10 Reasons Why Blogging is Brilliant.

1. Exposure to different opinions, cultures and lifestyles. Before blogging, I was completely oblivious to how people all over the globe lived. It’s really been quite interesting to learn about diversity in terms of humanity, really. Views that are entirely different than mine have certainly shaped my own with individual reasoning, and I find that I’m now more open-minded.

2. Potentially helping others out. Some people may choose to write useful articles that provide tips and pointers for certain subjects. In case you didn’t know, I run a series on my blog, called ‘Wishful Wednesday’, where I aim to give advice or talk about personal topics to stay in touch with my audience. Alternatively, if someone is going through a rough time, bloggers will never fail to provide a listening ear. I know this personally, as many of my blogger friends have had the patience to console me in my dark times.

3. Sense of accomplishment. There are aspects to blogging which I find rewarding, such as the enhancement of writing skills. Enough said. I, myself, do enjoy writing, and have adequately pursued this field of interest. Taking my own photos and putting out original content takes effort, and knowing that people out there appreciate it is overwhelming. Overall, I feel that blogging is a truly productive outlet if you have free time.

4. Online documentation of your life. This was the initial reason I started blogging. I had wanted a time capsule that could never be accidentally erased, so I turned to a private blog. However, the evolution from my old blog to LUCID STARS has been tremendous, yet I don’t regret it one bit. I’d like to think of this as a personal portfolio of all the little happenings in my life. It’s reminiscent to look back and see how you’ve progressed over the years.

5. An understanding, friendly community who can relate. I am not kidding, every blogger I know is extremely polite. Also, socialise! You never know who you could be friends with. I’ve gained some valuable friends over the blogosphere, all of which are just fantastic people I’ve gotten the opportunity to know.

6. Versatility with your designated area of interest. Blogging can be about anything really. You can blog about cooking, lifestyle, DIYs, reviews, books, movies, religion, beliefs, fashion and style etc. The possibilities are endless. Because blogging is so flexible, it also attracts readers to your blog who think similarly as you do. From there, you know that you aren’t alone.

7. A form of expression, to find out who you are. Whenever I was ever required to fill out a description about myself, my mind would go blank. After months of blogging, I’ve gradually come to terms with who I am as a person. I’d reflect on my past posts, and realise all the qualities that make me.

8. Increase in confidence levels. I find that with blogging, I am now more open to putting myself out there. Now that I blog for a public audience, I am certainly more careful of what I submit in a post. Other than that, it’s great because people give me feedback on what I write, and I feel a sense of accomplishment towards my blog. This representation of my life and personality have improved my self-esteem by tenfold. I’ve worked towards making short videos as well, so that’s a good way to work on my public speaking.

9. For promotional/career aspects. Personally I’m not entirely up for the idea of monetizing this blog, but I know many others possess their blogs for business purposes. To each their own, I suppose. This is quite a popular reason as to why bloggers are booming. I felt the need to include this for obvious reasons.

10. You will definitely have fun. There are so many intriguing posts you can write, that will be to the entertainment of someone. Creativity really shines through when it comes to blogging, I reckon. I haven’t had as much fun with any other hobby. So whether you’re having a bad day at school/work, there will always be blogs with new content for you to read. That’s what helps me to unwind on most days.

In short, blogging is just a simply brilliant experience. If you’re thinking of starting, or you are an experienced blogger, I hope you’re now convinced of the lovely privileges that come with blogging.

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Speech on homosexual rights.

  Hey everyone, this post was requested by an anonymous asker on my Ask.fm. I apologise for the delay, and I hope that my speech may still be able to enlighten the friend of the anon. I do realise this is a very controversial topic, and my fierce argumental speech was merely for a school assignment/presentational purposes. Though I, in fact, feel very strongly about homosexual rights; I don't mean to offend anyone, especially my religious blogger friends, and if I do I'm sorry.

  We all have different views on homosexuality; I am one of the two-thirds of Australians who support homosexual rights. Though, we all need to start thinking this way.

  Allow me to introduce the basics. Homosexuality is defined as sexual desire or behaviour directed towards a person of one’s own sex. In our society, there has been a political and religious battle between whether it is right or wrong. Heavily religious people like to believe that homosexuality is forbidden, and engaging in it will ultimately defy the laws of nature. (Well they’re incorrect; homosexuality is naturally practised by 1,500 animal species.) In short, those against it simply think that homosexuality is sick and wrong.

  But allow me to tell you what is truly sickening; these humans are willing to look down on their own kind due to another’s mere differences. What people fail to realise is that your sexuality simply does not influence your personality. Refusing to see someone for who they are because of their sexuality is classified as discrimination. Other factors like race, size, and other physical qualities are grouped under discrimination too. People are becoming more accepting towards these qualities, and gradually have come to see that homosexuality is indifferent. For those who agree with me, I salute you.

  Let’s say you have a brother or sister who’s come out to you and your parents, looking to be accepted. The truth may be harsh for you, but they are part of your family and you love them unconditionally. You will get over the fact that they are different when it comes to their sexuality, as they are the same person you’ve known for years.

  That is the message that needs to be portrayed. Love overcomes all. Shouldn’t this apply to homosexual couples too? Intervening with the romantic bond between two perfectly happy homosexual individuals is wrong. In case you didn’t know, ‘gay’ literally means ‘happy.’ I was at the Atrium Buffet the other day, and I saw two gay men holding hands. They weren’t ashamed; they were smiling and genuinely proud of their sexuality. I thought, ‘Yes, this is exactly what we need more in our world. Peaceful, content relationships instead of the growing violence we face today.’

  Here’s another example. Compare these two couples: two homosexual individuals who have been in a committed relationship for a decade, and a man and a woman who have had a one night stand in a drunken blur. Let’s be completely honest. Who deserves marriage more?

  You see, being homophobic is like fearing rain; you need water to survive but you’re afraid of a little drizzle. The exact same thing goes for love. Homosexuality is just a variation of love.

  To those not convinced, you’re entitled to your opinion, as others are to theirs. You are attracted to someone of the opposite sex, and others may be interested in members of their own sex. The fact that they want to pursue their homosexual relationship involves them only. If you look down upon them, you stand to gain nothing from your disapproval. So please, do tell me, what the innocent, homosexual people have ever done to you.

  A study by Life Site News shows that homosexual teens are five times more likely to attempt suicide. This is because the hatred some homosexual people receive is unbearable. Thousands of homosexual people commit suicide due to such spiteful comments and behaviour of others. Alive or not, people should never have to deal with such discrimination. Homosexual people are still people.

  Here’s a quote that puts things into perspective: “Why is it that, as a culture, we are more comfortable seeing two men holding guns than holding hands?” - Ernest Gaines

  At the end of the day, you need to realise that we are in the 21^st century. Equality will prevail, and I will be here supporting homosexual rights. Don’t fight homosexuality, embrace it.

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Get to Know Me Tag!

  Ah, finally a Wishful Wednesday post. I've really been looking forward to these, and I have a surprise in store for all of you next week. So I've been gingerly observing my Bloglovin' feed for the past few days, and it's safe to say I've been inspired by Erin. She's mentioned the start of a new post series called 'Tell Me About Yourself.' It's a fantastic idea, more details are available here. 

  Because of that, I've liked the idea about this tag I've kept in my drafts. I'll just be doing it for this week's post, before I launch myself into the upcoming school holidays. Bear with me!

Vital Stats:
Name - Rachel.
Nicknames - Haley (used to call myself that, I know, wow)
Birthday - 25th October.
Place of Birth - Western Australia.
Star sign - Scorpio.
Occupation - Currently a high school student.

Appearance:
Hair colour - Black.
Hair length - Medium/long thanks to layers.
Eye colour - Brown, and it's very distinct in bright lighting.
Best feature - My full lips or eye colour.
Braces - I'll be getting them soon!
Piercings - Regular ear piercings.
Tattoos - Nope, but I want one very bad. Three outlined stars on my left hip.
Righty or Lefty - Righty.

Firsts:
Best friend - Katrina, from NSW.
Award - I think I got an award for it being my birthday.. Talk about best school ever.
Sport - Can't recall.
Real Holiday - Snow sledding at Blue Mountains in New South Wales.
Concert - Haven't been to one yet.

Favourites:
Film - Hmm, The Notebook. Typical of the female species.
TV Show - How I Met Your Mother, The Simpsons, Modern Family, What Would You Do?, Whose Line Is It Anyway?
Colour - Maroon or magenta.
Song - Kids by Two Door Cinema Club.
Restaurant - Ciao Italia, it's pretty exclusive.
Store - Most clothing or lolly stores.
Book - If You Could See Me Now by Cecelia Ahern. A timeless favourite.
Magazine - Dolly.
Shoes - Dr Martens 1490 Cherry Red Smooth :)

Currently:
Feeling -  Regretful for not approaching someone.
Single or Taken - Single
Eating - nothing.. yet.
Listening to - Remember My Name by Two Door Cinema Club
Thinking about - how I could ask someone something.
Watching - Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (oh the childhood memories)
Wearing - A GAP t-shirt and pyjama shorts. 

Future:
Want Children - Perhaps. If so I'll be naming my daughter Azalea/Azalae, and my son Evan.
Want to be married - Same as above.
Careers in mind - (click here)
Where do you want to live - somewhere tranquil and close to nature, with urbanisation not too far away.

Do you believe in:
God - Yes, but I'm not religious.
Miracles - Definitely. They happen every single day.
Love at first sight - Yep, though it would be rare.
Ghosts - I'd like to use the word 'spirits'.
Aliens - Yes, it would be selfish to think we're the only life forms in the universe!
Soul Mates - Without a doubt.
Heaven - Not sure.
Hell - Not sure.
Kissing on the first date - Why not? If you two share something great, then go for it.
Yourself - On most occasions, hahah.


  I tag everyone and anyone! Have yourself a lovely day, y'all. x

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