Take a risk, enjoy your life #MOTIVATIONSUNDAY

"Take a risk" How often have I heard or read that sentence in the past? I can't even remember. I am pretty sure you will have come across is it just as often. Did you ever take it seriously? Do you ever actually apply this to your life and take risks? It probably depends on your character, whether you do or not.

An extrovert reading this is more likely to answer with a "yes", an introvert would probably answer "no". Without labelling myself to either of these sides, I would say that I never really applied that advice to my life. Taking a risk.

I am not really someone to take risks or be spontaneous. I love structure and I love having a plan. If my calculations say I don't have enough time to get myself a Bretzel, I am not going to get myself a Bretzel, even though I probably would have had more than enough time if I would have actually gone. Sorry, I can't seem to think of a better example. If I ever did take risks like that, I never did it knowingly, I guess.

Something changed a few days ago, when I was practically pushed to do something, and it ended up being the best decision I could have made. We got our friend a skydive experience for her 18th birthday, and I was half an hour away from where it was happening, unsure of when she would set off. I messaged with someone who was already there, and I was convinced that I wouldn't make it, because she was already dressed and everything, ready to set off.

But my parents didn't let me stay. They somehow actually managed to talk me into trying to get there in time. The thing is, I don't like taking risks, but I do love challenges. So I legit put on Harry's album on full volume and sang along to it for the whole journey, and went off. I didn't drive as calmy and "slow" as I would have usually done, but I made it. I believed in myself and pushed myself, trying to think positively, that I would actually make it. 

I literally got there when her plane had just set off into the sky, aka I had come in the exact perfect moment because I took a risk. If I wouldn't have gone, I am pretty sure I would have regretted it later, because I would have felt like I had missed out on something so cool. I took a risk by driving there. Maybe I would have gotten there and it would have all been over already. But it wasn't. I came just in time because I tried. To be honest, I would have been pretty pissed at myself if I would have taken the risk and NOT gotten there in time, and that probably would have not make me take any risk in the sooner future either. But that day just made me realize how important it is to take risks from time to time.

Yes, taking a risk might mean failing from time to time, but isn't that what's going to happen at some point either way? Nothing will always go right and the way you want it to. But it's the same the other way around. Taking a risk, doesn't mean it's going to go wrong. It might be just the right decision.

I am not saying you should do something dangerous or illegal. But you should push yourself from time to time, and try something new. Don't live in the same old patterns. Not everything has to be planned out and end up perfectly. Things will never go a hundred percent like you planned them. Stop taking it the comfortable way at all times.

Taking the risk might just be the right choice, and really bring you forward. Yes, it might not. But never taking risks might not be the way to go at all times, either. Just try pushing yourself and doing something that you usually wouldn't do! Open your horizons to new things! It will be worth it - trust me!

I'm really sorry that today's blog post is pretty short and maybe not the best one I have ever done, but stay tuned, because starting next week you will be hopefully be spammed with some really awesome posts about something really really exiting, which I can't wait to share with you!

See you next week! Have a good day!

Love, Jacqueline Xx

Shawn Mendes Live: Illuminate World Tour

Welcome to a new post!

If you follow my social media, you might have seen that I went to the Shaw Mendes concert last Sunday in Oberhausen, and had the most magical time. As I love concerts, music and photography, and I feel like I am not the only one that loves staring at concert pictures of their favourite artists from time to time, I thought I would share my experience with you. Even though we didn't have the best seats in the arena, we still had the best time, and I guess that's what counts the most.

As we live around two and a half hours away from Oberhausen, we met around lunch time to have some food first. Afterwards we headed straight off towards the arena, obviously blasting Shawn through the speakers. The nice weather, the good music and chatting made the hours fly by quickly, even if I was driving the whole way. We spend some time walking around the arena, in the hopes of seeing something - but obviously, that didn't happen haha. Once we got into the arena we got to enjoy some really good music from the speakers, making the waiting time a little more enjoyable.

At 19.30, surprisingly punctual for a Brit (haha sorry, don't take this in a negative way - sometimes, I just to be a very stereotypical German 😂), Shawn's support act James TW started. I had had heard of him before, but not properly listened to him. Most of the people were showing no emotions towards his music, which I found a little sad, because I actually thought he was really good. I've still got a few of his songs stuck in my head and it's almost been a week since the concert, as I am writing this - a whole one, when you're reading this. Have a little listen yourself, if you like.

The build-up to Shawn was really well made. I always love that part, when you know the artist you came to see is just about to come out. I'd totally show you the whole video of it, but I can't really keep myself together when an artist starts a show with one of my current, favourite songs haha.

They also put a second stage, practically straight across the room in front of the lower blocks, where Shawn played about 3 or 4 songs, if I remember correctly. I'm really happy that they did put a second stage there, because otherwise we wouldn't have seen much more of Shawn, other than a teeny tiny figure at the other end of the room. It's also where I took some of my favourite shots from that night.

Is it only me that thinks it looks kinda cool, that you can't seen anyone or anything, but Shawn in these pictures?

We had a really fun day. It was such a good concert. Next time, I'll definitely have to get tickets that are closer to the stage, because the atmosphere of the people around you just seems a lot better.

I only wish merchandise would be less expensive, because the stuff that was designed by a fan was just so freaking pretty! She did a great job at those designs!

Concerts are one of my favourite things in the world. You are so lost in the music, that you can forget everything else that has been bothering you...and you can scream at the top of your lungs haha (not that I would ever do that... *cough*).

I'll definitely have to go and see Shawn again. He's so good live, and he's such a nice person. Pray for me, that he's going to the Summertime Ball and that I get tickets 😃.

I had planned on including a video full of the parts of the concert that you can't hear me screaming or singing in, but the cutting programs are all making it worse quality than it actually is. Let me know if you would still like to see it, and I'll upload it at some point next week!

Have you ever seen Shawn live? Or are you planning on seeing him live? I would definitely recommend going - you won't regret it! It's totally worth the money!

Have a great day ♥

Love, Jacqueline Xx

P.S. Please, do not use these pictures without my permission. Simply contact me if you want to use them. Thank you.