Dear Me In 2016...

Dear me in 2016,

We're only one month into 2016 and yet you are different. It's incredible how quickly change can happen. Some friendships fall like shooting stars whilst others blossom from the earth. Okay, enough cheesy metaphors. Basically you've undergone some change over the last month so I'm here to tell you how not to screw your shit up this year.

First of all, you have got a pretty good thing going with your health just now. You are working out 4 - 5 times a week and you are no longer snacking like you used to. It makes a difference...a very noticeable difference...DON'T STOP. Right now you are feeling very good about yourself, keep that feeling!

Recently you seem to be having some motivation kick. I don't know if it's because of prelims or you've just been watching really inspiring youtube videos...doesn't matter. Either way, you are working out, studying and actually being productive again. Don't you dare stop! Find ways to motivate yourself be it youtube, blogs or even leaving yourself sticky notes if you're desperate.

Just say yes. There are so many opportunities out there, take full advantage of them! Even if it's something you don't think you can do TRY anyway. You will be amazed by what you can achieve. Recently you have been taking part in a lot of courses and talking to a lot of interesting people and it's been amazing. You've made so many contacts and improved your skills a lot, that's incredible, good job me.

Do the things you want to. You actually have a lot of ambition. Stop daydreaming and start doing! Learn how to play that guitar, take those singing lessons, go to those yoga classes or even more basic if you want to do something, ARRANGE it. Don't wait for someone else to do something for you. You can do it.

Finally, just make sure you're looking after yourself. Remember to remind those around you how much you love them and remember to love yourself. Above all, just have an incredible year you'll remember. Okay, I'm done being an agony aunt now, just don't screw it up!

'Room' Movie Review

Based on Emma Donoghue's original novel, 'Room' has appeared in cinemas starring Brie Larson (Joy)  and Jacob Tremblay (Jack). In the publicity, it was portrayed as a happy-go-lucky film which focuses on the amazing experiences of young boy and his mother after escaping from captivity.


In contrast, the film itself focuses on the struggle to maintain relationships and mental health. A large quantity of it is set inside the room itself and highlights Joy's physical and emotional deterioration. The plot contains dark themes such as abuse, suicide and broken relationships which coincide with the uplifting, joyous tone mainly featured in the second half.


Throughout the film, there are several plot lines which are abandoned leaving the audience with little sense of closure in those areas. Whilst overall the music is exceptional and complimented the scenes, there are instances where the music appears too orchastrated for an extremely intimate film. Furthermore, the drastic contrast between the actual film and how it was advertised could put an audience off as it may not be what they expect. However, Brie Larson and Jacob Tremblay give absolutely outstanding performances, the emotion is so raw and they often appeared truly vulnerable. The cinematography is incredible, allowing the audience to view the world from Jack's perspective be it good, bad or not understood and the plot explores the physcological effect, not just of being in captivity but the aftermath as well, which is rare to see.


Overall, despite misleading advertising and minor plot holes, 'Room' is a capturing, emotional film demonstrating how trauma can effect an individual and their relationships with others. Larson and Tramblay give unmissable performances and I hope to see them in more. Finally, congratulations and respect to Lenny Abrahamson, director, for taking such a delicate issue and turning it into a thought provoking, well constructed film.