Kelly's Daily Blog

Why Having A Hobby Is More Important Than You Think

Hey guys

I hope you’re all keeping well and savoring every moment of this beautiful warm weather before we inevitably get another cold front before summer arrives.

While I was painting last night, I had a thought about why it’s so important to have a hobby or something you’re truly passionate about.

We all get so busy throughout the day. Whether it’s a hectic day at work, the demands of school, raising a family, or simply trying to keep up with everything life throws at us, it can be easy to put ourselves last.

That’s why I believe having a hobby or passion is so important.

Having something that belongs just to you, outside of your everyday responsibilities, gives you the opportunity to step away from the busyness of life and enter a completely different world for a little while. It gives your mind a chance to switch off, allows you to breathe, and reminds you that your happiness matters too.

I have quite a few hobbies and passions, but the ones I love most are painting, going to dance class, and playing padel. Honestly, if I didn’t have these things to look forward to in my free time, I think I would go a little crazy!

What I love most about having hobbies is that they don’t have to be productive. They don’t have to make you money, advance your career, or achieve anything. Sometimes, it’s enough simply to do something because you enjoy it.

And even if you feel like you don’t have any free time, I think there is always a little time you can carve out for yourself. It doesn’t have to be an entire afternoon. Even ten minutes spent doing something you love can make a difference.

So, consider this your reminder to make a little time for yourself. Pick up that paintbrush, read a few pages of your book, go for a walk, put on some music, get into the garden, bake something, dance around your living room — whatever makes you feel like you again.

Life can be busy, but we shouldn’t be so busy living it that we forget to enjoy it.

I hope you enjoyed this post

Bye xx

If You Had 3 Wishes What Would They Be ?

Hey guys,

I hope you are all enjoying this warm weather we have been having these past few days.

I have been thinking a lot about what my three wishes would be if I had the chance to make them.

There is a lady at my dancing studio who comes to the studio every day of the week for two hours, and she is an absolutely amazing dancer. Dancing is my ultimate passion, and if I could dance every day, even if it was just for one hour, I would love that. When I am dancing, I don’t think about anything that is stressing me out. It is the one place where I feel completely free, where I can just disappear from life for a while and have fun. So, my first wish would be to have enough money to be able to dance every day.

All my life, I have had pets, whether they were dogs, cats, hamsters or even birds. I have never been without a pet. Between this year and last year, we lost all three of our fur babies, and it feels like a part of me is missing. There is a silence in the house when we go to bed at night, the kind of silence that can only be filled by the pitter-patter of their little nails as they walk around the house. I miss coming home and finding them waiting by the door to greet us. I even miss the routines, like dinner at 5pm.

My second wish would be to have another pet, whether it be a cat or a dog. Just someone to fill the silence and give my love to, because puppy cuddles and cat cuddles really are the best kind of medicine.

My third and final wish isn’t really a wish at all; it is more of a hope. I hope that I can remain healthy, happy and wealthy.

When I say wealthy, I don’t only mean financially. Of course, do I hope to have money? Absolutely. But I also hope to remain wealthy in the things that truly matter — having lots of friends and family around me, people who love me, support me and make life feel full.

Because at the end of the day, being wealthy isn’t only about having lots of money. It is about being surrounded by people who make your life feel rich, meaningful and happy.

And if those are my three wishes, I think I would be pretty lucky indeed. ❤️

What would be your 3 wishes?

Thank you for reading this post, I hope you enjoy reading it almost as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Bye xx

Lets Do The Time Warp

Hey guys

Last night, I went to watch The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the theatre in Montecasino with my dancing studio, and it was an incredibly fun night filled with lots of laughter.

About two days before the show, I decided to watch the movie to kind of “prepare myself” for what I was about to see. In all honesty, I did not enjoy the movie all that much because I am the type of person who needs a movie to have a solid plot in order to really pull me in, and that movie just did not have one.

Watching it in the theatre as a live show was a completely different experience, and I absolutely loved it. In my opinion, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was always meant to be a theatre production rather than a movie because it is such a theatrical story. We watched it in the smaller theatre, and I actually think it made the experience even better because it was incredibly interactive and the audience was involved throughout the show.

Before the performance, we were all given a box filled with items that we used during the show. We received a newspaper to put over our heads, just like she did during the storm at the beginning of the movie, along with a variety of other props to use at different moments. I am not going to spoil too much for those of you who have not seen it, but it definitely added to the fun and made the audience feel like part of the show.

The whole experience was fantastic. The people who welcomed us at the doors were all in character, both in the way they dressed and the way they spoke. It really made you feel as though you had stepped into the world of the show before it had even started, and I thought that was such a great touch.

After the show, we went to The Hussar Grill for dinner, which is one of my favourite restaurants. I really enjoyed that part of the evening too because we got to sit, chat, laugh, and enjoy great food with great company.

It’s nights like these that remind you how important it is to take a break from the stresses of everyday life. To spend time with good people, share a few laughs, and simply enjoy the moment. Sometimes, that is exactly what you need to clear your mind and recharge.

Thanks for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you want to watch the show as well.

Bye xx

The Countdown To Showcase Begins

Hey guys,

I hope you are all keeping warm in this very cold and rainy weather we’ve been having.

So, it’s that time of the year again… SHOWCASE TIME!!!

The last time I did a showcase was five years ago, and we performed a Cha Cha. It was such an incredible experience and one that I still look back on with so many happy memories. I had the most amazing dance teacher guiding me every step of the way. Unfortunately, I left the studio after that, and for a long time I never imagined that I would one day be back preparing for another showcase.

Now here I am, five years later, and showcase season is just around the corner in September. It feels both exciting and a little surreal to be doing this again.

The weeks leading up to the big day are actually far more stressful than the day itself. There’s the pressure of finding the perfect song, creating a routine that tells a story, and then practising it over and over until every step feels natural. This year I’ll be dancing a Salsa, and every rehearsal brings a mix of excitement, nerves, and determination.

Then there’s finding the perfect dress and hoping it fits just right and complements the dance. I have to admit, that part is always fun because I absolutely love getting new dresses! Even though the entire process can be stressful at times, it’s also incredibly rewarding. Every practice, every challenge, and every little breakthrough adds to the excitement and anticipation of the big day.

One of the things I am most grateful for is that I still have the same dance teacher by my side. I truly don’t know where I would be without his guidance, patience, and encouragement. He is not only the most talented dancer and teacher I know, but also someone who constantly inspires me to believe in myself. He has pushed me far beyond my comfort zone with this routine, and while that can be scary at times, it has also been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.

Dance has a way of teaching you so much more than steps and technique. It teaches confidence, perseverance, trust, and the courage to keep going even when things feel difficult. This showcase journey has reminded me just how much I love dancing and how much growth can happen when you allow yourself to embrace a challenge.

I’m nervous, excited, and counting down the days until September. Most of all, I’m grateful to be back doing something that brings me so much joy.

I’ll be sure to update you all after the showcase and let you know how it went. Wish me luck! ❤️

Bye xx

Looking Into The Mind Of An Introvert

Hey guys

I hope you are all keeping warm during this very cold winter weather.

There are so many different things I would love to write about, but the topic that has been on my mind the most lately is what it feels like to be an introvert—at least from my perspective.

I am, without a doubt, an introvert, and social situations have always been something I struggle with. I don’t enjoy going to parties by myself or putting myself into unfamiliar social situations without having at least one person I know there. If I don’t, there’s a good chance I’ll spend most of my time standing or sitting by myself, simply because I feel too shy, awkward, or anxious to approach someone and start a conversation.

There have been many moments where I’ve found myself surrounded by people, yet feeling completely alone. I can remember sitting quietly with a Coke in my hand, watching everyone else laugh and connect, while I sat there trying to work up the courage to walk over and simply say, “Hi.”

Some people might think that sounds silly. After all, what’s the worst that could happen?

The truth is, social anxiety has a way of convincing you that everyone is watching and judging you. I worry about the way I talk, the way I dress, whether people will like me, or whether they’ll think I’m interesting enough to be included. Deep down, I know a lot of those fears aren’t rational, but that doesn’t make them feel any less real. I think some of those insecurities stem from difficult experiences growing up, especially during high school, where fitting in sometimes felt impossible.

Over time, though, I’ve realized how important it is to surround yourself with the right people.

I have been incredibly fortunate to have a friend in my life who seems to light up every room she walks into. She has a confidence and warmth that draws people in naturally, and spending time with her has helped me grow in ways I never expected. Together we’ve gone to places I never imagined I would go, met people I never thought I would meet, and had experiences that I probably would have avoided if I had been on my own.

One thing I’ve learned is that growth often happens just outside of our comfort zones.

That doesn’t mean you have to completely change who you are. It doesn’t mean forcing yourself to become the loudest person in the room. It simply means being willing to take small steps, even when they feel uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s saying hello first. Sometimes it’s attending an event you would normally avoid. Sometimes it’s allowing yourself to believe that you belong there just as much as anyone else.

I often joke that I’m an “introverted extrovert.” When you first meet me, I’m incredibly shy and reserved. But once I feel comfortable and safe around someone, a completely different side of me comes out. The conversations flow, the jokes start, and suddenly I’m the person who never seems to stop talking.

Being an introvert isn’t something I see as a weakness anymore. It simply means I experience the world differently. It means I value deeper conversations over small talk, meaningful connections over large crowds, and quiet moments over constant noise.

And while social anxiety is still something I work through every day, I’ve learned that courage isn’t the absence of fear. Courage is showing up despite the fear.

So I’m curious—how do you deal with social anxiety? Have you found anything that helps you step outside your comfort zone?

Thanks for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed it

Bye xx

From Pain To Strength- My Jaw Surgery Story

Hey guys,

I’ve been wanting to write this blog post for about a week now, but I just haven’t gotten around to it—until now.

For those of you who don’t know what I’ve been through over the past few years, here’s a quick summary. I was born with a severe underbite, but it never really affected me much, so we didn’t do anything about it at the time. When I was around 15 or 16, I got braces because my teeth were coming in all different directions.

We were always told that I would eventually need jaw surgery to correct my bite. However, after about a year with braces, my underbite seemed to be gone. My teeth were straight, everything looked good, and we thought that was the end of it… but we were wrong.

Not long after, I started experiencing severe jaw pain. It became difficult to eat, sleep, and function normally because I was constantly sore. We went from doctor to doctor—dentists, a GP, a chiropractor, physio, even laser therapy—but nothing worked. Most of them diagnosed me with TMJ and said surgery was the only real solution, which we wanted to avoid unless absolutely necessary.

Eventually, my neurologist suggested Botox injections as a muscle relaxant. I had them every few months, and while they helped for a while, they weren’t a permanent solution.

Things finally started to change when my parents took me to a specialist dentist. He diagnosed me with Myofascial Pain Dysfunction Syndrome, which was more complex than TMJ. From there, I was referred to an orthodontist, and that’s when the real journey began.

I had to get braces again—this time to properly position my teeth in preparation for surgery. Every two weeks, I went in for adjustments and changes to my elastics. It was a long and demanding process, but it was all leading to something important.

In October last year, I was finally told I was ready for surgery. After meeting with the surgeon and understanding the procedure, we set the date: 30 October.

After the operation, I spent two days in high care for pain management and monitoring. Recovery was honestly one of the toughest things I’ve ever been through. The pain was on a level I didn’t even know existed. My parents took turns sleeping in my room because I struggled to get through the nights.

At first, I had to eat using a syringe because I couldn’t open my mouth wide enough for a spoon, and my jaw muscles weren’t strong enough to use a straw. When I could finally use a spoon, I had to relearn how to chew—it felt like my jaw had completely forgotten how to work. It was incredibly challenging.

But slowly, things improved. After just under two months, I was able to return to dancing and padel, and life started to feel normal again.

Then, on 22 April at 11am, I finally got my braces removed. I was nervous going into the appointment, worried they might say I needed more time—but they didn’t. My orthodontist said everything looked “textbook perfect,” and just like that, it was over.

After everything—the pain, the appointments, the uncertainty—I had finally reached the end of my journey.

I’m so incredibly grateful to all the Dentists, Doctors, Nurses, and my Surgeon all of whom supported me through this life-changing experience. It was a long road, but I can now say I’m completely pain-free. It was all worth it.

This journey has shaped me in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve grown so much, and I now know I’m stronger than I ever realized.

I hope you enjoyed reading this.

Bye xx

Finding Light on a Difficult Day

Hey guys,

Friday is finally here—a time when most of us can relax and unwind. For those of you with a love (or addiction!) for padel, I hope you have some great games lined up.

Yesterday was one of the hardest days my family has faced in a long time. We had to say goodbye to my dog, and the house already feels emptier without her. Since the day my parents brought me home from the hospital, I’ve always had pets by my side. This is the first time in my life that I don’t, and it’s a feeling I can’t quite put into words.

Losing her has been incredibly painful. But it also reminded me how important it is to find a way to cope with sadness. Even if it’s just for a short while, giving yourself a break from the pain matters.

For me, that escape is dancing. While the vet was at our house yesterday, I was at dance class. I showed up with tears in my eyes, my face red and swollen—but I still went. And somehow, for one full hour, my teacher and friends helped me smile again. I didn’t think that would be possible. I almost didn’t go, but I’m so grateful that I did.

When I got home, the sadness was still there, and I cried again—but for that one hour, I felt okay. And sometimes, that’s enough to get you through the day.

Having something that brings you even a moment of peace is so important for your mental health. Dancing is a part of who I am, and I’m grateful it gives me that space to breathe.

Find your happy place and hold onto it tightly. It can make all the difference.

Where is yours?

Quote of the day:
“A happy place is not just a location, but a state of mind.” — Emily Johnson

Thank you for reading 🤍

Live Your Life To The Fullest

Hey guys

I hope you are all having a great year so far and it has been everything you have hoped for.

My year so far has been really busy and hectic which is just how I like it. Now that I am recovered from my operation, I have absolutely no pain in my jaw and I am loving every bit of it, the pain I was feeling before my op and after was so overwhelming that it almost made me feel depressed. So now that the pain is gone, I am happier than I have ever been.

I have also been incredibly busy with work. My mom and dad have been giving me lots to do and I am really starting to understand the job a lot more and I am able to take on more responsibilities. At first going into the finance industry from the Padel industry was really tough, but I think I am finally getting the hang of it and I am so glad I decided to work for my parents.

I have also been really busy with dancing. Dancing is my favourite thing to do, it is the best part of my week and the day I have lessons and socials is my favourite day of the week, because while I dance, I don’t think about any of my stresses. I’ve been doing spotlight dances and I have my exams coming up soon so I have been practicing for that A LOT.

I have also been really busy with Padel. I have been going for Padel coaching and joining leagues because I really want to start upping my Padel game and play against difficult people in higher up leagues.

We recently went on a 2 week holiday and that was so great, even though we did work on holiday it was still really relaxing.

How has your year been so far?

Quote of the day is “You are never too old to set a goal or to dream a new dream” by C.S Lewis

Bye xx

Our Umhlanga Adventure

Hey guys

I hope you are all doing fantastic despite the rainy weather if you are in Joburg.

After everything that happened with my jaw surgery, work being busy and just life in general being busy, my parents and I have been absolutely drained emotionally, mentally and physically. We decided it was finally time for us to go away on holiday.

At first we wanted to go to a really nice hotel we saw in Ballito, on the website this hotel looked like the perfect holiday spot to relax and unwind. Little did we know, that was the opposite of what we got (I am not going to name the hotel). I won’t go into too much detail but to summarise the experience, the rooms were a lot smaller than what was promised and they did not inform us that they were under construction. We were supposed to go for 10 days but my dad decided to instead book us into the Umhlanga Cabanas and that was the best decision we had made. So on the second day there we packed our bags and went to Umhlanga. Thankfully dad got a refund.

Our Umhlanga holiday has been as close to perfect as you could ever get, we have had a great time here. Everybody is so friendly and the rooms are a better size to accommodate the 3 of us. We were supposed to only stay for a week because the Cabanas is a timeshare place and so you can only stay from Saturday to Saturday. We enjoyed our stay so much that we decided to spontaneously extend our stay another week, which was a great decision.

We have eaten at amazing restaurants, I definitely have a few favourite restaurants , as an example, my favourite breakfast restaurant is M&J. There’s been some live music at the hotel, we have played Bingo and chilled at the pool getting some R&R and watching all the activities. It really has been great and relaxing. We went to Umdloti for the day and walked on the beach as well as Salt Rock, I actually ate curry for the first time and enjoyed it (I am not a lover of spice, so this was big for me).

We did bring our laptops with so that we could do some work, thankfully we can work remotely from anywhere.

I hope you enjoyed my blog post and I hope you have a fantabulous day.

Bye xx

Love Is In The Air

Hey guys

It is that time of the year again. The time where love is celebrated, whether it be from the love of a significant other or even the love from friends and family… all love is celebrated. Even though it is an absolutely amazing feeling to have a special valentine, it is also ok to not have a valentine.

Being a girl who has not had a valentine for 5 years, I know how it feels particularly for the girls to not have one. That is why the invention of Galentines Day was invented. This is a day for you and a group of your single friends to get together and celebrate the love of friendship, because to have a group of really great friends is just as important, maybe even more important.

Dating these days is not always easy, because the majority of the time it is all online dating and that is incredibly difficult, I have been doing online for years and still haven’t found “the one”. I would say choose to remain hopeful, because your person is out there somewhere, you just need to be patient.

Last night I celebrated Valentines Day with all my friends at the dancing studio. We had our Spotlight Social and I did the Salsa as my Spotlight Dance. It was so much fun and the best way to end off the week.

Thank you for reading my post, I hope you enjoyed it and I hope you have a great Valentines Day.

Bye xx