The Hero’s Journey

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BLOG THE HERO'S JOURNEY PERSONAL 0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "The cave you most fear to enter contains the greatest treasure." - Joseph Campbell - Tweet          Hello, my fellow readers, I hope you are well. Today we are going to be talking about 'The Hero's Journey' and how prominent and helpful this narrative can be in not just your own artistic expressions, but also in your own lives, as a means of motivating and encouraging you to push you boundaires and to live to your highest values. Here are a few points and ramblings, I have about this amazing theory created by Joseph Campbell, that I want to give special mention in this post. :)   1. Life is a Pack of Cards            You may have heard the 'life is like a pack of cards' metaphor, said in passing to descirbe some event or circumstance in your life. :) I believe, that this particular metaphor is rather a good one, and can be a very useful image to help you approach certain situations in your own path towards world domination. (Just joking obviously).  Also you always get a couple of jokers in every pack of card which rings true. I am sure you can name a few jokers in your life, perhaps even more than 2! I think a Tarot deck is also a very insightful way of looking at events in life. Cards like 'The Tower', 'The Lovers', 'Temperance' and 'The Wheel of Fortune' to name a few, all of which tells a story through some very vivid artwork. :) 2. Seeing obstacles as opportunities, rather than challenges.                The perspective of seeing obstacles as opportunities rather than challenges, will also open a lot more doors for the hero. YOU will see that short-term hinderances may avtually become long-term gold mines for your goals, ambitions and dreams. :) This simple change, I say simple but it can be challenging to make a habit of, can challenge the trajectory of outcomes and more importantly how you see YOUR outcomes. :)  3. Preparing yourself for your Journey                  Would you seriously wanted to go on a 30 day journey in the Amazon Forest without preparing yourself with the appropriate equipment. If you do, you are either foolish, or Bear Grylls. Like in life, you need to make sure that you have the right balance of equipment, insights and wisdom to meet your needs and also to achieve your goals.  For example, you need to make sure that your health, wealth, your sense of purpose is at a good enough level in order for you  to get the most out of your journey.  4. Find Your Life Purpose                 Life Purpose is a very great way of being able to grow and develop as an individual. If you know yourself, then you will…

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire Review

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BLOG HARRY POTTER + THE GOBLET OF FIREREVIEW REVIEWS0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be." - Albus Dumbledore - Tweet Overview Plot Plot - beginning to endMemorable momentsMemorable Quotes Main Characters (+ development) Side Characters Side Characters Themes (love, death, unity, friends, family) Establish concrete boundaries in different areas of your life. Whether that be in the realms of love, relationships, friendships, money, emotions, psychology and so on. This mind does not necessarily come from a lack of confidence or self-esteem. I believe that a lack of secure boundaries in these sections of oneself can be one of many reasons that a lack of confidence/ self-esteem continues to manifest in your life. How does this relate to how to not care what other people think? Well, people with what are considered to be weaker boundaries have an obsession of the need to be validated by others. (Hence you care what people think). Therefore, they require external environments to control their boundaries, which if you put it like that sounds ridiculous! In human biology, we have a need to be in a pack of people, so we naturally have homeostasis of what the supposed conformed boundaries are. But remember that sometimes our human nature struggles to differentiate the difference between thriving and surviving in these instances. I want you to be thriving! So don’t use this as an excuse for you to be thriving! This brings be to my next point. 3. Change Your Environment Life is too short. To guilt-trip yourself into staying in an environment that does not vibe with you. Remember the previous point you want to thrive! If that means moving friend groups, distancing yourself from toxicity, and moving towards an environment that you want. Then do it. Yes, it will take a leap of faith, to make such a drastic change.  If you can’t just change your environment, perhaps you are in a job, or in a position where you don’t want to be. Then I would suggest you change your environment in small stages. Whether it be spending less time with someone or retreating to nature to relieve stress. All of these steps will say to your mind, that you are the top priority, and will undo the extreme selflessness programming and will help you care less of what over people think.  4. Find Your Life Purpose One thing that will not ground you more, on not caring what people think is to have a Life Purpose. A Life Purpose is either a big goal or a massive change that you want to make in your life, which is aligned with your personal values and needs. This is like your destination. This will allow you to make your own heading if you will to reach this said goal and make this aligned into reality. This could be starting a blog, write a book, start a YouTube Channel, to Rule the World! If you…

University Dissertations and How to Plan Them

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BLOG UNIVERSITY DISSERTATIONS AND HOW TO PLAN THEM ACADEMIC   0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "What is not started will never get finished." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - Tweet Hey, all hope you are well in your corners of the world. Today, I would love to discuss University Dissertations, and to elaborate on a few tips I have had in planning my dissertation.  I personally as of early February 2020, has just completed my poster for my Dissertation; I was very privileged to have had the prasie I had, as I decided to draw mine rather than to print it off on the computer. :) But anyway I digress slightly he our the wonderful tips I have for any of you  who have the fortune or depending on how you look at misfortune of creating a Dissertation Poster for your chosen course. :)  1. Decide on a General Idea This one I know is quite self-explanatory, but in order for you to write a great dissertation. You first need to have a few ideas on what you would like to write it on; the key word is 'like' here.  It will be SO much EASIER if you write your disseration being 9000 words or so, if you are VERY PASSIONATE about your CHOSEN SUBJECT. It will MOTIVATE you to WRITE a lot more and your future self will thank you so much for it. :)  2. Decide on a few of your Main 'Texts' Once you have decided on a thesis idea, try and branch out and find some appropriate main source texts that you may use throughout your Dissertation. Also noted down any theories or viewpoints that you for one personally like, and also any opposing arguments that you can use to cross reference depending on the style of your essay. Once you have a rough foundation on what your argument is you can then cultivate your methodologies for secondary sources and further texts.  This will also save you a bit of time and will give you an idea wether the topic you chosen is the right one for you.  3. Look at Sample Dissertation Layouts and Structures If you look at example Dissertations and the way they are academically presented, this will save you SO much time when you are planning thew way you structure your Dissertation. There are some sample disserations online that you can download and if you wanted to you could copy and paste layout to give you a nice template and then you can modify the structure to meet your Dissertation plan accordingly. You can thank me later. The hardest part is getting started once you have a clear structure in place it will be so much easier to write it and to block each session for time-management.  4. Make your own Theory or Observation As you read through more of your texts and content, you could potentially form your own perspective, theory or opinion, this could merit even more marks, as you…

Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone Review (Book 1)

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BLOG HARRY POTTER BOOK 1 REVIEW     SOCIAL      0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "Someone's Opinion of You - does not have to become your reality." - Les Brown - Tweet For many months, now I was caught into a sneaky way of thinking, which held a lot of knocks to my Self-Esteem and confidence, but now am stronger than ever. Back in Business! Here to give YOU another one of my insights.  Today’s topic is something I learnt from my many months of emotional healing and self-reflection.  A lot of this I’d discovered was that I was caring too much of the opinions of others. Now be careful now don’t take it literally, this phrase is often used when we are essentially fed up, but that is used in a mental framework of a victim. However, this phrase can also be used in as a way of releasing unnecessarily burdens that either you or others have placed on you.  I am here to give you 5 strategies that helped me get over this wall. One quick point first though, remember that other people’s opinions can still have large benefits. Just remember that their opinions do not define who you are. 1. Focus on yourself and your Needs There is an annoying stigma in society, that if you are selfless you are great and if you are selfish you are a horrible person. This form of assumption, that allows unkind people to take advantage of you – due to your social complexes on ‘what is right’. How to solve this would be to solely focus on yourself. I know right so selfish! But you need to fill your own cup first as it were, before you start helping others. I am not saying to go out your way to be unkind to someone (even if they deserve it) but merely to prioritise yourself other everything else, and yes even your family. The more you invest in yourself today – the more you will be able to help them in the future. In fact, helping yourself first will likely mean you will be in a much better position to help others more so then even if you were too selfless of your own needs and desires. This topic is such a big one that I have wrote a separate blog post here – How to fulfil your needs. 2. Establish Strong Independent Boundaries Establish concrete boundaries in different areas of your life. Whether that be in the realms of love, relationships, friendships, money, emotions, psychology and so on. This mind does not necessarily come from a lack of confidence or self-esteem. I believe that a lack of secure boundaries in these sections of oneself can be one of many reasons that a lack of confidence/ self-esteem continues to manifest in your life. How does this relate to how to not care what other people think? Well, people with what are considered to be weaker boundaries have an obsession…

Harry Potter: Ranking the Books

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BLOG HARRY POTTER: RANKING THE BOOKS  REVIEWS    0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "Working hard is important, but there is something that matters more: Believing in yourself." - Harry Potter (J.K Rowling) - Tweet As a beautiful book series, Harry Potter has been an absolutely huge influence on my life. :) Harry Potter when I was a child, started coming out as movies. I watched the movies first, and have finally come to discover the Harry Potter book series, that I have decided to pick up and read. I have been listening to the amazing Audible Audiobooks of the Series, read by Stephen Fry. There are 7 books, (8 movies) and in this series I will be reviewing and ranking the books, giving you a summary of my thoughts on each book. Also, I want to say I do heartedly prefer the books to the movies, although I do appreciate the movies in their own way. :) 7. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows         The Deathly Hallows, a thrilling conclusion to the Seven Part Book Series. Whereby Harry, Ron and Hermione are certainly tested in their friendship trying to find and destroy Horcruxes. I did like how it was a bit of a change from the usual being based in Hogwarts, also it allows us to explore the Wizarding World much more, as well as Dumbledore's Past. Funny enough this was the only book that I didn't enjoy as much as the other 6 books. I enjoyed the Battle of Hogwarts' it was a very suspensive epic conlusion. I loved the Auras and how Hermione and Ron grew closer through their hardships.  The Tale of the Three Brothers was also a very interesting tale,  which set up the mood and the premise for the dark days to come once the Ministry fell.    I will be including full reviews of the books seperately. Once it is avaliable, there will be a link in the desription or you can find it in search format. :)   6. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone          The Philosopher's Stone was a such a great opener, this is where we were of course introduced to everything, the Wizarding World, Harry Potter and his friends his rivalries with Draco Malfoy; the teachers and of course Lord Voldermort. "He who must not be named."  I loved how the 3 heroes, Harry, Ron and Hermione formed their friendship. I also adored Gryffindor House and the side characters like Dean Thomas and Seamus. Crabbe and Goyle will good henchmen too. As I have got older however, although this book is still incredibly nostalgic, I do note the fact that Slytherin House seems to be  noted as the 'evil house'; even though that is not neccessarily the case with ALL Slytherins.    The story is really lovely and heartfelt when Gryfindor win in the end. :)  Also how they team up playing Wizard's Chess, and Hermione's problem potion logic puzzle!! It was…

The Power of History

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BLOG THE POWER OF HISTORY HISTORY0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "We are here to create history not repeat it." - Chantelle Renee - Tweet Hey all, I hope you are well. Today I wanted to talk about the power of history, (hence the title). History and our experiences play a significant role in how we interact with the world in the present. It is important, however to study the past in order to create the present we want and the future that we truly desire. As Steve Jobs once said you can only look at the dots joined looking back in order to grow, you must be able to see the dots looking forward. Here is why the history is important.  1. Your Past does not Define your Future As implied at the top, your fears does not define your past. :) So long as you use the past to understand the way you work and what your greatest weaknesses are and better yet identify your strengths and what is awesome about your life.  2. You can learn from Historical Events Many historical events throughout the world can be applied to your life, it may inspire you to learn about our big and beautiful world, and perhaps cause such a strong positive spiral in your life, and to throw yourself at the possibilities and opportunities out there for you waiting. :)  3. Historical People Not only are historical pevents an important part of what makes us human,  but it is the people that makes those situations worth the research and how fascinating things can be. :) People like Marcus Aurellius, Nero, Julius Ceasar, Cleopatra, Peter the Great, Catherine the Great, Henry VIII, Elizabeth I, are very unique individuals with such a story to them that it is very intriquing. :) 4. You can rewrite the Past One thing that I learnt from Russian History, is that you can change people perception of history. Stalin used this ability to eliminate people from photographs and records. Not only that he re-wrote Russian History, and basically called the Romanov Dynasty void. But you can change yourself the way you do things partly, by changing the way you view the past. :) 5. It is actually very fascinating I know this point is a bit generic but it is actually rather interesting to read, listen and watch history. :) Wether it be through an audiobook, book or documentrary they are thousands of places fro you to go and find something that may peak your interest. :)  Bonus Point. Make History Make history, and use this new found power to become the confident legend you were born to be. :) This will allow you to get what you read in theory, into practice. I want YOU, yes I am looking at you! To have a successful and happy and prosperous life! Until the Next Blog Post! Take Care and Look after yourself!! Go make history! :) SHARE THIS Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share…

A Game of Chess; The Art of Strategy

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BLOG A GAME OF CHESS; THE ART OF STRATEGY     ALL      0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "Life is like a game of CHESS. To WIN you have to make a MOVE. Knowing which move to make comes with IN-SIGHT and KNOWLEDGE; and by learning the lessons accumulated along the way. We become each and every piece within the game called LIFE." - Allan Rufus - Tweet Ahhh Chess! I do love the game of Chess. Hopefully you will too or at the very will come to appreciate the wisdom and strategy needed to play the game of Chess, and why it is a great metaphor that many people use to achieve their greatest goals, desires and ambitions.  Here our 5 different points on why you should play Chess if not learn from it.  1. Every Move is important Every move you make in Chess is important especially your starting approach against the opposing team.  Say I move a pawn first in the middle of the board, there are many different opportunities and move options you can take. Some moves are wise and long-term; other moves perhaps are very good short-term not so effective in the long-term.  Again it depends on the strategy. This is an important metaphor for life, I believe, you can develop a great strategy that works for you in your own life. Having that stragetic mind, is very important. 2. Protect your King For many of us we leave our 'King' exposed, allowing us to easily face defeat and other dissapointments. But if we keep our king safely castled (a move in Chess) or as it were guarded, we will be able to develop a resilence to stimuli. The King can also be a great metpahor for guarding one's internal empire. One's vision, and our childhood dreams. :)  3. Being Aware of the Opposition I wanted to make it clear however, that there is a difference between obsessing and negatively comparing yourself to the opposition and just beig aware and been inspired by the opposition. It is significant for you to see the opposition as as elluded to may give you some clue or hint wether your strategy is working all not. That could be in love and relationships, money + finance, health, etc. In these different sectors is a different type of opposition.  4. Research the Rules of the Game There are ways that you can build upon your strategy, and the obviously one of which is to build on your knowledge and wisdom of the game.  So if there is an area of life that you may need a little bit of assistance in perhpas read a book on it, watch a documentary or maybe even get coached on the subject. :) The only way however to get better at playing chess is by continuingly playing the game. :) Doing things gradually with better confidence and thus a better strategy.  5. Put your pieces in the most valuable place to you.…

Legendary

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BLOG LEGENDARY ALL 0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "Someone's Opinion of You - does not have to become your reality." - Les Brown - Tweet How to become a legend? Who better then to ask but a lengend himself! I 'm joking. Seriously, just chill.  But today on this wonderful blog post we ask ourselves how does one actually become a legend? How does one become legendary? 1. Inspires Others How can you be a legend if you don't inspire others. Many of the most famous legends throughout history, was able to capture this not only in his vision, but also in the visions of others. 2. Establishing Confidence The only way one can build confidence is to practice, practice, practice. Every legend who wants to practice being incredibly confident in themselves must practice this repeatedly.  Just being strong in who they are, in other words being comfortable in their own being. :) All legends are very comfortable in their own skin, and they learn to not be afraid. :) 3. Building on your Higher Self Building on your higher self's dreams and ambitions, whilst focussing on your vision is very important when it comes to building a legend. :) Imagine your self being more confident and fearless, and build upon that vision, brick by brick and see where it will take you. :) 4. Find Your Life Purpose One thing that will not ground you more, on not caring what people think is to have a Life Purpose. A Life Purpose is either a big goal or a massive change that you want to make in your life, which is aligned with your personal values and needs. This is like your destination. This will allow you to make your own heading if you will to reach this said goal and make this aligned into reality. This could be starting a blog, write a book, start a YouTube Channel, to Rule the World! If you have your own goal then you will DO things that will benefit YOU. If you are interested in finding your life purpose then read my post; How to Find Your Life Purpose 5. Build an Empire Build an empire is a pivital part of what makes a legend. There are different types of empires, but the first one starts in the mind. They also decide to take decisive action and not to be passive or to be paralysed by fear. :) Many people throughout history, that has been able to be successful has been able to SEE in their MIND the Empire. :)   Bonus Point. Be Courageous! The only way to build confidence in yourself is to be courageous! :)  These habits underneath might be able to help you, strengthen your key inner habits and to become an absolute unstoppable force of nature. :)  - Journaling - Reading Self-Help Books - Reading Fiction Books - Meditation - Write your own story. This will allow you to get what you read in theory, into practice.…

The New Year 2020

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BLOG THE NEW YEAR 2020     SOCIAL      0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "The old year has gone. Let the dead past bury its own dead. The New Year has taken possession of the clock of time. All Hail! The duties and responsibilities of the coming twelve months." - Edward Payson Powell - Tweet Hello, all; hope you are well and are having an amazing Happy New Year! Today I wanted to talk about how much I am looking forward to 2020! :)  This special blog post is here to talk about the importance of the new year and why it is beneficial for people to do that.  1. It is a chance to start again No matter how good or bad your year 2019 has been. The new year coming around is a lovely way to start the new year and to start growing and blossoming yourself to becoming the best version of yourself! You can start 2020, with an incredible ability to grow and be an amazing legend. :)  2. To go after your dreams and your vision!!! Your vision is incredibly significant to your life tragetory and having that key vision to see in the future in a positive ilght is incredibly important in your life. So take 2020 by storm and become the man that you know that you are capable of being! :)  3. To celebrate with your family. Take some time out of the year to look after your family more and especially to be kinder to yourself. :) Give yourself some time to relax and enjoy things that you enjoy doing! Perhaps you should spend some more time playing board games with your family, or a game of charades!!   4. To reflect on the year before (2019) One thing that you could also do is to reflect on the year before (2019) and see what amazing things you did! Also, what problems that you did occur could you have solved by seeing it from an alternative view point! :)  5. To plan your year of excellence! This is also an amazing opportunity for you to plan your year out (2020) and to see what exciting adventures you will be up to doing! :)  Bonus Point: To become a Hero in your own Story Make sure that you become the legend that you born to be! :) You are the hero in your own story you can conquer your fears by having a clear vision on the person you want to be. :)  This will allow you to get what you read in theory, into practice. I want YOU, yes I am looking at you! To have a successful and happy and prosperous life! Until the Next Blog Post! Take Care and Look after yourself!! Happy New Year All! Harry,  SHARE THIS Share on facebook Facebook Share on google Google+ Share on twitter Twitter Share on linkedin LinkedIn Share on pinterest Pinterest Subscribe to My Newsletter Click edit button to change…

How to Study like Hermione Granger

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BLOG HOW TO STUDY LIKE HERMIONE GRANGER ACADEMIC 0 COMMENTS Written by Harry Croose "Young girls are told you have to be the delicate princess. Hermione taught them that you can be the warrior." - Emma Watson - Tweet Hermione Granger is certainly one of my favourite characters in Harry Potter not just becuase of her bravery, intellect and because she is pretty attractive in my opinion. But becuase of the fact that she can be a real inspiration to students all around the world. The very well-known model student of Hogwarts School of WitchCraft and Wizardry. Here is 5 tips to help YOU become a better student (like Hermione Granger). As you can see from the above quote, Emma Watson adored her character in Harry Potter not because of the fact that you don't have to be a princess but that you can be a warrior; which is what I like to say here is that no matter what setbacks you may have you can fight. 1. Be Organised One of Hermione's greatest strengths throughout the books and films is the fact that she is constantly organised.  Wether she has a book that tells her about her deadlines literally, (Harry and Ron found out when Hermione's gave them both a present.) Or wether she would plan to read her Summer Books actually in the Summer!  Whatever she planned it is better then having no plan (like the majority of her year group).  Perhaps to make University more fun you could buy yourself a Harry Potter Notebook, and pretend to be a wizard whilst studying. Alternatively you could get a time turner, I know it wold be incredibly helpful for our Assignments but alas many of us are Muggles! If you are a wizard reading this then if you could lend me one I would personally be greatful. :) 2. Contribute in Class Contributing in Class is something that Hermione's is incredibly well known for both in the books and the movies!  Intially many people even a teacher like Severus Snape has been known to making fun of Hermione's as she is apparently an "insufferable know-it-all!" That being said she has one many points for Griffindor House just by her contributing. This I believe has improved her confidence in herself massively when public speaking in front of her class mates and even her enemies (Slytherin House), especially being Muggleborn.  So it goes to show tht no matter what label you get deemed, if your heart and mind are in the right place you can get what you want!  3. Read Loads of Books In every University there is a library, but must students don't uterlise it's abilities to its full extent! Hermione does indeed she goes to the library constantly, to research her craft. That is why she is an absolute genius! :) She is willing to grow and develop her knowledge base, in her subjects.  4. Self-Educate as a Hobby This is an incredibly significant point to most masters…