with.

I love that I have a healthy relationship with food

If you know me, then you know that I LOVE food. Food is a freakin way of life and I’m always looking forward to my next meal or snack. It makes me so sad when I see people who are self-conscious, picky or have a troubling relationship with food. Food is literally fuel for your body. We need it. So we might as well enjoy it! Of course, eating a balanced diet is crucial but I don’t see the point in beating yourself up about having that extra row of chocolate (or eating the whole block). Or cutting yourself off from some delicious French cheese. Or saying no to that fourth slice of pizza. Seriously, life is too short not to enjoy the goodness of food.

I love my passion

I am an incredibly passionate person. I get excited about the littlest of things. If you’re going to do a job then you might as well do it the best you can. And for me, that means being passionate about my work, my commitments and activities. When I get behind a cause, there’s no stopping me!

I love that I am supportive

I’ve always said that I’m the best secondary someone could have. I think it’s because I don’t always like leading the way and being out in front, but I can absolutely get behind someone, push them, believe in them and enjoy their success. Whether it be my friends business selling coasters, cards and cheese boards, my friends earring business, my friends band, my friends music performance, their race, their new job, their upcoming travel, their engagement… I am 110% there! I love the people that surround me and I genuinely believe in people and I want to see them succeed.

I love my curves

Oh baby this has taken a long time but I feel that I’m finally in a place where I love my body and I really couldn’t imagine myself not having curves. I feel like I’ve ‘grown in’ to my body and I feel like a woman. It’s pretty damn awesome and it’s something I’m sharing because I think we all need to have better relationships with our bodies. This isn’t to say that ‘I’m hot’ or that I think I have a perfect body – of course I have insecurities. Everyone does. But when I love my body I feel so much better in every other aspect of my life than when I hate it. We have to believe that we’re given our body for a reason and we simply have to own it.

I love that I’m ‘Worldly’

Some of you may not know that A Worldly Addiction, started as a travel blog to share my experiences galavanting around Europe. But it was also created with the idea of exploring new ways of thinking and new experiences. I love that I’ve had the opportunity to travel and study overseas. I love my curious and inquisitive nature. I love that I’ve been to many beautiful countries and I love that I have many more on my bucket list.

I love that I can have long-distant friendships

OK so I generally hate having to say goodbye to friends and it sucks not being able to see them regularly, but one thing I’m proud of is my ability to maintain friendships across the seven seas and for years. I’m really secure in my friendships and I know the value of my relationships. I feel so lucky to have incredible friends no matter the time or distance.

I love my empathy and vulnerability

I think I’ve got a really great sense of empathy – in fact – sometimes a little too much. I’m highly emotional, and yes I cry from time to time, but like to believe it’s because I’m able to put myself in other people’s shoes. No matter the situation, I can stay calm and respectful of people’s feelings and experiences. And I love the fact that I’m vulnerable and open about my own feelings and experiences – heck, I’m dedicating this whole post to it!

Over to you…

I challenge you to share at least 3 things you love about yourself!

Adelaide HaynesLeave a comment

These Are A Few of My Favourite Things: FEBRUARY 2018

For the shortest month of the year, February sure did deliver a lot. I think I can positively say that this month has been the most tumultuous and testing month of my life. And it seems like it wasn’t just for me but a lot of people in my life. In the 4 weeks that were February I found myself single again, moved houses, have experienced incredible stress around our previous tenancy and landlord, found out more about myself than I ever thought and been offered a new job. Maybe chaos attracts chaos. But one thing I do know is that strength attracts strength and I sure have been inspired and motivated by all of the wonderful people around me. The people who have helped lift me up, push me out of my comfort zone and help me find strength in some pretty challenging times, and it is these people I am eternally grateful for. Alas, February is over and finally a much awaited March arrives.

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💃🏿 Bangarra Dance Company

I guess you could call it Christmas in February, because for Christmas I bought Mum tickets to see Bangarra Dance Company’s show at the Newcastle Civic Theatre. It was such a gorgeous performance and I was absolutely in awe. Wow! I cannot recommend seeing them enough! Thanks Mum for being the ultimate date to the theatre!

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🎨Museum of Contemporary Art

So I finally made it to the MCA’s incredible exhibition by Pipilotti Rist’s ‘Sip my Ocean.’ I had seen several Instagrammers check out this exhibition and damn their photos were incredible…. so I wanted to check it out for myself! Chloe and I headed to Sydney dressed to the 9’s and damn it did not disappoint! It was an incredible experience of light and sound! Plus we got several pretty awesome Instagrams so I’m pretty content.

🎹 RAD Bar

For those of you who don’t know… RAD is (as the name implies) a super rad bar in Wollongong that is home to some incredibly live music. Showcasing local and incredible acts, I constantly forget how awesome RAD is!

💕 Date Night

No matter how rough and tough, or exciting and wild life gets, it’s so important to take a breather and catch up with the people around you that you love. I had a little date night with Chantelle, and it felt so great to go out and just spend some quality time together. I also spent Valentines day with the one and only Miss Tishia! We ate way too much food together and hatched our plan to take over the world. Watch out friends, date night is coming to a night near you.

 

📷 Polaroid Camera

For Christmas I was spoilt and my sister bought me a polaroid camera. And I wasn’t sure how much I would use it, but surprise surprise, I love taking photos and this is no exception. These are just some of the pics that I’ve snapped and I absolutely love it! I think my favourite thing is my reaction when I photo turns out well!

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🎶Tunes

Steele Syndicate. I was lucky enough to randomly catch these guys at RAD bar this month and DAMN I have not danced so much! Their vibe is so funky and uplifting! Add a few beers and you my friend, have a good night filled with dancing and good times ahead of you.

Odette. OMG this song! I’ve heard it so many times on Triple J but I never picked up on who the angel behind it was! Finally I’ve tracked her down and wow she’s amazing! Her other work is amazing and she is definitely one to keep on your radar!

 

Vallis Alps

These guys!!! Her vocals are so astounding and the beat has wicked good vibes! I’ve been listening to this EP on my way to work and I assure you I’ve been arriving in a great mood! Get around it!

🎥 Flicks

Breakfast at Tiffany’s 

Audrey Hepburn you mega babe! There’s nothing quite like re-watching an old classic with some amazing company. Whilst I must admit I get quite lost and caught up in the plot, it’s so joyful to be whisked away back in time to the golden ages. This movie is a constant reminder to keep it classy but just a little nasty.

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📚 Books

Chapter One by Daniel Flynn. So there’s this company called Thankyou. I’m sure you may be familiar with it. They’re basically a social enterprise where money goes directly towards a project in another country. You may know Thankyou water. When you buy a bottle of water, proceeds go towards providing clean water to a community in Vientam for example. This book is the business behind it and I must admit is it very captivating, interesting and inspiring. Whilst I have some pretty big critiques of the company and the execution of their mission, the one thing that cannot be faulted is their determination to get in there, be taken seriously and make a difference. It’s an easy read and for anyone interested in start ups, business and development, then this one is for you!

The world doesn’t need another book, it needs an idea.

You can find out more information here. 

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📷 Bloggers and Vloggers

Bryce + Hailey

Uh what is it with cute couples and YouTube?! There’s something about these two that are so adorable that I can’t help but fall in love with their videos! Their style is funky as and they seem like the sweetest most genuine humans. I particularly loved their video from around Europe so make sure to give these guys some love.

📝 Quote

So as you can imagine, this month was a little rough. It’s OK, I’m OK and I know that everything is going to be OK. But it takes time to come to that realisation. Not even the realisation, but to truly feel and believe it. It’s too easy to convince yourself that you’re alright when you’re not, and (sadly) too easy to fake a smile. What is difficult is acknowledging you’re lost, confused, sad, lonely, optimistic, excited, relieved…. confronting those feelings is difficult. But once you do, and choose to surround yourself with people who are ‘loving, nourishing, kind and authentic,’ you’ll realise how amazing you are and how much you deserve!

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I can honestly say that I feel like a stronger person now that the month from hell is over! With each ending comes new beginnings, some in the most unlikely of places. March, I am excited for everything to come, I’m committing to working hard and playing even harder… just please be kind. I’d really appreciate it.

Adelaide HaynesLeave a comment

Valentines Day? Newly Single? Take Yourself Out!

Valentine’s Day sucks. Especially if you’re newly single and trying to piece back together the fragments of your heart and remember who you are without a man in your life (woah dramatic right?). But this isn’t a depressing post. This is a fucking happy post. Life has been crazy recently and I’m sure yours has been too (I’m suspecting there’s something in the air). I feel like maybe it’s February, just as you’re getting settled into 2018, February comes to slap you in the face and say ‘wake up bitch, don’t you dare get comfortable!’

Well after my ‘Me Day’ I am wide awake and refreshed, in love with myself and proud of who I am.

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I thought there might be a few others out there who may be having a rough time at the moment, and I get it, it sucks. But it’s not going to last forever, and it certainly isn’t the end of the world. So I wanted to tell you about my day and hopefully inspire you to do the same, and love yourself that little bit harder in your time of need.

“Hi, you’ve reached Adelaide. Sorry I can’t take your call right now. It’s ADELAIDE DAY today and I’m out taking care of myself. Leave a message and I’ll get back to you whenever I feel like it.”

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Cancel Work

I work casually, however lately, work has consumed my life. It’s good though, with so much craziness in my life it’s been a great distraction. I love my work and my work mates. But my Adelaide Day meant not coming in to work. I emailed my boss and was completely honest. Hey, I know I’m supposed to work tomorrow, but my life has been a bit crazy lately and I really just need a day to gather my thoughts and look after myself. Do you mind if I have an Adelaide Day? Because I work with such amazing and supportive people, she said yes and just like that, my day was free.

Sleep In

I’ve recently been converted to a morning person which means that if I wake up after 7am I feel like I’ve wasted my day. I love waking up early, watching the sunrise and getting a head start on my day. But this is Adelaide Day, and Adelaide required a sleep in. I slept until 9:30am and honestly, felt so rested. It was simply glorious waking up without an alarm, with sunlight shining through my window.

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Beach & Sunshine

There’s nothing that says ‘I love you Adelaide’ like a dip in the ocean and a nap on the beach. I headed down to soak up some rays with Dylan. There’s something so medicating about the ocean that instantly washes away your problems and invigorates you with energy and life. I laid in the sun just a little longer than I normally would and felt so relaxed. When I got home and looked in the mirror, I felt like I’d been at a spa treatment all day. I felt sleepy, relaxed, smelled of coconut and my hair was a mess.

A Bite To Eat

I love going out for lunch and I love going out solo. I went to one of my favourite cafe’s, ordered my favourite meal, with my favourite coffee and wrote in my journal. You’ve gotta look after your taste-buds and caffeinate.

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Retail Therapy

Nothing says treat yourself like a new outfit or two. Even if it’s just trying on clothes to get some ideas, I love a little window shopping. And I love it even more when I find gorgeous clothes that make me feel like the Queen I am (or think I am – depends if you get me on a confident day or not). I bought some gorgeous flowy pants, some crop tops and some sparkly underwear for Mardi Gras (which I’m way too excited about). Sometimes you just have to tap your card and not look at the total – that’s future you’s problem.

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Cooking

A little known fact about me is that I absolutely love cooking, I just rarely find the time or inspiration. But on my Me Day, there was no excuse. I made some delicious burritos for Tiger and Chloe. Plus we had an extravagant cheese board with a few too many beers. Cutting, chopping and creating something delicious and nutritious for your body and tastebuds sure is rewarding.

Sex & The City Marathon

Did you know that Sex & The City can cure anything? Yep. Fact. By chance, a SATC marathon was on TV. Naturally, we stayed up til midnight watching it. One beer per episode. By the time it reached midnight, I was pretty tipsy and feeling pretty damn amazing.

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I know it’s not always possible to have an extraordinary Me Day. There’s work, prior commitments, homework…. the thing is that in our crazy lives, these things will always be there. Sometimes you just have to cancel your day and show yourself a little love. Maybe I just didn’t do this enough when I was in a relationship. Take some time for me. But hey, at least I won’t forget it any time soon. And I think it’s something we have to do every now and again. Plus, who doesn’t love a SATC marathon?!

Be strong. Be kind. Be kind to yourself. And have a break. You deserve it. 

Adelaide HaynesLeave a comment

Love Yourself This Valentine’s Day

Valentines Day. The one time of year we can eat chocolate, have our cheeks flushed pink, watch chic flicks and write clichés in cards… Actually that’s every other weekend for me. Regardless of how often you eat a box of heart shaped chocolates, there’s no escaping the fact that the 14th of February is all about love. And whilst it’s nice when you’ve got that special someone to spend it with, the most important date you’ll have on Valentines Day (and for the rest of your life) is YOU. Yes, I realize it’s clichéd to write about how important it is to love yourself but hey, it is Valentines Day. So here are some things you can do (or I try to show myself) a little loving.

Picture from http://www.personalityhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/do-you-love-me_personalityhacker.jpg
Picture from http://www.personalityhacker.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/do-you-love-me_personalityhacker.jpg

“Love yourself first and everything else falls into line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in this world.”
– Lucille Ball

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Buy that dress you’ve been eyeing off on ASOS to show yourself some appreciation.

Walk with confidence of everything you’ve accomplished and dreaming of.

Embrace your flaws.

Surround yourself with positivity.

Dream big and act even bigger.

Paint your nails blue, or green, or purple to brighten your day.

Play your music loud and sing even louder.

Call your family/friends and tell them how much they mean to you.

Have a relaxing bath with candles.

Cook a lovely meal for yourself.

Lay on a grassy hill and watch the clouds roll over.

Crack open a bottle of wine.

Binge watch How To Get Away With Murder (woops, too late).

Download Taylor Swifts album.

Put on your beautiful jewellery.

Write down all these things that make you happy and feel loved for future reference.

And don’t forget to finish this all off with a small box of chocolates… you’ve earned it.

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Happy Valentines Day to each and every one of you. xxx A

Pont des Arts, the love lock bridge in Paris
Pont des Arts, the love lock bridge in Paris