My first year of university took a lot from me. But it gave me a lot too. Particularly towards the end of the year, I found myself needing to defend the parts that made me, well, me. I'd lost sync with 'the old Steph', pre-2018, which wouldn't have been a problem had I liked this new version of me better.
I was snappy and I wouldn't show my pearly whites as much as I had in the past. I wasn't listening to others to understand but only to respond. I was over-thinking things unnecessarily which seems menial but that can really take its toll. For a hot second, I lost touch with myself.
Now, I've had a summer to rebuild and there are some things I did in first-year that I'd like to leave in first-year. I could have done some things better but as Oprah says: "When you know better you do better".
With that pre-amble, these are the things I'd like to manifest in my second-year:
- Watch more sunsets and sunrises
- Don't text. Call
- Gor for jogs and long swims
- Read more
- Paint your nails often
- Always leave the house dressed to impress
- Pray. And often
- Write and write often
- Listen to your favourite music
- Try avoid mindless scrolling online
- Listen when people talk. Really listen
- Meet your friends for walks and coffees
- Forgive yourself
- Don't over think
- Be more honest with people about how you feel
- Avoid checking your phone to see if people have messaged you
- Keep your business to yourself
- Make your bed everyday
- Don't compromise on your sleep
- Drink water and lots of it
- Put sunblock on everyday
- Always smell good
- Be kind
- Volunteer your time
- Defend the things that make you who you are
- Flirt more
- Wear lipstick...and attack
- Say "thank you" more often
- Say "no" without explaining yourself
What would you add to your personal 'self-love' manifesto?
Till next time-
Steph
Good luck with these!!
ReplyDeleteNabila | Hot Town Cool Girl
Thanks Nabila! Some are going better than others...
DeleteI may just do an update of this post soon.
I hope you're keeping well!
Love this list Steph, especially the "wear lipstick... and attack" one!
ReplyDeleteI think I need to take up the one of not mindless scrolling, it's a bad habit 😂
Sophie | Sophie's Spot
I particularly liked that one, too!
DeleteMindlessly scrolling is so easy to fall into. I've been falling back into hat one myself recently.
I'm trying to do better this year too, and I think I'd like to be more candid and be more kind. Wishing you good luck!! ♡
ReplyDeleteHi X! Are you doing anything in particular to be more candid and kind? I'd be glad to hear your techniques. I hope they're going all for you!
DeleteI love this post and the list has a few things on it that I will be doing more of :)
ReplyDelete-Charlotte / myownblogofthoughts.blogspot.com
Hi Charlotte! Any specifics you'd like to share that you've possibly implemented? I hope you're keeping well!
DeleteI wish I could give you a hug! I've felt the exact same way but for two years and like you, I wanted to pieces of me back that I seemed to have lost. My personal list also includes more writing, but also watching more movies and videos that make me laugh. Life is too short for all that sadness!
ReplyDeletex Envy
verdwaaldinvertaling.blogspot.com
Life is definitely too short! You're so right about that, E! And thank you for the virtual hug- it's been warmly received.
DeleteWriting, videos and movies sounds wonderful to me!