The job application crazy train

The first stop Optimism,

 

       You're all excited. You just got or are about to get this super awesome degree! You're so proud of yourself, you've made it this far & have done something to better yourself!....Now u apply to a few places & begin the waiting game.....

 

Now one or two of u might get off after just a short ride because you just got hired!! (Nobody likes u & they all give u dirty looks for getting off this early) jk we're all really happy for you & wish you congratulations!! Yay!!

 

Now the rest of us on the train are headed for the next stop...Self Doubt

        We start questioning our whole existence. Whether or not we even learned anything in school. We start thinking, maybe I'm not qualified, good, pretty, or smart enough, whatever...Now you can dust yourself off get off here & fig out another option or continue on to stop 3...

 

The depression spiral,

         Now this is a long road, in some deep dark tunnel. Hopefully the ride through isn't so long & unbearable...some of you might get off after this stop and decide hey, I'm cool with living with my parents forever but don't do that!! You've come this far! Have a good cry then move on! Continue applying, change how you're doing it, get a little more aggressive, & realize there is a light at the end of the tunnel u might not see it now but you will make it through! Promise!

 

As for me, I'm still along for the ride: next stop, Dream Job!

An inexperienced 20 something's guide to surviving life

Prioritize
      Know what's truly important, and what isn't. You don't have to make a formal list, although it might be more effective, just think about it, what can truly wait till later, what needs to be done first, what can wait, what isn't important at all. Ask yourself is doing x truly worth not completing y? Can you live with the consequences? Think LONG TERM, I know I tend not to, but in the long run how is it going to affect you.

Know your limits
     Know your stress limits, how much you can handle in terms of relationships, work, partying, everything. Going above and beyond and pretending like you are a superhero and can fit 48 hrs of stuff into a 24 hr day is only taking time of the last couple years of your life.

Get over it
     There are just certain things we stress and obsess over that aren't as terrible as we make them out to be. Stop worrying so much, forgive others, and forgive yourself! It's in the past so move on and try to enjoy the future!

Take mental health breaks.
     Sometimes you can't fit real breaks in, but go to the bathroom or something if you feel yourself being overwhelmed, splash some water on your face, close your eyes, shut your brain off for a minute & recoup.

Learn to say no
     I know personally if I don't say yes to everything I feel like I'm missing out on life or letting people down. I like to take on extra work, help friends whenever they ask, go out when I don't feel like it, etc., but then I get no time for myself and become stressed out.

But sometimes it's ok to say yes
     Do things that take you a little out of your comfort zone. Go to a new place, try new foods, buy an outfit you wouldn't normally wear, drive a different way home, do an activity that might scare you a little, something, because otherwise you really are missing out. There is just so much to see and do and unless you get over those inhibitions you might never experience that thing you didn't know you would enjoy.

Love thyself!
       Set aside a day, a minute, an hour, to just be. I treasure my alone times where I have no agenda. I can just put on a pair of sweats and do whatever makes me happy at that moment. Things range from random dance parties, to catching up on shows, laying there lifeless, reorganizing things, drawing, coloring, whatever I feel like. So whether you do a whole spa day or just sit in your room with your music, do something, alone! You're gonna have to live with yourself for the rest of your life so take care of you. Spend some QT with you, because you deserve it!


These tips are pretty self explanatory, and you've probably heard them before, but sometimes we need reminders. I am by far not an expert on life, but I'd like to think I have a little knowledge on the subject matter. Just keep these in mind tho.....or don't either way enjoy the rest of your wonderful, exciting, terrifying, crazy, beautiful, life & thanks for taking time out of it to read this!

Feeling Irie

        So, The word Irie, is a Jamaican, Rastafarian, term that basically means "to be at total peace with your current state of being"* It's about positive vibes & being happy, letting go of your worries. It's such a strong word, for such a small one. 
       There are so many things that affect my mood throughout the day and I tend to internalize them like most people. I truly believe that happiness is a state of mind. Yes, there are so many things that can affect our state of mind, causing us to think negatively and feel sad or depressed but we have to learn to let that stuff go! I know that's easier said than done, that's why you have to have tools that help you feel better & reinforce your good mood. Whether it's a hobby, talking about, exercise, church, meditation, music, whatever.
         It definitely helps when you have an outlet. I used to draw when I get stressed and I've recently picked up the habit again. I also love yoga! I know people are skeptical about it but, I find it so relaxing stretching all the places you normally don't get to. Music plays a huge role in my life too and the type I listen to usually reflects my mood. I've been trying to play music for the mood I want to be in though rather than the one I'm currently in. Worrying and being depressed literally makes you sick and I want to live forever! I'm trying really hard to just enjoy life & I hope you all try a little harder too. Let people go, get organized, put things into perspective, because they aren't always as bad as we make them out to be! Don't worry, be happy! #Hakuna Matata

*The 1st part of the definition I used for the word Irie came from Urban Dictionary, yes I know that's not a reliable source, but I already knew the definition, I just liked the way it was said here. http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=irie

Hey guys,
     Sorry I haven't posted my video on thrifting yet. I went to two Goodwill stores but didnt find anything that stood out to me. I felt a little weird in the first store, but a little more comfortable in the second. I want to go into actual thrift shops & the flea market but havent had a chance yet. The prices were great, but I felt that I could shop the clearance racks at certain stores and get similar items for $5 and $6. I know the main point of thrifting though is to find unique pieces so I'm definintely going to try to go out hunting for those special items soon!

Thrifting

      Confession: I'm a newbie to the thrifting....

        I love the idea of it. My whole reason for getting into fashion is because I LOVE colors, shapes, patterns, textures, etc!  I honestly get excited when I see a unique piece that isn't what everyone else is wearing, especially vintage, grungy pieces!
       That being said, I was brought up with the mentality that wearing other peoples clothes wasn't a good thing and that it was better to purchase one thing of value rather than 10 different, already-worn pieces. I also had the mindset that it would be unfair to take away items from people who really can't afford to shop elsewhere. When I go into the store I feel a little uncomfortable & out of place which has kept me away from it all these years.
       I love pushing myself to step out of my comfort zone though and I feel like the world of thrifting's calling me! I've been doing my research and I feel like I'm ready to venture out & scour those racks! Over the next couple days, I'll be stopping by the local Goodwill, Salvation Army, flea market, & thriftstores in my area. I'll try to do a video post on my finds, so wish me luck!

Tips I gathered from the blogosphere & the magical world of YouTube for my fellow newbies:

Shop on stocking days & weekdays

Look for quality

Scan everything, in every size, and every section

Don't overdo it -( I need to keep this in mind since it's something I tend to do)

Donate! - (This will make me feel a little less guilty)

Climbing Mountains

     Sometimes I have to remind myself that it isn't about everyone else. The things I do, places I go, things I try aren't because I have to portray a certain image to the world. I do them because I want to be a better person. I want to be someone that truly enjoys life, milking it for all it's worth!