Sunday 31 December 2017

I'M SO PROUD OF MYSELF

I've recently decided that I need to make some changes in order to lead a happier and more positive life- there are a few things that aren't working for me and I really want to put effort into improving them. I'd like to use this blog as a tool in aiding these improvements, as it's nice to have something tangible in which I can map my progress. I also want this blog to be positive and to help others to stay positive, so there's that too! I thought I'd kick things off by outlining all the great things I've done this year. I have to say, 2017 has been a far better year in comparison to, well, basically every other year in my life! I feel like I've made so much progress as an individual in this year, and I think that deserves a blog post! I can be pretty hard on myself, so hopefully reviewing all the good things that have happened this year will encourage me to go a bit easy on myself.


I've been pretty busy on the essay front so this is going to be the only photo I upload on this post. I think it's apt though, like it's the sun setting on 2017. Also, it's pretty.
  • I applied for a job, attended the interview (a group assessment!) and got offered the job! And damn was it a challenging job! 
  • I bought a car. My first adult purchase! I love my car so much
  • I've generally gained more confidence in terms of driving and have been driving to university since I started commuting in September. It's a 40 minute drive but I honestly love it! I used to so nervous about driving anything more than around my (small) town...
  • I managed to get a 2.1 overall in my first year despite the terrible anxiety I suffered in the first term
  • I've never missed a day of medication. I've often forgotten to take medication in the past- it can be pretty easy to slip your mind! So I'm pretty impressed with myself that I've remembered to take it everyday!
  • I've learnt I'm resilient, and that I can deal with things better than I thought I could. In the past I've allowed myself to be totally defeated by even the smallest rejection, but this year I've faced rejections that are worse than anything I'd experienced before but I actually came out stronger. I'm still shocked... that's not like the old me! Pleased to see I'm finally growing as an individual :o
  • I've bitten the bullet and started putting my blog out there. For someone with low self-esteem this is very scary- why would anyone want to read my blog? I'm working to kill this mindset though, and part of this includes believing in my hobbies like my blog. So far, so good though... I'm certainly glad I cast my fears aside because I've only made progress!
  • I've learnt I am able to handle bad/upsetting situations with grace and maturity rather than getting irritated and acting impulsively. I feel so much better for it! Getting mad and trying to tear people down or insult them provides no real gratification (and honestly, if you're secure enough within yourself insults mean eff all), but I actually feel happy for responding in a honest yet dignified manner.
  • I no longer get worried about my essays. When my anxiety was really bad essays and uni work was always on my mind. The worry and stress was almost painful. This year, however, I've been able to approach my work with a calmer head, which has made it so much easier to be productive. 
  • I'm finally starting to love myself  I hate that phrase. I'm generally not a lovey-dovey person and the whole 'love yourself' concept is just a bit too soppy for me. But my relationship with myself has improved leaps and bounds. I've realised in this past year that I'm actually kind of fantastic.  Just a bit. 

This may or may not be the last blog post for a while. Not because I'm done with blogging- far from that, actually! Lately this blog has been infinitely helpful in improving my mental harmony. I've found so much happiness and positivity in blogging, which has inspired me to properly dedicate myself to it. Therefore, I'm taking a break to focus on developing my blog. I've got so many plans for it, which I'm really excited about, but I need time to develop these plans and then put them into action. 

Happy 2018 everyone, I hope this is your best year yet and thanks to everyone who's read my blog, left me a comment or followed me on social media, it means so much to me and it means my year has   ended on a great note!! 

16 comments:

  1. I loved this post! What you wrote about about low-esteem and "who would read my blog" is exactly how I feel almost on a daily basis. It's great that you can say you're proud of yourself. Congratulations on your blog and achievements. Wish you luck and a prosperous 2018.

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    1. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my post and leave such a sweet comment! You should be proud of yourself to- your blog is lovely and it's totally worth read! I hope you have the best 2018!

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  2. Happy 2018! Sounds like you've come on in leaps and bounds over the past year, hope this year is just as good to you x
    Em

    emsirose.blogspot.com

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    1. Thank you so much,I hope you have an amazing 2018 too! x

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  3. I hope 2018 treats you so amazing as you have overcome some incredible things in 2017! You should be so proud! X

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    1. Thank you, I really am haha! I hope 2018 treats you amazingly too x

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  4. Wow, what an uplifting and inspiring piece! I'd love to know more about how you managed to overcome the anxiety and stress around essays and assignments, it's something I continuously struggle with, so if you have any advice that would be amazing hahah! Can't wait to see what you have planned for the future! X

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    1. Thank you! I have to say, taking medication to treat my anxiety does help a fair bit. However, there are other things that do help quite a bit too- I try and start as early as possible so I have plenty of time to get my work done in (and it means I can take more breaks as and when are needed), I take advantage of periods of motivation but at the same time I accept when I'm not 'in the zone' and take a step back. I also drink a fair bit of coffee (and tea, and hot chocolate!) because of the caffeine, but also because it's nice and comforting and makes work a bit more pleasant. I'd also suggest putting together a playlist of motivational music as it also makes it just a bit more fun, which takes the edge of the stress off! (though I understand that some people can't work with music haha). I hope this is helpful and not too long or anything. It can be really hard though! If you have any more questions or would like any help or support feel free to drop me a message on Twitter (@amandamd25) - I'd be more than happy to help! Have an excellent 2018 and thank you for your lovely comment :) x

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  5. Some great achievements, well done!! x

    emsirose.blogspot.com

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  6. I'm happy to hear you've grown with self love, and congrats on the car!

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  7. Aw you go girl, such amazing achievements! So happy to find your blog and can't wait to read more when you return! xx

    elizabeth ♡ ”Ice Cream” whispers Clara
    (I would love to follow each other on bloglovin if you like! :D)

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    1. Thanks so much! I'd love to follow you on Bloglovin' too! My blog will be on there soon but if you drop your link here (or message it to me on Twitter, my username is amandamd25) I'llgive you a follow and send you my link when it's up!

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  8. I am so happy you did.. i should do most of these as well.

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    1. Thank you! Please let me know if you do, I'd love to hear about it :)

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