Hello September - University "Resolutions"

Over the past few weeks, I have been pretty slack with my blog that I barely even began. Since then I have worked a lot, spent time with a lot of lovely people, whilst missing others and had a birthday. This isn't me making excuses to myself as I should remind myself that this blog is a space where I can document my own experiences etc in my own time. It's a hobby, so it should be enjoyable and not forced!

With just over a week before I move back to university and the almost changing of the seasons, there are a few little things I want to change in my own world. These are just areas I would like to "alter", let's say. 

Wear the clothes I like 

I occasionally (= quite a bit of the time) stop myself from buying or wearing certain clothes because I care too much about what other people think. I worry that I'll be too overdressed, not blend in with what the people I'm with are wearing or even look a bit dressed down cause I haven't dressed up as much as I normally do. In reality, I know that nobody else cares half as much as I ever will, so I should just wear what I want regardless of what doubts I have, within reason of course!

Listen to more of the music I like

Aka if I want to listen to supposedly cringe boybands (One Direction will forever be in my heart) and the "same old" chart music, then I just should. Similarly, if I want to listen to something on a completely different spectrum, then I just should. In my main secondary school years, I felt like there was a stigma associated with liking any type of music that is remotely popular in any way. Instead, it became a contest of who could find the newest unheard genre of music or artist. When really it should just be you listening to whatever you like regardless of the level of popularity, shouldn't it?

Get more involved
When I first went to university this time last year I was absolutely terrified of going. As a result of this, I held back in doing things and getting to know the city that I began living in for quite a lot of my first year. I attempted joining the swimming society but after a not so successful first try, I never went again. This year, knowing tht probably isn't the right way to stay involved in a sport I have done since I was 3, I aim to go in my own time. Not only will this allow me to continue with something that I have always enjoyed,  but will also keep my fitness up. I also want to be able to write as a hobby more and aim to get involved with a new society which allows me to do this, as well as meeting new potential friends.

Don't be afraid to say "no"

This may seem a bit contradicting to my last point, but I am a firm believer of not doing anything that makes you feel very uncomfortable. The thought of being uncomfortable and that of being slightly afraid of something is very different to me but is hard to put into words. Similarly, if you aren't particularly feeling up to doing something you usually are, you shouldn't make yourself, or be made to feel guilty for not doing so. On the contrary, pushing myself in moderation has changed my life a fair bit in the past year. The majority of times I've felt scared about going somewhere new or trying new things, it has worked out positively. 

Forget about "stupid" things I did or said years ago

It seems to be that if I have a bit more time to think to myself I start remembering and worrying about my actions and words from things that have either been relatively recent or even many many years ago! It may seem silly but if I think I have done or said something that may seem in any way embarrassing etc then I can never forget about it. Surely, if something was that bad or bothersome to someone then they would tell you about it? In other words, I want to learn that in this case, I am my biggest critic and nobody else is going to care about embarrassing things I said when I was 11. 

Be the best friend I can be

One part of my life I really value and hope to keep are the wonderful family and friends that I have. I find myself very lucky to have many amazing friends, some old and some sort of new and I want to be the best version of me to them that I can. Of course, nobody can be perfect and do everything right, but I want to do my best to the best friend possible.

So, that probably reads as one big rambly mess, but hopefully, it'll make sense. I'm both excited and nervous for what the autumn may bring but I cannot deny it is a lovely time of year. This season is officially the time we can start dressing warmly again, which means I can wear more of my clothes that I love again! Although the cold may not be everyone's cup of tea, I'm a sucker for being snuggly. 

Love,

H x