You are not your mistakes, the second chances you gave that didn’t work out, the gut feelings you decided to ignore.
You are not your failures, the life changes that didn’t make it through and the dreams that you didn’t reach.
You are whatever you want to be, today. You can choose it.
You can decide to let the past be, and write yourself a new story. One where YOU are the author. And you can give yourself permission to fuck up, accept it, heck, even own it! Then move on.
And turn it into a positive. Make it a stepping stone to your success. Because you can do it, you know? It’s all out there waiting for you, ready to take it.
Sometimes changes happen without you really noticing it. And it’s only when you sit down and think, do you realise how much effort you’ve been putting into in your life, ready to see a difference.
Today’s post is all about the new changes I’ve been making in the current months, and maybe more importantly, why I’ve started making them in the first place.
KNOWING MY LIMITS
I’ve always been pretty good at knowing my limits, but last year I really pushed myself past them, and it never ends well does it?
I’ve really started tuning into my body and mind more, and if it feels like I’m cramming too much into my day, I make the sensible decision and delegate where I can. For example, when I’m writing this, I’ve just got back from work. In a few hours I have a couple of errands to run, plus my dad also needs picking up from the station. Then I’ve got to zoom back in time to have my dinner and go to my yoga class. For me, that seems a bit much, especially when I want to have slower days in the run up to the wedding. So I’m asking Dan if he can pick my Dad up for me instead. It’s not about being lazy or selfish, it’s about knowing when you’re stretching yourself a little too thin than what is good for you.
EXPLORING MY IMAGINATION AND CREATIVITY
All my life I’ve had a wild imagination, and it’s nice to be using it for a positive reason, instead of over-thinking. Of course, I’m talking about my Instagram! I’m loving coming up with different ideas and how I can showcase my creativity. Plus, it’s fun that it involves Harvey (my dog too). Head on over and let me know what you think.
EMBRACING FAST, AND SLOW DAYS
I’ve always been the type of person to love days at home, but I find if I have too many of them, I easily start feeling really down and lonely. On the other hand, if I have a few too many busy days in a row, I get really burned out. Luckily, I have a great support network and I’ve managed to create a great work schedule which means I have one day off work, aswell as a few afternoons too.
That way, I look forward to planning things for me to do and spending my afternoons how I’d like- catching up on Netflix, reading outside, blogging, baking etc. And when I am busy, instead of it becoming a slog, I really embrace it and make the most of the company I’m with.
All in all, I’m really happy with how things are going lately, and I hope my positivity shines through this post too!
Forgive me for the click-bait title, but blogging posts always go down well with you guys, and I thought this would probably be of interest to some of you, as if would to me if it was the other way around!
Keep it personal
I don’t know if you noticed this, but over the last few weeks I’ve really been introducing more personal, chatty lifestyle posts to the blog. This wasn’t intentional actually, they were just the kind of stuff I fancied writing about. Thankfully, the more personal posts always seem to do the best in terms of hits and engagement, so it worked out well that what I wanted to write, was also what some people wanted to read! You don’t have to over-share or get super into the nitty gritty, but have a think about some topics you would be interested in having a chat about with your readers.
Always promote your posts
This was something I always did anyway, but a couple of months ago I did up my promotional tweets to an extra one or two a day, which I definitely think made a difference. Sure, scheduling social media isn’t the most fun part of the job, but if it works, it’s worth it.
I also spoke a lot more about blog posts on my Instagram captions too. Opening up a discussion about what the post entailed is a great idea and I think personally, it makes people more inclined to go on over and have a read.
It’s not the be-all and end all
I know blog views are great and everything, but they don’t mean half as much to me as the comments and engagement I get! A bunch of numbers really doesn’t compare to lovely words by people who just completely understand where you’re coming from, and can relate and support you on your journey.
So while working on getting them higher is great, don’t forget to appreciate the views you get currently- they are not too be downplayed and should definitely be celebrated!
On Sunday 22nd July, we finally got married! It’s been 18 months in the works, but I’d do it all over again tomorrow. It was the most magical day surrounded by our family and friends. When I get the photos from the photographer, prepare for a whole week of various wedding blog posts- I’m so excited to type them up and share the day with you!
I always love seeing these posts by other people, so I wanted to do my own update of what I’ve been consuming lately. What isn’t better than watching Netflix with a cup of tea and an afternoon snack, am I right? I want to give a massive shout-out to Panasonic for working with me on this post. How good does the Panasonic bluetooth waterproof speaker look? I know Dan would love one so I’m definitely putting it on my Christmas list for him!
READING
I mentioned on my Instagram the other day that I’ve started re-reading the Harry Potter books. It’s been years since I read them, and to be honest I can’t remember all that much about any of them (apart from the first one). I’ve just finished book 2 and I’m absolutely loving disappearing into the magical world of wizardry every day!
WATCHING
In terms of TV, obviously Love Island. Where Netflix is concerned, we’ve just finished Season 2 of Sneaky Pete which was really good and definitely worth a watch. I’ve finished Grace & Frankie too which is one of my favourites. We’re also really loving The Good Place which is a light-hearted comedy that we’re speeding through at lightening pace at the minute. Plus it’s only 20 minutes so watching 2 episodes whilst having dinner doesn’t feel too long.
LISTENING
I’ve done a few posts on it before, but basically, podcasts are my jam. I listen to them every single day, whether that’s on a dog walk or cleaning the house, they’re usually my go-to. In terms of recent ones I’ve discovered so I’m not repeating myself, I’m obsessed with Hashtag Authentic by Sara (super excited to listen to her new one with the amazing Jen Carrington), The Fringe of It by Liv and Charlotte and There Are Other Ways by Fiona Barrows.
What are you reading, watching and listening to lately? I would love to know!
