Just because you’re down, it doesn’t mean you will stay there forever

I really enjoy giving advice and I love listening to people. I can safely say I’m a good listener, one who doesn’t like speaking much themselves , but is more than happy to listen to others. That’s why it often happens that friends, co-workers or members of my family turn to me for advice; they know their troubles will stay safe with me, because I have no need or desire to break their trust. I oftentimes find myself on the other side of the river, when I might need some advice, but I’m afraid to ask, or rather, I’m never sure if I want to solve the matter myself, or if I need help. It’s interesting, how I always advise others to let it all out and open up to people they trust, but I find it difficult following this advice myself. Oftentimes, what bothers me is unconstructive criticism, which usually comes from people full of empty words and cynicism, and not those who wish you well. A true friend should definitely sense the line and feel where the other person’s intimate space is, the person they’re close to, and never, ever cross that line. I think it’s key to respect the secret gardens that lie deep within us, the space where we wish nobody but ourselves to be in.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

So, when I’m in doubt and need advice, the first thing I do is focus on the issue, because it often happens that difficult situations cloud our thoughts and prevent us from seeing the problem from the right perspective. Unfortunately, the brain works by constantly mincing things, which makes it able to magnify the issue to the point where we’re left completely clueless. And that is the moment, when you need to let it go for at least 24 hours, which will, I ensure you, calm things down significantly, but most importantly, you’ll be able to look at them in a new way. When you’re in a difficult situation, think of someone who went through every possible trouble, swam in the middle of the most restless ocean; there are so many people like that, and that’s why we always hear about success stories ‒ to lift our spirit and let us know that things can turn around quickly in life, and if you’re down, it really doesn’t mean you will stay down forever. Far from it. Keep someone close by, who knows how to listen. They aren’t as easily found, but these are key people, because they will enable you to release the bad energy without judgement, which is also very important.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

I like hearing several opinions, while keeping in mind that life always offers more than one choice, and the situations with only one exit are truly rare. However, in the end I know I will make the choice independently, without other people’s voices in my mind and with a pure heart. I read somewhere that the voice of our heart is the most sincere one, but it’s sometimes so soft and quiet we barely notice it. We usually choose our own path, which is why it’s so important to do so free of outside pressure. So, if you need time, take it, if you need peace, go to a quiet place, and if you need change, allow it to happen. Listen to yourself, because you already have all the answers, it is just that life can get so loud you forget about the inner child, who one way or another, knows everything and always shows you the right way. Learn to say Thank you, because gratitude is quite important; I don’t particularly like those who keep complaining about the same old situation and say they can’t find a way out. The truth is, they don’t want to. When you make a decision, everything falls into place, you don’t need many conversations and confirmations that you’re doing the right thing; things will happen naturally, as they should.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Women usually have strong intuition and know or feel distinctly, what’s best. Life often makes us face big decisions and I sincerely believe we can do more than men. Perhaps we can differentiate between the heart and the mind, which makes us the world champions in life slalom and in looking for the right solutions. So use words, you will be able to solve many issues with them, and learn to put hard feelings aside, because they help no one; it’s just accumulating negative energy, which will get you nowhere. Trust yourself. Trust yourself so deeply, sincerely and unconditionally, as if there was a best friend inside you, and you know she won’t give you the wrong advice. Remember that people come and go, which is also true in love, but you are the one who will stay forever. Being by yourself really means spending time in the best company, so take good advantage of these moments, dive deeply and get to know yourself better. The right advice and consequently the right decision will come sooner than you think.

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

Photo and make-up: Biljana Babic

I know you have many obligations, like perfect women who would need many lives to make everything run perfectly. Now stop and give yourself a hug, because you have certainly done a lot in your life and everything will be as it should be in the end.