Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label thoughts. Show all posts
Check-ins are probably the most important thing keeping me sane right now: family check-ins, mental check-ins, physical check-ins...it's already May and it feels like the beginning of quarantine was forever ago. I have to say keeping a routine has not been very difficult for me lately, probably because it's the one thing that is normal for me. Waking up at an early hour, beginning work, giving myself breaks, and rewarding myself at the end of the day with me-time.
Everyone has their own definition of "self-care," and I think it's important to realize that my version of it is not anyone else's. Sleeping in and choosing not to overload yourself with work is self-care. So is taking a bath, putting on a face mask, or tuning out and listening to a podcast. I think self-care for me has really come down to what I feel most inspired to be doing, whether it be reading or re-reading one of my favorite books.
Lately I have revisited Marie Kondo's The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a great way to refresh and reorganize your spaces during this time. I have also been following Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine bookclub, I am currently reading Conviction by Denise Mina. It's a great murder mystery that takes place on a yacht in France and will have you turning the pages!
I have been trying to stay active as much as possible. Whether it be walking the dog, running on the treadmill, or doing some Corepower: Yoga On Demand. There have been many times where I felt unmotivated to exercise, so I just wouldn't. I think it's good to know when you need balance and not feel pressured to workout when you're at home. Corepower also offers some nice meditation videos and I know there are many free ones on YouTube, as well.
Gardening has also been something new I tried—haven't completely failed—but, it has definitely tested me and I think that's because I was so eager to start planting a ton of plants that I never realized that Chicago still becomes winter late at night in the spring. So, all I have to say is that my cilantro is doing great, but my sunflowers will have to make a dire comeback.
Lately I have revisited Marie Kondo's The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, a great way to refresh and reorganize your spaces during this time. I have also been following Reese Witherspoon's Hello Sunshine bookclub, I am currently reading Conviction by Denise Mina. It's a great murder mystery that takes place on a yacht in France and will have you turning the pages!
I have been trying to stay active as much as possible. Whether it be walking the dog, running on the treadmill, or doing some Corepower: Yoga On Demand. There have been many times where I felt unmotivated to exercise, so I just wouldn't. I think it's good to know when you need balance and not feel pressured to workout when you're at home. Corepower also offers some nice meditation videos and I know there are many free ones on YouTube, as well.
Gardening has also been something new I tried—haven't completely failed—but, it has definitely tested me and I think that's because I was so eager to start planting a ton of plants that I never realized that Chicago still becomes winter late at night in the spring. So, all I have to say is that my cilantro is doing great, but my sunflowers will have to make a dire comeback.
Cooper has definitely been thriving with all of the attention and extra play. If there's anyone that has benefited from us staying home, it's him. Funny enough, his main form of entertainment has been bubbles. Emily and I will stand out in the yard and he could jump and catch bubbles all day long. There's something so wholesome about finding joy in the little things.
Self care is crucial at a time like this and it doesn't have to look like whatever spa days and pamper sessions people post online. It could simply be sitting outside and taking in the sunshine. How have you been coping lately?
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Hi. Hello. I'm back! It's been about a month since I've written a blog post as there have been some pretty big and troubling circumstances going on. It has taken me a while to get back on my blogging feet, so now is the time for me to finally update you all.
These past few weeks have been challenging to say the least, being a college student especially, transitioning all of my classes, job, and extra curricular activities online. Sadly, I know that a lot of other people have lost their jobs, reverted to homeschooling their children, or even work on the frontlines. I am so very grateful and extend my love for the countless number of healthcare workers, emergency services, truck drivers, farmers, essential businesses, teachers, and those who have to sacrifice it all in order to make our country safe.
I have the tendency to believe that a lot of things in life are a constant waiting game. We are always after something in the future, a proposed goal or ambition, and we are counting down the days until we get there. I know I get very psycho-analytical on my blog—a bit deep at times—and am in no way an expert on our human-like tendencies, but just from what I know and feel, there's something about this waiting "game" that has resonated with my current situation so much.
Whether it be sending out pitch emails, applying for an internship, or even ordering cupcakes at 10 o'clock at night, I feel like there's always something to be wanted, awarded, or desired and we are just too insistent on getting that cupcake ASAP.
My amateur knowledge of psychology and what I have learned about delayed gratification is that an individual resists the temptation of immediacy and the "I want it now!" Veruca Salt mentality. The selfish greed in all of us wanting to know the unknown, I mean everyone hates not knowing, right? I've had many instances where I've found patience a virtue and I'd like to say that I have become a pretty patient person, but sometimes that patience turns into obsession and, as a result, inexhaustible self-doubt.
I think many could agree that life is just a waiting game. We are all going after our ambitions, applying ourselves, testing the waters, taking our shot, in hopes of finding something bigger and better—and something as delicious as a 10 o'clock red velvet cupcake. At times, I've found myself dreading over exam grades, scholarships, and getting accepted into my number one college. It made me the most persistently annoying human being during high school because my future, as I believed, was determined by this one "congratulations" email I so desperately yearned for my entire senior year, only to find out I got a scholarship a week after my graduation of high school.
I have the tendency to resort to self-doubt, and therefore lose all the agency I had when I applied myself to these things in the first place; whether it be an internship, job, or study abroad program. It's so easy for us to give something our all and then when we don't get a response within a week, we slowly start to chip away at the fine marble that is our ambition, our passion, and everything we worked ourselves up to be.
There is truth to the delay of the reward, and that is not only a huge feeling of relief but also a sense of greater significance. We seem to forget how much work we put into these things when the suspension isn't built or we don't recognize this sensation of gratitude that should arise from it.
I've grown an appreciation for these opportunities to reflect, and as I wonder where these opportunities will take me, I find myself more present and focused on what I'm currently doing, rather than dwelling on whether or not I'm going to make it in the end. I'm more in tune with my passions this way, and to cultivate a sense of gratitude for these aspirations that await for us, who knows what could happen, so why wait?
I just find life so much more bearable when we commit fully to the things we aspire to most and move on from wondering for a second why we might not be capable of achieving these things. Whether you find out tomorrow, next week, or a month from now, that cupcake is going to taste so good later knowing you were right where you needed to be.
My month ahead...
A rather long January has finally come to an end, as much as I love wishing my life away, I'm pretty excited that we are one step closer to lighter mornings and brighter days. In a recent yoga class I took, my instructor's mantra for us was, "And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to bloom," at this point in my life it was something that really resonated with me.
I'm almost halfway done with my junior year of college and all I can think about are the unmade plans for the future and the anxiety that lurks not knowing exactly what might happen a month or even a year from now. There's something true about growth, and it's that we have to trust the process, our ability, and our strength to get to where we want to be. February is action-packed for me this year, and while January treated me off to a smooth start, I thought I'd fill you in...
01. I have been trying to sort out some travel plans for spring break, I know a lot of people go to Florida, the Bahamas, etc. but, I've always loved the idea of taking spontaneous trips to areas of the U.S. that I have yet explored and aren't the most ideal spring break hot spots. Oregon, for example, is a destination I have in mind and I am all for a mountain escape and a breath of fresh ocean air. I've always wanted to explore Portland, but also the western coast, so hopefully, I can make a trip happen this year and see some family that lives out there, too.
02. The summer internship search is on! Now that I've finished my first public relations internship with Papergirl PR and Marketing in December, I've been jumping at opportunities whenever and wherever. There's so much pressure, at least at DePaul, in order to find an internship and I have to say I am one with the process on this one.
I've sent out my resumé and have already had some interviews, but I know I need to be true to myself in what I'm looking for exactly—definitely paid, but a creative role is ideal. So we'll see what happens and I am more than confident that I will come to find an agency that I love.
I've sent out my resumé and have already had some interviews, but I know I need to be true to myself in what I'm looking for exactly—definitely paid, but a creative role is ideal. So we'll see what happens and I am more than confident that I will come to find an agency that I love.
We have been conducting research and pitching our campaign, Love Where You Count, since the beginning of September in order to connect the things people love with the importance of participating in crucial decision making in federal funds nationwide.
It's been stressful, to say the least, but by the end of February, we should have fully executed our campaign and will submit it to the national judges.
Never did I think that in college I would be working with the government, so it's quite cool to be gaining this hands-on experience and opportunity of a lifetime. I will for sure update you all once the manic and excitement of February that is to come has died down.
Never did I think that in college I would be working with the government, so it's quite cool to be gaining this hands-on experience and opportunity of a lifetime. I will for sure update you all once the manic and excitement of February that is to come has died down.
04. After five years of writing on my blog, I've finally bought a domain name for it. For some reason, I was so reluctant to own natalierohman.com, but one of my really close blogger-boss ladies told me it's about time that I should. Lately, I've been giving myself more time to write and be creative on my own terms, so expect more juicy content to come!
I've been thinking about sharing my tutoring experience so far, as well. I started tutoring at DePaul's writing center in September and have been promoted to the Writing Fellow position where we work simultaneously with a specific class, which is about the psychoanalysis of fairy tales—who knew Beauty and the Beast had so many complexities?
That looks like all I have for February, but I am really looking forward to a fresh month and even more exciting opportunities to come. While uncertain now, I have trust in the process and in the journey that it will take for me to get there. What's on the radar for you next month?
New Year, New Manifestations
As the new year falls upon us, and we're wishing it was still Christmas, snuggled up in bed, the reality of work and routine dwells and consumes our schedule—whether we want it to or not. This time of year has its cheerful highs: seeing old friends, eating beyond belief, late-night Hallmark binges, going to the movie theater (three times consecutively in a week) and being able to recharge with the joys of consumerism and homemade meals. What's more to love?
I am lucky enough to have six weeks off for winter break, yes I know, it's a crazy amount of time off and it is one of the bittersweet perks I get for being at a trimester school. Now that it's my second day back, I am in awe at how fast time can fly when you're doing absolutely nothing. You get a sudden surge of guilt and a feeling of unproductivity as the weeks go by. However, I took it upon myself to give myself a break and enjoy relaxing, I really needed it. Sometimes the flip of a calendar can really relieve the weight of a not-so-cheery time.
I haven't expressed much on my blog, but this past quarter of school was one of the most mentally challenging and emotionally draining. My motivation and attitude towards my goals were slim, and I kept pushing through but realized it became a lot harder this year once I put more on my plate—an imperfect balance. I was a workaholic and it began to deter my mental health more than I thought. The past is in the past, and I've come to learn through these challenges that I need to move forward with a more positive outlook on my days and doing things I love and that truly fulfill my needs and make my heart full. With this, I'm turning over a new leaf.
This might have just sounded really good in my head and is probably really stupid to read aloud. Rather than coming up with "resolutions," which we all hate, dread, and never follow through on as they're cultural expectations and just bonafide bullshit that we chain ourselves down to because we need to society makes us think that we need to "fix" ourselves. I say NO.
"Manifestation" popped into my head, probably during a shameless episode of Law and Order: SVU, and quickly I Google searched it to be, "an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea". Now I don't know about you, but why isn't it "New Year's Resolution" and not "New Year's Manifestation"? I'd like to think that eating less sugar in 2020 embodies the weightloss theory to some extent, or perhaps actually waking up on time will encourage the likelihood of increased productivity?
Well, for my own sanity, I thought it would be a good idea to list out twenty things I would like to "embody" in 2020 and not things that will hold me to a brick wall. These are the things I would like to manifest and acknowledge throughout the year because I do believe things will change for the better and I do believe in new beginnings. However, I will not hold myself to these, in fact, I can completely disregard them. These are just ideas, proposed goals, and ways in which I would like to see myself grow.
01. I would like to manifest positive thinking on situations in my life and knowing there are just "Manifestation" popped into my head, probably during a shameless episode of Law and Order: SVU, and quickly I Google searched it to be, "an event, action, or object that clearly shows or embodies something, especially a theory or an abstract idea". Now I don't know about you, but why isn't it "New Year's Resolution" and not "New Year's Manifestation"? I'd like to think that eating less sugar in 2020 embodies the weightloss theory to some extent, or perhaps actually waking up on time will encourage the likelihood of increased productivity?
Well, for my own sanity, I thought it would be a good idea to list out twenty things I would like to "embody" in 2020 and not things that will hold me to a brick wall. These are the things I would like to manifest and acknowledge throughout the year because I do believe things will change for the better and I do believe in new beginnings. However, I will not hold myself to these, in fact, I can completely disregard them. These are just ideas, proposed goals, and ways in which I would like to see myself grow.
things I cannot control.
02. I would like to manifest the ability to let go of the little things that will not be relevant or beneficial to my overall well-being.
03. I would like to manifest healthy relationships with people who reciprocate the same love and care I have for them.
04. I would like to manifest the courage to block out negativity throughout my online and social media habits—or completely change the way I use my time on it.
05. I would like to manifest more time for the things I love doing like being creative: writing, photography, painting, and reading.
06. I would like to manifest strength to power through yoga classes and new experiences that surpass my physical abilities because I know my body is capable of much more than my mind says so.
07. I would like to manifest the self-control to wake up at a given time in the morning, but let myself sleep in when I need to.
08. I would like to manifest the willpower to turn off my work-mode and find joy in simply being present in conversation with those around me.
09. I would like to manifest the ability to not open the pantry at midnight just because Hot Cheetos sound amazing.
10. I would like to manifest a conscience that won't allow me to obsess over messes—physical and mental.
11. I would like to manifest the mind, body, and soul of Reese Witherspoon.
12. I would like to manifest kindness in all and of all.
13. I would like to manifest the patience to sit on the CTA for an extra thirty minutes to ensure my safety and sanity are in check.
14. I would like to manifest more time to appreciate and less time to long for something better.
15. I would like to manifest happiness in the little joys of each and every day.
16. I would like to manifest more laughter.
17. I would like to manifest a free spirit that allows me to simply dance it out to ABBA when I need to.
18. I would like to manifest the same passion I've always had for writing and the work I truly love.
19. I would like to manifest balance in my consumer habits and spend more on experiences.
20. I would like to manifest the ability to not hold myself against, shame, or doubt these manifestations because I am allowed to change my mind, start anew, scream, and forgive myself.
But, most of all, I manifest self-love.
It's September!! And if you don't know what that means, it means its ihavetoomuchtodoandnotimetodoit season! Also known as, Virgo season! Which, I am a Leo-Virgo cusp and this time of year means chaos for me. All chaos aside, I've actually had quite the summer and was anticipating fall to roll around sometime soon. Everyone's back into their routines, or at least trying to cope with their routines, and I have just completed my first week of my junior year of college. Yay.
It can be overwhelming when the to-do lists, responsibilities, deadlines, assignments, projects, and every other stressful thing possible lands on your plate all at once. If there's one week I hate, it's syllabus week. When your professors hand you a packet of every single test and paper due in the next ten weeks of your life.
This weekend I needed to ground myself: I did some yoga, ran some errands, walked my pup, babysat, and tackled what now is an entirely full planner of commitments and things I don't want to do. So I took a step back and thought about ways in which I can make this overhaul of chaos better. Much better.
Make Your Schedule
It always helps me when I can visually see all of the tasks I need completed by a certain date and time. Choose what works best for you. I like to use a planner and highlight all of my classes, along with meetings and clubs, and other commitments in different colors. I also utilize a weekly desk calendar that only shows what I need to do that week. Even using sticky notes on your computer works!
Engage, Then Disengage
I am a victim of doing other things when I should be doing something else. Especially when I should be relaxing and I try to take advantage of my relaxing time for more work time. I understand time crunches and totally stand by that, but when you need a break, take it. Even if that means dedicating an hour to going to the gym, watching a movie, or getting your nails done.
Remember Priorities
Taking time for yourself is a priority. You have to remember that you will be working for basically your entire life and balance is key! Do what needs to be done, but don't push yourself if it's feeling like you can't handle so much at once. People are there to support you and want to see you succeed, sometimes that means taking your foot off the gas pedal.
Make Time You Need to Relax
Everyone says that "there's not enough time" for anything, but that's usually because they don't make the time to do something. "There's not enough time to relax," "I can't fit yoga classes into my schedule," or "I'm just too busy to get some time for myself," are some things I often hear. One thing to consider is your sleep-wake cycle. Are you getting enough sleep? What time do you normally go to bed? Could this be effecting your energy levels? Sleep is something to consider when you're staying up until 2am trying to finish work for Monday.
These are all things to consider that might help alleviate stress, anxiety, and a feeling of overwhelm as the new season transitions into a busy one. Balance is something I cannot stress enough. Divide up your day so that you have breaks and time to re-adjust and reset. What do you do to not overwhelm your busy ass life?
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Many people deal with having to go through the process of purchasing a new phone—you know how it goes. Your old one "breaks" and you're instantly made to think, by some god of Apple, that there's no more use in trying to get it fixed, so you resort to the process no one really wants to go through, or pay for, but since society makes you believe that you should get a new iPhone, you get a new iPhone. We've all been there.
This past week I bought a new phone. The iPhone Xs to be exact. I will not beat down this phone, because it is a really nice phone—fancy cameras with depth effect and a facial recognition passcode system that makes me feel like I'm James Bond. The phone itself is one thing, but the reason I got the phone was another. Details aside, my old iPhone 7 was perfectly fine. It was just that "time".
Earlier this year I took an environmental science class that focused on sustainability and one of the things that stuck with me was the idea of perceived obsolescence. That "time" which urges us and our very consumeristic selves to buy the next iPhone, upgrade to a better car, replace something out of "trend," all of these disposable and subconscious desires pop up out of nowhere—we're left dissatisfied and conform to what companies tell us we need to buy, replace, upgrade, and all for something better.
I've had my fair share of Marie Kondo-ing my life and organizing, decluttering, or taking inventory of everything I own. It's just a part of me that gives me release, satisfaction, and room to grow. The tangible "things" that exist in my life have been greatly thought about—no I don't name my knick-knacks—but, I have found that dwelling on the things I have and don't have has no place in my life.
I've come to this conclusion before and push it aside—prioroties and all. It makes me sick. Why this "urge" takes over, I don't know. Monkey see monkey do. We are creatures of desire and want. This urge hasn't just occurred with the tangible, but during times when I'm at an all-high in my life and the dark cloud wooshes over me like no bitch, you don't get to be happy.
Gratitude and finding it is hard. I've talked about it before. It can be like a cow grazing in the grass, so much grass to choose from, but the cow just eats in the same, overeaten hole in the ground every single day. My metaphors need more work, but the point is, the cow is perfectly content with its overeaten hole of dead grass. No other cow to please.
Maybe I'm the cow. Maybe I'm not. Maybe you're the cow.
Don't take offense to me calling you a cow. I love cows. Anyway, finding appreciation in the disgruntled, dilapidated, and average or less than is a challenge, to say the least. Things we wish we had, but are forced to settle with: our hair, our car, our home, our relationship, our degree, our job, etc. There's always going to be more, but we are so impatient with life. We run on double-shot lattes and malcontent.
Being active online and a blogger has come with its malcontents. You always want to have the nicest photos, perfect outfits, and a perceived aesthetic. You think your photo is good? Wait until you see hers—posted five minutes after you worked two hours for the perfect selfie.
I'll be honest, I have never had to sit in front of the camera for that long, but I'm sure others have. It's the culture we have created. Perfection is emanated from our screens day and night. We keep up by having this urge tell us we need to change, spend money, photoshop, etc. I'm distracted, obsessed, and at times I am so frustrated with myself for feeling like I can't be present with the people I'm with or the things I'm doing because there's something else I need or want slapping me in the face.
I always think about ways I can be more grateful. I am so lucky to be where I am right now. I think I can be very hard on myself because I fear that it could all just vanish. So much so, that I find ways to control it. All of the good in my life has been painted over with my inability to envision this life as it is, nothing more, nothing less.
My teen years resulted in me beating myself up with "what ifs" and I'm ready to start thinking more of "what is". There are many ways I have tried to cope with this urge I have been talking about. Meditating and having a mental break to just check back in with your values and priorities has helped. I do yoga, so any time I can redirect my focus has allowed me to re-connect with things that matter: my family, my friends, my health, my drive, my mood, my gratefulness, all of the above.
It is not an easy feat. I'm with you. You don't have to do yoga to be grateful. You could be in your car during rush hour, finishing a load of laundry, in an Apple store buying a new iPhone you think you "need," anywhere you are gratefulness comes with great power—and responsibility. We are responsible for fostering it into our lives, our interactions, our relationships, our daily urges. What we have is all we got. How do you graze in gratitude? 🐄
Summer Flies, Honeybee
Here we are, a month later, carving out my goals for the next month—August! Leo season is now upon us and my birthday is up and coming towards the end of the month. July went by quick as I got my routine back together and returned from Europe. The first week of July I was in Spain, made a quick trip to Missouri to see some family friends, and finally got back into somewhat of a routine again. July has shaped up to be a productive month and August will be one of last summer vacations and productivity. Here's what you might see from me this month...
01. My internship! A week back from Europe I started my public relations internship with a small boutique PR agency called Papergirl PR & Marketing. I interviewed for a public relations position in May and just so happened that they were happy to have me on board with all of the experience I have had at DePaul. It all occurred very fast and now I'm doing work for their clients which are restaurants, cafes, and bars around Chicago. Some of these include Umbria Coffee, Weber Grill, The Beer Garden at Navy Pier, and more. I am thrilled to be working with the team and will share my experience as the month goes on.
02. Getting back on it. I've felt out of sorts lately. Maybe it's because I have been away from a routine since the beginning of June, but I really want to find my footing again this month and get back to my organized and motivated self again. I want to try out new fitness classes, like barre or boxing, and take up new skills to get me motivated again. Possibly try out a new yoga studio? Read a book? I don't know, but hopefully, I can be less bored with the same old and more enthusiastic about trying new things this month.
03. I would really like to get my camera back out again. I didn't take it to Europe, and I was a little disappointed that I didn't. However, carrying it everywhere and worrying about it getting stolen was going to be an anxious nightmare. This month I really want to go out and find some aesthetically pleasing fields or murals to take pictures at and try to test my photographic abilities with other subjects. As much as I love photos of me (ha), I also love taking photos of other people. A few months back I did graduation photos for a friend and realized how much I love going on photoshoots and making people look good—to say the least!
04. My birthday! This year I turn the big 2-0 and am quite thrilled to be in my 20s. As much as I embraced my teenage years, I feel as though my maturity level has always been in my 20s. I haven't really made any plans for it yet, but I'm really into low-key birthday dinners and just a bonfire with friends. I just heard that Crate and Barrel has a new restaurant called Table at Crate, which I am eager to try out. Apparently, not all Crate and Barrels are transforming their stores yet, but it's a way to showcase their products which I think is brilliant.
05. Sprucing up my portfolio. Over the three weeks, I was in Europe for the international advertising abroad program, I had the chance to work on creative campaigns for clients each week and execute advertisements to go along with it. All of which I am proud of and would like to showcase on my blog. By next month, I want to have all of those campaigns on here, which will be under my portfolio tab for you to explore!
This summer has been jam-packed with things to do and I am looking forward to a new month with new goals! It's always refreshing to turn the calendar and make a plan for the time being until I start school back up in September. Anything fun on the agenda this month?
As I sit here, watching the rain pour outside my window, the only thing I am inspired by is the peanut butter toast waiting for me in the kitchen. I planned today to be a day to shoot and write, but Im really just feeling like I need a nap. The worst part about vacations is leaving that vacation and having to come back to reality. It's been a real treat being able to travel so much already, but when you get home, responsibilities hit you hard. At least, they hit me hard.
Over the past years, I have dealt with creative ruts and being uninspired. Some other creative writers or bloggers might find it easier to find a new strategy, new product, new medium, etc. to foster this new creativity, but as a college student who has an internship started, a nannying job, and a dog to take care of, it can be difficult to balance it all. If only I can balance it all once school starts! I guess I wanted to make this post a check in and also a way to find creativity and inspiration in places you might not realize—because eating this peanut butter toast is going to do any of that.
Luxurious week or even month long vacations can be amazing and there's lots to get inspired from, but the motivation to do anything after is a real struggle. Sometimes I feel like it takes me another week or so to get back on my feet. My mom had me double checking my calendars because I started overbooking myself as soon as I got back from Europe. Finding the will to continue work, especially in the summer, can be the worst. Here's what I've realized:
Stop What You're Doing
The only way I've actually gotten back into creative projects and blogging is just by leaving everything where it is and doing nothing about it. Sounds like a reverse way of handling it, but I guarentee that taking a break from what you're doing is going to give you a better headspace about it. I always find what makes it easier is to put my energy towards something else, whether it be yoga, being outside, biking around the neighborhood, taking a walk, reading a book or magazine, or even shopping can spark new ideas.
Take a New Perspective
When I come back to the drawing board of blog posts I want to write, it can be so hard to figure out how to make the next one different and better than the last. Developing my own brand on my blog has taken hours on end, so fluidity and consistency are key. However, if it seems like your old ways are biting the dust, change them. Try writing from a different perspective, using a new photography technique, or going out and being the subject of the photos. Find something in your work that can be changed or modified—as they say, spice it up. Take a new direction. New ideas will come.
Embrace the Process
It's going to be even harder to get inspiration if you don't embrace the creative process. Ideas take time, but they can also pop up in the middle of nowhere. It can be very challenging when we put deadlines on ourselves to get things up and published, but I would rather much have a developed idea than a last-minute, half-assed one.
Change the Environment
Sitting in the same living room or at the same desk during a time of writer's block and lack of inspiration might be one of the reasons no ideas are coming to you. Change your location, change the desk you are sitting at, create outside and hear the birds chirp, go to a local coffee shop, the library, someone else's house, etc. Find a place that gives you inspiration or at least isn't the place you always write or create at. You will get a fresher sense of atmosphere and if nothing comes, observe your surroundings. What do you see? Smell? Hear? Feel? Start thinking and relax wherever you are.
There's only so much you can do when inspiration becomes an agonizing feat of despair, but to put it lightly, it takes time and you need to allow yourself to get there. The internet is filled with content and creative work, so I always find myself looking for ways to be different.
The truth is, you probably won't be, but you have to love the work you're doing no matter what. Sure, I've had better posts than others, but I am satisfied with it and if you're not—I would suggest thinking about what type of work makes you passionate.
We all get into these ruts every now and then, but don't let them consume you. Vacations and relaxing are necessary for our bodies to take physical and mental breaks, it's normal if you feel like you can't get right back into it yet. If you're truly stuck on an idea, maybe it's time to change it. Write some goals down, outline, make a plan. Come back another day and try again. You will be thankful that you took the time to think things through, rather than rushing to figure out just an "okay" idea.
"Patience, young grasshopper," they say. As much as I can hear my dad saying it to me, waving his hand in front of my face to instil some kind of force, the word "patience" has a very negative connotation to it. When our moms and dads told us to "be patient" as kids, we saw it as a punishment. As a result, we obsessed more and sat in discomfort until we got what we wanted or needed. In all aspects of life, waiting is just one of those uncomfortable things we have to deal with. Whether it be waiting for a job offer, exam grade, interview results, etc., I constantly find areas in my life that require very strong acts of patience.
Waiting is hard, but waiting can be the most rewarding. Something as little as waiting for shoes to go on sale or waiting for a better job opportunity—proof in the pudding, waiting has shown to result in better outcomes. So, why do we insist on things happen here and now? Maybe because we think we're just entitled to everything, shouldn't have to wait, do the work, make the struggle, or who knows what. We like certainty and hate not knowing what the future holds.
For a while, I have been trying to figure out what I'm doing in college and what I want to do with my major. Especially with internships and the organizations that I am in, it seems that so suddenly all of the things I was hoping for have just kinda made their way to me and I am quite overwhelmed. I don't want to discredit the fact that I have worked very hard for these things, but it seems too real.
For one thing, I will be going to Europe in less than a month—a dream of mine I have had since I was seven. I'll be leading Her Campus next year, continuing my position on the board of DePaul PRSSA, joining the Bateman public relations campaign, possibly being a writing tutor, and interviewing for upcoming internship opportunities. Already, I am beginning to think that my waiting time has come and I need to make some well-judged and thought out decisions about what I really want to do.
I've also noticed that lately, I have worried so much about the future. Being proactive in goal making and being aware of the choices I make now will have an impact on where I end up is great, but stressing and obsessing over it has made me less present in the work I am doing right now and time just sighs at me. Like Natalie, take a deep breath and chill.
As much as I would love to say that my stress about the future will disappear—it won't. However, I have learned to cope with waiting and being patient; I am appreciating what I got now and putting in the work I'm passionate about, which has made me more so grounded.
You think now you are waiting for something bigger, better, higher, but I can tell you that what you have now is probably just as great. The joy is in the being. I think that honest work and passion prevail. What you do now with your time will be all worth it when you see just how far you come. With that, there are going to be great things ahead, so don't fear the unknown.
"Patience, young grasshopper,"- Master Po, Kung Fu
No one chooses to be uncomfortable, but more and more I am finding myself in uncomfortable positions in all aspects of life: in yoga, academically, socially, mentally, etc. Our comfort bubbles are what we are so used to being in that sometimes I feel like I need to be forced out of it. Transitioning to college was a huge uncomfortable phase and I'm sure there are more to come.
So, how do we tackle this discomfort? It could be from just an icky feeling in your gut or an overall sense of despair and fear. I still do yoga and am continuing this journey of discomfort in all of the poses I do and have done for the past five years. Today, my instructor taught us about embracing our fears—embracing this discomfort we are feeling and to let it go. Mind over matter.
I already know that this year and the upcoming school year will be very crucial times for me to get focused on my future. However, I'm taking up big leadership roles with a couple groups I'm in like Her Campus DePaul and PRSSA. I will be the president of Her Campus next year, and while I am very excited to be leading this amazing group of female writers, I'm already apprehensive about how much work I will be stressing over.
Sometimes the biggest things we want cause the most discomfort, more than you know. I guess worrying about it now doesn't do any good, but I'm always thinking a year ahead of everybody else. My life would be so much easier if I didn't care too much about things, so I brought this topic up because I'm sure I'm not alone.
It could also be my Leo/Virgo personality taking over, but I really think there has to be a time when we all just get comfortable being uncomfortable in all types of situations. I'll be going to Europe in a month (OMG) and literally have no idea what to expect. I know it will be great and I know I'm in a great group of people, but there are still a lot of things I don't know about where I'm headed.
In times like these, I think it's best to take a step back and just appreciate everything that's coming your way—good or bad. There's always a lesson to be learned and room to grow. Maybe you're headed to an interview, audition, getting a promotion, traveling, taking an exam, whatever it may be! I know that I got through it, so you can too. Enjoy it while it's good.
It's rare for me to talk about my relationship status, but over the course of a few months I have experienced through close friends and family the hardships of broken relationships and people left feeling empty and hopeless—something I have really yet to experience and hope not to. There's so much pressure on young people to be dating and out and about finding a man or woman to have on your arm. What even is dating anymore? Swiping right?
I've had my fair share of Tinder experiences and dates, this probably won't be the end of it, but it has really made me reconsider the reasons we date and find people to be with nowadays. High school was never an option for me to date. I personally just didn't have much interest in dating and then breaking up before we graduated. "People just date to break up," was my impression of it all. It was just so taboo to me because people would just fake be together to "be together".
Now that I'm in my second year of college, I've got to wondering about how my parent's generation just happened to meet their soulmates in college, because frankly, I haven't found any contenders. Times have changed and I think expectations are way higher, now that we can customize our dating preferences online and immediately swipe away the duds. How have we become fixated on finding this "perfect one," when we're all too fixated on making ourselves appear to be the "perfect one" online?
These past two years in college have opened my eyes to what I really want moving forward, socially and career-wise. I've begun to embrace my autonomy and have become more inspired because of it. I've been producing creative work that I believe in—doing that is hard when you have to worry about your significant other. There have been so many instances that I've noticed people being hindered and cut off from fully being their monarch butterfly selves just because they were afraid of releasing from that bond (or crysallis if we're staying on the topic of butterflies) for a moment to do something they themselves wanted to do.
Knowing that I have the freedom to do whatever the hell I want during this period of my life has not only strengthened my mental wellbeing but the way I approach challenges and also when I do meet new people, I'm confident in myself. I don't have anyone to report to or prove it to, but me. Of course, I would be open to relationships and all the joys that come with it—I'm not anti-dating. Finding myself now, during college, has lead me to reflect on who I want to become and who I would consider letting into my life.
There also comes a point in time where I think every middle-aged person feels like they're forced to marry or settle with the first person they see. What a terrible way to connect with someone! Wouldn't you think? I mean obviously that's not entirely the case unless you're on 90 Day Fiance, then I guess you don't have much of a choice. I want my 20s to be a fun exploration of people and relationships, but I also want to remind myself that I don't need anyone to fulfill some social need or standard; that we're all just supposed to have dated a lot of people by the time we're thirty.
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