There's nothing a nice little cuppa can’t fix. Which confirms God knew exactly what he was doing when he created herbs. Take this cup of camomile tea for instance, it’s a little bit of calmness in a mug. Whether I’m preparing for the day ahead or winding down at the end of the day, a nice cup of tea is my often my go-to-fix. If ever a mug can say 'keep calm and carry on' this would be it!

Looking out the window of my carriage, I locked eyes with this bench. Yes, a bench! I didn’t know why I felt compelled to take the picture, but something about it resonated with me. So, with a single click, I took a picture and thought that was the end of it. But later on, as I looked through the pictures I had taken earlier in the day, there it was again, the bench.

Institinctively, the song by Luther Vandross flowed through my mind, ’ A chair is still a chair, even when there’s no one sitting there…’Could this be the reason why I had to take the picture? I reminisced about recent events and the back-to-back negative images surrounding us and immediately realised what the bench signified.

Basically, it was a reminder that whether there’s someone sitting on that bench or not, it’s function remains the same, to let people seat. Likewise, no matter what difficulties life throws our way, as long as we have breath, we ought to keep keeping on. Because difficulties, no matter how intense, won’t last a life time. It will eventually pass.

Life as we know, is filled with hills and valleys and the knowledge acquired  whilst climbing one hill, can prepare the way for the next hill you are going to climb. So, whaterever you’re going through, stay resilient, ask for help if you need to and eventually you will overcome it if you don’t give up.

Literally no stone was left unturned by storm Darcy. Whoever named it Darcy is clearly a huge romantic with a possible fondness for the work of late author Jane Austen. Makes me want to watch ‘Pride and Prejudice’ all over again eventhough I only watched it a short while ago!

Doesn’t this frosty window look like rain suspended in motion?

As a new dawn beckons, I wonder what would happen if, I do away with unnecessary expectations and instead, look forward to taking baby steps inplace of giant leaps? Or make a  conscientious effort to take each day as it comes and savouring each moment each day brings? Or better yet, what would happen, if I let go of absolutely everything that’s out of my control and let God take the reins? This is the principle I would like to embrace this year even if I fall along the way.

To be hopeful of the future; be patient in the midst of any affliction and to continue to pray, no matter what life brings my way, is all I can ask for in the new year. Looking back, last year taught me the importance of encouraging myself and others, which led to the 'Lift up project' that you see in my post below. I hope to keep learning and developing in this area, as we all need encouragement from time to time and it does wonders for one's wellbeing.

I wish you all, a fresh new start in the coming year and sincerely pray you have a hopeful new year!

Luv,
Kemi West xx

Having this photography exhibition in a public space like the station, is much needed. Something to distract the mind from the chaos and let it wander to the most beautiful of sceneries or places!

This Ginger drink is the perfect way to keep the winter cold at bay. It's like a warm hug in a mug! All you need is:

• 1/2 teaspoon of grated fresh ginger
• 1 teaspoon of raw honey
• 1/4 teaspoon of turmeric (optional)- this was purely for my enjoyment and is not necessary!
  

Steps:

• Let the ginger steep in a cup of hot water for 15-20 minutes
• Add the raw honey
• Relax and enjoy your drink!

We all need to have hope (mine is in Christ), that all will be well. This artwork by Mark Titchner is a reminder  for us to have hope and not give up in this testing times.