#inspirational

Oh, I’ve heard a thousand stories of what they think you’re like
But I’ve heard the tender whisper of love in the dead of night
And you tell me that you’re pleased
And that I’m never alone

You’re a Good, Good Father
It’s who you are, it’s who you are, it’s who you are
And I’m loved by you
It’s who I am, it’s who I am, it’s who I am

Oh, and I’ve seen many searching for answers far and wide
But I know we’re all searching
For answers only you provide
Cause you know just what we need
Before we say a word

Cause you are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways
You are perfect in all of your ways to us

Oh, it’s love so undeniable
I, I can hardly speak
Peace so unexplainable
I, I can hardly think

As you call me deeper still
Into love, love, love

By Your spirit I will rise
From the ashes of defeat
The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me

In Your name I come alive
To declare your victory

The resurrected king
Is resurrecting me

The tomb where soldiers watched in vain
Was borrowed for three days
His body there would not remain
Our God has robbed the grave
Our God has robbed the grave

Your name
Your name
Is victory
All praise
Will rise
To Christ our king

By Your spirit I will rise

Memories of You

I find myself sitting in a cafe late at night after working for one too many hours missing him.

Passionate Wings Of Emotion

Words by Marie Verheul // Photography by Ashley Sharma.

Listen While Reading: Two Fingers // Jake Bugg

Nostalgia is a funny thing. It ground us where we are, all the while granting our memories permission to flutter on wings in every direction. These passionate wings take our hearts on pre lived adventures, revealing to us the tumultuous life we once cherished.

Happy days spent laughing, exploring new places, listening to the distant delight of forgotten youth bubble up inside. While moments of pure agony, heart in hand, hand in rocky shores, get put into perspective, reflected on, ultimately becoming nothing more than paper emotions.

Those times of reminiscence surprise me the most when I return seeking the refuge of my safe haven after a busy day. There’s something infinitely comforting about sitting alone in a dark bedroom, familiar belongings casting shadows into foreign lands, leaving a place for my imagination to flourish. It’s in this place I begin to seek, its within these walls I find my feet.

I recently returned from a 5-month road trip across New Zealand. Nostalgia creeps upon me often, and I find myself smiling at all the beautiful people I encountered, at the marvelous creation I breathed in. I try to remember every bump in the road, and on bad days it softens my heart to remember the good times I had. Enjoying night swims in the soft ocean, hiking up beautiful mountains before the sun breaks high, baking hot cookies to the soft beat of the 1975…

Life is a roller coaster, constantly ripping our souls up and down one day at a time. But without bad days we can’t fully appreciate the beauty of good one’s. So experience the world, make new friends, and don’t be afraid of nostalgia. It only reminds us of how blessed we are, what happiness we have achieved and how far we have come.

© 2015 Reef Magazine

7 Important Reminders To Live a Happier Life

Words by Sam Budiartho // Photography by Kelly Green.

1. STOP COMPARING YOURSELF TO OTHERS

I was always jealous, and ungrateful of my own appearance and body when I came across a Victoria Secret model’s Instagram. But I realised that we’re all different people; we have different goals, ambitions, souls, and brains. You are not the same as anyone else, so how is it possible to compare two completely different souls?  Remember that, you are not any less or more of a person than anyone. Even with celebrities, they have their downfalls too, don’t idolise anyone, because they are just as complicated.

2. PAIN IS ONLY FOR THE BEST

Take this time to reflect on yourself, have you ever learned anything without a mistake? Everything a person has learned/discovered, from biking to relationships, is based off bruised butts and heartbreaks. All in all, you wouldn’t even know the feeling of happiness without sadness. From this day on, remember that sadness is temporary and that this event in your life is necessary to help you grow into a stronger person. There is hope for everyone, no matter the circumstance.

3. RELY ON YOURSELF

Has your best friend ever stabbed your back? Well, no matter how long your best friend has been by your side, they are human. We all make mistakes, and unintentionally hurt others around us with our own demons. Remember, no one can be a better friend to you than yourself. There will be a moment in life where you’ll be surrounded by a sea of people, but still feel incredibly alone. Becoming friends with yourself will slowly remove this uncomfortable anxiety. Take your time, to stop relying on others and start relying on yourself.

4. DON’T DESPISE SOMEONE WITHOUT KNOWING THEIR STORY

It’s extremely rare to still hate someone, after knowing their side of the story. All of us have our own stories and perspectives, before jumping into conclusions, try to understand them. And maybe even then, after knowing their story, you could still disagree with their actions. Just remember that, they/you are always learning and growing, it’s important to forgive them and yourself. Disagreeing and shaming are not the same concept, do not treat them as if they are synonyms.

5. WEED OUT THE NEGATIVITY

Have you ever had a sleepover with a friend, and after laughing so much, your laugh started mimicking theirs? This is a parallel concept, hanging around negative people who gossip 24/7, talk behind backs, and bring a pessimistic atmosphere, will rot your personality (kind of like putting a ripe apple right next to a rotten banana, in a full day, the apple mirrors the spoiled fruit). Fill your life with friends and people who bring a positive aura.

6. TREAT EVERYONE AS YOUR LOVED ONES

These days, compliments are perceived as flirting, and a random act of kindness are speculated to be a manipulative act. When did the world get so messed up? Treat the strangers you meet with kindness, you don’t know them, or what they’re dealing with. I know that I love the warm feeling I get when a stranger smiles or engages in a genuine small talk with me. You are not only benefiting others but yourself, being kind and accepting is medicine to your own body.

7. DO YOUR BEST AND THE BEST WILL COME RIGHT BACK TO YOU

I’m sure you’ve heard of this one, remember, no pain no gain! You deserve to live your happiest life, so please try your best to hold onto these seven golden reminders. Karma will come back to reward you very soon, I promise.

© 2015 Reef Magazine

Being Mindful

Words by Kristina S. // Photography by Kelly Green.

We are born with five powerful senses so that we are capable of seeing, hearing, smelling, tasting, and touching the world we live in. We use our five senses on a daily basis, but we don’t always do so mindfully.

Being mindful in our environment is so important. It enables us to experience the world in a whole new way. Psychologists have studied the impact of mindfulness and found that people who practice mindfulness and meditation on a daily basis are happier overall than people who don’t.

The best part of practicing mindfulness is that it’s so easyand so rewarding. All you have to do is consciously use your five senses to draw yourself into the present moment.

When you wake up in the morning, embrace the feel of your silky sheets against your bare skin. Once you’re out of bed, stretch. Reach your arms as far above your head as you can, feel the stretch in your arms, and then bend down to touch your toes and feel the tightness in your hamstrings.

Make your way to the kitchen to prepare a beautiful, nutritious breakfast. Breathe in the fresh smell of strongly brewed coffee and feel the warm steam from the cup float to your nostrils as you pour in way too much cream. Fry some eggs and bacon in a pan and listen closely as they crackle and sizzle over the heat. As you eat, pay close attention to the crunch of the bacon and the texture of the eggs as you chew each bite. Count the number of times you chew before you swallow. As you appreciate every flavor and texture of each ingredient, you’ll realize how wonderful mindful eating can be.

After a long day, go for a walk outside. Listen as your feet scrape the pavement, leaves crunch beneath your feet, and dogs bark from inside their homes. Feel the warmth of the sun on your skin and take in the fresh air. Notice how bright the sun shines, how fluffy the clouds appear in the sky and the smell of fresh-cut grass.

Take a break from your homework and take ten deep breaths. Pay close attention to the way your chest rises and falls with each breath. Notice how pure it feels to breathe so deeply. Close your eyes and pay attention to nothing except for your breath.

Being mindful will allow you to experience the beauty and wealth of the world we live in. Start with baby steps, like practicing meditation for five minutes when you wake up, snacking mindfully between meals or acknowledging the beads of water that form on your belly in the shower. Happiness is all around us, you just have to take it all in.

© 2015 Reef Magazine.

Welcome the new year with open minds and open hearts. There is always much to learn from the past that we can carry to the future but only pack the essentials, if you cant carry your luggage you’ll miss your train.

)o( Blessed be )o(

Determined imagination, thinking from the end, is the beginning of all miracles #nevillegoddard
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The best way to take care of the future is to take care of the present moment #thichnhathanh
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Welcome January 2022 ♥️✨
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Merry Cosmos and Happy No Fear ♥️
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Some Monday motivation!