I struggle to find the words to describe this year, as everyone else does. I started the year by graduating and celebrating my birthday; and by the end, I would be seeing friends through social media and feeling disconnected and isolated. This year was tough for many, yet here is the year through my eyes.
Read More »Category: Personal
Reaching breaking point
I talked about how last year was a momentous year for me. It saw so many adventures and memories being made, studying, working and battling my health as well as dating. Whilst I was proud of the progress I made, a part of me struggled with the lingering aftermath that followed.
Let’s go on an adventure!
One of my closest friends from university introduced me to ‘adventures’ and since then I’ve been hooked. We may see an adventure as something momentous, to go out to the world and explore or do something you’ve always dreamed of doing. Yet it doesn’t have to be daring or risky, as long as you leave each one with a great memory. She taught me how to fall in love with exploring cities and doing things I’d usually put off. What she taught me was that an important part of an adventure is what you make of it.
Try not to be afraid of the dark
There are always opposites in life, the good with the bad as well as the light after the dark; and it’s oddly beautiful how we manage to balance them. So why is one seen as more desirable over the other? When both offer us something different and precious. It’s time to stop feeling scared of the dark.
Creating a healthy routine
I’ve found that I’ve felt more happier and less stressful since I decided to ‘work’ on myself. I’m making progress on being more positive, healthier and learning to ask for help; and I find I’m not alone as much anymore. Another aspect that has helped me battle against stress and fatigue has been adding a bit of a structure and routine.
Cultivating my ‘Safe Space’
I’ve always described myself as quite introverted. Always more comfortable in a library or with a book in my hand, headphones in my ears, and the world held at arms length. To friends and family, I’m loud, talkative and goofy. I’d probably be described as the ‘funny one’. Perhaps I’m more of an extroverted introvert? Once I’m more comfortable around you, I tend to be an open book and my volume increases; but every now and again, I find the need to recharge my batteries, so I hide away in my safe space.
Learning to explore
Sometimes, it’s good to get outside for a bit and blow away the cobwebs. It gives me time to refocus and regroup so that I can better collect my thoughts so I can create pieces I’m more happy with. That said, with my condition, and being stuck in a bustling urban environment, it’s hard to seek out nature. Still there’s beauty to be found, if you know where to look.
Read More »See the best in yourself
I have been known to be a perfectionist, mostly with words, but often with myself. I’m my own worst critic and biggest doubter. It’s taken it’s toll on how I view myself. I’d be the first to put myself down, to prioritise others over myself and my health; and I no longer see the boundary in learning to laugh at myself or beating myself up for my shortcomings. I tend to find humour as a way to list my faults so no one can beat me to the punch, and it’s often a way to encourage others to treat me differently. If that’s how I see myself, why shouldn’t others? It was always okay because it was a joke, or perhaps I was, but then one day I stopped laughing.
My postgrad: a reflection upon graduating
In life, I’ve always had moments where I couldn’t believe I did something or others where I wish I had, and didn’t out of fear. One of those moments was when I had wanted to pick up more techniques when it came to writing. I knew how to create free-verse poetry or short stories; but I didn’t know the first thing when it came to pacing and planning a novel; or the realities of building a career as a writer. I’d never stepped out of my comfort zone, and I thought it was about time I did.
Why are making memories important?
I tend to put a lot of emphasis on making memories, especially of late. It could be said that life is fleeting, and all we really collect is memories we store in jars in our soul. Money, objects and sometimes people can be so temporary. A story or a memory can be somewhat permanent. I remember running through trees, having a secret hideaway, concerts, dates and laughing till I cried. It sounds so poetic that a part of me would love it to be this realisation that sparked my curiosity, but it wasn’t.
