opinion vs judgement

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I like to think that as I've grown older and (hopefully) matured, I've become less judgemental and more accepting. It's clear to me now that the unnecessary judgements I used to pass on others were mostly born out of insecurity and low self-esteem, that I had disguised as simply being strong opinions. It's easy to step over that line.

The thing is, I wholly believe that having opinions, especially strong ones, is something essential. To stay true to our own beliefs, the way we want to live, the things we are passionate about - those should never be taken away from us and we shouldn't feel the need to bend and mould to the opinions of others. It only leaves a bad taste in my mouth when cutting remarks are uttered without really acknowledging whether it's a constructive point of view, or whether it's just a quick act of putting someone down for their own choices/beliefs/opinions. It's common knowledge that we are all different, we all dream our own goals and have our own values, and as long as whatever they are aren't a source of harm or detrimental to others, shouldn't they be accepted for what they are?

I don't claim to be innocent of this - of course I find myself letting words out sometimes before I realise my intention. And I also worry about the opposite, that in my effort to be the least judgemental that I can be, I could be putting my own values and morals aside to try and understand those of others.

This doesn't stem from any one conversation or myself feeling judged - it's just something I've noticed and am pondering about lately. I suppose it's always a work in progress.

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charlie & the chocolate factory: the musical

When the idea came up to go and see the musical of Charlie & the Chocolate Factory as part of a hen party recently, I was up for giving it a go but didn't really know what to expect. I'm not sure why I was so sceptical of it, since I love both movies based on this favourite classic, but I suppose it's the typical protective feeling you have of a childhood story you grew up with. I actually learnt to read and understand English reading Roald Dahl books, so they definitely hold a very special place in my bookworm-y heart.

Anyway, I wasn't even planning to talk about it on the blog, but it would be a crime not to since a) this blog is supposed to talk about interesting places to go and see in London, which is something this surely is, and b) because it was SO GOOD! That's right, the caps are coming out.

The set was creative but not too overwhelming, the kids were fantastic, the songs were funny and the whole story just flowed beautifully. After all these years, it reminded me of the simple sweetness that lies within so many of RD's books, and it really is a show for all ages.

We were sat very high up on the balcony, and although we were definitely far from the stage and occasionally had trouble seeing an actor or two at the front of the stage, it was good for the price bracket and I didn't feel I missed too much at all.

I'm a huge fan of musicals anyway, but usually favour the all-American typical broadway stuff (The Producers, Showboat, Anything Goes, etc.). This was something different and well worth seeing - if you have family or friends visiting London this summer, this could be a good activity as it would accommodate the young ones too.

The theatre scene in London is really something special, and I'm so glad I discovered another gem!

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the happy list :: june 2014

all photos from my Instagram!

I thought that I'd try and start a little monthly series, where I share a few of my favourite things from the past month. Ready?

Read: The Sense of an Ending by Julian Barnes, reviewed here. 

Watched: More football than I've watched in the last 4 years. Always the way with me - not in the least interested in football, and then when the World Cup comes around I'm like a possessed fanatic. Of course I've also been following Wimbledon too, but that's every year without fail. I used to live in Wimbledon and went to the tournament several times when I lived close by - I'm determined to go next year!

Ate: Polpo. Favourite meal out this month.

Clicked: Kelven's absolutely beautiful website/blog, Les Petites Choses. I think I discovered his site a while ago through a comment he left, and it is just full of the most exquisite photos. He has a travelog and foodielog, and you're bound to find something you love in his posts. I find myself just perusing through the archives and wishing I could take photography lessons from him. Please have a look!

Listened: Coldplay's A Sky Full of Stars. I'm quite enjoying the whole album, actually.

Wore: My navy blue Zara mini city bag. For a faux-leather bag, it looks and feels a lot more expensive that it is and it holds just the right amount so I don't overstuff it with crap! If I could justify it, I would snap up the red version in a heartbeat, and the slightly different black one is beautiful too. 

Visited: Geneva, Switzerland. It was technically a working trip, but I stayed in a beautiful home with lovely people and was taken on a quick drive to Lake Geneva and a nearby market too. 

Ran: 83.1 kilometres. I ran 10K for the first time at the beginning of June, and did another one later on in the month, which made me very happy! I'm now trying to improve my time and still build up my endurance.

Cooked: Ok, so it's not really cooking, but those peanut butter cups need to be made again and soon.  

Celebrated: The engagement of C & J, who I've mentioned multiple times on this blog! They are two of our closest friends and I really couldn't be happier for them. Two of my best girlfriends are now engaged - fun times ahead!

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