Firstly, I'd like to welcome you to a sparkly New Year, 2019.
Last year was a real one, like a real shit one. But since we are all anew with resolutions and well-intentioned ideas, it is a good time to reflect in a positive light. So below are 9 things I learnt in 2018, some of which are only the beginning, and I am looking forward to learning further in 2019.
The saying "you can get more money but you cannot get more time" sadly doesn't bring the bacon home. This year was an eye-opener for my financial situation, in having to move out of a stable lifestyle, I was thrust into ensuring I only depended on myself and I am now learning the art of sacrificing things in order to keep the things I really like, in my life. (Like Nandos!)
I can depend on myself. Although I have been self-sufficient (for the most part) for nearly 6 years, this year I gave myself the credit I am very overdue, in that I CAN do it, and it is my motivation to do better for myself going forward.
New hobbies will grow with you. I have always had ambitious bucket lists of things that are actually achievable, if I put my mind to it. During the last week of 2018, I begun a YouTube channel, documenting my journey with clear aligner braces with YourSmileDirect.
Challenging myself is liberating. Last summer, I attended a training course for GB Beginners Archery and completed it, along with coming first in the women's category of our mini-competition. This was also during some of the toughest weeks of last year, which only adds to why the challenge was so rewarding.
Good habits will stay with you. Whilst reading a book about anxiety last year, a particular section resonated with me about habits, about making them so, in order to then never overlook them. As a result of my new venture on YouTube, I am always looking for ideas to film, and this is something I am hoping to publish on there in the coming weeks.
Not being in a relationship, teaches me more about being in one than actually being in one. Before I made the choice to leave my relationship behind, my best friend said that she learnt more about what she wanted in a relationship, whilst she dated and had a drafted 'rejection' message she would send to those that didn't meet what she wanted. I plan to channel this attitude through this New Year.
Being on my own is pure. Never did I see the day that I would long to sit on the sofa by myself. I would always pine to be at home home with my family. I regularly visit and spent quality time with them, but on what would typically be my 'down-time' I am in a household with 4 other people, finding myself not chilling out.
Being on my own is alien. In contrast to the above, I have not ever spent long periods of time in my own company. So developing a new routine and actually listening to what I want, has been a very fruitful experience.
I do not need new clothes. Back at university, I would be buying clothes every week, from my part-time job at Primark or from online retailers. Now, I am lucky if I can be bothered to purchase new pants! My 'need' for new clothes has seriously diminished since my finances have been under the microscope.
What things have you learnt over 2018? :-)
Being a student has definitely been one of (if not the best) the best decisions and experiences i have had in the 20 years i have been alive so far. Not only have i made incredible friends and moved out of my family home, i have also been through some life lessons (although still being wrapped in bubble wrap slightly- thanks ma and pa!)
Despite the heavy and most obvious lessons, here are a few i have experienced so far that aren't so bad.
Daytime television is your best friend and worst enemy. I can remember countless amount of times where i have heard (and said) the term "I'll start work after this episode of Jeremy Kyle" (shoutout to my housemates for this one!) and still not being able to peel my eyes from the bad teeth and Jeremy's gaze at the camera.
This being said, in the same respect I will always be grateful that I have such a powerful distraction from reflective journals and infographics, even just for a few minutes (hours).
17 types of People you see on 'Jeremy Kyle'
No matter how hard I try, telling myself I'll do work at home never works. Before a lecture/seminar: "I'll stay at uni for hours & finish loads"
After a lecture/seminar: "Screw this. I'm at where the nachos are at. Home"
No one is actually in competition with you. Though some people still seem to think life is a game and everyone's success must be compared, this is actually not true. Real friends in real life would actually love for you to do well, in the same way you genuinely wish the same for them.
It's human not to get on with everyone.
Communally being hungover the next day is the best bit about going out. Either that or the reassuring fact you're all consuming copious amounts of junk food makes it all worthwhile.
Old school music will always be better than the new stuff. Knowing that miming into a bottle of wine to 'I like the way you move' is entirely normal to your housemates has to be encouraging, no?
What new lessons have you learnt?
:-)
It is now less than a month until I move into my house with my university housemates in Winchester and I could not be more ready or excited!
With everything happening in my personal life, this really hasn't come at a more perfect time!
The town itself is full of beautiful achitechture and unbeknown to me (until 30 seconds ago when I researched it!) Winchester Cathedral was built in 1079 and let me tell you, it is a sight to behold. I visited the Winchester Christmas Market back in December and just happened to stroll in. By the time I came out, my adventure apetite was full and I was dizzy with the beauty of it!
(source: My Instagram)
So after the excitement (and realisation) bit me on the bum that move in day was fast approaching my Mum and I went into overdrive looking at bed spreads, mirrors and furniture.
And social media only encourages my ideas! Pinterest has become my go-to best friend for stunning attic room (YES I HAVE AN ATTIC ROOM!!!!) inspiration and my new House board is the cosiest I've seen yet!.
And I do plan to go OTT with fairy lights, blankets and cushions!
Do you reccommend any other sites I can use for inspiration?
♥
