Cloudy days // Sunny Dispositions

 Hello! 

Would you believe me if I said I started this blog post in August 2021? Because I did and I clearly didn’t get very far! Back then I was on day one of isolation and it didn’t take long for all of my motivation to slowly fade away…fast forward a few months I was then busy trying to balance a new job and catching up on a social life cruelly disrupted by the Rona. So, here we are - happy new year, hello once again and let’s move onto today’s post! 

I feel like this is a great time to write this post as not only does it feel relevant given the toxic ‘new year, new me’ echo chambers all around, but I feel like everyone needs that uplifting post now and again...more than ever on Blue Monday.

Source: Guy Kopsombut

I had planned on writing this post 12 months ago, at the peak of my job hunting journey, which at the time felt never ending but I was determined not to let rejection emails and ghosted job applications get the better of me…although once I hit 100 I did feel my morale take a dip. We will all go through the highs and lows of life and whilst it is important to acknowledge the feelings of the latter and experience them, it’s more important to know that they won’t last forever and better times will always be on the horizon. 

Fast forward a couple of months I had a successful interview and landed what can only be described as my dream role, five months in and I still can’t believe I’m doing what I love. It’s easy for me to sit here and tell strangers on the internet not to give up and that good things take time. I know this because I also had to listen to the same dreary affirmations throughout 2019-2020. But I cannot stress enough the importance of mindset and more importantly maintaining a positive one. 

Ignoring negative emotions is like keeping poison in your system. Learn to understand everything that you feel. The aim isn't to force positive thoughts, but to transform the negative ones into something healthier, so you can feel better. - Vex King

Without getting too wishy washy, I personally practiced the art of manifestation which I believe aided me in securing my dream job. However, this isn’t something everyone is comfortable doing. So, what else do you do? You can still maintain a positive mindset without becoming all about energy, chakras and meditation! I believe there are three key things to staying on the sunny side of life even when little rain clouds appear.

Source: Private Psychiatry

Celebrate little victories

Made your bed? Applied to a job? Went for a walk around the block? GREAT! It’s so important to know that everything you do is beneficial to your life and you should praise and commend yourself for the smallest and silliest things! My personal favourite is ordering in lunch from a bakery on a Friday as a treat for getting through the week! 

Celebrate others victories

Life is not a competition, so don’t make it one. But also, how boring would life be if celebrations happened all at once! So what, if one of your friends got their foot on the career ladder first, got a new car first or adopted a pet before you? Every single person’s journey through life is different and you can’t despair others successes if they happen before your own.

Remember that time is on your side

It’s easy to set yourself dream deadlines and feel disappointed when you think “Oh I haven’t achieved this by this point in my life.” I used to pressure myself to have a job by a certain age, or have a certain amount of money saved, but it really doesn’t matter when anything happens in your life. I honestly think the more you pressurise and stress yourself into achieving things, the less enjoyable the outcome can be when it does happen because all you then associate with that certain moment is the stress and anxiety you felt along the way. Allow things to happen organically, and let yourself relax as you do it.

Source: Living Pretty Happy

Recommendation of the month: Good Vibes, Good Life - Vex King

Eight months later and we’re back on track…hopefully. In a bid to resurrect this blog for the fourth time running, I’m aiming for one post a month which sounds doable, I hope! Let me know what you thought of this piece and remember that you can always come back to it if you are in that never ending rut of self doubt!

Until next time,

Shannon Xx

Post Graduate Realness // The Honest Truth

Hello!

First of all, thank you to everyone who sent me lovely comments about my last post! It really hit off more than I expect so there might be a part two in the works… But from a lighthearted and funnier post to something a bit more serious. The aftermath of a degree. 

Big high to big low real quick.

Leaving university comes with a rollercoaster of emotions, which will differ for everyone as no two experiences are the same.You might leave feeling grateful to finally be free of the education system, or celebrating the fact that you won’t have to write another 10,000 word assignment ever again, however everyone leaves with a sense of self-fulfilment and pride as you leave one of the most stressful times of your life with a great outcome and result to carry with you for the rest of your life. But this can often feel short lived. Because...then what. What do you do after all of the years of studying and routine and structure? You go straight to climbing the career ladder “I’ve got a degree, I’ll get a job in a month or so!” is the naive thought many carry when they leave. 

Source - Simple Reminders

Unfortunately not everyone is given their shot straight away and the constant rejection and new application can feel like a new shot to the heart. When I left university I cautiously took a couple of months off from job hunting and just taking in being with friends and family again. Lo and behold, by the time christmas had passed and I was ready to get back on the wagon, our old friend corona had showed up and slowed the process down even more! I recently saw a job advert request that you be graduated in the past 6 months...how could this be possible? Especially after a global pandemic, every graduate deserves the same fair chance.  I cannot stress how important it is to carry on, push through that dark period because your time till come. You will get that dream job and you will get that degree driven happy ending.

Everyone’s timeline and end goal is different.

Like I touched on in that last paragraph, some will fall straight into a job or graduate scheme and others will be left looking for months to come. You’re a twenty something, starting out in the world. Do you panic and immediately start saving for a house? Do you lock yourself away completing 20 job applications a day? Do you live life as it is and enjoy what you have at the time? One of the greatest things about the 21st century in my eyes is the lack of traditional timeline and pressure to hit specific milestones by certain ages.

Source - Chi Bird

Just because your friend’s have been fortunate enough to buy a 21’ plate car, put a deposit down on a property or receive their second promotion of the year none of this has a negative reflection on where you are in your life. Everyone’s journey is going to be different, some might favour the career ladder over the property ladder, some might choose starting a family or some might push to enjoy the last of their twenties in every dingey pub they find in London - it doesn’t matter, so long as what you’re doing is making you happy. 

Comparison will kill your drive. 

Taking these two points into consideration you cannot compare yourself to everyone else your age. The only thing you’ll gain from this is a mental burnout and you’re not going to get very far then are you? It’s much easier to say than to do but allow yourself to just be. So smile for your friends when they get the happy ending you’re still waiting for, go for those celebratory drinks, and then the next day you continue your own journey, the best is yet to come. 

I know this blog post does not relate to everyone that reads these posts, but I hope it helps anyone either in that limbo stage or that knows someone who is. It can be a difficult and at times lonely stage of life, so even if this is just a reminder that sometimes the end is worth the long and lengthy weight. I’ve got a couple of posts I’ve been working on slowly, just waiting for their time to come. If you have any blog ideas you’d like to see written about then comment below! 

Until Next Time.

Shannon xx

Behind The Scenes // Life in Retail

Hello! 

These weekly blogs are coming thick and fast at the moment aren’t they! That’s not to say that the motivation has been flowing through my veins because it really hasn’t but I know that once I reach the end of a post, and publish it to be read, I’ll feel so much better so it’s worth pushing through the grey haze. On that note I’ll move on to the topic of today’s post. 

If you didn’t know already I am a checkouts supervisor for a UK supermarket and have been for nearly three years now - although I am trying to move on, the life of retail just doesn’t want to let me go! With this in mind, I thought I’d share some of the funny, unique, weird and wonderful things I’ve learned throughout my life in retail! 

‘The Customer’s Always Right’ 

Are they? 

‘I’ll Go Check in the Back’

Will I? 

‘I Completely Understand your Frustration’

Do I? 

The public’s perception of supermarket workers and their roles varies and it’s easy to say that not everything is what it seems.Working for any kind of retail based shop has one thing in common, you represent that brand. So everything you do isn’t really you doing it; it’s the company doing it, so you smile at the rude customers, laugh at the same jokes you’ve heard all morning and you master the art of a customer service smile.

Source - Someecards

This being said retail workers often have to take what’s thrown at them without a second thought. I’m sure everyone’s had the experience of not finding a specific item you went to the shop for, it’s frustrating but who’s fault is it? It’s not the worker you asked to direct you to the product. Supermarkets rely on technology more than ever at the moment, considering ‘scan as you shop’ schemes, hi-tech till systems and computers throughout the store, technical difficulties do happen - which I’m sure everyone’s familiar with through countless Zoom sessions…

Source - nolimitdronez

These are only two small examples but most days I experience customers either aggressively shouting at cashiers, making personal complaints when ‘out of our hands’ difficulties occur or when a product they want is out of stock. But the people in the shop are the same as everyone else, they are there to make a living, to put dinner on the table and to pay their bills. So next time you/you see someone shouting and acting out remember, that is someone’s daughter, father, partner. Supermarket workers are human beings - something that is often forgotten. 

However, don’t get me wrong there are some positive aspects of customer service that counteract all the bad. Majority of customers are absolute joys to have in the shop and being in such a social role where you get to meet hundreds of people each day, listen to their stories and learn about different forms of life is highly beneficial and it can brighten a dull day.

These perks were highlighted more than ever during and after the pandemic. Of course those that were more vulnerable; mostly the elderly, were somewhat locked away from the outside world for a long time through the trio of lockdowns and this has become evident in day to day life in my shop. The cashiers or shop floor workers might be the only people they speak to that day so it’s important to really engage and listen to what they’re saying, you might be making their day. 

Source - Hallmark

Working in retail is much like any other job being that no day is the same as the one before and it has its ups and downs. But customer facing roles can be hard because customers are like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get! 

Although short and snappy, I hope this was a little enlightening to those who haven’t had the pleasure of working in a retail based role, or those who might be prone to the weekly customer service complaint. Remember to be kind, understand that a job is a job and put yourself in that position. Let me know if you’ve had any of these experiences below! 

Until next time,

Shannon xx 

Starting Again // Gym Confidence

Hello again! 

Here we are people, stage two of lockdown lifting! We made it! Stage two means pubs, salons and gyms back in our lives; three things everyone will have missed significantly. But with the latter being something many feel anxious and uncomfortable, but over time I have managed to slightly conquer this daunting gym fear and I thought I would share some of the little tips and tricks I’ve found help me when my gym motivation is at its lowest. 

Find What Works for You

First day back at the gym and you’re thinking Oh my Gosh I have so much to catch up on and start doing a 45 minute HIIT with 50 exercises nd 5 second rests because that’s “guaranteed results” but the harsh reality is that we are starting from the bottom before we reach the top. Understand that you might not be at the same level you were when you left the gym and take this into consideration when planning a new routine! 

Source - The Fitness Factory

It took me three lockdowns to find a home workout routine that suited me best.I tried Joe Wicks workouts, Chloe Ting Ab workouts but they just weren’t for me. Eventually I gave into the flash sale that SHREDDY was holding, and it changed the game for me! It set out a weekly schedule which you could tailor to what suited you best based on the equipment, room and time you had. I chose to do shreddy10 which I combined with 10-15 minutes on a mobile stepper I had, and this added up to 30-45 minute workouts up to five times a week., and I loved it. So find something that works for you, with you and around you. Your future self with thank you later.

Be There for the Right Reason

It is too easy to hear the word gym and instantly relate it to weight loss, body image and feelings of self depreciation. But when you go to the gym looking for these results, it’s often less enjoyable and can become an unhealthy obsession for the wrong reasons. I recently started following a content creator called EmmasRectangle and she began her gym journey two years ago, whilst she wanted to lose a couple of pounds she set her main goals to strength training and becoming a stronger person inside and out and by doing this, she found a healthy balance between cardio and strength training meaning that any results other than muscle growth were an added bonus for her. 

Source - Music and Sunshine

This is something that has massively changed my mindset for the better. In the past, I would use the gym to burn as many calories as I could and if I hadn’t burned as many as the previous day I’d feel deflated and like I hadn’t worked hard enough - which is ridiculous. Since watching Emma’s videos, I workout with the knowledge that I am working towards bigger health benefits rather than superficial benefits, and if these benefits do come then it is a bonus. I should care more for my lung capacity, stamina and strength than my dress size or how I compare to those around me in the gym.

Workout Like No One’s Watching

The gym can be scary when you’ve been away for a while and you might develop a wave of different anxieties you didn’t have before. When you go to the gym, do you sit on the bike and silently judge everyone else on what they’re wearing, how their form is or what exercise they’re doing? No? Well, then I can assure you that no one is thinking that about you. Truth is they are thinking the exact same things as you! 

Oh my god, I’ve only done 7 MINUTES?! 

I don’t remember this being so hard!

Whoa, that weights too heavy, I hope no one see’s me swap for a smaller one (spoiler alert, they won't)

Am I sweating too much?

How does Joe Wicks make this look so easy?!

So next time you walk into the gym, put your favourite playlist onto max volume, fill up your water, and own it. In all honesty, no one’s probably even noticed that you’ve entered so do your thing, for you and for the right reasons. Remember your warm ups/cool downs and always have fun with it, no pressure, no unrealistic goals, just some time to look after yourself.

I really hope this post has benefitted some of you! Going back to the intense environment of the gym can be a lot for some, especially after doing home workouts alone for the past how mant months! Good luck to those who are returning and even if you're not an avid gym go-er or exercise enthusiast, I hope you got a big of motivation and encouragment from this post to take a little time you care for yourself.

Until next time,

Shannon xx

Life Lessons / A Year in Lockdown

Hello! 

Having made my big comeback I spent the past week planning and brainstorming and also set up a new instagram page for this blog which you can find here! Seeing as we are soon approaching the end of a year long lockdown I thought it would be a good time to reflect upon some of the things I have learned from this rollercoaster of an experience.

Source - WDRFree

Appreciate the Smaller Things

If there’s one thing that has become a prominent aspect of everyone’s lives in lockdown, it’s gratitude. Being unable to spend time with those you love whether it be lunch with a friend, getting merry in a bar or setting that extra place on christmas day, has taught us how much human contact and interaction is detrimental to our everyday lives.

“It’s a funny thing about life, once you begin to take note of the things you are grateful for, you begin to lose sight of the things that you lack.”

Even a friendly cashier at the supermarket can brighten your day more than you would have allowed in previous months. More than ever I appreciate every second I spend with the people that mean most to me, even if it’s a simple car journey to the shops or watching tv on a Saturday night.

Put YOU First

I think I speak for most if not everyone when I say that lockdown after lockdown and tier after tier slowly chips away at your mental health. The repetitive cycle of all work and no play is extremely draining whether that was frontline working, working from home or undergoing the job application process day in day out. I soon found that doing the smallest things for myself boosted my mood tenfold, and this came in such a variety of ways.

Source - Schurig Center

Self prioritisation might come in the form of a face mask/pamper, dedicated time to read a book or even cooking yourself a nice meal. Even completing the most menial tasks makes you feel like you’ve achieved so much, so put your favourite playlist on and put that pile of clothes away, sit down and plan your meals for the week, or run a bath and pour yourself a glass of wine, because when the going gets tough...the self care gets going!

Try Something New

Whether you continued working through the pandemic or not everyone found themselves with a lot more free time on their hands which resulted in a boom of banana bread recipes, obsessions over Joe Wicks workouts and the never ending Zoom quizzes. This was a perfect opportunity to try that thing you’ve been putting off for ages because you ‘don’t have time’. It took me three lockdowns to get crafty as I have just taken up the hobby of crocheting.

Source - The Independent

In today’s 21st century it was relieving doing something that didn’t involve a screen but kept me stimulated and busy at the same time. Obviously this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s all about finding something that fits you. It could be home workouts, long treks, paint by numbers, anything! It’s so important to take the time out of your busy life to do something with no pressure added to it, and of course have fun whilst doing it! 

Move Your Body

I cannot stress how much of a wake up call I experienced throughout lockdown. How many times have you listened to people tell you that exercise is good for your mood just as much as it is your body, and disregarded everything they say because you’re not a hardcore gym goer? Well it’s true but there’s a nack to unlocking this endorphin boosting experience. Do something you actually love and enjoy.

Source - Opexgyms

You don’t have to jump into the deep end doing 60 minute long boot camp classes on Youtube, a walk around your local park is just as good because whilst you’re walking, moving your body and exercising your lungs you’re still doing more than the person who decided not to! Personally, it’s taken a long time to solidify my home workout routine but I finally landed on the app SHREDDY, complete with meal plans, real time workouts and guided 4-6 week workouts. This is what I have found works for me so it really is a trial and error process.

Hopefully this post was positively reflected upon the past year of lockdown and helps you appreciate everything you've been through. What were some of the times that got you through lockdown?

Until next time,

Shannon xx

Real Talk // The M Word

Hello! 

This blog has seen radio silence for 13 months and my my my, haven’t things changed just a tad. Alongside a digital makover, today I bring you a post related to the reasoning for my disappearance, motivation; or lack of it.

My last post (see here)  was something I am so passionate about and was one of the easiest pieces to write. Then life got a little busier and slightly crazy at work (Thanks Rona) and I just lost the motivation to write and express myself during my free time, I was mentally exhausted. But we’re here, starting again and hoping for the best; but how did I get here?

I’m going to write about some of the things that spurred me on when motivation was at an all time low but I was ready to get back on the horse!

First things first: Remember why you do it! 

Think back to why you do what you do. I love writing and expressing my thoughts in this particular way and I missed it! I created this blog eight years ago as a personal space to both express my passion for writing and share my thoughts on a range of things and this is something I let slip away from me.

Source - Skills You Need

This lull in motivation will catch up with you thought because I soon found myself applying for jobs in my desired creative field and of course a key component to any application is a strong portfolio or presentation of your own work...and mine was a year old because I had let myself fall behind on one of my greatest hobbies.This was enough to make me say  ‘No more!’ and kick started this first post back...even if it has been sat in the drafts folder since November.

Fail to prepare, prepare to fail! 

It’s easy to jump head first back into something but that might not always produce the best results. Reading any of these blog posts you might think I just sit down and whip out 1000 words willy nilly but you would be thoroughly deceived. It takes time, preparation and countless drafts but that is okay because perfection takes time but your future self will thank you for it . By preparing and constructing a thorough template, you’ll soon fall right back into the swing of things.

Source-  Cartoon Stock

This may be the first post back but I have four more sitting back ready to go when the time feels right. Because I have these pieces semi prepped and in the ‘blog bank’ I have comfort knowing I don’t need to stress about producing content - maybe just brewing up some new ideas! Everyone needs that safety net when the motivation takes a little holiday.

Easy on the pressure!

Who do you think is your biggest critic? Without being too cliche...It’s you. (a classic saying for a reason). No one will put more pressure on you to succeed than yourself and at the end of the day, there’s no need for it. Whilst diamonds are made under pressure you also can’t rush perfection. 

Source - Your Quote

Give yourself time to find your flow, your rhythm and re-discover the excitement and enjoyment that motivated you in the first place. Whatever it is should be fun, stress free and if it feels like it’s becoming a bit of a grey cloud over you step away, take a breather and go back when you’re ready. 

Of course all of these things are easier said than done, but once you start making active changes which positively affect your way of living you’ll begin to feel a build up of self gratitude and pride it will motivate you to carry on! I hope this has been a thought provoking and motivating post which has helped to enlighten you to the fact personal morale will have its bumps in the road but you can take charge to move forward and keep the movement going whatever the journey is. 

I've got a few posts being prepped and drafted so keep your eyes peeled for those!

Until next time,

Shannon xx

 

Change // The time is now.

Hello and yes, I am back again.

It’s taken me quite a while to get back into the flow of things, but I’ve been planning a few things and am ready to get going again! This isn’t the post I intended to come back with but after the news of TV presenter Caroline Flacks’ death yesterday I feel this is more important than anything else I could write at the moment. Whilst this post is not solely about Flacks death; but it has triggered it, so I see it best to briefly mention it and why it has spurred on this post. 

Laura Whitmore produced this statement on 5live.

Caroline’s death comes as a shock to most, but it comes after relentless hounding in the media and it is not the first time it has happened, and if something doesn’t change it won’t be the last either. Everyone likes to believe they are an advocate for mental health when these tragedies happen, but within a couple of days things revert back to normality and the online trolling begins again and before we know it we’re in this vicious and repetitive cycle. The worst part of it all is the hideous hypocrisy of news outlets, journalists and those on social media; see the work of celebrity journalist Dan Wootton.

So, what’s next? CHANGE. Whilst OFCOM is soon to become the new regulators for online platforms, the regulations for online media sourcing and all journalism are still weak and practically non-existent. Scrutiny, malice and fabricated material is printed daily, and it causes detrimental damage to individuals as we have seen, but is it classed as defamation? No, because it’s classified as ‘free speech’. But is what you’re saying really free if the end cost physically hurts and tears a person apart? No. That’s why this petition has been created for those in the public eye due to the mass of hate received when a large profile is gained.

CAROLINES LAW

Stephanie Davis started this petition stating that:

There should be new & stricter laws around safeguarding people in the public eye. These laws should be put in place to prevent the newspapers, magazines, all forms of media harming those involved in an attempt to prevent self-harm, suicide, substance abuse, and poor mental health.

If this law was to go ahead, alongside the upcoming aid of OFCOM the media industry including print and online should become a safer and more enjoyable platform to be a part of with less negativity and more support when needed. If you can do something to help a bad situation, then do. I will be emailing OFCOM myself and any other regulatory bodies of online websites in an attempt to highlight the urgent need for stricter guidelines when using these platforms & more severe consequences in place for those who are wrongly using them.

As I come to the end of a very heavy post, I hope you come away from this with much to think about. How do you treat others? Do you think your words are harming people? How can you help make a positive change? I will leave some links below for those who are interested in more, but I will leave it there. I hope to be back soon with a more lighthearted post & to resume a positive role online. 

Until next time,

Shannon xx 

Useful Links:

- Samaritans 

- OFCOM

- Change.org