Emily Bashforth

Okay, so 2018 was bad, like really bad. Brexit was Brexit and Trump was, well, Trump, there were countless school shootings, new cases of sexual assault that came to light, a load of really poor choices by filmmakers, (one being casting Scarlett Johansson to play a trans person and another being creating Insatiable, a film that perpetuated 'fat shaming' culture), and... to be honest I'm already so bored of writing this sentence.

Ahh, 2018! What a year it’s been for cinema. From Fifty Shades Freed to Avengers: Infinity War, from Peter Rabbit to Ocean’s 8, the past 12 months have been jam-packed with films that gave us stitches from laughing so hard, puffy eyes from sobbing uncontrollably and a wrecked nervous system from hanging off the edge of our seats. Whether it was action, romance, comedy or horror, no film genre came to play this year but, if there’s one specific area of cinema that truly excelled in 2018 more than it has before, it was the LGBTQ+ movies.

Where to even begin with 2018 and music? It's been a jam-packed year to say the least. From rap stars taking over, to the return of old favourites, from new inventive sounds that sounded so wrong they were right, to representation, diversity, beautiful storytelling and musical madness every second of every day. 2018 has been such an exciting year for music.

"I hate myself," "I hate my life..." they're phrases we're all guilty of saying and things we read constantly on social media. It seems we live in a society where everyone is so content with feeling miserable and is so used to living a life riddled with problems that the idea of a life without problems seems so unfamiliar that it's scary.

I've never been a big meat eater, perhaps that derives from the fact that I'm just an obnoxiously picky eater. Literally, I'm that person who eats the same meal at each restaurant I eat at and if that one meal isn't on the menu, I struggle to choose anything else I want to eat.

Realising our own self-worth is a journey, for many of us, it is lifelong. Recognising our beauty, our worth and accepting that we are deserving of love isn't something that comes with the click of our fingers. It can take years of working on yourself, spending time with yourself and really exploring yourself until you reach that point of such indescribable inner happiness where you are able to wake up each morning, look in the mirror and say, "Yes, I am good enough."

When was the last time you went somewhere without your phone? Or when was the last time you went somewhere and didn't take your phone out of your pocket? When was the last time you visited a beautiful place without Snapchatting it? When was the last time you had a conversation with someone without Tweeting it? When was the last time you spoke to someone face to face instead of via text message? When was the last time you lived in the moment and not on your phone?

In a survey which ranked YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Snapchat and Instagram on their impact on health and well-being of young people, it was found that YouTube had the most positive impact on mental well-being whilst Instagram was found to be the most negative.

Our world is so beautifully diverse in terms of body types. People of all shapes and sizes are out in the world every day, existing, flourishing and living their lives, sprinkling magic everywhere they go. However, if you were to pick up a magazine, or look at a billboard, or attend a catwalk show, you'd be inclined to assume that only one body type exists in the world as it seems only one type of appearance is glorified or represented as 'beautiful.'

Make-up is a fun thing, however, I've found that, as a glasses wearer, it isn't always as simple and can be frustrating. Foundation slips off your nose, your lashes catch your lenses, certain eyeshadow colours don't work and don't even get me started on having to take your glasses off to actually apply eyeshadow, meaning you can't see and really are just winging it.

Something I always look for in a make-up product is longevity. If it isn't going to last all day on my face but, instead, will slide off or look greasy after a few hours, then it isn't the one for me. I find my base to be the most important part of my whole look. It sets the foundations and provides a blank canvas for the rest of my products to go on top of. I like to have a high coverage, matte, flawless face before jazzing it up and shaping my face with bronzers, blushers, highlighters and eyeshadows to bring my skin to life.

Periods. Many people have them even though, pretty much all of the time, we wish we didn't. Some start them young and others don't get their first period until later on, whilst many get their first period between ages 12-14, all of which are totally normal! A menstrual cycle is typically 28 days, meaning a period will happen about once every month and can last 3-5 days or longer.

Woke, a word used to describe someone who is aware of current affairs and, basically, knows what’s going on in the world. The term has gained popularity since social and political movements have grown across the world and injustices are becoming more discussed amongst young people.

What's better than a good set of make-up brushes? A good set of make-up brushes that are also cruelty-free, of course! However, it can be difficult to find out which brush brands are cruelty-free even though, in today's society, you'd think all brands would see products that didn't result in the harming of animals or humans! Actually, many brands can be good at hiding the fact that they test on animals and bury the details deep down in their websites in the small print.

Who doesn't love a pair of printed trousers? Or coloured trousers? Well, okay, there are probably a lot of people who don't, however, I, for one, love them. I love how they come in a million and one different styles, colours and patterns and how the list of ways to style them really is endless. Off for a casual stroll in the park? Printed trousers are perfect. Off for a posh meal in a fancy restaurant? Printed trousers are perfect. Whatever the weather, whatever the occasion, whatever the dress code, you'll probably find that a pair of printed or coloured trousers will be the ideal companion.

Our world is advancing every day where abortion is concerned. Ireland voted this year to repeal one of the strictest bans on abortion, consequently, making abortion legal, resulting in a victory for women who shared their stories, marched, protested, put themselves at risk by speaking out, but also for those who were unable to speak out. Votes like these are in memory of those who have died at the hands of illegal, unsafe abortions as it means, in their countries, future generations will not have to suffer like they did.

Comparing ourselves to others is something we have been conditioned into doing and that takes up so much of our time. It seems almost impossible for us to go a day without wishing we could look like someone else, or even just be that person entirely.

As someone who has attended many concerts, I understand the struggle. I understand the mammoth task of wanting to wear a nice make-up look that you like but also worrying about how you're going to look at the end of the night. If you're anything like me, concerts will make you cry, dance around like crazy, sweat more than you care to admit and turn your foundation into butter within the first five minutes.

I remember the first time I ever laid eyes on Taylor Swift. That memory is firmly etched into my brain. It was 2009. I was watching my tiny TV in my bedroom. I had the music channel on and watched as the presenter counted down the official chart.

With new world issues arising every day and with society becoming increasingly more divisive, whether that's through racism, sexism, homophobia or other forms of oppression, speaking out and fighting for equality are more important than ever. Thankfully, the world isn't short of activists who want to make a difference.

The feminism movement is all about bringing about equality for everyone. It isn't a one dimensional thing which should only fight for the rights and recognition of human beings who fit into a certain box. Feminism ought to be intersectional and, if it isn't, it isn't wanted.

Looking for inspiration, motivation or fulfilment? Then look no further than a good old TED talk to set you up for the day ahead and make you feel able to conquer just about anything. TED stands for Technology, Entertainment and Design and features "ideas worth spreading." The speaker series launched in 1984, and there are now thousands of TED talks available at your fingertips online.

"Love your body! You deserve to!" we hear all of the time, however, no matter how much we preach it or have it preached to us, we all know that it's much easier said than done. Saying "Yeah, I will" is far simpler than actually committing to the act of loving every inch of your body without regret or shame.

Most of us wear clothes every day and the clothing we wear tells stories about who we are... well, personally, I live in my pyjamas most of the time and the story they tell about me is that I'm lazy but, when I'm not wearing my PJs, I believe in using clothing as a form of self expression.

Some moments, some experiences, are just so overwhelmingly perfect that it's impossible to describe them using words. Some days, some nights of your life just feel like such an amalgamation of everything you could've possibly ever wanted that trying to explain how incredible they were to someone else is too difficult.

I have often wondered what we are greeted with as we ascend to Heaven and the gates open, however, on Thursday 15th March, I came pretty close to experiencing that very thing as I attended Niall Horan's Flicker World Tour in Manchester and living proof that angels do exist stood right in front of me.

Social media is saturated with negativity and hostility these days. Something that started off so pure and exciting has become toxic in the sense that people use it to anonymously hate on people they know nothing about and express pessimistic unasked for opinions. People also use social media to their own detriment, as they allow unrealistic body images to brainwash them into believing they must look a certain way and they also use it to put themselves down.

Being an ally to marginalised communities is so much more than just being a decent person. It's also so much more than not doing things. For example, being an ally isn't about not being racist, not being homophobic and not being transphobic. Being an ally is about actively working to dismantle institutions which oppress minorities and supporting them on the journey to equality.

Teenage girls are the most powerful demographic in the world. Not only because we make up a large portion of society but simply because of the ways we exist, how we treat people, how we express our love for things and how we act upon injustice.

The term 'slut' is thrown around left, right and centre to label women who engage in frequent sexual activity with strangers. It's also used to refer to women who wear little clothing. It's also used to speak about women who lose their virginity at a young age. It's also used when talking about women who enjoy flirting. In fact, the word 'slut' is an umbrella term used to label and demean pretty much every woman.

"There is a kind of strength that is almost frightening in black women. It's as if a steel rod runs right through the head down to the feet" is a quote by Maya Angelou... and she was correct. If the world were a machine, black women would be the cogs which kept it functioning.

Language is our primary form of communication, therefore, it's vital that everyone feels included within it. All too often, those who identify as transgender, non-binary or gender fluid are excluded from the conversation because the words being used don't accommodate for them. These people will always be part of our society so it's time to start combating institutions which ignore and silence them and, instead, ensuring they are fully integrated into all aspects of society.

To read is to exist. Reading helps shape us as people and educates us on the world in which we live. Reading about feminism is especially important to help us learn more about the movement so we can better ourselves as advocates for equality.

With London being so huge and bursting at the seams with tourist attractions, planning your first trip there can be overwhelming and knowing where to even start can be difficult. With so much on offer in one of the world's most amazing cities, you'll, naturally, want to see it all. Whilst there is so much you want to do and so little time to do it in, it's a good idea to cherry pick where you want to visit during your stay.

In an ideal world, all beauty brands would be cruelty-free. It's baffling how, in this day and age, so many are not, especially when much better alternatives to reprehensible animal testing are available. However, it's important to celebrate the brands which produce beautiful products without harming either humans or animals, in the hope of them getting the recognition they deserve for having good ethics and also that it'll encourage more brands to follow suit.

As enjoyable as sleeping is, is there anything more frustrating than not being able to fall asleep when it's the only thing in the world you want to do? We've all been there. You've been lying awake in bed for what feels like a century, you turn on your phone only to be blinded by the beaming screen and see it's 3:32am. You let out a huff and turn over, knowing that, for at least the next hour, that's all you're going to be doing, tossing and turning until you eventually drift off and get a solid 30 minutes worth of sleep.

The world has put so much emphasis on physical appearance, as if it's the be all and end all, as if how we look determines our paths in life. It's shocking how plenty of people will refuse to leave the house after having a break out because their acne makes them feel so ugly and self-conscious.

Life as an introvert can be difficult and frustrating. There is nothing wrong with being introverted, especially as most people's personalities have some percentage of introvert in them. However, you may be looking for a way to become more outgoing and to really allow that hidden extrovert, buried deep within you, chance to shine.

02.01.2018 marks three years since I decided to create the very blog which you are reading right now. A lot has changed in my life since then but my blog has remained a constant and a place for me to express my thoughts and feelings.

It's time to say farewell to another year. Another year of anxiety, stress, grief, political corruption, natural disasters, world suffering, devastating shocks and drama but not before taking a moment to reflect on all 2017 has taught us and brought us.

2017 was a fantastic year for cinema. Filmmakers really pushed the boundaries and raised the bar to provide us with unforgettable viewing experiences. The film industry was brimming with diversity, representation, it addressed uncomfortable issues which are often shoved into a corner and told the stories of remarkable people, without whom, the world would not be what it is today.

2017. Thank God it's over. It's been a ghastly 12 months, with Trump as President, Brexit talks taking place, natural disasters, terrorist attacks, cases of sexual assault, homophobia, racism, sexism and transphobia around every corner...I think I speak for everyone when I say I'll be glad to see the back of this year.

The overall consensus was that 2016 was the worst year ever. However, it seems 2017 has given 2016 a run for its money, having left us all wondering what on earth we were complaining about last year as the past 12 months have just got increasing worse. Whether it was something to do with politics, pop culture, our personal lives or just generally good people doing bad things, there always seemed to be something to whinge about.

2017 was the year of the woman. 2017 was the year women spoke out, it was the year women succeeded, it was the year women got angry, it was the year women were in control and it was the year women stared the very things in the eyes which intended to frighten them and said, "I'm not scared of you."

Wasn't 2017 a fantastic year for music? Even when the country was crumbling beneath us and the government were trying to snatch our human rights away from us at every possible moment, at least we had good music to keep our spirits up.

17th December marks International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Sex Workers. Globally, sex workers have a 45-75% chance of experiencing sexual violence at some point in their careers and are more likely to be killed on the job than the average person. It's time to put an end to this and decriminalise sex work.

Most people label their gender with some form of pronoun and it's vital that we use the right ones when addressing or speaking about someone. Deliberately using the wrong pronouns and misgendering, in my eyes, is the highest form of disrespect.

Period poverty exists yet we aren't talking about it because periods are still such a taboo topic. They're viewed as disgusting and conversations surrounding them make people feel uncomfortable, but, the truth is, we have to push past that discomfort and realise that no topic is "too disgusting" when it's having a detrimental impact on people's lives.

The coming out process can be a frightening thing for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Regardless of what they're coming out as or who they are coming out to, this time can be riddled with fear, stress and major anxiety.

We live in a predominantly girl power culture, which is great. In 2017, women love to build one another up - you only need to open Instagram to see the comments sections of selfies flooded with "OMG BABE YOU LOOK SO GORGEOUS!" It's great to see females empowering one another and sticking together. But, sometimes, it can feel like we've lost our way a little.

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Emily • 19 • England

Writing. Intersectional feminism. Positivity. Self love. Equality.

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