A (Not So) Basic 2018
Writing and maintaining a blog is tough.
When I first launched The Awkward Adult, I wanted to talk about all of the weird experiences I had as I transitioned into the “real world”. But who knew that working in corporate communications would rewire your brain in a way that made you question whether or not you needed “approval” for every little thing (even if it’s for your own personal blog)!
I ‘suppose that spending a year in the “real world” has definitely made me more cautious of my actions, but I also think it’s made me a bit more cynical. Oddly enough, the veterans of the corporate world warned me of what the future held as I skipped through the last year with my happy go’lucky attitude.
“We’re not used to having someone like you around here…”
“Just wait and see, you’ll be jaded like the rest of us.”
….lol thanks guys.
Honestly, transitioning into the “real world” wasn’t so bad. However, every odd comment stuck with me as I continued my journey and it took a lot of “growing up” in the past year to stand tall and determine my own set of values.
Here’s a list of my top 10 takeaways from 2017 to apply (and remind yourself of) in 2018:
YOU DON'T NEED TO HAVE IT ALL BY 30
I used to think that I had to be married with kids and thriving in my career all by 30. I mean, who made up this arbitrary deadline? What happens after 30? Everything comes at its own pace and meeting someone and finding a way to make everything come together also takes time. So if your friend's engagement photo on Facebook is low-key grinding your gears, then keep reading…
YOUR CAREER WILL PROGRESS
I believe a lot of us were told in university that we could do and become anything we wanted in the real world, and while that’s true, it takes a lot of time and grit to become that person we would like to become. Keep your head high, it’ll come if you work smart.
BE OPEN TO LOVE
Whether that’s from your friends, your family, or the kind stranger on the street car. Love comes in all different forms, whether that may be a kind gesture or a simple word of advice.
People tend to run far away from it (as I tend to do), but don’t let the notion of love fall all on one person, that’s a lot to handle. Remember, love usually finds you when you least expect it - just keep your heart (and mind) open.
ENGAGE FACE-TO-FACE
“Bad Texter = Waste of Time”
I used to think that the above statement was true, until I started using my phone as a simple form of communication instead of the be all and end all. I found that people tend to be a lot more likeable face to face as opposed to screen to screen, and guess what? You actually leave your face-to-face interaction feeling a bit more positive.
IT'S OKAY NOT TO BE OKAY
365 days are tough. Not every day, week or month is going to go as planned, but “just keep swimming” and remember, you have a support system and more often than not, people are willing to listen.
...and a few simple reminders:
SET SOME GOALS AND CRUSH'EM
Getting organized at the beginning of the year really set the tone for me. I always thought new year’s resolutions were just a waste of time, but I think they’re onto something…
DETOX
1. Drink some lemon water - your body will love you
2. Log out of social media every once in a while - your mind will love you even more
READ MORE
Do Buzzfeed articles count… ? Ha - maybe a novel would do some good for your brain - who knows, just a thought!
DO THINGS!
Honestly, if work was my full-time gig, I’d be pretty depressed.
It’s hard to commit to things you’re unsure of, especially if you don’t have the time. However, there are tons of resources online where you can try something for free, or attend a one day workshop - a simple Google search can do wonders.
BE MINDFUL
“Mindful” has become a “hip” word that’s been thrown around the past year, but here’s a good ‘ole dictionary definition if you need more information:
...“a technique in which one focuses one's full attention only on the present, experiencing thoughts, feelings, and sensations but not judging them.”
Personally, I found that being less judgemental has helped me to live a more stress free life. By removing negative thoughts from your head (especially about things that don’t concern you), you can potentially lead a life that focuses on you and your well-being.
With that being said, Happy New Year friends! Hope you found my 2017 takeaways to be applicable in 2018. May this year bring you lots of joy, love, and a whole lot of health and wellness in your beautiful lives.
Let’s not make it basic ;)
Until next time.
The Awkward Adult
