Confidence is key!

"When you are content to be simply yourself and don't compare or compete, everybody will respect you."-  Lao Tzu

Since most of us are enrolling in university and college, I feel like it is only right for me to write something along the lines of confidence.

Growing up, I come to realize that I am a straightforward person. I ask when I'm curious, and I say when I feel the need to. Notwithstanding, I hardly get to voice out my thoughts in public. The reason being is that my confidence level is not as high as you think it is.
For those of you who may know my position in school would probably think "Umm no fy, that's not true." "What?? You speak in front of so many people every other week".  For you, yes you reading this might think "but Afiqah you have a blog and you write freely. What are you on about??"
Friends of the internet, I am here to share my experiences and feelings.

Confidence; belief in oneself and one's powers or abilities; self-confidence; self-reliance; assurance.

 🎤💃

I like to think that Disney has helped me shape the me I am today. Some of you may know by now that I am a big Disney fan, especially Disney princesses. I'm gonna let you in on a little secret but you need to promise me that you won't tell anyone..

Ever since I was small, even before kindergarten, I have always been a professional singer and dancer. Well, realistically I thought I was a pretty decent performer. I would sing and dance to Disney Princesses' songs, Air Supply, Westlife, Abba, Si Gadis Ayu, Mawi, Sandarkan pada kenangan, HSM songs, Camp Rock songs, et cetera.

My inner Hannah Montana shone brighter than ever when I was younger. I had the best years of my Hannah life. Well, I am not gonna lie.. I am still living the best of both worlds.. sshhh. Trust me, I have recordings of my performances from when I was little till.. hm, for me to know and for you to find out 😉

Singing and dancing are definitely the two things that help me boost my confidence till this day. TALENT. (cc: cupcake aisyah fans)

👸✨ 

It's safe to say that my confidence level has been on a roller coaster ride throughout high school. Most probably the "rock 'n' roller coaster" or the "hair raiser". I would not say that I was my best self in high school. I was an ordinary girl trying to get over separations with friends, a weak girl trying to block away mean and insulting people, an emotional girl trying to balance her school work and social life, a confused girl trying to find herself. High school was definitely a struggle but guess what? I graduated, she graduated, he graduated and YOU will too!

On that note, after graduating high school, I figured I would use the time I had to genuinely take care of myself; To learn and cherish my mind and body. 

How?

Reminiscing the old times. The first week of holiday, I took my time and went through all of my polaroid pictures. It brought so many unforgettable memories. Some photos made me laugh and some made me cry. After months of studying, my hands were itching to create something creative. Hence, my scrapbook. I posted a few boomerangs of some pages from the scrapbook before so hehe.

Looking at the polaroid pictures made me realize that we can't have everything we want and life is not always picture-perfect. People come and go. That is one thing I need to install in my memory banks. Till this day, I still could not accept the fact that some people leave for the better. 

However, the events that happened made me stronger. I grew to be more independent and wiser. From that day, I decided to change my mindset and stop stumbling over something that is behind me. I taught myself to be more promising and encouraging for the better me. I was determined that I would not dwell on the past and start moving forward. I was sure that It was time for me to believe in myself and not depend on other people as much as I used to. I am proud to say that I have definitely proved my past self right. I am feeling better than ever.

Figuring out my passion. This was the trickiest thing to accomplish. I am one of those people who gets bored way too easily. I used to join piano classes but after 2 or 3 grades, I lost interest. Then, I tried out art classes but gave up after a few months. If you read my 'must haves and essentials' blog post, you would know that I used to hate reading. Surprisingly, as I grew older, I learned to love and enjoy reading. I would stay in bed all day and read a book or two which is so unlike me. Eventually, I lost interest in reading. It has been a few weeks since I last finished a book in one seating (or three days).

Writing. Blogging. I. Love. It. I am absolutely elated to share my thoughts and imaginations with you reading this. I started blogging a few years back, but I have never had the guts to make it public. I also used to write fiction on WattPad but I gave up after 4 episodes or so. Truth be told, it took me more than 3 years to gather and build my confidence to share my blog with the world. Cehhhhh. So, to those of you who thinks I am assertive, girl, it takes a lot of time and energy. Sending virtual enormous hugs, kisses and love to everyone who helped me be the person I am today. For supporting and encouraging. xoxo.

Clearly, I slacked and stopped blogging for a while.. but hey! I'm still here, right?

Wholly, I suppose that my passion is to discover new passions and be enthusiastic about it. To explore and try new exhilarating things. The adventure and new experiences make me more confident and sure of myself.
"Keep finding yourself and keep moving forward." Something I remind myself every single day.

Spread positivity. Radiate upbeat vibes. Easy to say, hard to preach. For the sake of more optimistic, thoughtful and understanding individuals, In the span of a week; 

How many times do we smile at a stranger? How many times do we compliment our neighbours? How many times do we check on our friends? How many times do we show gratitude to our family? How many times do we forgive another human being? How many times do we symphatize and emphatize our colleague? How many times do we tell ourselves that we are capable of so much more? 

I am leaving you on that note. I really hope you enjoyed reading and gained a lil somethin' somethin'. Till my next entry, ttfn, tata for now! hihihi. (cc: tiger from my friends tiger and pooh)

🎤  Raise your hands up in the air and scream! We're finding our voice, following our dreams 🎤

 


 

One step closer // #7

"You've got to go with what feels instinctive and true to your heart, and filter out all of the other stuff." -Alison Goldfrapp


Del has been burning the midnight oil doing research regarding potion schools. The tasks given for the previous years can be as easy as ABC or as difficult as nailing a jelly to a tree. However, Del was confident that she will complete the task and she was convinced that she will join Sam George's Potion School, class of 2017.

Several hours later, the Roses arrived at Giethoorn, a village in the Dutch province of  Overijssel. Del could not believe her eyes. The village is outstandingly beautiful. It looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale book which is a dream come true. One of the many interesting things about Giethoorn is that vehicles are only allowed up till the entrance. The only way to explore the village is by boats, bicycles and your cute little feet. What a way to go green.

Without wasting any time, Del and her family jumped in a canal to start their adventure. There was so much to see that Del could not be bothered to snapchat her trip. White sheep on the right hand side, quacking ducks on the left. Along the waterway, precious cottage houses and exquisite cafes can be seen. "Giethoorn is totally my aesthetic," said Del, as she whipped her phone out and snapped hundreds of photos.

The pleasant view of Little Venice, the cold air and the sound of water swishing was greatly calming. Evidently, Del almost fell asleep even while listening to the tour guide's upbeat explanation. She took this opportunity to think thoroughly about the task as her mind was clear and she was in a good mood. Plus, what better way to think about life than in Giethoorn?

In the midst of sorting out her mind and thoughts, Del saw a beaming green light coming from a house with thatched roof. Instantly, Del thought of the light from her hotel bathroom. She looked through the window as closely as possible and saw a figure standing before the light. A lot came to her mind but she could not just jump off the canal and knock on the door.

Ten long minutes later, the cruise finally ended and Del informed her parents that she wanted to have time alone to explore and take pictures for her blog. Certainly, she had something else in mind as well. Del rushed to the cottage house where the green light was seen. It did not took her long to get there because she remembered the house clearly. White bricked walls with thatched roof and long windows. Lucky for her, each one of the houses in Giethoorn are unique.

"I can do this. Just a single knock, 'Hi I'm Del' then I am good. Phewh. Okay. I can do this." She monologued.

As she was about to knock on the door, a young man in white t-shirt approached her. "Hey, looking for someone?" asked him.

"No, I was just about to.. I mean, Hi. I'm Del."
"Mason. Mason Huckleberry. Hi."

"So um, may I speak to you for a moment?" said Del, after realizing that she has been silent for a few minutes. "Sure, have a seat." Mason replied.

Sitting on a bench with a stranger by his house was quite intimidating. So, Del went straight to the point.

"Right. Okay. The green light. You saw it. Have any idea how to pass through and get to WOP?" Del inquired.

Mason's reaction mirrored shock, fright and confusion.
"Come again?" he replied, looking puzzled.

"I know, I know. Long story short, I saw the same beaming green light at my hotel and saw yours when I was on the canal. Now, want to help a friend out?" Del asked, hoping that he would say yes.

"No harm can be done, right? Come on in. We can talk inside." He answered.

In the span of 20 minutes, both Del and Mason shared all they knew about the task, the green light and everything in between. They exchanged twitter usernames for further discussions before Del took her leave. Immediately, Del got a notification reading "@notmason followed you" .

On her way back to the meeting point, Del managed to take some pictures of the village to post on her blog. Despite the short time she had left, the pictures turned out better than she expected.

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It's dinner time and The Roses were back in Amsterdam.

@delphiniumr_ : Wonderful day in Giethoorn. Absolutely breathtaking! 😍
@notmason : @delphiniumr_ you need to come back and figure this out together.
@delphiniumr_ : @notmason soon. I need to sort a few things out. ttfn. 

It has been an unbelievably long day for Del. She figured it was time for her to hit the hay as it was way pass her bedtime.  

send to: Calla Antonio 

"Call me first thing tomorrow. Del x"  

at 00.19 a.m.