When I rambled on needlessly about wanting to change my monthly posts, I was not exactly sure how (if it all) they would differ from what I had already been doing. The one thing I did know was that I wanted to focus more on progression as well as reflection.
As a result I have been looking at ways to better myself. I have been wallowing in misery when really I should be moving forward. You know, having a #PositiveMentalAttitude, and just generally being more solutions focused. It is no secret (apparently even to those who I’ve only just started getting to know) that I have been in a rut. The source of that rut is very much up for discussion, but the common factor? Me. So let’s start there.
My goal for the next couple of months is to be the change. I don’t just want to climb the ladder, I want to build it, and I don’t want to be afraid to take a step back every now and then. Career progression is great. Building relationships is fantastic. Looking after my mental health though, that has to come first right now.
Yes I have looked back on my behaviour in the last year, but no I am not dwelling.
I want to keep on learning, not just this year, but throughout life. I’m not going to be right 100% of the time and it is time to embrace the challenge and learn something new; listening to others instead of waiting to give my opinion. The power of pause. I will be using this. I want to develop my conversations with people and make sure to argue my case, not as a means to win, but as a means to learn. I don’t want to keep quiet and moan later. Put up or shut up, you know? It’s not about winning or coming out on top, it is about working as a team, and that is valuable in any area of life. Collaboration is power and communication is the tool.
Another goal is to make the most of my time. We all say ‘Oh I don’t have time”, but I mean, what are you doing right now? You’re reading this blog post. I’m flattered, I am, but don’t you think that if you have time to read the nonsensical words of a 25 year old who just decided to broadcast her thoughts online, that you then have the time to call an old friend? Read a bit of the book (or one of many) that you have been meaning to finish? To listen to that new song, or that old favourite of yours? Go for a walk? Meditate? Take some selfies? Cook a slap up meal? The list goes on.
The thing is, there is no rule of what you should be doing with your time but the very least you can do is make sure you’re enjoying it. If you’re not then what’s the point? Now I’m not saying you have to enjoy every second of every day, that is near impossible, I get it, shit happens. The main thing is that you try, you connect with yourself enough to know what makes you feel good and when you need to apply it. Sometimes the best thing to do is just nothing. Just remember it’s not a competition. You don’t have to put it all on Instagram. At the same time you absolutely can put it on Instagram. That’s the secret to running your life, there are no rules. Not really. Besides the law. That’s probably a little important, right? Just take ownership over the things you do.
I could go on and on about all the things I’m trying to do, but it’s nice to keep a few things to myself and come back to them later. The general plan for this year, among the little things like reading more and making sure I keep myself hydrated is to make sure I embrace everything. Even the low points. There’s a lesson to be learnt in everything, and instead of bogging myself down with the sad stuff, I will take my time to embrace the feeling, learn from it and chuck it away; on to the next one.
-x-
SAMANTHA MAE 