Get Motivated.

Motivation is key. It's what makes you get up in the morning, better yourself everyday and pushes you to achieve your dreams. Everybody's motivation is different and it's important that you find what drives you in order to help you to succeed.

"If you can dream it, you can do it."

I have my big dreams but I also set myself goals, daily, monthly and annually. What I wish to achieve this week, this year or before I'm 25 is private to me and I rarely discuss my dreams with anyone. My reason for this is that my dreams scare me, because I dream big. However, I believe in myself and what I'm doing. I once read that "if your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough." I live by that advice and aim to challenge myself as much as I possibly can.

Now it really doesn't matter what your dreams, goals or aims are. It's irrelevant how big or small they are but it is important that you stay focused and use your motivation to achieve exactly what you want, whether it's training harder, studying better, eating healthier, staying positive, completing chores or getting organised. You can do it. Stay committed and push yourself outside of your comfort zone. 

People motivate me. Watching others succeed is why I get up everyday. I admire so many people on this earth, from my family to sports stars or business entrepreneurs. Whatever your motivation is, even if it's a quote, a person, a theory or your religion, remind yourself of it everyday.

"Believe you can, and you're half way there."

Whenever you feel that things aren't going your way or your plan isn't quite working out, change it yourself. Think back to why you're doing what you're doing and use your motivation. You can motivate yourself from within and I urge you to do so and create your own happiness in life! Don't let people or circumstances determine what YOU want to do with YOUR life.

Dream Big.

Ciao,

Hannah x

Back Across the Pond.

Well, here we go again.

It seems only yesterday that I arrived in Massachusetts, full of nerves and anticipation, ready to start my first year. Looking back, Freshman year was such a whirlwind. The first semester and hockey season flew by and before I knew it, I was flying home for summer.

Summer 2014 was one of the best summers I've ever had. I feel like I say that every summer, but that can't be bad thing! The best part about this summer was that I spent so much time with friends and family. I'm so happy that I got to visit lots of old friends from school and hockey. I think it's so important to keep in contact with people who have been a big part of your life, never forget where it all started! I was also fortunate enough to have travelled a lot this summer, which was amazing! We went to Oslo, then France and Spain. Obviously I can't forget our special trip to Glasgow for the Commonwealth Games. My previous blogpost is about our time at Glasgow if you want to check it out. Overall summer was a lot of fun, full of happy times and great memories. Thank you to everyone who I spent time with and made summer special, you know who you are :) I miss you all so much already.

Here are some photos from summer:

My flight back to America was lovely and smooth, I even arrived early! I did think I'd won the jackpot when they closed the plane doors and I had 3 seats to myself. This was then shattered when an old couple decided to move to my row because there was a crying child near their original seats. Not so lucky after all...

I'm so excited for my second year to start. I can't believe I'm a Sophomore already! We will all meet tomorrow, move in and then Pre-Season starts on Wednesday, ice baths here we come! I'm really looking forward to being back with the team, playing hockey again and enjoying every second of my time at UMass.

Here's to another amazing year at the Zoo!

Roll UMass!

Ciao,

Hannah x

XX Commonwealth Games.

We are currently right in the middle of the 20th Commonwealth Games, hosted in Glasgow, Scotland. I love watching any sporting major but this one was particularly special for the Farrell Family Household! Early in the summer my brother, Tom Farrell, was selected to run for England in the 5000m race on the 27th July, so we have been eagerly awaiting the Commonwealth Games!

Many of you will know that we are quite a sporty family, with my Dad being a 3.44.78 1500m runner and my Mum a 1.86m high jumper. I'm currently playing hockey in America for the University of Massachusetts and hope to continue my hockey career after university and maybe one day achieve an international selection.

Flashback!

In 1986 my Mum was selected to compete for England and travelled up to sunny Scotland to jump at the Edinburgh Commonwealth Games, now, 28 years later my brother also found himself travelling up north to Scotland for his first Commonwealth Games too! Back in '86 my Mum, Jenn Farrell, placed 8th in the high jump, a very successful performance. Therefore, the ongoing joke was that Tom had to try and beat Mum's position of 8th place...

Tom has had a summer of successful races leading up to the Games including the British Championships and the Oslo and Glasgow Diamond Leagues. He also spent the majority of his time training up at altitude in various places such as Utah, Kenya and Font Romeau, in order to maximise his training. Tom flew back from altitude a few days before his race in Glasgow and was then dropped off at the athletes village to prepare for his race on Sunday.

The night before Tom's race felt like Christmas Eve. We were all filled with excitement, nerves and anticipation! My parents, Gran and I left home at 7am on Sunday as we had tickets for the morning hockey session. The hockey was great, despite a bit of drizzly rain! We watched Australia beat Scotland 9-0 and then England beat Maylasia 5-0. Even though the hockey was world class, I couldn't help thinking about Tom's race later on in the day.

When we reached the athletics stadium at Hampden Park, we were greeted with lots of family and friends who had made the journey up to Glasgow to support Tom. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets, it was great to share the experience with family and friends in the stadium! We were all equipped with loud voices, England flags and 'TOM FARRELL" t-shirts, looking like the ultimate fan club! I can't decided whether I was more nervous or excited, but either way it was an overwhelming experience. I can't imagine how Tom felt stepping out on to the track in front of 45,000 people. The atmosphere was electric from start to finish.

Tom ran an amazing race, finishing 7th and running the 3rd fastest time of his career, 13.23.96 for 5k. Tom stayed with the leading pack for the race and executed a great championship run. After following injury disappointment before the London 2012 Olympics, this was Tom's first senior Championships and his experience was extremely successful. Most importantly, he managed to beat Mum's Commonwealth achievement of 8th place! However, there's no time to celebrate yet because he has jetted off back up to France to get some more altitude training in before the Europeans in Zurich.

Our time at the Commonwealth's was short but sweet, but truly unforgettable! Glasgow has done a fantastic job at hosting the games so far, apart from large crowds making transport very busy, our experience was great. The officials at both the hockey and the athletics were extremely friendly and helpful. Let's hope the success continues for Team England!

That's all from me, time to get my hands on some England kit! Thanks bro!

Here our some pictures from our time at the Commonwealth Games.

 Ciao,

   Hannah x

A Fresh Start.

Ok, so here goes.

A fresh start.

Here I am over 10 months later finally writing another blog. I can't promise when my next blog will be, all I know is that I want to start writing again. I really would love to build up my blog, so I guess it's time to start putting some effort, consistency and persistence in place! 

“If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.” - Albert Einstein

Over the past few months there have been a number of events that have put life into perspective for me. Certain things have made me realise that life is way too short to sacrifice your happiness. Therefore, I've made the conscious decision to do more of what makes me happy. I strongly encourage you to do the same.

"Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever." - Mahatma Gandhi

I am feeling very refreshed after returning from a week in Spain with family and friends. We were fortunate enough to stay in a beautiful villa in Puerto Banus, near Marbella. The weather was flawless, we were blessed with wall to wall sunshine all day long. There were so many cafés, restaurants, bars and beach clubs to visit that I am already planning to return next year!

"If you do what you love, it is the best way to relax." - Christian Louboutin

In the forthcoming weeks I plan to spend some quality time with my family and friends before heading back to America. I'm looking forward to the upcoming weeks as there are some exciting things in the pipeline!

"The most important thing is to enjoy your life – to be happy  - it’s all that matters." - Audrey Hepburn

So now I've made the promise to myself to keep up this blog. From now on, I plan to vary the content of my blog posts by exploring new topics and publishing more opinionated discussions. I also want to delve into broader subjects, such as writing about lifestyle, motivation, favourite products, popular trends, celebrities or even animals! 

Who knows!?

Ciao for now,

Hannah

So Long, Farewell...

SOPPY POST ALERT. TISSUES AND ED SHEERAN MUSIC AT THE READY.

This is it! "Goodbye England!"

It seemed only yesterday that I was counting down 80 days to go at school and now it's here, I am leaving...TODAY. I can't believe it, how time flies!

I guess the most daunting part of leaving home today is, unlike most students who leave for university, I don't actually know when I'm next returning...

Most of you will know that us Farrell's like to travel, so it is very likely we could be spending Christmas abroad, meaning I wouldn't be returning home. Then that leaves summer...well 'summer'. That's where my dilemma begins. America actually has a summer, a hot one. England on the other hand.......

Yeah, you see my point.

Obviously there are loads of family and friends I will want to see by summer, but you might just have to come and see me if I catch a bad case of the 'American Bug'!

I'm currently lying in my favourite place (my bed) typing this blog, having no idea when I'll next be back home...which is kind of scary but so exciting at the same time!

Anyway, who knows where I'll be in one years time, I could be singing a different tune and ready to visit home...I said 'could be' haha!

All I know is that my final few weeks in England were brilliant, spent with amazing people making some great memories. One of the best summers I've had :)

It was so lovely to spend my last weekend with all our closest family and friends. Thank you everyone, top people! Love you all!

Next stop is New York for a few days with Mum, Dad and Tom before I head to Massachusetts and Tom returns to Oklahoma State for his final year at uni!! Scaryyyyy!

It's so strange experiencing the same emotions I did 9 years ago before starting boarding school. A completely different adventure, but so many similarities!

I am just SO excited for the future, new friends, experiences and challenges! 

Don't worry though, I'll miss this place. I'll miss the people, I'll miss the country, oh and obviously the English weather. NAAAATTTT.

Part of me doesn't know how to end this blog or what to say because it actually means I'm going...arghh...

...so errrrm we'll just go with a picture!

It's now the next morning and I'm sitting having my last fry up in Glasgow airport! 

That picture ^ was taken at 5.15am before we left so I was way too tired to even feel a little sad! Hmm yes, the car was a bit of a squeeze to say the least! Four 23kg suitcases, four 10kg small cases and four backpacks! Not forgetting four people...I won't specify weights!!

Anyway I better post this as I only have 30 minutes free Wifi. How generous of you Scotland...

See y'all on the other side of the pond!

Ciao for now!

Hannah x

PS. I did warn you it would get a little bit soppy!