In many ways, this week hasn’t been much different than last week other than the fact that I’ve felt much more settled and more…happy, to sum it up in one word. One thing that’s helped so much is simply having a series of conversations with amazing friends (and some new faces!) that have helped me shift my focus from a state of fear and doubt to the things and feelings that really matter – funny how so often, it’s not the things that happen to us but simply the perspective we choose to take that end up making a day, week, month or even year a “good one” or a “bad one.”
Let’s face it…most of us (particularly creative types for whatever reason) almost savour living in a perpetual state of “never enough.” You set these goals (usually quantifiable ones with deadlines if you’re a Type A) and when you achieve them, it’s simply a hit target and then you’re onto the next one. That’s not really much of a life to live. What’s the point in progress and in achievement if you’re not able to really indulge in a sense of satisfaction and joy when you get there?
I ended up spending all of my first week of self-employment focused intently on the hustle and not much else. I was so excited leading up to that first day of working from home but then when it arrived, I failed to just stop and take in what really was a pretty momentous moment for myself, both professionally and personally. I mean, I was happy to be in this new stage of my life but I wasn’t really appreciating it all fully or giving myself any time to let the dust settle.
It’s all a bit lame really because I had been dreaming of getting the chance to focus full-time on the things I’m most passionate about (blogging, writing, travelling and collaborating with awesome people) for years. And it was a lot of hard work…meeting with a financial planner to get a firm plan set up, hustling for months after work hours and finally mustering up the courage to take that leap. While my parents have been nothing but supportive, I don’t have a credit card from them in my wallet or a trust fund I can access at any given moment (not that there’s anything wrong with that, but that’s not my personal situation). I had to really strategically and methodically get to a place where I could feel relatively financially secure in going after my dreams (which was a pretty big thing for me) and yet as that first week was coming to a close, I didn’t have that great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that I had anticipated I’d feel, which left me feeling decidedly…disappointed.
Long story short, I had some really great convos this week from some very supportive people and experienced a sequence of events that helped me slow down and recognize that sometimes, it’s okay to take a break, gain some distance and just pat yourself on the back a couple of times. Preferably on a beach with a huge cocktail. I’m not saying this to be boastful because clearly, there are many people out there doing a lot more than me in a lot less time, but after I shifted my perspective, the universe responded by sending me a slew of opportunities that just would not have been options even a year ago. I’m not going to lie, it made made me feel really happy about my own journey and where I’m at today.
I’ve also heard some of my friends complain about not doing enough, not being good enough and not feeling worthy enough (more often than not, they’re oddly also some of the most inspiring or accomplished people I know). It’s a state I think so many of us get into and so in my typically long-winded way, I just want to say that I hope you all take some time this weekend to just reflect on where you were a year ago and where you are today. How have you grown? What should you be proud of? If it weren’t you recapping your year but a supportive friend, what are all the amazing accomplishments you’ve pulled off that they’d list off? And if you’re up for it, tell me in the comments: what’s something that you should feel proud of and revel in that maybe you didn’t give yourself the opportunity to fully enjoy?
*Oh and PS, the fitting title is by Spoon, one of my favourite bands ever who I am so excited to see this weekend thanks to the sweet and insanely talented Hannah Georgas, who is also playing at CBCMusic.ca Festival (she is beyond amazing live, so good)! Stay updated throughout the whole festival (and weekend!) over on Insta!
I think all of us get caught up in the hustle at times. Work to do, bills to pay, places to be. It really is important to step back sometimes and just look at everything you've accomplished and relish in that. Such an inspiring post and congrats on going after your dreams! -Kris http://love-loft-life.com
Thanks so much for the sweet words, Kris! So true, it's so hard to pull out and have some distance from life sometimes – hoping this trip to Maui coming up helps too 🙂
congratulations on going after your dreams! It shows how strong of a person you are and I am sure big and good things are in the future for you. I love your blog and enjoy reading it everyday you are very inspiring! xo, Yaudy http://yaudycristinafashionista.blogspot.com/
that's a big step you're taking but it sounds as if you're pretty happy! That's so brave to go after what you want and I think it's a good think! Just keep going! xx http://www.thefashionplaybook.de/blog
Lovely post. I have to say this came at an incredibly fitting time for me as I'm also changing jobs to focus more on what I'm interested it. Really looking forward to reading your posts on your new opportunities.
Congrats on the big change, Ali! It's always nerve-wracking going through change but ultimately, that's where all our growth comes from, right? Can't wait to hear how it all goes for you!
It all sounds very exciting! I'm really happy for you!! And you seem to be getting such good advice about finding balance…something often difficult to discern, especially when you're young. But do try and savor the moments of stillness!
Hi Sue! Thanks for the sweet words – it is hard to step away and find balance but you're so right, it's important to be still and just live in the moment! xo
I am a feeling so blessed in this point in my life that I feel like I am dreaming. My husband is like you, he never stops, he always likes to be ahead of the game. Just yesterday I was trying to make him understand that it is okay to slow down and enjoy what he has accomplished so far. Good for you for realizing you needed to enjoy those moments. Have a great weekend!
So good that you're able to live in the moment and focus on happiness! I sound more like your husband haha, but it's so good that he has someone like you to give balance and perspective!
I loved this post because you sound so real! I'm intrigued by people that become self-employed, so it's interesting to hear your perspective.
I'm 100% guilty of being one of those people that sets a goal, but after achieving it, it's never actually enough. In my current company, I knew that I wanted to be promoted from the moment I started. It took me a year and a half of hard work, and I got that promotion. I was thrilled! Now, it's been over a year, and I'm just sort of like, "okay, now what" even though, it's what I wanted. It's frustrating, but I know it's part of my personality and I NEED to have that next goal on my radar, so I have something else to strive for!
I totally know what you mean – we're happy for a fleeting moment but then it's on to the greater and bigger next goal. I think even if we continue to grow, it's so important to look back on those milestones and to remember how important and significant they were! Thanks so much for the sweet words Jackie and good luck with everything at work 🙂
I think all of us get caught up in the hustle at times. Work to do, bills to pay, places to be. It really is important to step back sometimes and just look at everything you've accomplished and relish in that. Such an inspiring post and congrats on going after your dreams!
-Kris
http://love-loft-life.com
Thanks so much for the sweet words, Kris! So true, it's so hard to pull out and have some distance from life sometimes – hoping this trip to Maui coming up helps too 🙂
congratulations on going after your dreams! It shows how strong of a person you are and I am sure big and good things are in the future for you. I love your blog and enjoy reading it everyday you are very inspiring!
xo,
Yaudy
http://yaudycristinafashionista.blogspot.com/
Thanks so much, Yaudy! That means so much. x
that's a big step you're taking but it sounds as if you're pretty happy! That's so brave to go after what you want and I think it's a good think! Just keep going!
xx
http://www.thefashionplaybook.de/blog
Thanks so much for the sweet words, Leesa! xo
The white dress is so pretty:)
Congrats!
http://www.laurajaneatelier.com
Lovely post. I have to say this came at an incredibly fitting time for me as I'm also changing jobs to focus more on what I'm interested it. Really looking forward to reading your posts on your new opportunities.
xo Ali
Congrats on the big change, Ali! It's always nerve-wracking going through change but ultimately, that's where all our growth comes from, right? Can't wait to hear how it all goes for you!
such a pretty dress! love the jewellery to!
http://jeansandroses.blogspot.com
It all sounds very exciting! I'm really happy for you!! And you seem to be getting such good advice about finding balance…something often difficult to discern, especially when you're young. But do try and savor the moments of stillness!
PS You look lovely in this darling white dress!
Hi Sue! Thanks for the sweet words – it is hard to step away and find balance but you're so right, it's important to be still and just live in the moment! xo
I am a feeling so blessed in this point in my life that I feel like I am dreaming. My husband is like you, he never stops, he always likes to be ahead of the game. Just yesterday I was trying to make him understand that it is okay to slow down and enjoy what he has accomplished so far. Good for you for realizing you needed to enjoy those moments. Have a great weekend!
So good that you're able to live in the moment and focus on happiness! I sound more like your husband haha, but it's so good that he has someone like you to give balance and perspective!
such a lovely dress
http://differentcands.blogspot.kr/
I loved this post because you sound so real! I'm intrigued by people that become self-employed, so it's interesting to hear your perspective.
I'm 100% guilty of being one of those people that sets a goal, but after achieving it, it's never actually enough. In my current company, I knew that I wanted to be promoted from the moment I started. It took me a year and a half of hard work, and I got that promotion. I was thrilled! Now, it's been over a year, and I'm just sort of like, "okay, now what" even though, it's what I wanted. It's frustrating, but I know it's part of my personality and I NEED to have that next goal on my radar, so I have something else to strive for!
xo Jackie
Something About That
I totally know what you mean – we're happy for a fleeting moment but then it's on to the greater and bigger next goal. I think even if we continue to grow, it's so important to look back on those milestones and to remember how important and significant they were! Thanks so much for the sweet words Jackie and good luck with everything at work 🙂
That dress is gorgeous! Love the details!
-xx Tay
http://when-im-older.com
http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/3729106
Great, honest post. I'm glad you're feeling so happy!
And I love those sunnies!
Style by Joules
Thanks so much, Julie! xo