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Monday 27 April 2015

Motivational Monday || Control


Aloha Sprinklerinos,

Merry Monday! As this post publishes I will be on my way to the airport to attend a Google event in New York City. Oh my I feel flashy writing that!! 

I'm going to New York (for a Google event) with a mixture of fear and excitement. I've been to the Big Apple twice before. The first time was fine, very fast, not really a moment to stop and see anything and the second time was frankly, a disaster. I found the entire trip overwhelming and felt very much like I was on my own, even though I was surrounded by friends. I ended up throwing up and spending the rest of the day feeling very, very shaky. I talked about it here

(Image)

For a good few weeks I told everyone I would never go back to New York and that it was awful. So, with that in mind, what I'm about to say is going to sound entirely cray cray. Are you braced?

I'm letting my friend plan a surprise for me in New York. I'm giving someone else complete control whilst I'm in a place that is so far out of my comfort zone I don't even know if I won't vomit. And I like it. 

Say whaaaattt??

Yep. 

So, story time,  I hosted my American pal Drew last weekend whilst he was over on business and made sure to show him the most Englishy things I could think of (cream tea, the country side, rickety old pubs etc) and then it turned out that since we would both be in New York at the same time AND it will be my birthday, he would show me some nice places on his side of the ocean. Neat huh? In a fit of madness I said, 'Don't tell me anything, surprise me!'. I don't know why I decided to do that, I usually hate surprises, but this is my year to be brave and push the boundaries of my comfort zones somewhat. 

And there we have it. Only him and my Manager Maddie (who is like an extension of my brain so I know she won't let me go too wrong) know what I'm doing in my free time this week and I'm just letting it happen. 

It's REALLY scary not having control but I tell you what, it's REALLY liberating once you tell yourself to let go. My advice for you this week is to let yourself let go just the tiniest bit. If you're like me and you like to have 1000% say over everything, this will be a tricky concept but I think if you can even loosen the grip 1%, you will feel joyful for it. 

I know there is a risk that I won't like something or I will freak out in the new environment but I also know that I'm smart enough to solve most problems and have enough cash to jump in a cab back to my hotel at any point. 

I hope you will join me this week in letting go of things just the teeniest weeniest bit and that next week we can catch up. I'll tell you the surprise and you tell me what you did to allow control out, and joy in to you lives. 

I'm excited!! Are you?

Toodlepip!

xx



87 comments:

  1. Lovely post, so motivating! Love your writing style.

    Anika | www.anikamay.co.uk

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  2. Love it Louise!


    http://americanlifestylee.blogspot.com/

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  3. Aww this is a lovely post! I'm the type of person in group assignments where I like to have control... Not to be bossy or anything, but just because there is a grade at the end of it and I won't risk fluffing up an assignment! Big love from Australia :) Em xx

    http://edoublemamurray.blogspot.com.au/

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  4. I love your motivational mondays, Louise! They're so lovely to read, especially when most of us have to wake up really early on a Monday and face responsibility :) love you!
    http://romanblondie.blogspot.co.uk/

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  5. That is exciting! Gosh, I have such a thing about control but I also love to just pick a direction and wander in it! I have found some real gems in London just through aimless wandering! (I've also gotten slightly lost in Aldgate and just kept wandering till I found an underground station that could take me somewhere more familiar! I feel like there's a metaphor for life in this comment somewhere...)

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  6. Gosh how exciting! I hope you have a wonderful time.

    I remember the first time I went to New York, I hated it with a vengeance too. I was on my own, and I got super sick and no one would help me. I swore I would never go back. But then one day my partner persuaded me to go back for a dancing event, and we ended up getting engaged in Times Square. So it wasn't too horrible :P Definitely not my fave city though, its just too busy.

    - Sarah
    www.oh-so-kawaii.com

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  7. Wow well done Louise, complete bravery! I'm glad I read this Monday morning, maybe I can change my outlook a little bit this week. Thanks! :-)
    we rise & we fall | Poppy
    http://www.pr0binson.blogspot.co.uk
    xo

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  8. I would love to be on my way to NYC right now. Have a wonderful time.

    www.britishbeautyaddict.com

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  9. Your motivational posts brighten my otherwise dull monday mornings! Have a wonderful time in New York and enjoy the suprises! After all, I'm sure your friend has planned stuff for you to enjoy and not to vomit over ha ha.

    Leah xx

    leahpaige9xo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  10. Totally understand the feeling, and I really hope your surprise is even ore exciting whilst being in NYC! I watched Phil's live show so hopefully you'll have an amazing time together

    Lauren x
    Britton Loves | Lifestyle Food Beauty - www.brittonloves.co.uk

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  11. That sounds amazing! I hope you have a really wonderful time! I love that you are letting it all be a surprise, and I can't wait to hear all about it!
    Emily xx
    Emily May Designs

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  12. This is something I'm going to keep in mind as I always tend to stay in my comfort zone unless I know friends will be with me! ❤️

    dellalovesnutella.blogspot.co.uk

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  13. This post really resonates with me because I really love having control over situations, especially in my uni life which makes group presentations a bit of a nightmare. Recently I've been trying to reduce the amount I need to control things and it is really making me more relaxed everyday.

    fashionablyunknown.com

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  14. I love this so much! It definitely resonates with me, and I'm sure it will with a lot of other people too x

    www.mouseface.co.uk

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  15. I love this post so much, if I don't know what is happening or there is a sudden change in dynamicsbi get thrown off guard and panic but will definitely do this xx
    acuppaandahalf.blogspot.com

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  16. So so happy you're doing this Louise, that's really exciting! I am the same as you, always trying to control everything and freaking out if I'm not in control.

    Three weeks ago I went to a sort of internship and I stayed away from home for five days with total strangers (I shared a room with two of them as well). That was hella scary for me, but I was so so happy I managed to do it and push my limits! It went really well and I got my summer job :) What is more, I made A LOT of new friends. This experience really helped me loosen up a little bit and, even if I'm still scared about jumping into new situations like this, I want to keep pushing myself a little bit every now and then and hopefully things will get better :) I will totally follow your advice this week!

    You are doing great and I'm sure you will have fun in New York! Can't wait to hear everything about your trip and birthday surprise. Tomorrow's my birthday too by the way, that's so cool! Have fun and just keep your positive attitude going. You are an inspiration :) Thank you for sharing and have a good trip!

    Ps: say hi to your flight buddies for me! Just checked Instagram and you all look lovely :)

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  17. Same, same same! Love this x

    I also really love similar things people post on Mondays, just to motivate me for the week! Found a nice post on here, love reading these things x

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  18. Really love this post, thanks for sharing :) x

    http://msznev.blogspot.com.au

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  19. This does really resonate with me. I've been very scared to go out of my comfort zone. It has led to me missing some great opportunities. I hope everything does work out for you and that you enjoy yourself this time!

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  20. That's such a good idea, Louise. Whenever I'm in new surroundings or doing something I've never done before I tend to just go 'yeah, going home' and them I'm disappointed by myself. Even after doing 'big' things like going to uni, I still feel intimidated by the 'smaller' things like getting to a place not 100% knowing how to get there etc. and because I worry too much I end up not going at all. But it's getting better, the other day I had to send a parcel, went to the post office only to find out that it was shut and that the closest one was on a street I'd never even heard the name of. Given my poor sense of direction, finding that post office was really out of my comfort zone because I was worried about getting lost, but I pushed myself to just ask a few people on the street and followed their directions (and google maps haha). So I ended up walking around central london, discovering little cafés and shops I didn't know existed and managed to find that post office. And even though this sounds really silly, I was super proud of myself.

    So yeah, you're right, doing something tiny definitely helps!
    Have a great trip and birthday! :)

    blogjustabubble.blogspot.com

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  21. I'm so proud of you, Louise! This week exam revision starts and I'm trying something new for me...not stressing too much. I've always been a top-grade, study-all-the-time kind of person but since coming to study abroad in the UK, I've learned to live life a bit more...grades aren't all that matter! So while I'm obviously going to try hard and put in some time revising, I'm not going to let myself get worked up over it or shut my life down completely to study...wish me luck xxx
    www.tenpolkadotdresses.blogspot.com

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  22. I always look forward to these motivational Monday posts, they seem to always put a smile on my face.

    Beth x
    www.hellobeth.co.uk

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  23. I've just seen your instagram on the plane I wish I was joining you! I feel I am the complete opposite to you because I hate making decisions on my own and I'd rather someone else decide on everything for me which is also very frustrating aha but either way just remember to breath and I hope you have a lovely time :) xx

    http://crazycurlyytots.blogspot.co.uk/

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  24. Oh, I hope you have a lovely time Louise! Thank you as always for being so candid and open about your feelings about these sorts of things. Travelling can be such a source of anxiety for a lot of people.

    Rachel | www.currentlyrachel.com

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  25. That's a massive achievement to go from having such a terrible experience to then letting go of your control completely! You should be really proud of yourself!
    I wonder if I'd be able to do the same in that situation :S

    Theeverydaylifeofrachel.blogspot.co.uk

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  26. Another great motivational monday post Louise! I'm definitely going to let go this week :)

    VioletDaffodils
    xx

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  27. What a lovely motivational post! Letting go allows you to explore, relax, and be a bit more self-aware. It's pretty great :)

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  28. So brave of you to try something new Louise, definitely an inspiring post! I hope you enjoy your surprise!
    Sara x
    studs-on-saturday.blogspot.co.uk

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  30. I love your motivational monday posts, and this is definitely something I'll have to work on. I'm going to NYC next week though, so I'm excited!!

    theamandaway.blogspot.com

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  31. This is such an inspiring post! reading it put a smile on my face!!!xo

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  32. I love these posts! I have my driving test this week & I wish I could just let go & stop worrying about it, haha!x

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  33. Love this louise, so perfect

    check out my newest post
    xx
    Tyana
    cityofglitter.com

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  34. When it comes to vacations and things like that, I like not being in control, to an extent. Sometimes there are just a couple things that i just HAVE to do while I'm at a certain place so I'll take the initiative to fit them in. Other than that I like for other people to plan stuff and be in control because they are usually things I never would have thought of doing and it ends up being great. <3

    http://conkscanister.blogspot.com

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  35. Woo you go Louise! I hate being out of my comfort zone but I think it's great you're doing this. I'm planning on challenging myself too this summer so hopefully you'll report back good things about stepping out of your comfort zone. Good luck and enjoy New York!
    Katie x
    planet-blossom.blogspot.com

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  36. Good luck, I am sure you will have a lovely time:).. So jealous.. I want to go to New York haha. Just remember YOLO (cringey or what;)) but it is true take a chance in life.

    http://hiiexcist.blogspot.co.uk

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  37. Aww, Louise I think this is a cute idea.. and you will have so much fun!!

    xoxo Mollie
    www.molliebellezza.com

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  38. I hope you have an amazing time and love your surprise!
    Rubi | Instagram | The Den | http://www.the-den.blogspot.com

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  40. Louise I don't know if you'll see this but if you do I want to tell you that I absolutely love you and your channel and whenever I watch one of your vlogs I'm left wanting a hug from you. You're so gorgeous and you rock your glasses (I think I rock mine too but idk). I hope you have a fabulous time in New York! (ps if you ever come to San Diego I know a great tour guide) (hint: it's me)

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  41. Love your motivational monday posts, you are so inspiring x

    Alisha xx
    http://alishaxa.blogspot.co.uk

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  42. thank you for posting this it's a really inspiring blogpost i love that,
    and i'm really jealous that you're going to New York! ;)
    i hope you will have an amazing and fun time there!!

    http://featuregirly.blogspot.com

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  43. New York City is wonderful, I was there over the Christmas Break and it was my first time. Thankfully I was with my boyfriend who drove me around and showed me all the sights like a personal tour guide, which I was super thankful for! Other than that I would have been a lost tourist wandering the streets having no idea where to go and it probably would have made my trip mostly unbearable.

    The only downside for me was the amount of people that were there over the Christmas Holidays, I've never been to a city before that has been so insanely chaotic, there were parts where I literally couldn't move on the streets and you had to push past everyone, which I felt awful about doing but it was either that or stay in the same spot for hour haha! Hopefully for this trip it will be less busy (as less busy as NYC can be that is) and you get to breeze through without wanting to internally scream at how chaotic it is.

    I really hope you get to experience all the wonderful things NYC has to offer this time and I hope you have a wonderful birthday in the Big Apple too! Good for you for letting your sense of control loosen up, there are so many great things that can happen once you let go even for just a little while :)

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  44. Have an amazing relaxing time x
    molliemacsween123456.blogspot.co.uk

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  45. This is so true. I like to feel in control myself, and have been doing it more and more over the past years... and it's frustrating sometimes! But I'm working on letting go gradually and letting things just happen! Loved this post x

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  46. http://makeupandproducts.blogspot.co.uk
    please looks at my blog and share with others x

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  47. I loved your blog for ages and I just recently started a one by myself so if you wouldn't mind, could you check it? Thank you xx rachelbellebeauty.blogspot.com.es

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  48. Great advice Louise. I'm starting a new project on my blog, 'A Very British Collection.' It's mostly for me, but if others enjoy it that's a great surprise. Enjoy New York (channel your inner Jim Chapman!)

    Phill
    http://www.lifeandlemons.co.uk/2015/04/a-very-british-collection.html

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  49. I know that feeling, I'm such a control freak too! I don't know why but whenever people try to help me or do something for me I never trust them because I feel like they won't do it properly or the way I would do it. And I always end up doing it all by myself, especially when it comes to group projects or presentations and stuff like that. That is kinda stupid of me because it doesn't make things easier and it simply means more work for me. Your post somehow just made me realise that, so thank you!

    Have a lovely time in New York! xxx


    I just made a blogpost about What to do if you don't know what to do with your life. I give some advice because I think there a lot of people who are leaving school soon and feel like that at the moment. It would make me really happy if you checked it out! Thanks xxx

    http://www.fadingneverland.blogspot.de

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  50. I'm actually really glad you've decided to give New York another chance! I'm the opposite though! I love LOVE suprises! Unless they involve me getting hurt or being scared...those just don't go well. I hope you have a great time in the city! Can't wait to hear all about it!
    xx
    Kenzie
    Behindhazeleyes06.blogspot.com

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  51. I am proud of you Louise! It takes courage to do something like letting go of control and putting on a brave face for the unknown. Sometimes I feel like I don't know how to grasp control when I need it, which can also be a detrimental quality. I wish you luck in New York! You'll be in my neck of the woods - maybe I'll spot a glimpse of you and say hello :)

    bigfluffycats.blogspot.com

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  52. Trust me, once you let go of some control you will love it! :)

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  53. Just go with the flow and hope for the best, you'll have an amazing time <3

    alannawithcurls.blogspot.co.uk

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  54. I love my control sometimes a little too much, so this is a wonderful reminder. YOU GO GIRL!

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  55. I really love this post because it's kind of like one of those "if you're waiting for a sign this is it" kind of thing. I'm always so anxious about everything, always living either in the future or in the past. I never really cease the moment and so I really think that I'm going to start making a change. One step at a time of course :)

    -Crystal
    http://crystallizeddaisies.blogspot.com

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  56. Love this post, it spoke to me today! Thank you for sharing dear Louise! x

    Rachel x
    thehappybits.blogspot.com

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  57. So exciting!! I hope you have a blast!

    Renee | Lose The Road

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  58. I love your motivational posts with this personal touch! Have fun in New York, enjoy your surprises! xx

    beauty visions

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  59. That is so exciting Louise and I am super jealous as I would love to go to NY! Have a great time even though it is for work (don't work too hard).

    Meme xx

    New post:
    'The Book Mouse Suggest: A New Blogging Venture'
    http://thedayinthelifeofmexoxo.blogspot.co.uk/

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  60. This sounds so exciting! I'm sure they'll have organised something amazing! New York itself is amazing! I understand the whole 'letting go of control' thing! But it is also very liberating when you do relax and enjoy it!
    Hope you have an amazing time and an incredible birthday!

    Josie
    josievictoriaa

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  61. This sounds amazing! You've definitely inspired me to accept surprises.
    Can't wait for your posts/vlogs on New York.

    http://increddyble.blogspot.co.uk

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  62. I hope you have fun on your surprise week! Hope to read about it soon!

    - Haley
    haleyyyp.blogspot.com

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  63. I'm so proud of you Louise! I hope you have a jolly good time in New York and also a lovely time on your birthday! I'm also one of those people that always like to be in control and it really is a struggle to let go because I tend to not trust that people are capable enough to do things right... Baby steps...

    Ayre

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  65. I wish I could see you at the google event. All the events you go to sound very fun. :D

    http://perlasancheza.blogspot.com/

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  66. Louise i absolutely love these motivational Monday posts, you are such an inspiration to so many.

    http://rhiannathomas.blogspot.co.uk/

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  67. Letting go, is just so important in order to experience new things, I just wish I could do it more often myself. Control freak right here!!

    justanorwichgirl.blogspot.co.uk

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  68. I love your Motivational Mondays Louise they are so inspiring! I hope you have a wonderful time in New York <3
    http://samanthafaye98.blogspot.co.uk

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  69. We love your blog posts they are always motivational and helpful!! We are actually fashion bloggers as well but we are very new so we would love for anybody to check out our blog:

    http://xoxoheadoverheels.weebly.com/

    XOXO,
    Head Over Heels

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  70. Ahh this sounds amazing. I would love a spontaneous adventure around NYC!

    www.sazbomb.co.uk
    xxxx

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  71. Good work Louise! I'm really proud of you for just going for it and seeing where the surprise takes you! :) xx

    www.dizzymisselizabeth.co.uk

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  72. I hope you have an amazing time in New York Louise.

    Lizzie Dripping

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  73. This sounds soooo amazing. I'm really happy for you!!

    http://newyolkkitchen.blogspot.com

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  74. Very motivating! Have a good time!
    x
    monicamog.blogspot.com

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  75. Wow, such an inspiration! Thank you for sharing as it's a comfort to others to know we're not alone! Xx

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  76. Such beautiful words per usual! I adore you Louise.

    aubsmeetsblog.blogspot.com

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  77. This was cute Louise! (pls check out my blog!-newbie) xx

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  78. Wow-I would never be able to have someone else surprise me, Well done Louise!

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  79. hello, I love how you are always so open to all your viewers and readers about your fears and your feelings, I Hope you had an amazing time in new york and that you didn't always let you fears and worries consume the happiness new york brings. It would really mean a lot to me if you could read some of my blog posts please, http://chloeboos.blogspot.co.uk
    Thank You So Much xx

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  80. Aw Louise this was really sweet to read. We're all so proud of you and can't wait for the vlogs to go up! I hope you had an amazing time and enjoyed whatever surprise awaited you:) have a good week!

    http://ouraudiences.blogspot.com/

    xoxoxo

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  81. I am an absolute control freak and have been trying to let go as well recently. I'm not gonna lie it's really really hard for me especially in situations where I don't know anything but at least I'm trying my best and it's helped me realised that great things may happen too even when I don't feel in control. It's kind of nice to let go every now and again actually..

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  82. My family always joke that I'm borderline OCD and last year I gave the reins over to my older sister and let her organise my 21st birthday without my intervention. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do. I hate letting go control. And while it was all worth it in the end, it took me a long to feel ready to let go again. Congratulations on making it to 30 by the way!

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Thank you for comment!
Sprinkleofglitter xxx

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