Here's to another year.

The past week in my life has been jam-packed with events, errands, and to-dos. Everything looks drastically different as I adjust to the 'new normal' outside the home. While it has felt surreal there are little moments that I wouldn't trade for the world and want to share with you...

Back to school season is well underway. It was unusually different this year. I guess the uncertainty of this new academic year and school environment made me so anxious that I was almost dreading this next step. Have you felt that way too? It has been a crazy time for all of us, filled with many ups and downs.

Anyways, to my relief, the first day back was made even better with great news received. I felt so excited to share it with loved ones and celebrate what God had done for me. I was left filled with gratitude. I want to remind you that putting in your best efforts will reward you with desired results- so don't give up and never stop trying. It was lovely to see familiar faces (with masks) in person after so long. Although the environment felt unorthodox, it was comforting to know that It would push me to do great things!

Cheers

It's funny how we can preempt situations in our head to the point that we lose our excitement and resist what could happen. I'm learning to take things as they come because worrying and overthinking isn't productive. In fact, the worrying thoughts clouded my expectations so I didn't notice how fast approaching my birthday was. I'm sure we've all had those moments but I had never 'forgotten' my own special day.

I didn't have plans or expectations for my birthday for many reasons, one of them being that it seemed like just an ordinary day. I thought that people (family/friends) would forget so I didn't want to make a fuss about it. Anyways, looking back at it, I was completely wrong and had a wonderful day. I am blessed. It felt really nice to be surrounded by people that care about me and reminded of the times I shared with them. I was shocked at how well they knew me and for some of my friends their genuine interest in wanting to know me. Being with such people made me feel fulfilled within myself that I was a great daughter, friend, sibling etc.

It was a celebratory day to sum it up and an evening well spent ending with a toast (of Prosecco). I received gifts I didn't think I'd have, took many photos with different outfit changes and went to bed extremely late. It was all worth it and a day that I won't forget. Let me know in the comments when your birthdays are and what your fav memory was.

Here's what I learned about starting new chapters:

1. Relieve yourself of the pressure.

Many of us have mental tabs of what we should do or have done by the time we hit a certain age. I believe that external factors such as social media, family/friends, the hustle culture questions our own timings. Part of the reason that entering into this new age was so distant was that I didn't want to face the responsibilities and titles that I was going to have to handle. That shouldn't be the case, I've learnt now to look at each age as a milestone of life -regardless of what I've achieved or not. If you've struggled to take this pressure off yourself. Run your own race in life and resist the temptation to compare yourself to others and I tell you that you will be on track.

2. Reflection is good.

While the pages of your life are being filled day by day, don't forget to read old ones. It's very easy to keep pressing forward but doing that too intently makes it's difficult to acknowledge your progress. I looked back at my life with a lot of things, people, places that I was grateful for. Taking the time to reflect, humbles you and helps you to see the more important things in life. Reflection isn't easy, because our past also holds bad memories and unpleasant times but instead of you to avoid it, embrace them. Look back at those tough times through a different perspective, after all, it's part of your growth.

3. Relationships in your life will change.

Somedays are bittersweet for me...and I'll tell you why. However, there are moments where I can't help but resonate on why some of my past relationships didn't work, last or survive trialling periods. In my heart, it harder to let go and move on. This leads me to ask a series of questions: Why aren't we what we used to be?, Why did they suddenly change? Why don't we talk anymore? How could they? etc. During the week I saw a quote with an underlying message that if a relationship ends it doesn't mean it's failed. It taught me how not every relationship is meant to. So instead of dwelling on relationships that ended, focus on nurturing the relationships you have with people that love and care for you.

4. Manage your expectations.

I managed my expectations and it happened to work in my favour. Aim to not depend on others to make you happy. When we do this, we truly relieve ourselves from experiencing disappointment and exasperating pressure on others. Don't get me wrong you have every right to look forward to whatever it is you are hoping for. I want to remind you to take your own happiness into your own hands. Make memories and do things that will bring you joy and you'll find that whatever anyone else does (e.g. treat you to lunch) will be an added bonus.

5. We all celebrate differently.

I attended a friend's birthday party and realised that we are so different. I wouldn't have done things the way she did it but It was their day and I was totally respectful of that. I personally like a more quiet and intimate gathering. Remember how you react to something that may be completely different from how someone else reacts even under the same situation. Don't compare what your likes or dislikes with others.

6. Don't let the bad moments ruin the good.

Now as much as this blog post seems all dazy and jolly, I had my low moments this week. I was reminded by an Instagram post that bad moments can ruin good days making it feel as if it is a bad day. Life will be filled with many ups and downs but it's up to you to choose what you prioritise. In my new chapter, I want to work on allowing myself to be happier and not weighted by any negative thoughts.

So cheers... Here's to a new chapter that I will continue to share with you.