"Stay committed to your decisions, but stay flexible in your approach."
When I started this blog, I promised myself that I would make this a platform where I share MY story. Where I would stay true to my values, goals that I set for myself, and living in my truth. I love to produce fun and creative content, but life isn't always fun and it isn't always full of glamorous moments. So, here I am, ready to share a few thoughts, on ways this pandemic affected me and how I plan to move forward.
Let's rewind to March 2020, just as the pandemic was touching down, and nobody knew what was coming next. I was heading home from school for a well-anticipated spring break. The semester was very hectic, and I was definitely homesick and in need of some rest. To my surprise, after flying in, my world would get a little crazier. I got the notification from my school just days after being home about extending our spring break for another week.
Many schools in the Nashville area had already shut down or were planning to do so. Shortly after, I received an email stating that school would be remote for the rest of the semester.
I had joy knowing that I wouldn't have to travel at such a bad time, potentially putting myself at risk. However, ending the semester completely from my home was an absolute DISASTER. It was hard to find motivation in completing my work with so much going on around me. I deeply feel this pandemic has taught me to slow down and pay attention. To enjoy the people in my life daily, and finding joy in the simplest things.
Fast forward to NOW, I am in my last semester of college preparing to graduate soon. For those that do not know, I am majoring in journalism & new media. This last semester has been anything short of easy. I am a fully remote student this semester, which means I am doing all my schooling from home. It hasn't been easy by any means, but I'm so close to being done. Due to the chaos and being so focused on the present, I totally forgot about graduation for just a second. October is going by so fast which means and I am getting closer to my graduation date. (If you want to know more about my major and semester leave a comment)
Before this pandemic hit, I felt I was thriving in so many areas of my life, along with growth in other areas. Just time in the world where everything is so chaotic and not our normal, it has been hard. Navigating school, life, work, and being at home has not been an easy process. I feel that I am just now getting into a routine. It took me longer than normal to get adjusted to my schedule which made the process a lot more stressful. However, now that I have, I feel a little better & a lot more organized. I have set many goals for myself for 2020 and I am working towards them daily. Just because this year was a complete disaster doesn't mean you shouldn't work towards your goals. I know that I would be disappointed in myself if I didn't.
So this is my message to anyone struggling and feeling as if the world is on top of them. Keep pushing, every day will be a fight, sometimes you'll want to give up, but push yourself. Step out of your comfort zone and focus on one thing at a time because this can be an overwhelming process. Don't be too hard on YOURSELF! Don't COMPARE yourself to anyone else progress. These are your goals, things that only YOU can do, and all good things take some time. Make sure you mark your progress, so when things seem stagnant, you'll look back. You may realize that you have accomplished more than you thought. Make the most out of these last 3 months of the year.
It's also important to make sure in the midst of everything, that you find time for yourself. Step away from everything, your work, school, etc. Take some time to do something you haven’t done in a while. listen to your body if you’re tired, it’s telling you to rest. Get outside, FALL is in full effect so find fun & safe activities. Everyone needs some sort of release. During this time it’s so important to me to find ways to de-stress & I encourage everyone to do the same.
I hope & pray everyone is staying safe & taking care of themselves.
This time has been nothing like we've ever seen, but we must still come out on top. It's going to take some time, work, and self-reflection, but you'll be a better person in the end.
In order for you to be at your best, you need a little rest. Until next time, TAY ✨